Bank of America Tower Ranks Second in Fitwel-Rated Buildings
It is the first project in Houston to receive any certification under Fitwel, and among the largest with a three-star Fitwel rating, is second only to the Bloomberg headquarters in New York City.
HOUSTON—The Bank of America Tower recently received a three-star rating from Fitwel, a certification system for optimizing building design and operations to support human health and well-being. The development ranks at the top of Fitwel’s certification scale, earning three out of three stars to become the first and largest project in Texas–at 775,000 square feet–to be recognized under the latest standard, according to development and construction firm Skanska.
Moreover, it is the first project in Houston to receive any certification under Fitwel. Out of all Fitwel-certified projects, Bank of America Tower ranks among the largest that achieved a three-star Fitwel rating, second only to the Bloomberg headquarters in New York City.
“This, along with the fact that Bank of America Tower has been recognized by the US Green Building Council/USGBC as the most sustainable office tower in Houston, using 32% less energy than other facilities, exemplifies Skanska’s holistic approach to sustainability and wellness,” Matt Damborsky, executive vice president for Skanska USA Commercial Development in Houston, tells GlobeSt.com. “That is something we take great pride in as a global developer–creating transformational, cutting-edge projects that leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
The Fitwel certification team uses a verified approach to evaluate each project’s certification documentation, GlobeSt.com learns. Through a double-blind process, two independent reviewers assess each project and then confirm a numerical score. Developed by public health professionals, this method ensures each review is unbiased and consistent.
Bank of America Tower was graded using a wide variety of Fitwel criteria, which assessed the unique features of the building and the surrounding community including selecting sites that are optimally located for walkability and access to public transit, and promoting and enhancing those connections through design and operations, incorporating stairs into building design, access to indoor/outdoor fitness opportunities including onsite fitness or walk/run/bike trails, and providing bike storage and shower facilities; improving indoor air quality through tobacco-free policies and integrated pest management, enhancing workplace safety through comprehensive emergency procedure policies; and creating workspaces with abundant daylight, views of nature, outdoor air and access to active workstations.
Skanska has a longstanding commitment to sustainability, which is integrated into each stage of its development process from land acquisition to operations. The company’s triple bottom line approach to sustainability encompasses a focus on environmental factors such as carbon, water, air and waste; community and social impacts, and tenant health and wellness.
Bank of America Tower features a wide range of sustainable features including SkyPark, the first and largest green roof in downtown Houston to be open to all building tenants.
“Achieving new heights in sustainability and creating environments that enhance the health and well-being of tenants are hallmarks of Skanska developments and reflect our core values,” said Damborsky. “We are delighted that Bank of America Tower has once again been recognized as an industry leader among modern workplaces–not just in Houston but across the state of Texas. As we move through 2020, we look forward to exploring new opportunities in Houston to develop transformational projects that empower tenants and the surrounding community to be productive and healthy.”
Skanska’s other developments in Houston include the newly announced land purchase of four parcel blocks adjacent to Discovery Green park, two-building West Memorial Place project, which is the first LEED Platinum campus in the Energy Corridor. West Memorial Place offers direct access to the Terry Hershey Park hike and bike trails. Skanska also developed 3009 Post Oak, a 302,000-square-foot office building in Uptown Houston at Post Oak Boulevard and Hidalgo.
Skanska has built and restored local landmarks in Houston for decades, ranging from historic renovations such as San Jacinto Memorial Building on the Houston Community College campus, to the new construction of sports facilities including NRG Stadium and healthcare resources such as the expansion of LBJ General Hospital’s emergency department.