SEPTA’s recently rebuilt Fox Chase Regional Rail Station has earned a LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Fox Chase Station is the nation’s first train station to receive LEED Silver.
“This classification exemplifies SEPTA’s commitment to environmental responsibility and demonstrates how ‘green’ public transportation can be,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey. “We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our engineering team to ensure that SEPTA achieved this certification.”
LEED certification levels are Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Fox Chase Station was awarded LEED Silver using the LEED for New Construction rating system.
To achieve the LEED Silver status, SEPTA implemented numerous eco-friendly processes throughout planning, design and building phases, including recycling construction waste materials such as drywall; using low-pollutant emitting building materials; and purchasing energy from a local green energy supplier. The completed station has energy efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems; is entirely smoke-free; features receptacles for recycling papers, cans and bottles; and has 15 parking spots designated specifically for energy efficient vehicles, like hybrids.
“SEPTA’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Funding Chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and SEPTA serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish.”
Fox Chase Station was designed by HNTB and built by Shared Systems Technology. The Sheward Partnership, LLC, provided LEED project oversight. The station project cost $1.1 million and was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).