TPA's SkyCenter One office building achieves LEED Platinum certification

VanTrust Real Estate, LLC, in partnership with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, JE Dunn Construction and HOK, last week announced that its SkyCenter One building has achieved LEED certification at the Platinum level. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and helps ensure electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments.

SkyCenter One, the nine-story office building connected directly to Tampa International Airport, represents Tampa’s first new construction project to receive this level of the certification, the highest available. The building achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

SkyCenter One, which was completed in late 2021,  is currently leased by a number of businesses and organizations, including the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority headquarters and its various departments that operate Tampa International Airport.

“As Tampa International Airport and its surrounding community continues to grow, SkyCenter One provides a world-class environment and commitment to resiliency and sustainability for which the Airport is known,” Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano said. “VanTrust Real Estate, JE Dunn Construction and HOK have been excellent partners in this key piece of the Airport’s Master Plan expansion, and we look forward to spending generations in this beautiful facility.”

Built with 100% low-emitting materials, SkyCenter One generates 34% less energy than the industry baseline and saves an estimated 1.1 million gallons of water annually. More than 63% of the materials purchased for construction were extracted and manufactured regionally, supporting the local economy during the pandemic.

Additionally, 45% of material cost was sourced from recycled content, and more than 1,118 tons of construction waste was diverted from landfills, representing an 84% total diversion rate. The parking garage includes 66 charging stations for electronic vehicles and includes a large and secure room for bike storage.

“Creating sustainable buildings is about more than achieving the lowest cost and fastest timeline – it requires each phase being met with collaboration, careful consideration and discipline,” said Marc Munago, Executive Vice President, VanTrust Florida. “Earning the LEED Platinum Certification is a reflection of the dedication and passion our team and all of our partners exemplified throughout the planning and development process.”

The project team included VanTrust and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which served as the lead developer and development partner, respectively. JE Dunn Construction and HOK came together as the design-build entity. Familiar partners, the two firms have more than a combined 750 LEED-certified projects in their portfolios.

“SkyCenter One’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize our buildings and communities by providing everyone with access to healthy, green and high performing buildings. SkyCenter One is a prime example of how the innovative work of project teams can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference.”

For more information on SkyCenter One, including leasing opportunities, visit skycenterone.com.