Building Sustainability: LEMOINE’s Triumph with UL-Lafayette’s Student Union, City’s First LEED-Certified Project

ULL LEED Blog Feature
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In today’s era of rapid urbanization and heightened environmental awareness, the construction industry stands at the forefront of change. As communities seek greener alternatives and sustainable solutions, the role of contractors becomes pivotal in shaping a future where architecture harmonizes with nature. Partnering with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, we showcased our commitment to sustainable development through Lafayette’s first LEED-certified project – the ULL Student Union.

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What is LEED?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification stands as a hallmark of excellence in green building practices. Achieving this recognition signifies a dedication to energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental responsibility. For UL Lafayette, obtaining LEED certification for its Student Union marked a significant milestone, aligning with its vision of fostering a more sustainable campus environment.

This was an ambitious project, and we took on the challenge. Leveraging our expertise to blend innovative design with environmental consciousness. From the project’s inception, sustainability remained at the forefront of every decision, guiding the construction process towards a greener, more eco-friendly outcome.

One of the key features of the UL Lafayette Student Union is its energy-efficient design. We ensured the integration of cutting-edge technologies and building techniques to minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance. From energy-efficient lighting systems to advanced HVAC solutions, every aspect was meticulously planned to reduce the building’s carbon footprint without compromising functionality or comfort.

Moreover, the project prioritized the use of sustainable materials, sourced locally whenever possible, to reduce transportation emissions and support the regional economy. The project team’s commitment to sustainability extended beyond construction, encompassing waste management practices that minimized the project’s impact on the environment. More than 77 percent of the debris generated during the demolition work was recycled.  The recycled material amounted to more than 440 tons of metal and 11,504 tons of concrete.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the LEED-certified Student Union at UL Lafayette serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the construction industry. We partnered closely with architects, engineers, and university stakeholders to bring the vision to life, fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared purpose throughout the project.

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The completion of the Student Union marked not only a physical transformation of the campus landscape but, also a symbolic shift towards a more sustainable future. As students, faculty, and visitors stepped into the vibrant, eco-friendly space, they were not only greeted by modern amenities but, also reminded of the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

LEMOINE’s success with the UL Lafayette Student Union exemplifies the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction. By demonstrating that green building practices can be both feasible and cost-effective, we hope to inspire others in the industry to follow suit, catalyzing a broader movement towards sustainability in construction projects nationwide.

As we look ahead to a future shaped by climate change and environmental challenges, initiatives like the LEED-certified Student Union serve as beacons of hope, showcasing what is possible when innovation and sustainability converge. Through their partnership with UL Lafayette, LEMOINE has not only built a structure but also laid the foundation for a greener, more resilient community—one brick at a time.

LEMOINE Program Services Assists with Cullman City School’s Capital Improvement Plan

Cullman City Schools is one of 132 school districts in the state of Alabama. The school system has over 3,000 students in five schools. The schools are Cullman High School (Grades 9-12), Cullman Middle School (Grades 7-8), East Elementary School (Grades 2-6), West Elementary School (Grades 2-6), and Cullman City Primary School (Grades K-1). Cullman City Schools also hosts the Cullman City Head Start Program at their Primary School.

Cullman has also been ranked the second highest “micropolitan” in the nation for the past two years, according to Site Selection Magazine. As the area’s population has grown, and as technology and learning environments have evolved, the Board of Education has worked to develop a comprehensive plan to address student safety and growth within the Cullman City School System.

Our Services: Advisory Audit + Controls Dispute Resolution Energy + Sustainability Facilities Consulting Preconstruction Services

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Rendering of Cullman City Primary School by Lathan and Associates. 

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LEMOINE Program Services – Comprehensive Program Management Solutions:

Due to the complexity of the capital improvement plan, LEMOINE Program Services was engaged in the process to work with Lathan and Associates and all project stakeholders to provide program management services. The group began with advising and facility consulting services, creating overall program goals, schedules, and budgets. LEMOINE’s primary objective is to satisfy capital program demands, ensuring that Cullman City Schools accomplishes their mission, with full guidance and confidence every step of the way.

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Cullman Middle School Rendering by Lathan and Associates

Phase I:

The complex, comprehensive plan includes the adjustment of the grade configuration of the school system to Pre-K – 2, 3 – 5, 6 – 8, and 9 – 12. Currently, Cullman City Schools includes 2 elementary campuses, East and West. The overall adjustment will include a dedicated pre-K school, an elementary school, an intermediate school, a middle school, and a high school. To achieve value, several of the existing school buildings are being renovated and re-used to achieve this plan.

