Reliable Plaza - The Greenest Building in Downtown

In 2009, OUC's Reliable Plaza earned Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, officially cementing the 10-story administration and customer service center as the "Greenest Building in downtown Orlando." The non-profit U.S. Green Building Council awarded the Gold level certification after completing a review of the building's design and construction. Reliable Plaza also holds a Florida Water Star certification, a voluntary program for new and existing construction that encourages water efficiency in appliances plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes.

When the land under OUC’s former parking garage was required for the Department of Transportation’s expansion of State Road 408, OUC evaluated its options and made the decision to build a new 110,000-square-foot customer service and administration center and set the standard for sustainable buildings in Orlando. While this new green home was a major milestone for OUC, it was also a first for the Central Florida community. Designed to meet the requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, Reliable Plaza earned the title of “The Greenest Building in Downtown Orlando.” It was designed to use about 28 percent less energy and 40 percent less water than similar buildings built to code.

More than 12,000 customers visited Reliable Plaza monthly to pay their utilitybills, set up or change service, or learn more about energy and water conservation.

Customer Features

The first floor offered one-stop service to all OUC customers. An expanded residential service center provided animproved customer experience with eight teller stations, three drive-through lanes and more convenient parking. Commercial and industrial customers had everything they needed in the new Commercial Service Center, and local developers, builders and contractors enjoyed a single point of contact through the Development Services Center.

Reliable Plaza also featured an interactiveconservation education center, located onthe first floor near Customer Service. With a live link to the building’s conservationsystems, the center’s touch screen gave customers real-time data on how Reliable Plaza used — and saved — energy andwater. The center also provided information on green building ideas, conservation tips and programs customers could employ at home.

Our headquarters and customer service center features
Reduction of heat island effect due to highly reflective roofing material Light pollution reduction Water efficient landscaping Cistern for collecting water for irrigation Photovoltaic panels Solar water heating Daylight harvesting High efficiency glass Vertical and horizontal shading allows in sunlight while limiting glare and solar gain. Site placement Recycled material Bicycle racks Preferred parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles Parking under cover to reduce heat island effect