News
Rockingham County Judicial Center Receives the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Building Rating System Reaching the Gold level (LEED-NC v.2.2) of Certification in Environmental SustainabilityJanuary 20, 2012 --
Branch & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the landmark Rockingham County Judicial Center located in Reidsville, North Carolina, has received the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Building rating system reaching the Gold level (LEED-NC v.2.2) of certification in environmental sustainability. This rating is second only to the highest Platinum LEED certification. LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
The 98,000 square foot facility designed by Moseley Architects and built by Branch & Associates, Inc., includes jail space totaling 52,500 square feet and houses beds to accommodate 222 inmates (300 core). Additionally, the Law Enforcement Center expands across 21,000 square feet of the building and is designed to accommodate 359 employees. The Rockingham facility is the first judicial center in North Carolina to seek certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Building rating system.
Among the most impressive accomplishments is the judicial center's high performance and green building design Energy Star compliant strategies.
Branch & Associates, Inc. Celebrates the Opening of the Biomass Heating Plant for Longwood University
09/09/2011 --
"This project represents the true value of Branch & Associates continued commitment that our client needs are met and the function of this facility exceeds the University's expectation. We are very proud to be part of such a unique project and hope it continues to set the stage for future energy efficiency initiatives throughout the Commonwealth." Project Executive, Jason McCune
Branch & Associates, Inc. joined Longwood University for the celebration and opening of the new biomass heating plant on Thursday, September 8, 2011, in a ribbon cutting event. The ceremony took place at the site of the new heating plant adjacent to the University's original plant which was commissioned in 1938.
Branch & Associates began construction on the project in July 2008, bringing the new plant on-line in July of 2010. The new plant is designed to spontaneously burn sawdust to maintain steam supply for all heat and hot water to their campus buildings. The campus normally uses between 10,000 to 35,000 pounds of steam per hour. Each boiler produces a maximum of 20,000 pounds of steam per hour and one boiler supplies 80% of annual heat and hot water to campus buildings.
"To be part of such a potentially industry-changing project such as this was very rewarding," commented Craig Floyd, president of Branch. "We all took pride in knowing that we were part of a biomass project that uses a renewable energy resource as the primary fuel source, thereby reducing consumption of fossil fuels". The new heating plant contains two biomass boilers; one new boiler and one that has been relocated from the old heating plant. Sawdust used to supply the boiler facility will be purchased from several sawmills within the local area. The new heating plant consumes between 20-40 tons of sawdust per day based on weather conditions and student population. "With an eye always kept on the finish line, we all pushed hard to work through numerous design and construction challenges unique to this new technology," said Dan Deter, Project Manager for Branch. "The project cost the University $12 million but will save the University nearly $2.8 million annually by utilizing sawdust instead of fossil fuels".
Participating in the ceremony were Patrick Finnegan, President of Longwood University, Richard W. Bratcher, Vice President for facilities management at Longwood University, and Laura Fornash, Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia. President Craig Floyd, Project Manager Dan Deter, Pproject Executive, Jason McCune, and Marlene Evans represented Branch & Associates at the ceremony. This project continues an ongoing relationship with Longwood University that began several years back with the completion of Phase II of Brock Commons, a community-friendly environment and focal point for the University.
Branch Celebrates the Completion of the Wright Hall East Link Addition and Renovation at Bridgewater College
August 17, 2011 --
Branch & Associate's successfully completed the Bridgewater Wright Hall Phase II project the first week of August. This brings to conclusion a 1 and 1/2 year stay on the Bridgewater College campus that began in February of 2010.
The Wright Hall East Link Addition and Renovation project, Phase I, was completed last summer and includes additional dorm space, a fitness room, activity room and a new student cafeteria. This project connected two existing dormitories, Wright and Heritage Halls, and also included many site utility extensions and improvements. A new storm water extension system was installed back to a point a block away from campus. A 500' fire waterline was installed to service a new sprinkler system and through change order the existing overhead electrical was relocated to a below ground service where it passes through the footprint of the project site. New chiller and underground chilled water piping was installed and there were extensive renovations, modifications made to the existing mechanical equipment enclosure and relocation of equipment at the adjacent building, Bowman Hall.
Beginning late last year, Branch & Associate's began the process of negotiating the second phase of work at the College. There were actually two additional phases of work left to be done, Phases II & III, with Phase III not being done until the summer of 2012. After lengthy negotiations with the Construction Manager, EDC, and the College, Branch was able to reach an agreement to do both Phases this year. Work on the original Phase II project which was the construction of the Wright Hall West Link Addition began in January of this year.
The Phase III work which entailed the renovation and installation of new mechanical and electrical systems in the exiting Wright Hall dormitory could not start until school adjourned the first week of May. This phase of the project included nearly a complete gut of the interior of the building along with a considerable amount of asbestos abatement. All new electrical, fire alarm, sprinkler and heating and air systems, flooring, paint, etc. had to be replaced by the substantial completion date of August 5th. Much planning was necessary in scheduling how to get all of the work completed in basically a 12 week window of time.
Branch & Associates has reached 1,000,000 man-hours without a lost time injury
May 2011 -- Branch & Associates reaffirms its commitment to provide a safe working place and clean environment to its employees and stakeholders as an integral part of its business philosophy and values. Branch & Associates has reached 1,000,000 man-hours without a lost time injury with the most recent lost time injury beginning in May of 2005. This is an outstanding accomplishment that very few companies in the construction industry can achieve.
While congratulating all members of Branch & Associates for achieving the safety campaign of 1 million injury free man hours, Craig Floyd, president, said, "I am very proud to be associated with a group of people that have attained such an extraordinary accomplishment. This mark is a testament to our tremendous supervision and the support they receive from our managers and TBG safety staff and reinforces Branch's commitment to safety ".
Pick up the Rope!
May 2011 --
The Branch Group recently competed in the CHIP Tug-for-Tots event. This annual tug-of-war event is always well supported from teams around the Roanoke, VA, area and TBG put up a great fight in the heavy weight division in support for children's health.
Branch competed well with a strong team of tuggers helping the team emerge to the final stage of the competition. Led by team coach Terry Keffer, the team narrowly missed out on a win in the heavy-weight division.
What is CHIP?
CHIP stands for Child Health Investment Partnership. CHIP has evolved into a multi-faceted agency providing programs and services to low-income children and families throughout the Roanoke Valley, and in 31 localities throughout Virginia. These services work to help build parenting capacity and to provide support to families as they set and reach goals and move toward self-sufficiency. CHIP would not exist without the work of committed volunteers.
Anyone interested in getting involved as a volunteer may contact.
CONTACT Susan Crim, Volunteer Coordinator
(540) 857-6993 x135
Susan.Crim@chiprv.org
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