Greengrade Software Helps Denver Zoo Project Attain LEED Certification

The Denver Zoo claimed that it is committed to taking positive environmental action through the prevention of pollution, continual improvement of its sustainable projects and meeting all environmental standards. It has now commenced a new sustainable project that will utilize renewable energy, recycled water, natural daylight and ventilation, efficient heating and cooling systems and other green design and construction practices and the zoo is hoping to attain a LEED certification for the project.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is awarded to projects that have implemented ‘green’ initiatives that conform to environmental standards. Greengrade, a collaborative web-based LEED management software tool, asserted that it is going to help the Denver zoo simplify the process of achieving LEED certification.

Scheduled to open in late spring 2012 and occupying ten acres on the southern edge of the Denver Zoo, Toyota Elephant Passage (formerly Asian Tropics) is a $50-million complex that lets visitors explore the rich history of animals in the Asian culture. At this passage, the Denver Zoo has installed a biomass gasification system that will convert human trash and animal waste into energy. Also a closed-loop filtration system will help the zoo recycle over 1 million gallons of water provided to it by Denver water.

The Greengrade - LEED Management Software is being used in the Toyota Elephant Passage project for enhancing efficiency and save more money than traditional LEED administration methods. The software is a web-based tool that allows users to collaborate, communicate, and track project information in a dynamic and centralized environment. It can be used by anyone charged with the onerous task of managing a complex LEED project and offers strategies and resources for multiple LEED rating systems.

Officials associated with the Toyota Elephant Passage asserted that they formed strategies, assigned tasks, attached product data, and other support documentation all within Greengrade’s web-based software. The software allowed them to access checklists, credit language, resources and a documentation toolkit from LEEDUser to further assist in the credit interpretation process.

“We are pleased that Greengrade was chosen to help manage the LEED process for this exciting and unique project that's expected to be the first LEED certified large animal exhibit complex in the nation. You can imagine the many challenges of managing all the tasks and documentation needed for credits on a gold or platinum level project, and with the assistance of Greengrade software, the project team was successful at creating a very efficient LEED process,” noted Mike Stuart, president of Greengrade, in a press release.