The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has planned on having them Feds under a single, environmentally friendly ‘green roof’.
Situated in the southeast of Washington, a new Coast Guard headquarters will soon be constructed as per the eco-friendly principles of design and construction.
The cost of the $3.4 billion umbrella project has been stated to be $435 million. The Coast Guard building alone would spread over a total of 1.1 million square feet and will serve as home to 14,000 Department of Homeland Security employees.
Come 2016, the DHS will spreads its reign over 4.5 million square feet. The year will also see Federal Protective Service, Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration moving in this magnanimous area.
As far as the greenery of this development is concerned, the Coast Guard building will sport a grass roof and also have a reflecting pool for water runoff. On reaching its completion, the building will own a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
Further reducing the pollution will be trail tracks for walking and for commuting by bikes.
The project also includes the construction of six additional buildings, slated for a 2013 completion. These building will accommodate facilities such as credit union, cafeteria, child-care and fitness centers.
The purpose of integration of this project is to bring together 22 distinct bodies, working towards the same purpose – to safeguard the United States of America. This collaboration will result in the ease of coordination of activities between the various departments that will be situated at a stone’s throw.
Officials revealed that a $200 million grant from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and the funding received from the 2009 budget are the major backbones in the development of this project.
Via: gcaptain
