Haworth Inc. announced it has started the Gold rating process for a United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction (LEED-NC) certification for the corporate headquarter renovation. The 300,000 square foot project is believed to be the one of largest office building LEED applications in Michigan.
To read about another high profile sustainable design story, see “Just Build It” from the TFM archives.
“Sustainability is a cornerstone to our planning just as it is to our products,” said Franco Bianchi, Haworth president and CEO. “This renovation represents our commitment to sustainability and to helping our customers achieve their goals for the environment and LEED.”
The Haworth headquarter renovation project will completely remake the 1,000-foot-long facade of the existing headquarters building, add a sun-filled atrium and will include a section of roofline that gently angles down to blend with the surrounding environment.
This announcement caps off an extremely successful year for Haworth’s sustainability endeavors. Recent sustainable accomplishments include:
• Recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WasteWise award program for significant waste reduction and recycling achievements with an honorable mention in the Green Buildings Gold Achievement category.
• Earning the first McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry Gold Cradle to CradleTM Product Certification for the Zody chair. This certification means that the chair is made with sustainable materials, components and systems, including appropriate energy usage, water usage and socially responsible corporate practices. Zody’s sustainable design includes using 100% Green-e wind-power credits to manufacture the chair, being up to 51% recycled content and having up to 98% recyclable materials, as well as being PVC-free, chrome-free and CFC-free.
In 2006, Haworth will continue sustainable evolution with renovation projects and by participating in a feasibility study for wind power generation at industrial sites. This Holland (Michigan) Board of Public Works study will evaluate the viability of wind turbines for generating electric power and have chosen Haworth’s Holland corporate headquarters as a test site. The company will also continue to seek LEED certifications for regional showroom renovation projects.
