Panama Commons -- Hardin Construction's Affordable-Housing Community for Paces Foundation -- Earns Top LEED Certification

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - Sep 12, 2012) - Panama Commons, Hardin Construction Company's 12th project for The Paces Foundation, has earned LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is the first major family oriented, new, affordable-housing community in the southeast to rate LEED Platinum.

The 92-unit apartment community near downtown Panama City, Florida, earned certification through USGBC's LEED for Homes program.

USGBC is the nation's leading evaluator of environmentally sustainable buildings, and reports that LEED for Homes recently surpassed the milestone of 20,000 certified homes. Over half of all LEED certified homes are in the affordable housing category. USGBC LEED certification levels are Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

"Paces Foundation is honored to be a leader in the states of Georgia, Florida and Texas for sustainable development," said Mark du Mas, president of Paces Foundation, a not-for-profit, community housing development corporation. "Like our other Hardin Construction projects -- Whitehall Manor and Commons in Cleveland, Georgia, which achieved LEED Gold -- with Panama Commons, Paces continues to be a 'FIRST' player, leading the way for others to sustainable affordable housing."

Said Hardin Construction Company Chairman Brantley Barrow: "Leadership in LEED and in sustainability is a hallmark of Hardin's partnership with the Paces Foundation. We congratulate Paces and the entire project team on earning LEED Platinum for Panama Commons and for promoting sustainability in communities throughout the region."

Hardin Construction teamed with Chap Ashmore & Associates and architectural firm Martin Riley Associates on Panama Commons.

Completed in November 2011, Panama Commons incorporates environment friendly construction methods and building and community features including drought tolerant trees and shrubs, permanent erosion controls, mechanical systems that use non-ozone-depleting refrigerants, high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances, construction waste recycling and proximity to public transit.

The community of four-story apartment buildings also includes pool, playground, gazebo/picnic area, maintenance building and bus shelter.

About Hardin Construction
Celebrating 66 years of excellence, Hardin Construction Company, LLC is one of the nation's leading construction services firms, providing unequalled expertise for projects of broad scope and complexity through its culture of integrity, innovation and opportunity. With capabilities in general construction, construction management, design-build and renovation, Hardin is a leader in green building and sustainable practices and is recognized nationally for its safety practices. Privately-held, Hardin's headquarters is in Atlanta, Ga., with branch offices in Atlanta, Tampa, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., and Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.hardinconstruction.com.