Mansfield Oil Co. now holds the distinction of being the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified building in Hall County.

The company’s newly renovated corporate office in Gainesville received the LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council after earning points in sustainability in six categories: water efficiency, sustainable sites, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design.

The LEED point-rating system is a voluntary program for communities, buildings and homes to receive third-party verification of sustainable green features on their property.

Caroll Daniel Construction Co. began work in August 2011 after being hired by Mansfield to take on the renovation of 10,000 square feet of warehouse space to create offices for approximately 40 Mansfield staff members and a possible meeting area.

“Using the LEED scoring system, we determined which points were available to us by means of sustainable building solutions,” said Alan Schuetze, project manager at Carroll Daniel Construction. “Through construction materials, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, we were able to meet or exceed U.S. Green Building Council standards that allowed us to achieve LEED Silver.”

Some new systems and features include low-flow plumbing fixtures, a building shell for increased insulation, a new solar panel system on the roof and a high use of regionally sourced and recycled materials.

Brian Daniel, president and CEO of Carroll Daniel Construction, said sustainable buildings benefit more than just the environment.

“There are many reasons that an owner would choose to make responsible and sustainable choices like recycling construction debris, reducing water consumption or using local materials when planning for a construction project, each of which have obvious benefits and often align with a customer’s corporate values,” Daniel said.

“However, our owners are equally interested in implementing solutions that allow them to reduce the operational costs of their facilities through increased efficiency of building systems, thermal insulation and fixtures.”

Schuetze is a LEED Green Associate and Daniel a LEED AP, professional certifications both men have earned acknowledging their expertise in green building. Mansfield is one of a growing number of companies looking to sustainable practices, according to Daniel, who says he is seeing an increase in the desire for an energy-efficient workplace. Carroll Daniel Construction is currently working on three other green building projects in Georgia.

Michael Mansfield Sr., CEO of Mansfield Oil, is excited about the opportunities the sustainable features will have on his company and employees’ overall well-being.

“We are excited to earn the LEED Silver Certification,” Mansfield said. “It is rewarding to have an office that incorporates sustainable building practices with enhanced energy efficiency.”