SDS Architects: Designs LEED Gold certified building for Nicolet Area Technical College

RHINELANDER, WI –Nicolet Area Technical College has been awarded LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a national standard for green design, for the Birchwoods Center Addition and Remodeling project. SDS Architects, Eau Claire, worked closely with the campus on the recently completed the 7,000 square-foot addition and 10,000 square-foot remodeling project.

To attain this prestigious award, sustainable design strategies were used as part of the construction process and are being used in day-to-day operations of the facility. During construction, 94% of construction waste was diverted from landfills by recycling, donation and salvage. Annual energy performance costs will be 16% lower than the baseline, a savings of $8,500 per year.

The upgraded Birchwoods Center is home to many NATC programs, including Criminal Justice, the Police Recruit Academy, Building Trades Carpentry, Welding, Emergency Medical Technician training, CPR and Fire training.

Other LEED Certification projects SDS Architects is currently designing include the George R. Field South Fork Suites Residence Hall on the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Campus (pursuing LEED Silver New Construction) and the Xcel Energy Ashland Service Center (pursuing LEED Silver NC).

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About SDS Architects Inc

Founded in 1953, SDS Architects specializes in design and planning of educational, industrial, commercial, recreational, religious, and government facilities. SDS is experienced in sustainable design solutions and the LEED process, with ac- credited individuals on staff since 2005. For more information, go to http://www.sdsarch.com. Media Contact: Natalie Rausch, Marketing Manager / SDS Architects Inc / 715.852.2585 / nrausch@sdsarch.com