The Hendrick Smithfield becomes the first leed gold certified accommodation provider in Ireland, awarded for innovation and sustainable design
The Hendrick Smithfield has been awarded the country’s first LEED Gold certification, the highest LEED rating given to any accommodation provider operating on the island of Ireland.
Developed by the Dublin Loft Company in consultation with LEED advisors Meehan Green, the Hendrick was recognised for it’s innovative design which allows it to operate with low utility costs and provide guests with a high quality indoor environment while also helping to preserve the environment for future generations.
The LEED certification program is the leading international program for sustainable building design and construction which is being used in over 170 countries around the world. LEED guides commercial projects to save money, conserve energy, reduce water consumption and drive innovation. Through a rigorous, documented process that relies on performance and measurement, LEED rewards and validates those who have demonstrated best-in-class building strategies and practices.
how the hendrick achieved their leed gold standard certification
Water efficiency:
The Hendrick chose a selection of efficient plumbing fittings, fixtures, and equipment to reduce indoor water consumption without compromising the experience. The building also harvests rainwater from the roof, terrace and the courtyard to reuse water for flushing. This overall rainwater management of the site has also helped to reduce pressure on the local drainage systems. Incorporating these two strategies The Hendrick have reduced their average water consumption by 35%.
Energy and atmosphere:
The Hendrick has been designed to reduce the environmental and economic harms of excessive energy use by achieving a high level of energy efficiency for the building and its systems. Together with energy efficient mechanical design and equipment choices, LED lighting systems and PV panels on the roof, the building achieves a 35% energy cost saving. The Hendrick did not include chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants in order to reduce stratospheric ozone depletion and support early compliance with the Montreal Protocol, while minimising direct contributions to climate change.
Indoor air quality:
The Hendrick created indoor thermal and acoustic environments that provide comfortable thermal conditions and support guest health and well-being. For the best indoor air quality, the Hendrick brings in fresh air from the outside through mechanical means in order to dilute human and product-generated air pollutants. During construction, the Dublin Loft Company also restricted building materials and products with high VOC content in order to help mitigate associated exposure and health hazards while indoor air quality was protected through a combination of strategies such as envelope protection, moisture and dust management, filter replacement and air flush systems.
Materials and resources:
The Hendrick incorporated a waste storage and recyclable collection scheme to reduce the waste generated by guests and staff which is typically hauled to and disposed of in landfills. During construction, demolition waste was diverted from landfills and incineration facilities by recovering, reusing and recycling. The Hendrick also installed products and materials where life-cycle information is available and that have environmentally, economically and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.
Location and transportation:
The Hendrick is located in Smithfield on a previously developed site. This location choice of developing in a dense and connected community helps to reduce the environmental impact of developing on environmentally sensitive lands while also contributing to Dublin city’s revitalisation. The Hendrick is also within 300m of the Smithfield Luas Stop and a Dublin Bikes station. The building does not offer on-site parking, fully supporting public, active and clean transportation. The guests and employees are encouraged to bring in their bikes and offered safe bike racks within the building.
Sustainable sites:
Prior to The Hendrick, the site comprised of two separate warehouse structures. Existing structures were demolished, making sure the waste was sent to recycling facilities and hazardous materials were removed from the site. Dublin Loft Company implemented a construction activity pollution plan to reduce pollution from on-site activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust to protect the neighbouring properties, local rainwater systems and the site itself. To minimise effects on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats, The Hendrick also installed materials that reject solar heat gain in the courtyard and the roof.
Innovation:
The Hendrick included all LED lighting in the design to establish and maintain a toxic material source reduction program to reduce the amount of mercury brought onto the building site. The Hendrick also reduced environmental noise from the building to help mitigate sleep disturbance and general disruption to the surrounding community. They also incorporated a green building education scheme where a comprehensive signage program is built into the building’s spaces to educate the occupants, guests and visitors of the benefits of green buildings.
Kelly Cosgrave, Director of Dublin Loft Company said, “when designing The Hendrick we wanted to create a building that not only led the way in terms of design and comfort but also set a standard for how we feel contemporary accommodation should be operating today, from conception right through to the day-to-day operations. The Hendrick has considered the environment and the world around it from the beginning and this allows our staff and guests to enjoy a more sustainable way of life every day at the Hendrick. We’re delighted to receive the LEED Gold Standard Certification to mark this achievement and it’s a wonderful feeling to know that we are positively contributing to help protect the world we live in, and our local environment here in Smithfield.”