Phase I of the project began with Cullman City Primary School and Cullman Middle School. The primary school project included the addition of a 12-classroom wing, a multipurpose building, and a cafeteria/ kitchen. This project also included the development of a second roadway exit, the conversion of the old cafeteria to additional classroom space, and the transition of all 2nd grade students in August of 2023. The middle school project includes the addition of a 16-18 classroom building which will include a new library, agriscience area, performing arts area, and administrative offices. The project also entails the removal of an existing round building and an old agriculture building, interior upgrades, and the transition of all 6th-grade students in August of 2025.

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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Cullman Middle School, January 2024

Later phases of the capital improvement plan will involve converting one of the existing primary schools into the new Cullman Intermediate School, conversion of the other primary school to a standalone pre-K program, the addition of the Career Technical Education/ STEM Wing to the High School, and other educational improvements.

As the capital improvement plan continues to unfold over the upcoming years, LEMOINE Program Services stands ready to provide industry expertise and to ensure the best use of all funds for the Cullman City Schools and the Cullman City community.

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Learn More about LEMOINE Program Services:

To discover more about our comprehensive range of services and how we can assist you, please visit our website at programservices.1lemoine.com. There, you will find detailed information about our expertise and the values that guide us in every endeavor.

Reflecting on a year of Shared Successes and Growth

As the year draws to a close, we extend heartfelt gratitude for your continued trust and collaboration. This past year has been marked by shared successes, and we are sincerely thankful for the positive impact we’ve achieved together. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with rest and reflection. Looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year and the continued success of our partnership. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Expanding Reach, Maintaining Our Promise

In the past year, we are thrilled to share that LEMOINE has not only deepened its roots in our home state of Louisiana but has also extended its reach far beyond. Our dedicated teams have proudly served communities in Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii, exemplifying our commitment to delivering on our Brand Promise: The Right People. Whether close to home or abroad, our collective efforts have allowed us to make a meaningful impact, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and service in the coming year.

The Year in Pictures

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In the past year, we are thrilled to share that LEMOINE has not only deepened its roots in our home state of Louisiana but has also extended its reach far beyond. Our dedicated teams have proudly served communities in Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii, exemplifying our commitment to delivering on our Brand Promise: The Right People. Whether close to home or abroad, our collective efforts have allowed us to make a meaningful impact, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and service in the coming year.
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LEMOINE’s Building Construction teams have continued to deliver success across the state of Louisiana and beyond, completing milestone projects such as the Center for Medical Education at LSU Health Shreveport, Truman Elementary School, and the new patient tower at Ochsner Lafayette General in Lafayette, LA, and the Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health at the Delgado City Park campus in New Orleans (pictured at left).

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LEMOINE Disaster Services has made record progress on Louisiana’s Orphaned Wells Plugging project, plugging over 370 wells since the project’s inception.  Enhancing Louisiana’s environmental resilience, plugging these wells reduces the risk of environmental disasters, ensuring that communities have a stronger defense against future challenges. Pictured, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams visited an ongoing orphaned well site at the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge in October. 

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LEMOINE Infrastructure performed civil work at the Ampirical substations in Arkansas and Mississippi.  Our team’s scope laid the groundwork for the Delta Wind Farm and Driver project, a utility-scale wind farm committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.

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DCMC Partners, a LEMOINE Company, recently opened a new office in the vibrant city of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.  From here, our team will continue to provide first-class service to our many clients there.  Since Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the island of Puerto Rico in 2017, DCMC has been instrumental in resolving many of the most significant problems that surfaced during response and recovery efforts.

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Macro, a LEMOINE Company, deployed to Guam on the heels of Typhoon Mawar in May 2023.  The typhoon struck Guam with the force of a Category 4 hurricane and was the strongest storm to strike the island in years.  LEMOINE Disaster Team members have continued to serve the island in multiple relief capacities.

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LEMOINE Program Services, the firm’s full-service project and program management division, celebrated two years of operations.  The team of 23 has been awarded over 50 projects, worked in 13 states, served over 35 clients, and has a permanent presence in 4 states (Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia).  They have taken on several exciting roles, including program management services for Cullman City Middle School (pictured above), one of four Cullman school projects managed by LEMOINE.

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This year, The Workforce Group, a LEMOINE Company has supported state and local governments across Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and California with ongoing disaster recovery programs by performing over 8,000 damage assessments and 6,000 lead-based paint inspections. WFG has also launched a proprietary program system of record solution, 1Wanda, for the State of Georgia’s CDBG-DR Homeowner Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program, where they are responsible for comprehensive program management and delivery.

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We welcomed 131 new team members across LEMOINE‘s family of services:  Building Construction, Program Services, Infrastructure, Disaster Services, DCMC, Workforce Group, and Macro. 

