Quad Central in Malta aims for LEED Platinum certification

The development is being designed to offer positive tenant and visitor experiences whilst implementing sustainable building concepts.

[edit] Introduction

The Quad Central development in the outskirts of Valetta in Malta will be seeking the highest U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognition for its sustainability achievements. The project will be one of Europe's most sustainable developments, incorporating extensive energy conservation and water-saving strategies.

The Quad Central seeks to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification from the USGBC. Upon completion, it could join the ranks of some of Europe's greenest buildings, including Frankfurt's Messeturm trade fair tower and The Crystal - a sustainable events venue in London’s Royal Docks.

As part of the certification process, the design submission was made to the USGBC for preliminary accreditation, with a further construction submission to be presented upon project completion. The Quad Central is scheduled to open in 2021.

[edit] Project background

Designed by the architectural firm DeMicoli & Associates, this development will include more than 44,000 square meters of mixed use commercial floor space. This will combine Grade A professional and commercial office space as well as hospitality amenities, parking and landscape surroundings. The Quad Central will be built in Malta's Central Business District.

With a goal of 92 certification points, The Quad Central’s sustainability features will include:

• Energy. Ultra-low energy use (including projected use of 34% less energy than the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline building performance), renewable energy integration, energy generation and efficient energy management (such as controlled natural daylight conditions) to reduce electricity load.
• Water - Reduced water use, including low-water (and treated domestic water) landscape irrigation strategies.
• Waste - Increased use of natural finish materials (to reduce use of chemicals) and reduced output of construction waste.
• Transport - Potential for green and public transport.

Greenfuturenow.cz s.r.o. are lead contractors on the project.

[edit] Comment

Eric Johnson MSc, MRICS, LEED AP, BD+C, O+M, ID+C, BREEAM AP, & LFA, Principal Sustainability Project and Cost Manager, Greenfuturenow.cz s.r.o., commented, “I'm delighted to be part of a team constructing a leading example of sustainable design that is designed to be ultra-efficient in its use of energy, water and construction materials."

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• BREEAM, LEED or WELL.
• Building performance metrics.
• Construction industry institutes and associations USA.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED.
• Performance gap between building design and operation.
• Sustainable materials for construction.