New Headquarters Helps USGBC Advance Green Building

By ASHLEY KATZ
June, 4, 2007

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has made great advances toward transforming the built environment to sustainability during its 14-year existence, from the launch of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System in 2000 to presently having awarded over 800 buildings LEED certification. Today, USGBC is especially proud to add to that list of recent LEED certified projects: the organization’s own new headquarters office, situated in the heart of Washington, D.C. The LEED Platinum-certified interior—which is located in a LEED Gold-certified building—is a wonderful showcase for the many benefits of green building.

USGBC’s employees are quick to point out their favorite features of the newly renovated space, and the entire space is burgeoning with energy from the purposeful inclusion of natural lighting, toxin-free materials and high-quality air. “I love the expansive views of DuPont Circle and all of the daylight,” commented Sabrina Morrelli, an employee of the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit. “There aren’t too many office buildings that offer a panoramic view of one of D.C.’s most noted landmarks.”

Wall-to-Wall Green

The 22,000-square-foot space is a testament to the green vision USGBC has been pursuing since its founding in 1993. From floor to ceiling, every aspect of the new space demonstrates the organization’s commitment to forward thinking and innovation, while helping to further the Council’s goals. It also documents that organizations can go green without giving up on their bottom line.

“As the developers of the LEED rating system, we knew from the start that we would be aiming for the highest level of LEED certification,” noted Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC. “Not only was it important to us to do the right thing for our employees and for our environment, but we also wanted to provide our members and visitors with a living and breathing example of green building in action.”

The headquarters features the techniques promoted within the LEED Rating System, including a building design that incorporates sustainable site selection, water efficiency measures, energy and atmosphere considerations, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Employees in USGBC’s new space, designed by Perkins+Will, enjoy the green features along with views of the cityscape outside. Filled with natural daylight, which is strongly associated with increased worker productivity, the office uses multi-functional rooms, non-conventional materials and water-reducing technologies. And although the offices are brand new, they do not smell that way. USGBC completed the space with non-toxic paints and carpets to ensure a pleasant indoor environment.

Energy, atmosphere and water efficiencywere a primary concern in the space’s design. Large, operable windows provide daylight, fresh air, views of the vibrant street life below, and a connection to the outdoors. All lighting products featured within the space were engineered for high efficiency and low energy use, and individual task lights allow employees to control the amount of light within their work area. Occupancy and daylight sensors reduce energy load while still illuminating the office.

Water efficiency is an integral aspect of the new work environment. USGBC is using 40 percent less water than a conventional building occupant by including low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals.High-efficiency Energy Star appliances also contribute to the overall reduction in water usage.

Unique and sustainable building materials and textiles cover the tops and bottoms of the office space. Floors, countertops and workstations are made of materials such as rapidly renewable bamboo and linoleum, and reused granite, glass panels and millwork from former tenants. Low-emitting adhesives, sealants and paints guarantee that the indoor air is healthy for everyone working in the space.

Office of the Future

While the main office space has all the trappings of a typical office, subtle differences throughout make it uniquely green. Low dividers between cubicles allow for daylight to stream through the office. Built-in planters that house tropical plants create additional dividers, while helping maintain air quality and bringing nature indoors. Recycled tires line the planters and salvaged wood timbers surround an attractive oval-shaped meeting area.

The multi-function lunchroom, dubbed “the café” by USGBC staff, serves as an eating area, library, workspace and recycling center, and features bar-style seating, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a large table for lunch hour and impromptu collaboration. The design of the dedicated recycling area housed within the lunchroom space allows for easy storage and collection of recyclable materials.

Not only is the office a model of the LEED Rating System in action, but it is also a clear indication of the growing green building industry. Many USGBC members donated their products and services to the space, contributing to its prestigious Platinum designation. A “Thank You” wall, hanging prominently in USGBC’s lobby, lists all of the sponsors and their generous assistance.

Location, Location, Location

USGBC chose the DuPont Circle location because of its many LEED-friendly features. The office is located in an existing building that achieved a LEED-Gold rating. Renovating an existing office space preserved natural resources by avoiding new construction, and USGBC was able to divert 93 percent of construction waste from landfills.

The headquarters, literally just steps away from the D.C. Metro transit line, lets USGBC’s employees take full advantage of the surrounding city infrastructure. The building is near a variety of public transportation options, as well as dedicated bike trails, which makes it easy to commute without a car. In addition, the building is surrounded by restaurants, local businesses and services, making it a convenient and fun location for USGBC’s employees.

The LEED-Gold building housing USGBC’s office boasts its own fitness center with adjacent shower rooms, perfect for freshening up post-workout and for commuters who bike and jog to work. The office building also features a green roof, which lowers building temperatures, controls storm-water runoff, and enhances air quality—not to mention providing a beautiful retreat for the building’s occupants.

Investment for the Future

While USGBC employees benefit from their new work environment on a daily basis, the organization’s investment in green will pay huge dividends over the long term. Buildings consume a massive amount of energy, electricity and water, and contribute 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions — gases that are largely responsible for global climate change. Every day, while USGBC’s employees work to advance green building, they know that the very space in which they work is helping them create a healthy and sustainable future.