Expanding Owner’s Representation Services in Middle Tennessee

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our esteemed team at LEMOINE Program Services. John Ramares, an accomplished professional in the Design and Construction Industry, has recently joined us, bringing a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm. With his arrival, we are excited to expand our Owner’s Representation Services into the Middle Tennessee and Nashville market, further solidifying our presence in this dynamic region.

Our Services: Advisory Audit + Controls Dispute Resolution Energy + Sustainability Facilities Consulting Preconstruction Services

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John Ramares joins LEMOINE with decades of experience in the Design and Construction industry.

Connect with John here.

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LEMOINE Program Services – Comprehensive Program Management Solutions:

LEMOINE Program Services has earned a reputation as a renowned provider of Full-Service Program Management Solutions. Our diverse range of services includes Advisory, Audit + Controls, Dispute Resolution, Energy + Sustainability, Facilities Consulting, Preconstruction Services, Program Management, Transition Planning, and much more. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, we ensure that our clients receive holistic support throughout every stage of their projects.

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A Valuable Addition to the Team:

John Ramares brings with him several years of experience in the Design and Construction Industry, making him a valuable asset to our team. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in spearheading the expansion of our Owner’s Representation Services in the Middle Tennessee / Nashville market. With John at the helm, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional results and exceed client expectations.

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Driving Growth and Success in Middle Tennessee:

As we embark on this exciting journey, we are committed to contributing to the growth and success of LEMOINE Program Services in the Middle Tennessee region. John’s deep understanding of the local market, combined with our comprehensive service offerings, will enable us to forge strong collaborations with clients and industry professionals. Together, we will ensure that projects are executed with excellence, adhering to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

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Learn More about LEMOINE Program Services:

To discover more about our comprehensive range of services and how we can assist you, please visit our website at programservices.1lemoine.com. There, you will find detailed information about our expertise and the values that guide us in every endeavor.

Positioned for Continued Growth, LEMOINE Program Services Celebrates 2 Years

Positioned for Continued Growth, LEMOINE Program Services Celebrates 2 Years

LEMOINE Program Services, a Service Line of LEMOINE, celebrates two years of service

A vital component of LEMOINE’s full project lifecycle offering, LEMOINE Program Services provides expert guidance in planning, execution, and delivery of program goals, schedules, and budgets.

Under the direction of long-time industry expert Jack Darnall, LEMOINE offers a unique perspective and advantage to clients by leveraging Jack’s four-decade experience, much of that time spent as an executive for one of the top 25 contractors in the nation.  

As a member of the Executive Board, Jack helped lead his former company through strategic planning and growth activities, expanding the firm’s growth from $2.2 billion to $4 billion.

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Jack Darnall President, LEMOINE Program Services

Team of seaoned industry experts

Under Jack’s leadership, a team of some of the most skilled and seasoned industry experts are working collaboratively to serve LEMOINE’s clients.  With decades of real-world experience working for some of the largest building contractors and program management providers in the nation, our team has the experience to ensure each client’s success.

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Jack Darnall

PRESIDENT, PROGRAM SERVICES

Steve Haney web

Steve Haney

MANAGEMENT TEAM

John Harchelroad web

John Harchelroad

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Bill Health web

Bill Health

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Spivey Lipsey web

Spivey Lipsey

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Brian McCarley web

Brian McCarley

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Lee Showalter web

Lee Showalter

MANAGEMENT TEAM

All-inclusive program of Project Services

LEMOINE Program Services has the capability to provide a full range of services including planning, execution, and delivery. Our team of industry experts begin with advising and facility consulting services, creating overall program goals, schedules, and budgets. We establish expectations, measure success, and maintain alignment throughout the management, transitioning, and move-in of each project. Program Services deliberately interconnects to LEMOINE’s other service lines, Building Construction, Infrastructure, and Disaster Services, leveraging strengths and resources of other in-house disciplines.

Significant strides made during first two years of operations

In just two short years of operations, our team of industry-leading experts at LEMOINE Program Services has made significant strides:

  • Awarded 48 projects
  • Obtained work in 12 different states
  • Partnered with 31 different clients
  • Grown our staff to 10 full-time employees, with an additional 12 project-based employees 
  • Established a permanent presence in 4 states
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Let’s get started today

Our all-inclusive program of Project Services leverages LEMOINE’s 50 years of experience in planning, executing, and delivering successful outcomes.  As your value-added partner, LEMOINE has the capability to provide full program services, or offer only a selection of services to enhance your existing in-house capabilities.

We commit our Brand Promise to you:  The right people.  The right solutions.  Building peace of mind.

Have one of our experts contact you