It’s a pleasure to finally begin writing here at Green Options! This time around, I’d like to focus on green building ambitions in the corporate world. I’ve been hearing a lot about Wal-Mart, Intel, etc. But have you heard about what Leviton just did with their headquarters?
With Leviton’s move last month from Little Neck to Long Island, NY, the leading electrical and wiring manufacturer has become yet another example of the positive corporate push toward sustainability. At the NAED National Electrical Leadership Summit in May, Leviton CEO Donald Hendler expounded on all of the incredible features in their new building:
- Use of various Leviton-brand lighting controls, especially dimmers and designer switches.
- Energy-star rated appliances make up 90% of all equipment, appliances, and fixtures.
- Efficient toilet systems and sinks with low-flow fixtures.
- Low-emission building materials (carpets, paints, etc.).
- Substantial use of recycled and/or recyclable materials – 70% altogether.
I’m also intrigued by Leviton’s idea of assigned parking spaces for hybrid cars – which, assuming that these are closer to the building than others, sounds like a fantastic encouragement to get more employees jumping on the efficiency bandwagon.
When everything was said and done, Leviton found that all of these alterations to make the building eco-friendly – though obviously numerous – only resulted in an extra premium cost of 3 to 5%.
So to my readers: What are your thoughts on Leviton’s latest construction? Have you been seeing any other unlikely corporate entities taking the green plunge? And, finally, do you see any meaningful benefit in all this? Is it all just for show, or do you think the industry is finally starting to take their responsibility seriously?
Something is different? Sounds like what anyone would do.
Something is different? Sounds like what anyone would do.
Russ,
I think the biggest significance here is that a corporate entity is finally leading by example. And while these are smart things to implement in a construction, actually, it’s not quite the norm.
In 2006, for example, Energy Star-labeled housing only made up 12% of the U.S. marketplace (http://www.energystar.gov/ia/news/downloads/annual_report_2006.pdf). With such a regrettable housing situation recently, I don’t think spending extra on sustainability has been a priority yet either.
Maybe someone can provide figures?
Russ,
I think the biggest significance here is that a corporate entity is finally leading by example. And while these are smart things to implement in a construction, actually, it’s not quite the norm.
In 2006, for example, Energy Star-labeled housing only made up 12% of the U.S. marketplace (http://www.energystar.gov/ia/news/downloads/annual_report_2006.pdf). With such a regrettable housing situation recently, I don’t think spending extra on sustainability has been a priority yet either.
Maybe someone can provide figures?
check out the Genzyme Center in MA, a hallmark of environmentally friendly design in a corporate structure.
http://www.genzymecenter.com/?source=genzyme.com
check out the Genzyme Center in MA, a hallmark of environmentally friendly design in a corporate structure.
http://www.genzymecenter.com/?source=genzyme.com