Mass burn/incineration

Solid waste authority education center earns LEED Platinum

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County’s education center at its Renewable Energy Facility 2 (REF 2) in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington.

The LEED green building program provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features by the USGBC.

The Platinum rating recognizes the highest level of sustainability practices, with a rating system that assesses seven aspects of sustainable design, including site selection, water and energy efficiency, materials used and innovation.

The education center opened in the summer of 2015 and was built as part of the REF 2, an advanced waste-to-energy facility.

Ramana Kari, the SWA chief engineer says, “Special attention went into the education center so it would be a showcase for sustainable building design.”

The education center design incorporates several sustainable aspects, including floor tiles made of recycled tires and a reception desk made of reclaimed concrete.