Memphis, Tennessee – September 19, 2017:  The recently opened branch of Orion Federal Credit Union, located at 821 Poplar, Memphis, Tennessee, has earned Silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program.

The building is in the Memphis Medical District and was constructed on a remediated brownfield site, which was once home to a gas station. The design and construction of the building was guided by sustainable design and building principles that take into account social, environmental and economic priorities. This results in a high-performing building that is more energy efficient, uses less water, and has a higher indoor air quality.

Entegrity served as the LEED consultant and provided commissioning and energy modeling services. “The Orion project was particularly rewarding as the company cleaned up and reclaimed land in the Medical District,” said Entegrity founder, Chris Ladner.  “This in and of itself is an accomplishment. Achieving LEED silver underscores Orion’s commitment to the environment and the community.”

archimania served as architect for the project, and Grinder, Taber & Grinder was the general contractor.

Project highlights for the building include:

• Remediation and redevelopment of a Brownfield site, protecting future users from harmful materials and greatly reducing the need for the construction of new utilities or roads.
• Location that is walkable for staff and customers, with easy access to public transportation.
• Energy cost savings of 25% compared to a typical building of this type, utilizing efficient HVAC systems, all-LED lighting, and smart building construction.
• Low-VOC materials and increased outside air in HVAC systems, ensuring fresh, healthful air for building staff and customers.
• Sustainable housekeeping, planning for less harmful materials and methods for cleaning and pest management.
• Strategically-placed windows providing ample daylighting and views for occupants.
• Materials used in construction containing high recycled content and sourced regionally when possible.
• Water-saving landscape design, using drought-resistant plantings that eliminate the need for irrigation.

“Achieving LEED certification is more than implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC.

ABOUT ENTEGRITY

Entegrity is a sustainability and energy services company specializing in the implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects with offices in Memphis and around the country. Entegrity is uniquely qualified to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to Optimize Building Performance. We help our clients realize long-term operational savings by focusing on their needs: selecting the most cost-effective scope, contract structure, and financing strategy available to them. Our comprehensive service package includes energy savings performance contracting, commissioning, energy modeling, building testing, lighting solutions, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainability consulting. For more information about Entegrity visit www.entegritypartners.com.

About USGBC

The U.S. Green Building Council® is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our

nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED® Professionals™, USGBC® is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. USGBC is the developer of the LEED green building certification program and the convenor of the Greenbuild® International Conference & Expo. For more information please visit www.USGBC.org.

About LEED

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building program that provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. For more information on LEED, please visit www.USGBC.org.