Astellas Pharma US Inc. announced that its new headquarters for the Americas, located at the northwest corner of I-294 and Willow Road in Northbrook, Ill., has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
"It is an extremely proud day for Astellas in achieving LEED Gold certification at our new headquarters for the Americas, which we've worked toward since we broke ground in 2010. This honor further demonstrates our commitment to the environment, the local community, and as an employer of choice to our employees," said Collette Taylor, Senior Vice President - Human Resources & Corporate Administration of Astellas and headquarters project manager. "With energy costs and carbon emissions on the rise, we're thrilled that we invested in green building at our new facility in Northbrook, Ill. "
The Northbrook complex obtained LEED Gold certification for its environmentally-conscious construction, including:
- Hybrid geothermal field, which uses the earth as a heat source in the winter or heat sink in the summer, to reduce energy costs more than 20 percent;
- Use of more than 77 percent of wood from managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council;
- Use of 35 percent recycled materials, use of 45 percent locally-manufactured materials, and the recycling of more than 85 percent of waste during construction;
- Improved indoor air quality with building flush-out using outdoor air to remove the majority of pollutant emissions;
- Use of high-efficiency heat and air conditioning equipment and plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption;
- More than 70 percent of the facility's parking under cover to reduce heat island; and
- Landscape irrigation from retained stormwater.
Astellas partnered with MB Real Estate to manage the development of the buildings and site with GlenStar Properties LLC. MB Real Estate contracted the services of HJKessler Associates, a green building and LEED consultant, and worked closely with the USGBC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure proper implementation of sustainable building design and practices. The new headquarters was designed by Goettsch Partners (architect of record) and SmithGroupJJR (interior architect), and was built by Power Construction.
Opened in June 2012, the complex accommodates more than 1,000 employees, with ample space to build a future third building to accommodate the company 's projected growth. The complex includes two six-story buildings totaling 425,000 sf and cost approximately $150 million to build. +
Related Stories
Sponsored | Shopping Centers | Feb 26, 2015
A color-changing gateway for Altara Center
Valspar works with developers to complete a multicolored shopping center façade in Honduras.
Office Buildings | Feb 23, 2015
The importance of quiet and the consequences of distraction
Recent work style studies show that the average knowledge worker spends 25-35% of their time doing heads-down focused work. Once thrown off track, it can take some 23 minutes for a worker to return to the original task.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2015
USGBC concerned about developers using LEED registration in marketing
LEED administrators are concerned about a small group of developers or project owners who tout their projects as “LEED pre-certified” and then fail to follow through with certification.
Office Buildings | Feb 18, 2015
Commercial real estate developers optimistic, but concerned about taxes, jobs outlook
The outlook for the commercial real estate industry remains strong despite growing concerns over sluggish job creation and higher taxes, according to a new survey of commercial real estate professionals by NAIOP.
Office Buildings | Feb 18, 2015
Why the mobile workplace isn't always mobile
Perkins+Will’s Janice Barnes addresses the nuance in mobility types and explains the importance of defining terms upfront.
High-rise Construction | Feb 17, 2015
Work begins on Bjarke Ingels' pixelated tower in Calgary
Construction on Calgary’s newest skyscraper, the 66-story Telus Sky Tower, recently broke ground.
Mixed-Use | Feb 13, 2015
First Look: Sacramento Planning Commission approves mixed-use tower by the new Kings arena
The project, named Downtown Plaza Tower, will have 16 stories and will include a public lobby, retail and office space, 250 hotel rooms, and residences at the top of the tower.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Office Buildings | Feb 12, 2015
Is Houston headed for an office glut?
More than 13 million sf could be completed this year, adding to this metro’s double-digit vacancy woes.
Architects | Feb 11, 2015
Shortlist for 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award announced
Copenhagen, Berlin, and Rotterdam are the cities where most of the shortlisted works have been built.