Skanska’s Wake Technical Community College Central Energy Plant recognized as one of the best design-build projects in nation

Skanska Honored with Three Prestigious National Awards by DBIA

Skanska has achieved significant recognition from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), earning:

  • National Award of Merit for the Commercial/Office Building Category
  • National Award of Excellence for the Commercial/Office Building Category
  • Best in Process Award for its exceptional work on the Wake Technical Community College Central Energy Plant (CEP)

Revolutionary Sustainability at Wake Tech East
Skanska constructed the cutting-edge Central Energy Plant (CEP) at Wake Tech East, North Carolina’s largest community college’s newest campus. The 15,700-square-foot, single-story facility exemplifies sustainable innovation by integrating geothermal and solar energy technologies to heat and cool the entire campus.

The plant achieves remarkable environmental milestones:

  • 33% reduction in energy use compared to traditional systems
  • 50% decrease in carbon emissions
  • Significant operational cost savings

“This project with Wake Tech is a leading example of environmental stewardship and showcases our combined commitment to sustainable, innovative building practices and smart energy solutions,” said Mark Balling, Executive Vice President, Skanska USA Building’s Mid-Atlantic Region.

Industry Leadership and Recognition
The construction of the CEP reflects Skanska’s broader sustainability goals, aligning with their mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. The recognition by DBIA underscores Skanska’s position as a leader in sustainable building practices, blending innovation with environmental responsibility.

Praise from DBIA Leadership
“As design-build approaches nearly half of all construction spending, we continue to see extraordinary projects that raise the bar for success for design-build teams across the country, pushing the limits of high performance and optimizing triple-bottom-line success,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, Executive Director/CEO of DBIA.

National Acclaim at DBIA Awards Ceremony
The awards were presented at the 2024 Design-Build Conference & Expo Awards Ceremony on November 7 in Dallas, Texas. The project stood out among 63 submissions evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts across 10 categories.

Skanska’s achievements reflect a pioneering approach to sustainable design, innovation, and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for future construction projects nationwide.

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