There are 328 million Americans, living on the same 3.8 million square miles (continental United States) that we started with (in 1776). As a society, we are called to increasingly higher levels of accountability toward stewardship of our environment. At the foundation of this commitment, the commercial construction industry continually renews sustainability practices and guidelines.
In the construction industry sustainability standards are maintained by external third-party industry-run organizations such as: the LEED Certification which is administered through The US Green Building Council and the National Green Building Standard GREEN Certification program administered by Home Innovation Research Labs. The process to submit a project for a green certification program ranges from $5,000 to $100,000 per project and requires the developer, general contractor, and all of the specialty contractors to work in conjunction on standards and requirements that inform the construction process from start to finish.
High Growth Markets
In high growth markets such as Central Florida, these types of investments are even more important. As one of the largest construction companies in Central Florida, Winter Park Construction has been keeping it green for over 45 years.
WPC President, Jeff Forrest, “Winter Park Construction (WPC) believes that sustainability is about meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Environmental stewardship entails not only adhering to standards but also includes creative thinking with energy efficiency, development of smarter practices and embracing innovative materials”
Green Building Standards
At least 14 WPC team members have achieved a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the US Green Building Council, this makes nearly one-third of all of WPC Project Managers and Superintendents. WPC Sustainability Commitment.
In the News
Home Innovation Labs certifies single and multifamily construction to the rigorous requirements of the National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS) – the first residential green building rating system approved by ANSI as an American National Standard. The NGBS provides practices for the design and construction of all types of green residential buildings, renovations, and land developments. In April 2020, Home Innovation Research Labs recognized 5th Avenue Apartments in St. Petersburg, Florida as a NGBS Green Certified Project. WPC provided general contractor services for 5th Ave Residences, for The Richman Group, working with Architect/Engineer: Slocum Platts Architects. The 2.2-acre project includes a 5-story building with 132 units and a 6,351 sq. ft. clubhouse.
Keeping it Green
Before construction ever begins, WPC performs a detailed building life cycle analysis on every jobsite. During construction, our solid waste management programs go into action, recycling construction debris. We participate in many sustainable purchasing programs.
WPC President, Jeff Forrest, “At WPC Our Safety and Sustainability Manager leads efforts to keep us not only in compliance with environmental regulations but to ensure we are at the forefront of new green building practices.”
Since 1974, WPC has provided general contractor, pre-construction, construction management and renovation services to Central Florida and the southeast United States. With over $200M in projects set from completion in 2020, WPC provides employment for 140+ full-time employees and thousands of subcontractor positions. With a portfolio rich in many sectors, in 2020 WPC is focusing on construction projects in the hospitality sector and in the senior housing market as well as on major renovation projects.