Published 01-06-09
Submitted by National Audubon Society
NEW YORK, NY. - January 6, 2009 - Continuing its role as a pioneer in sustainable workplaces, the National Audubon Society has earned the competitive LEED(R) Platinum Certification for its new eco-friendly headquarters in New York City. The 27,500 square foot rental space at 225 Varick Street received the highest point total of any commercial interior in the world evaluated for certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Audubon's redesign of the space was completed for only 10 percent above the cost of less environmentally friendly modifications. Its green improvements will pay for themselves in 10-15 years, depending on energy costs.
"Audubon is again helping to raise the bar for environmentally-friendly office environments in New York City and beyond", said Audubon President John Flicker. "Our new home office demonstrates Audubon's commitment to providing employees with a cost-effective, productive and comfortable workplace that fits our environmental values and also allows us to concentrate financial resources on our conservation mission. Most importantly, what we've done here is a model of cost-effective sustainability that can be replicated by others."
"Audubon's LEED Platinum certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. USGBC manages the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program, which includes four levels of certification: LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and, the highest, LEED Platinum.
The Audubon headquarters also received an Award of Merit from New York Construction Magazine as one of the Best Green Projects of 2008.
Audubon has a history of environmentally sustainable design, having renovated the first green building in New York City in 1992, before the USGBC established LEED criteria. Green building practices have also been employed at many of the venerable non-profit's facilities across the nation, including several LEED certified Audubon Nature Centers.
Audubon's LEED Platinum achievement in New York reflects an exceptional array of sustainable features, among them:
Interior design and architectural services were provided by FXFOWLE Architects, who designed The New York Times Building in association with Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Engineering services were provided by Flack & Kurtz; sustainability consulting services were provided by YRG Consulting; owners rep services by Bovis Lend Lease. The general contractor was Citadel Construction. Furniture was manufactured by Herman Miller.
To see a video with before and after images: http://web1.audubon.org/video/player_leeds.html
More info at www.audubon.org/nas/nat_office.html
Please contact us to organize a tour of the office space.
Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world. www.audubon.org
Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world.
More from National Audubon Society