Harris County Precinct 4 Service Center Phase I Awarded LEED Gold Certification

The Harris County Precinct 4 Service Center Phase I, which officially opened in October 2018, has achieved LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Using sustainable energy systems including geothermal wells, ground-source heat pumps and photovoltaic cells (solar panels) to provide the facility with net-zero consumption, the project was awarded LEED Gold certification, the second highest rank possible.

“Two of our primary goals in building our Service Center were to minimize the impact on taxpayers’ pocketbooks and to minimize the impact on the environment,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. “In the end, we were able to accomplish both – and ended up with a beautiful and efficient building to boot.”

The decision to relocate the Service Center spurred from preparation for the 2020 census and Harris County’s anticipated rapid growth. After a census, each precinct must have an equal population, and as a result, Precinct 4 chose to move facilities north from T.C. Jester Boulevard in Houston to a more central location in the precinct. The project, which is owned by Harris County, was overseen by contractor SpawGlass and designed by PGAL.  

One of the most important aspects of the service center was focusing on sustainability and conservation as a Low Impact Development (LDI) project, which emphasizes conservation and use of on-site natural features to protect water quality. A state-of-the-art HVAC system was installed utilizing geothermal wells and ground-source heat pumps, and a total of 144 wells were drilled 300-feet deep to provide water to the site.

“PGAL was excited to partner with SpawGlass to deliver this landmark project for Harris County – attractive yet efficient facilities with a minimal impact on our natural resources and the surrounding community.  This project truly demonstrates the County’s commitment to our environment and communities,” said Cheryl Gajeske, AIA, Principal.

Designed by PGAL, the $20.5 million Phase 1 project includes a 31,000-square-foot, single story administration building, 28,000-square-foot warehouse shop with three self-contained paint booths, covered equipment parking, and a diesel/gasoline fueling station.