Mall Planners Apply For LEED Certification

Engineers behind the new Motor Parkway Plaza submitted its paperwork for LEED certification, in hopes of being one of Long Island's first green shopping centers. 

The Cotocon Group, a LEED consulting and Energy STAR building specialist, has submitted more than 1,000 pages in reports hoping their specially engineered Motor Parkway Plaza will earn Gold standards for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designs in Core and Shell category.

"In general, what we are doing is certifying the base, building systems and the mechanical HVAC," said Karla Fisk LEED AP engineer and spokeswoman for The Cotocon Group. 

The 36,000-square-foot mall has been built with numerous features aimed at reducing energy consumption and using sustainable materials. Fisk said a  state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic system installed on the building's roof captures sunlight from 360 degrees, allowing it to provide more than 25 percent of the electric for the mall's common areas including the parking lot lights. The remaining electricity needs will be met via wind power, purchased from LIPA. 

The shopping center has been constructed with renewable material, including recycling materials from the former buildings on the site at the intersection of Motor Parkway and the Long Island Expressway Service Road North, accordign to Fisk. Additional wood building materials were certified  by the forest stewardship council. 

These features will help the developer towards achieving Gold LEED certification, Fisk said, attaining more than 60 points out of potential 120. These points are divided into the categories of: sustainable sites, water efficiency, Energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental, innovation in design and regional priority. 

However, the Gold LEED certification in Core and Shell only recognizes the exterior of the building, and does not speak for its tenants. The building's layout is designed for a bank branch with drive-thru, a restaurant and more. 

"The tenants who are interested in a LEED certified project are generally interested in being LEED certified themselves and we will provide them with guidelines," Fisk said. 

It will take approximately six weeks before The Cotocon Group will know whether they will receive certification. 

The building developer could not be reached for comment.