The Bridge Certified LEED Platinum

We are excited to share that 2nd Phase of The Bridge, an Epstein-designed and engineered speculative office development in the Orhideea district of Bucharest, has been certified LEED Platinum, the highest certification possible. This comes shortly after Phase I achieved LEED-CS Platinum status in 2018.

For the 80,000-square-meter (855,000-square-foot) three-building development, Epstein provided architectural design and full-service engineering services, including concept design, permitting and technical documentation. Additionally, Epstein was also the LEED certification consultant.

The Bridge development is comprised of three buildings that are being constructed in separate phases. The first building featured a C shape in order to form a courtyard that is an amenity for building tenants. The C form of the building was also designed to create a large floor plate while simultaneously offering natural daylight and views to almost every workstation. The second building, which is I shaped, partially closes off the courtyard, allowing both buildings to benefit from the space. And, the third building, which is currently under construction, is also I shaped and will be connected to the second building via an enclosed corridor.

The 2nd Phase of the Bridge Building incorporates a number of sustainable design elements. Alinda Dudu, LEED AP, BREEAM IA, Epsteins Bucharest-based Senior Architect, shares some of those details, as well as LEED specifics below:

• The Bridge 2 Office building follows the line of good and sustainable design set by the sister building, the LEED-Platinum certified The Bridge 1.
• The Bridge 2 is the fifth office building in Bucharest to be LEED Platinum Certified, with the second highest score (84 points) in the LEED rating.
• The fully-rented 22,000-square-meter office building features Class A office space with amble daylight, views, sufficient fresh air and low-emitting materials.
• The alternative modes of transportation are encouraged by providing bicycle facilities and electric car charging stations and by the very location benefiting of multiple public transportation connections.
• Higher energy efficiency is achieved through a high-performance yet appealing curtain wall façade, cool roof, efficient equipment and LED lighting with lighting controls.
• Ultra-low flush and low-flow indoor plumbing significantly reduce the potable water use.
• Previously a full concrete-paved industrial site, now the premises of Bridge 2 offers vegetated space with native or adapted plant species.
• The construction was performed using responsible construction practices with low impact on the environment.
• The Bridge 1 and Bridge 2, soon to be completed with Bridge 3 office building, have become a Bucharest landmark and sustainability benchmark.

The Bridge is expected to save up to: 35 percent energy generated by using free cooling technology; 30 percent water and energy thanks to rainwater tanks, a photocell sensor system mounted in bathrooms and solar panels; 25 percent electricity due to the LED lighting system as well as the daylight sensor control over standard lighting; and 15 percent in heating and cooling bills, nothing the BMS control over the fan coil units (FCU) and connection between operable windows and closet FCU.

With The Bridges new certification, Epstein has now helped more than 60 facilities achieve LEED certification.