The new TVS Chicago office has received a Gold rating under the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) standard. The 17,700-square-foot space is located in the historic Rookery building in downtown Chicago. The sustainable concepts incorporated in the project have benefited the office occupants by creating an open atmosphere that is inviting and transparent, aids communication, and increases collaboration.
"At TVS, we strive to design innovative buildings and spaces, while promoting environmental health and responsibility," says Ingrida Martinkus, TVS sustainable design consultant. "Through the implementation of numerous sustainable design initiatives, the office space itself serves as an interactive teaching tool for TVS employees and clients, in environmentally responsible design."
To achieve LEED-CI certification, TVS implemented several sustainable design strategies into the project. For example, during construction more than 75 percent of the construction waste was diverted from entering a landfill. Other sustainable strategies for the space include:
- 100 percent of the electricity comes from renewable energy sources
- Office is located within close proximity of public transportation
- Water-efficient fixtures
- Storage and collection of recyclables
- All equipment and appliances are ENERGY STAR-rated
- All general workstations are located along building perimeter/atrium
- Energy-efficient lighting -- occupancy sensors and daylighting controls
- All systems furniture (i.e. workstations) and seating are Greenguard-certified
- Specifying materials with recycled content, manufactured regionally, low VOC
- Indoor air quality management plan
"TVS has been committed to the incorporation of 'green design' into all of our professional initiatives since the early 1990's. It is only natural, that we, as an employee owned company, would strive to attain the benefits of an environmentally friendly workplace for our own use at our office in the Rookery Building," says Neale Scotty, Managing Principal, TVS Chicago Office. "We are particularly pleased to confirm the USGBC's LEED-CI Gold designation can be acquired in a historically significant building."
LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) is the recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy, productive places to work; are less costly to operate and maintain; and have a reduced environmental footprint.
