Oltmans Construction Co. Advances ‘Green’ Practices with ‘High Performance Program’

Completes 3 Projects for LEED Certification

WHITTIER, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Underlining its commitment to the mounting business and energy conservation goals of its clients and communities, Oltmans Construction Co. of Whittier, CA announces the formation of the “Oltmans High Performance Building Program” and the completion of three major projects being submitted for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Tammy Spencer, LEED AP facilitator for Oltmans Construction Co., said the company is committed to sustainable development and “green” building practices as part of the overall integrated project delivery approach for a “collaborative, value-based process” in delivering high-performance buildings.

“As part of our commitment to our clients and the communities we do business in, Oltmans’ HPB program combines the talents of our experienced staff for early costs and benefit analysis to determine the best strategy to meet our client’s business and environmental goals. Our LEED-AP accredited staff supports the process from early design through the final project completion,” Spencer said.

Spencer emphasized that Oltmans recently completed three projects with the intent of submitting them for LEED certification.

They are Corona Summit in Corona, CA, comprising three speculative office buildings totaling 282,000 square feet to be submitted for LEED CS (core and shell) certification; the ProLogis/Home Depot “rapid deployment center” in Redlands, CA, a 662,000 square foot build-to-suit project submitted for LEED NC (new construction) certification, and a 28,000 square foot industrial building renovation project for Urban Offerings in Los Angeles submitted for LEED CS Gold certification.

For each project, said Spencer, Oltmans Construction worked closely with the developer’s LEED teams, which included Zinner Consultants of Santa Monica and M.E. Group, Inc., a national company, as well as the client’s architectural and engineering firms.

Among the key “green” features of these facilities, Spencer explained, are:

• Alternate Transportation – Preferred parking is provided for low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles, as well as for carpools and vanpools to reduce automobile pollution. Bike racks and shower facilities are provided for those who bike to work. Some facilities are located near public transportation access to promote public transit use and reduce impacts from automobiles.
• Stormwater Management – Includes design features to reduce impacts on natural hydrology, minimize stormwater runoff, and improve project water quality.
• Water Use Reduction – Reduces potable water by the installation of a water efficient irrigation system from reclaimed water systems and includes the use of xeriscape landscaping. Restrooms are equipped with low-flow and battery sensor operated fixtures.
• Energy and Atmosphere – Enhanced commissioning of base building systems was completed to ensure optimal performance. Optimized energy performance of the building’s mechanical and electrical systems by using higher performing HVAC equipment and T-5 lighting.
• Materials and Resources – Recycled or reused non-hazardous construction and demolition waste. Utilized recycled content for building products and regional materials to reduce the environmental impact resulting from transportation.
• Indoor Environmental Quality – Increased air ventilation to improve air quality. Low-emitting interior finishes were used to reduce air contaminants.
• Adaptive Reuse – Reused over 65% of existing building structure and envelope following mitigation of all environmental contaminates.
• Heat Island Effect – Reduced by utilizing light color concrete and shading elements and installation of new reflective “cool roof.”
• Green Power – A contract for renewable energy to provide a minimum 70% of the building’s power for a period of two years, with option to renew.
• Daylight and Views – Skylights and windows added to achieve higher percentage of natural daylight.
• Green Education – Signage explaining the building’s LEED elements are placed in the building for educational purposes, augmented by building tours.
• Green Housekeeping – A low environmental impact cleaning policy, including the use of non-toxic cleaning supplies for building maintenance.

“The demand for high performing buildings is on the rise and green building practices are quickly becoming mainstream as a result of rising energy costs, scarce water resources and a heightened awareness of environmental concerns. It’s not just about the social benefits of being green; it’s a sustainable economic investment,” Spencer said.

About Oltmans Construction Co.

In business for over 75 years, Oltmans Construction Co. is ranked among the top 10 commercial and industrial general contractors based in Los Angeles County, and was recently ranked among the nation’s leading builders by ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD magazine. The company has offices in Whittier, CA and Ventura County, CA.