Perkins Eastman's design of GE Energy Financial 280,000 s/f headquarters attains LEED Gold

Perkins Eastman said that the 280,000 s/f new headquarters of GE Energy Financial Services has attained LEED Gold status for Commercial Interiors. This is only the second project in Connecticut to attain LEED Gold-CI, and one of only 111 projects in the entire United States. The certification is in the spirit of GE's ecomagination program to address environmental challenges and in keeping with GE Energy Financial Services' renewable energy investing, which features a portfolio of more than $4 billion in renewable energy projects worldwide. Perkins Eastman's Stamford office teamed with Sustainable Design Collaborative (SDC) as LEED consultant to develop a strategy that included 100% use of green power from wind, 30% reduction in water usage, 20% use of recycled materials in the project's interior finishes, 20% use of materials manufactured within a 500-mile radius, "cradle-to-cradle" furniture, use of low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitting materials, and incorporation of alternative transportation, including provision for bicyclists. More than 75% of waste was diverted from landfills during construction. Innovative green design features include a series of branding walls that explore the company's history and educate visitors and staff. "The decision to go green dovetailed beautifully with GE Energy Financial Services' strategy to create an open and collaborative work environment, which affords natural light to all employees," said design principal Elisabeth Post-Marner AIA, LEED AP. According to Scott Dorn, manager of GE's corporate properties and services operation, "What makes the 800 Long Ridge Rd. project intriguing is that it challenges the myth that execution of a LEED Certified project negatively impacts the completion of an aggressive schedule. 800 Long Ridge Rd. was built with recycled materials and energy efficiency in mind. The building owner, Building and Land Technolgy completed the total renovation from initial design through construction in just nine months." Building and Land Technology president and CEO, Carl Kuehner, III, said of his company, ''We fully appreciate the critical importance of sustainability. Our 360,000 s/f office tower in Norwalk at 901 Main Ave. has recently been designated an ENERGY STAR rated building, with a score of 94." *