by Jbs012609 b3 — January 28, 2009—The National Audubon Society has earned the highest level of environmental certification from the US Green Building Council, LEED Platinum, for its new eco-friendly headquarters in New York City.
The 27,500-square-foot rental space at 225 Varick Street, in a former printing building around a century old, received the highest point total of any commercial interior in the world evaluated for certification by the USGBC.
Audubon reports its redesign of the space was completed for only 10 percent above the cost of less environmentally friendly modifications. The green improvements will reportedly pay for themselves in 10-15 years, depending on energy costs.
Audubon’s LEED Platinum achievement in New York reflects an exceptional array of sustainable features, among them:
- Energy-efficient systems such as low-flow and automatic fixtures and Energy Star appliances;
- Under-floor air distribution system;
- Sophisticated sensors and controls, using indirect lighting fixtures, low wattage bulbs, and a daylight harvesting system that automatically dims lights to adjust to the level of daylight;
- Daylight penetration for the entire floor, utilizing the existing windows that are more than 8 feet tall in banks 15 feet wide;
- Use of recycled and locally produced materials: steel, drywall, carpet, and acoustic ceiling tiles were selected for their high level of recycled content; wherever possible, materials manufactured within a 500 mile radius were selected; most wood used on the project is either salvaged (such as recycled barn siding) or certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to support sustainable growing practices; rapidly renewable resources such as cork and bamboo were favored for cabinets and limited floor tiles; and furniture was chosen for sustainability in manufacturing;
- A Construction Waste Management Plan diverted more than 75% of construction debris away from landfills;
- High indoor environmental quality: IAQ was boosted through the use of low emission paints, glues, adhesives, sealants, carpets, composite woods, and furniture systems; and a green cleaning program ensures that only environmentally safe cleaning solutions will be used in the space; and
- Alternative transportation: the office is within a few yards of major subway and bus lines.
For more information on the headquarters or to view an informative video on the renovation and certification process, visit the Audubon Web site.
