The U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) $185 million modernization of the Lafayette Building in Washington D.C. recently achieved LEED Gold Certification. Located on Vermont Avenue a block from the White House, the historic landmark underwent extensive renovations, including Class A office space, two underground floors, and a green roof, among other amenities.

In addition to verifying the building achieved LEED Certification, Hill International provided construction management services, as well as schedule and cost controls and design review. Hill also monitored federal and district compliance and led stakeholder meetings with the U.S. Veteran Affairs Administration, Export Import Bank of the United States, and the GSA. Hill also ensured the building met Fire and Life Safety standards, while overseeing the installation of the green roof, energy-efficient lighting, 1,000 blast resistant windows, and security updates; elevator restoration; and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems upgrades.

Among the challenges overcome to achieve LEED Certification included mitigating all existing conditions and materials, such as old pipes, asbestos, and insulation. The team also determined workarounds and created swing space, as the building remained occupied during the renovation.

The building achieved LEED Gold Certification by receiving points in the following categories: Sustainable Sites (12), Water Efficiency (4), Energy & Atmosphere (6), Materials & Resources (5), Indoor Environmental Quality (10), and Innovation and Design Process (5).