366,600 s/f FM Global headquarters earns LEED Gold certification

The new FM Global headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is a nationally recognized green building standard that awards building projects for sustainable design and performance. FM Global completed the four-story, 366,600 s/f building in September. Designed by Vision 3 Architects and built by Dimeo Construction Co., the headquarters includes glass windows for natural lighting, energy-efficient ventilation systems and low-flow water fixtures. The building was also constructed on just 27 acres of the 93-acre site and built a parking garage to limit paved parking areas. FM Global said 21% of the building material for the $154 million headquarters came from within 500 miles to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust pollution. Additionally, 36% of all material was made from recycled content, 70% of wood came from sustainable forests, and 79% of all construction-related debris was recycled. Reprinted in part from the Providence Business News, May 21, 2010.