BEI Associates, Inc. was contracted to provide civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services for the master planning, design and construction of the Belle Isle Nature Zoo in Detroit, Michigan. BEI worked on a team with the architect, Hamilton Anderson Associates, Inc. 

 

The $7,000,000 project included the client direction of making this project LEED Certified as a minimum, with the possibility of reaching a silver or gold certification level.

 

Examples of engineering design options used for this project include a geothermal water system, storm water management, energy optimization, construction dust control measures, and the use of local/regional materials.

 

Design criteria using a "LEED Scorecard" for reference and budget estimates were developed to insure obtaining the LEED accreditation.   Construction on Phase I of this project began in September, 2005, with schedule completion date of November, 2005.