Chrysler Plant Earns LEED Certification

A brand new Chrysler plant in Michigan that will produce a high-efficiency engine has also earned a LEED Gold certification, according to a recent article. This makes it the first engine manufacturing facility to earn a LEED certification.

The $364 million Trenton South assembly plant outside of Detroit will become the home of the new Pentastar V6 Engine, which will first be used in 2011 models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the article said. Eventually, 800 employees will work at the facility.

The Trenton South plant is one of only four auto plants to receive a LEED certification. Built on a brownfield site, with a significant percentage of recycled materials incorporated into its design, the plant will emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than a conventionally built plant, to the tune of more than 12,000 metric tons per year. Specifically, 44 percent of building materials included recycled content, and the new plant will lower total energy use by 39 percent, resulting in a savings of over $1.25 million per year. Also, total water use has been reduced by 1.5 million gallons per year compared to the previous manufacturing facility.

“The Trenton South Engine Plant has established a new industry benchmark for efficient, environmentally conscious design," said Scott Garberding, Head of Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC, in a press release. "This Gold certification is tangible evidence of Chrysler's dedication to the environment and to the well-being of our surrounding communities.”

During construction, more than 90 percent of construction waste (amounting to about 6,750 tons) was recycled and diverted from landfills. As part of Chrysler’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste, the plant will divert more than 670 tons of waste from landfills as part of its day-to-day operations, the release said.

Other green features of the Trenton South plant include the fact that over 80 percent of the building materials were procured from regional sources, and the incorporation of high-performance insulation and high-efficiency lighting into its design. Outside, the building’s impact on its site has been softened with the planting of native grasses and trees, while the building itself features a white roof membrane and is surrounded by light-colored hardscape, to lessen the facility’s contribution to the heat island effect.

The Trenton South plant was designed by architectural services firms BEI Associates of Detroit and Harley Ellis Devereaux of Southfield, Michigan. The facility was constructed by Walbridge, also of Detroit.

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Chris Timmerman
Contributing Writer
Green Education Services
www.greenedu.com