Rockwall, Texas, November 14, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, is proud to announce the successful certification of Bimbo Bakeries USA’s (BBU) first LEED®- certified facility, a bakery and distribution center located in Rockwall, Texas. The project was a design-build endeavor, with SSOE Group and Turner Construction partnering to provide design and construction. The facility recently received LEED Silver certification under the LEED 2009 for New Construction rating system from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program.
SSOE provided architectural design, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, data, security, and fire protection engineering services on this project. The 280,000 SF facility was designed and constructed to ensure optimal operating efficiency. The building façade was designed to complement the adjacent buildings and reflect regional character, while utilizing available regional materials.
Sustainable highlights of the project include process energy recovery, precise systems monitoring, water use reduction, the use of recycled and regional construction materials, and low-VOC materials and finishes. In addition, the energy systems are over 20 percent more efficient than standard building codes require. The landscaping material used is nearly 100 percent drought-tolerant and is supplemented with an efficient irrigation system. The design also includes the provision of natural daylighting and a high level of individual control of thermal and lighting systems. Indoor air quality is improved by bringing in fresh air and increased ventilation. The site features 60 percent vegetated open space and includes attractively designed outdoor employee break areas. These design provisions support BBU’s aim to provide high standards for workplace health and safety in addition to their commitment to environmental stewardship.
SSOE’s portfolio of LEED certified projects represents more than $1 billion of investment. As such, they are no stranger when it comes to firsts in LEED certification. In addition to their involvement with this project, SSOE is also responsible for the first LEED Platinum automotive manufacturing plant in the world, the first Platinum industrial campus in the U.S., the largest Platinum project in the U.S., and the first Gold LEED certified central utility plant in the U.S.
