Halfacre Construction Company project awarded LEED® Green Building certification
— Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, recently had one of its projects, the new South County Courthouse in Venice, Florida, awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver.
LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.
The new South County Courthouse was completed in 2022. The $26 million project included the construction of a new parking area along South Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), rearrangement of existing parking facilities, a new main entrance drive, stormwater improvements, and a new 46,000-square-foot court facility.
To meet Sarasota County’s goals for sustainability and energy efficiency at the South County Courthouse project, Halfacre installed rooftop photovoltaic (solar) panels, LED lighting and numerous energy management systems, car charging stations all of which will reduce overall energy costs and power consumed by the project.
“As a dedicated green building provider, we are proud to offer the expertise and resources needed to deliver effective, sustainable solutions that reduce energy consumption and preserve natural resources,” said Rick Milhoan, vice president of Halfacre Construction Company. “Achieving LEED Silver for this project is a significant milestone, and we remain committed to building a better environment for generations to come.”
Halfacre Construction Company has several team members with LEED AP credentials who have demonstrated proficiency in green building practices, possessing a thorough grasp of the LEED green building rating system.
In addition to the South County Courthouse, Halfacre has received LEED certifications on several other projects.
“LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed and operated to achieve high performance, improve human health and protect the environment,” said
Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC. “By prioritizing sustainability, the South County Courthouse project is leading the way in their industry and helping USGBC continue towards our goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation.”
About Halfacre Construction Company
Halfacre is the area’s oldest, most established, locally owned and operated private commercial construction company. Their foundational strengths stand as evidence that its commercial and industrial construction projects will be delivered on time, within budget, with the utmost integrity and with the expertise and financial strength needed for success. Halfacre Construction also offers its expertise as a green builder with the knowledge and abilities to produce viable, effective alternatives to reduce energy consumption and preserve natural resources. Staff includes U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) certified professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in green building practices and who possess a thorough grasp of the LEED Green Building Rating System. For more information, please visit www.HalfacreConstruction.com.
About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.


Rooftop photovoltaic (solar) panels at the South County Courthouse