Effingham County Courthouse Receives Certification
On April 11th, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) certified Effingham County’s newly renovated courthouse as LEED Gold – the second highest rating possible. This means that the building was designed and constructed using materials, systems, and operations that reduces its impact on the environment and improves energy efficiency. The courthouse was originally built in 1908 and was rededicated on November 6, 2010. The Design + Build team was led by J. T. Turner Construction and architect Hussey Gay Bell along with consultants Greenline Architecture, Dulohery Weeks, and Trident Sustainability Group. This is the first renovated courthouse in Georgia to receive this respected designation.
“We join the residents of Effingham in honoring their past and being good stewards of earth’s resources,” said Robert Armstrong, the Project Architect with Hussey Gay Bell. “It’s a beautiful building that can be used for another 100 years.”
“It says a lot about the leadership of Effingham County that they placed a priority on sustainable design. Our entire project team was committed from the beginning to providing a sustainable building that will benefit generations to come.” said Tripp Turner, Chief Operating Officer of J. T. Turner Construction.
The courthouse houses the Tax Commissioner, the District Attorney and the GIS Department. The courtroom was restored to its original look and will serve as a community gathering space.
“We began this project with sustainability and lowering operating costs as one of our goals, the real benefactors will be the taxpayers from the energy and water savings.” said County Commissioner Bob Brantley.
“We are very proud of the project, and to achieve this measure of success is wonderful” commented Commissioner Phil Kieffer.
“The Board of Commissioners has been pleased about the entire project, the courthouse has been rehabilitated within the National Standards for Historic Preservation, to achieve Gold Certification on top of that is wonderful.” said Commissioner Reginald S. Loper, Sr.