Syracuse Mall Complex Aims to be Largest LEED Gold Certified Commercial Retail Project

The Destiny USA complex in Syracuse, N.Y., announced the successful implementation of the Master Site feature from the 2010 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus (AGMBC), which could permanently alter the way developers approach the construction of large-scale shopping and entertainment venues.

The Master Site feature in the 2010 AGMBC allows for the inclusion of the mall master plan that will seek to certify its entire 850,000 sq ft expansion project with LEED designation.

This effort is the first time a Master Site has been applied to a large mall property. Destiny USA's application for LEED certification, with the goal of LEED Gold, includes a variety of sustainable features. The project's rainwater harvesting system will conserve more than 4 million gal of water annually and reuse the greywater in non-potable uses.

"I began my career as a contractor working on clean water projects, and I always had a passion to merge economic development with environmental protection," said Destiny USA founder Bob Congel.

"This project is important to me and to USGBC," said Syracuse native Rick Fedrizzi, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council. "Not only is it in my backyard but it will also be a showcase in the community for what can be done with green building and LEED. The visitors who walk through the Destiny USA doors every day will learn about the importance of green building and be able to see today's latest green building strategies in action."

Source: PR Newswire