One of A/E/C’s foremost publications recognized BernCo @ Alvarado Square for two awards: Excellence in Sustainability and Best Project, Renovation/Restoration. ENR Southwest selected from top projects in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico as part of its Best Projects Competition.
Excellence in Sustainability
The Excellence in Sustainability Award, now in its second year, is judged on factors including “how well project teams went above and beyond baseline industry requirements, a project’s overall sustainability strategy, choice of materials, energy savings and environmental impacts—not only within its own footprint but also on the community served.”
The project earned LEED Gold (1000120923) accreditation as well as Fitwel 2-Star (#36460533) certification, making it the first Fitwel-certified project in the State of New Mexico. The Design-Build project team, led by Bernalillo County, HB Construction, and Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, was able to balance retrofitting, new sustainable systems, and construction management in the following ways:
BernCo @ Alvarado Square uses about 45% less potable water than comparable structures, thus conserving about 700,000 gallons of water each year. In addition, the building landscaping uses about 70% less water than average, conserving another 120,000 gallons per year.
Bernalillo County received a $202,848 rebate check from the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) because of increased energy efficiencies.
The project used 42.1% recycled materials for construction.
60.88% of the Construction waste from the project was diverted.
A lighting power reduction of 51.25% was achieved, as well as an inclusion of 82.86% ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances, have been demonstrated.
All regularly occupied entrances contain walk-off mats, all chemical use spaces are exhausted, all the densely occupied spaces in the project contain CO2 monitors to ensure enhanced indoor air quality.
Best Project – Renovation
The project’s award in the renovation category showcases a prime example of adaptive reuse, i.e. adapting an existing structure for a new purpose. Prior to the completion of BernCo @ Alvarado Square project, Bernalillo County had buildings and departments spread throughout Albuquerque. With the aim of better serving the community, the County purchased Alvarado Square, an abandoned tower in Downtown Albuquerque, to house a majority of its departments in one place. Due to the age of the existing facility, significant system and architectural upgrades were required.
The project also helped Bernalillo County increase organizational efficiency, effectiveness, ensure the best use of staff and governmental resources, and ultimately create an iconic gathering space. As a flagship facility, BernCo @ Alvarado Square facilitates community interaction, promotes interdepartmental interaction and provides a space that has a positive impact on employees and the community.
This project marks HB’s fourth ENR SW Best Project award. Other recent ENR awards included:
- ABQ BioPark Penguin Exhibit- Best Project Award
- The Carlisle Condominiums- Best Project Award
- Eunice Athletic Complex- Best Project Award
- HB Monte Vista Office- Best Project Award
- UNM Health Education Building Phase III- Safety Merit Award
- NMSU Devasthali Hall- Merit Award
- CYFD Children’s Wellness Center- Merit Award
- Jal Public Schools Bond Projects- Merit Award
ENR Southwest will honor all award recipients and announce the 2022 Project of the Year in Phoenix on November 3rd.