Lang
1/31/24
Johnson County has been awarded LEED Silver certification for the GuideLink Center on Southgate Avenue in Iowa City.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED program recognizes design, construction and operations practices that go beyond the norm to improve environmental and human health.
The GuideLink Center provides a community resource for urgent adult mental health and substance use while also serving as an overnight low-barrier shelter. The 23,500-square-foot facility was constructed and is operated with sustainably in-mind. The center opened in 2021 and serves clients 24 hours a day.
The LEED Silver certification recognizes the facility’s design for 45% indoor water use reduction and 42% energy use reduction, compared to similar buildings. A biocell and landscaping provide stormwater management. Down-cast lighting reduces light pollution, while roofing and parking lot surfaces reduce the heat island effect, which means lessening how much heat radiates from the site. A roof-top solar array adds an additional sustainability feature.
The GuideLink Center is the County’s fifth LEED-certified building. Previously certified buildings are the Health and Human Services Building (Silver), Conservation Headquarters (Gold), the Conservation Maintenance Facility (Gold), and the Ambulance and Medical Examiner Facility (Gold).