Broward County Transit Lauderhill Transit Center earns LEED GOLD certification

May 23, 2023
The transit center is the first LEED certified transit center in Florida and the first LEED GOLD certified transit center in the United States.

Broward County Transit (BCT) celebrated its Lauderhill Transit Center as it received the GOLD level on the LEEDv4 Transit Center Rating System. This is a tremendous accomplishment not only for BCT, but also for Broward County and South Florida alike, as this is the first LEED Transit Center in Florida and the first LEED Transit GOLD level in the United States.

The Lauderhill Transit Center is BCT’s newest transit center and the agency explains this LEEDv4 Transit Center Gold certification signifies the center’s exemplary performance across various sustainability categories, including water and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection and transportation accessibility. This certification validates the project's adherence to the highest standards of green building practices and its positive impact on both the environment and the community it serves.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved LEED Gold Certification for our Lauderhill Transit Center,” said Coree Cuff Lonergan, BCT general manager and director. “As an organization, we are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship and this facility is a testament to that commitment. We believe that sustainable building practices are not only good for the environment, but also good for our employees and the communities we serve.”

One of the center's notable features includes solar canopies strategically installed around the station and bus loading area. These solar canopies, including a solar array, harness clean, renewable energy from the sun and generate more than 100 percent of the building's energy needs. By effectively utilizing solar power, the Lauderhill Transit Center has achieved net positive energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and operating costs.

The LEEDv4 Transit Station Gold certification, coupled with the center's net zero energy capabilities, exemplifies the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the Lauderhill Transit Center project. It showcases their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, while providing a functional and environmentally responsible facility.

As the first LEED Transit Station Gold certified project in Florida and the United States, the Lauderhill Transit Center has set a new standard for sustainable public transportation infrastructure. This achievement demonstrates Broward County's commitment to environmental stewardship, enhances the quality of life for its residents, and serves as an inspiration for future sustainable development projects.