Laura
Blaylock occupies a hydrologist position with the Tarrant Regional Water
District (TRWD). TRWD’s main focus is the development of sustainable management
practices, conservation and efficiency of water usage, and flood control. The
TRWD building, which is located on East North Side Drive, is the first building
in the county with the LEED Gold certification. For those who are not familiar
with the abbreviation, LEED is a certificate given to companies that achieve
leadership in energy and environmental design.
What helped the Tarrant Regional
Water District to receive a Gold LEED accreditation?
First of all,
the original plan was to obtain Silver LEED certification for this particular
building, which they accomplished. With a few additional recommendations from
Laura Blaylock and other employees to install the solar arrays on the roof of
the building, the company was able to achieve a higher level of recognition
and, as a result, they received the Gold LEED certification.
Second,
this building’s interior is equipped with recycled or recyclable furniture. The
other renewable material, which the company uses for covering the floor
surface, is made out of cork. Laura Blaylock defines cork as very renewable and
sustainable. However, she mentions a few problems with cork made floors. One of
the problems is that the cork surface is very vulnerable to scratches and does
not remain shiny and smooth for long. A special care, like polishing, may be
required to maintain cork floors in a presentable shape. The carpets on the
floor are also made from recycled materials. The walls in the building are
colored with non-volatile paints. Non-volatile paint is considered to be very
sustainable material, and it improves the air quality in the interior part of
the building.
Third, the
passive design of this building helps to reduce the electricity usage. For
example, tall windows provide superior natural light. As a result, the company
is able to reduce the energy cost by using less of the artificial lighting. In
addition to this, the company uses huge tanks to collect rainwater runoff outside
the building and consumes it for irrigation purposes. This practice allows them
to conserve water resources.
Finally,
the company understands the importance of social sustainability. Through organizing
different social events, such as ice-cream party or Christmas celebration, TRWD
focuses on the healthy culture of the organization.
TRWD delivers drinking water to more than two million people
in Tarrant County. The population is expected to grow rapidly in the near
future. Laura Blaylock is concerned that TRWD will not be able to provide the
rapidly growing population with a sufficient amount of water. Therefore, she
encourages everyone to think in ways to conserve water.
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