The Cowford Chophouse — a downtown Jacksonville restaurant owned by Ponte Vedra resident Jacques Klempf — recently announced it has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Cowford has been recognized for the environmentally friendly materials and methods used during construction and ongoing operations that reduce the steakhouse’s environmental impact.
The Cowford building was originally built in 1902 and is one of Jacksonville’s earliest symbols of rebirth after a fire swept through the city in 1901. The building has served as multiple banks and professional offices — including the office of famed architect Henry John Klutho. In 2014, it was purchased by Klempf, who worked with the Jacksonville construction company, Danis and Design Cooperative, to lead the construction and restoration of the historical landmark.
“The preservation of Jacksonville is an important part of what Cowford stands for,” Klempf said. “Preserving our community through sustainable business practices is just as important as saving a piece of history. This LEED certification is another representation of our passion for the vitality of Jacksonville, from hospitality to public health to environmental responsibility.”
Cowford achieved 51 points during the LEED certification process, earning it the Silver designation. Designed to inspire innovative solutions that support public health and the environment, the LEED certification process evaluates numerous aspects of construction and operations that promote sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Evaluation is conducted on a rating system that includes: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design and regional priority credits.
Repurposed materials used in the construction of Cowford include the structural floor and roof decking, exterior brick, exterior limestone lintel blocks and original windows and trim. Additionally, original heart pine and interior marble from the building was recycled and integrated throughout the restaurant.
Danis used sustainable strategies to achieve the LEED Silver Certification, including the use of recycled materials, diverting 75 percent of demolition debris from landfills and incineration facilities and installing water- and energy-efficient building systems and equipment. These practices resulted in energy performance that exceeds the baseline building performance rating and achieved a 25-percent water use reduction, exceeding the 20 percent baseline requirement.
“We respect the history of this building and the future of our city and believe this achievement is a testament to both,” Danis Construction President Steve Betz said. “The use of sustainable methods and materials is not only good for the environment, but good for business. Danis strives to incorporate this practice into all of our projects, whether seeking LEED certification or not.”
To learn more about Cowford and its menu, catering and private dining offerings, visit www.cowfordchophouse.com.
