McLean Governmental Center

The McLean Governmental Center in Fairfax County combines operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Originally constructed in the 1970s, this vital community hub underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2015 that nearly doubled its size while maintaining full police operations throughout construction. The renovated facility houses the Fairfax County Police Department, Board of Supervisors Office, and Chamber of Commerce, featuring expanded spaces for each department along with a new community meeting room. The project addressed multiple challenges of the aging structure, including inadequate space, inefficient layout, outdated technology, and problematic parking configuration.

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Energy Performance

The renovation’s commitment to sustainability earned the facility LEED Gold certification in January 2016, achieved through comprehensive environmental strategies. The building’s energy efficiency improvements center on a high-performance building envelope featuring an integral air barrier and aluminum-framed low-e windows with thermal breaks. The installation of a variable HVAC system with energy recovery, combined with LED sensor-operated lighting, resulted in a 39 percent reduction in energy usage.

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Water Management

Water conservation was central to the building’s sustainable design. Using native and adapted plants eliminated the need for irrigation. Water-efficient plumbing fixtures were installed throughout the building, resulting in annual savings of over 50,000 gallons – a 30 percent reduction compared to standard fixtures.

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Site Integration

The project’s site sustainability approach improved connections with the surrounding community. The center’s location supports multiple transportation options, including walking, biking, and public transit access. To support the police department’s active bicycle patrol unit, the facility includes dedicated bicycle storage and an on-site repair shop. The parking area features full cutoff LED lights that reduce light pollution while conserving energy. Low impact design elements, including rain gardens and infiltration swales, manage stormwater effectively, while a highly reflective white roof membrane reduces the urban heat island effect.

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Resource Conservation

Material conservation guided the renovation process. Over 50 percent of the existing building structure was preserved, and approximately 1,550 tons – representing 90 percent of construction and demolition waste – was recycled. New materials were selected based on their recycled content and regional sourcing. Where resilient flooring was needed, bio-based linoleum was chosen over synthetic alternatives, further reducing the project’s environmental impact.

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Enhanced Security

The renovation improved the facility’s security systems. A fully integrated control system was installed, incorporating IP video surveillance with network recording, proximity card access control, and new communication systems. The control room was updated with improved sight lines, enabling more effective monitoring and response capabilities.

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Recognition and Impact

The McLean Governmental Center project, which received Project of the Year honors from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association, shows how effective renovation can improve an aging facility’s environmental performance while maintaining essential government operations throughout construction. This project provides a practical example for future governmental facility renovations, demonstrating that operational efficiency and environmental responsibility can work together effectively.