Public works departments strive to keep their cities and villages clean, green, and attractive. Departments that incorporate sustainable strategies into their facilities reap benefits: improved operations, reduced energy costs, improved employee morale. They also inspire other municipal employees and homeowners to embrace sustainability.       

A good example is the Village of Wilmette’s (Illinois) Public Works Facility.  Recently, this facility joined only a handful of public works buildings in the country to achieve LEED^® certification at the Gold level.

The certification recognizes the 2009 expansion/renovation designed by Legat Architects, Inc. and Epstein. The project included a 12,900 square foot administrative office and wash bay addition, 15,000 square feet of interior remodeling, and site improvements. 

In the checklist that determines LEED rankings, the Wilmette project achieved perfect or near perfect scores in categories for water efficiency, indoor air quality, and innovative design. Here are some of its sustainable design features:

• Energy-efficient metal wall system reduces heating and cooling loads
• North-facing glass curtain wall system fills the administration building with natural light, while keeping out heat and UV rays
• White reflective roof system reduces cooling loads
• Wash-out bay system fits four vehicles (previously only fit one) and recycles rinse water
• Efficient landscaping minimizes water use
• Parking lot bioswales filter oils and sediments before rainwater flows into sewers
• Alternative fuel vehicle and carpool parking spots