**\# S-10-07**

**[U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HEADQUARTERS, SUITLAND, MD:]{.underline}**

**[\"A BREATHTAKING DESIGN; A SUSTAINABLE SHOWCASE\"]{.underline}**

GSA PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

***\"\... it demonstrates that building performance can be maximized
without sacrificing beautiful architectural design or healthy and happy
workforce considerations at a cost per square foot that rivals
conventional building construction costs\...\"***

In October 2006 the General Services Administration (GSA) delivered a
\$307 Million new home for the US Census Bureau. This magnificent
state-of-the-art 1.4 million-square-foot building (along with 3,100
parking spaces in two garages) houses 6,000 employees and contains
offices, an auditorium, training and conference areas, cafeterias,
cafes, credit union, fitness center, library, and support space.

The GSA project team embraced the philosophy of sustainable design from
the project's inception, and directed fellow team members to incorporate
LEED® Silver level elements and sustainable design principles:

-   optimizing site potential,

-   minimizing non-renewable energy consumption,

-   use of environmentally preferable products,

-   protecting and conserving water,

-   enhancing indoor environmental quality, and

-   optimizing operational and maintenance practices

into every square inch of the US Census Bureau Headquarters' complex.

Using a sustainable design philosophy encouraged decisions at each phase
of the design process to reduce negative impacts on the environment and
the health of the occupants, without compromising the bottom line. This
integrated, holistic approach positively impacted the team's
consideration of all phases of the complex's life-cycle, from design to
construction to commissioning to operation.

This collaborative, integrated approach resulted in the completion of a
complex that is absolutely breathtaking inside and out. Even more
relevant, the US Census Bureau Headquarters can serve as a model for
future construction projects and substantial renovations because it
demonstrates that building performance can be maximized without
sacrificing beautiful architectural design or healthy and happy
workforce considerations at a cost per square foot that rivals
conventional building construction costs -- even on a massive scale,
such as this 1.4 million-square-foot building -- and be built to last
100 years. In addition, after one year, another LEED review will be
conducted in order to verify building performance, which is a very
innovative feature which may be performed and replicated on other
Government projects.

The vision, oversight, and financial commitment for a sustainable
facility was initiated and continually supported by the General Services
Administration (GSA). GSA collaborated with several other organizations
to see this project completed. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the
design firm, contributed the initial concepts of siting, design, and
sustainable features. The detail for the design was established by HKS,
the architect of record. The construction delivery and field
implementation was led by Skanska USA. Contact the GSA Project Executive
for more information on the collaboration team. (Photo credit: Blake
Marvin - HKS, Inc.)

**Contact**

Jag Bhargava

Project Executive

GSA National Capital Region (NCR)

Property Development Division

jag.bhargava@gsa.gov