The Westory Recertification

Part of the success in preparing for recertification is not thinking of initial certification as a one-time event, but more of a transformation of the standard operating practices of the building. The energy efficiency improvements started as part of the initial Silver certification helped allow the building to pursue LEED Gold during recertification.

The Westory is a historic building located only two blocks from the White House in downtown Washington, D.C. Its Beaux Arts architecture sets it apart in the city landscape. In 1989, the historic building was renovated into the 12-story, 273,111-square-foot commercial office building that we know today. The multi-tenant office building is home to many tenants, including several law and public relation firms.

In 2009, Cassidy Turley Sustainability Services (Cassidy Turley) led the Westory’s pursuit of LEED for Existing Buildings certification. In June 2010, it achieved LEED Silver certification with an ENERGY STAR score of 71. The initial project included retro-commissioning of building systems with the intent of optimizing building operations and efficiencies.

In 2011, one year after initial LEED certification, the building ownership tapped Cassidy Turley to look into the potential to achieve LEED for Existing Buildings Gold through the recertification process. The energy efficiency improvements started as part of the initial Silver certification helped allow the building to pursue LEED Gold during recertification.