In 1995, the Chicago Department of Environment (CDOE) faced a formidable task. CDOE began clean-up of over 17 acres and 600,000 tons of concrete and construction debris dumped illegally by Sacramento Crushing, a company that was permitted to collect and recycle construction and demolition material but that had far exceeded the parameters of its permit.
The CDOE successfully fought Sacramento Crushing in court and not only closed down their operation but also became the owner of the site itself. By 1999, CDOE was the proud owner of a clean, uncontaminated site with a vacant building. Rather than simply renovating the structure using traditional building methods, they seized the opportunity to design and develop an environmentally sustainable building, using some of the most sophisticated green technology available. The CDOE enlisted the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment and redesigned the building and property using LEED guidelines, as established by the USGBC.
Green from the ground up
The building, originally erected in 1952, now showcases over 40,000-sf of state-of-the-art environmental features including solar panels, rainwater collection for irrigation, recycled materials, smart lighting, a geothermal exchange system, and a green roof. It is the nation’s first rehabilitated municipal building to receive LEED Platinum rating from the USGBC.
The Center is home to a number of companies that focus on environmental and sustainable design. It also acts as a community resource and CDOE satellite office, offering a range of educational classes for professionals and homeowners and a testament that green technology is cost-effective and good for the environment.
Green never looked so good
Two years after opening, the Chicago Center for Green Technology installed high-speed XLERATOR hand dryers.
"With over 30,000 visitors per year, we were using an awful lot of paper towels," said Sarah Moloney, project coordinator for the City of Chicago.
Unlike conventional hand dryers, which average 30 to 45 seconds of drying time, XLERATOR dries hands three times faster--completely in 10-15 seconds--and uses 80% less energy than conventional hand dryers. The hand dryer represents a 95% cost savings when compared to paper towels, reduces the need for maintenance, and improved restroom hygiene. It is also the only hand dryer that is Made in USA Certified, the first hand dryer to be GreenSpec Listed and helps facilities qualify for LEED credits.
In 2009, XLERATOR hand dryers with custom graphic covers were installed. These dryers include an educational “Good for the Environment” message for guests to read while drying their hands. In addition to offering superior functionality, the hand dryers’ sleek stainless steel covers compliment the facility’s modern design.
To meet the aesthetic needs of architects and designers, Excel Dryer Inc., manufacturer of XLERATOR, offers customers a wide range of finishes including traditional white, brushed stainless steel, vandalism-resistant bulk molded compound, fingerprint-resistant textured graphite, and other metallic finishes. +
Related Stories
Building Team | Apr 4, 2017
Dispelling five myths about post-occupancy evaluations
Many assume that post-occupancy (POE) is a clearly-defined term and concept, but the meaning of POE in practice remains wildly inconsistent.
Structural Materials | Apr 3, 2017
Best of structural steel construction: 4WTC, Fulton Center, Pterodactyl win AISC IDEAS2 Awards
The annual awards program, sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction, honors the best in structural steel design and construction.
Green | Mar 29, 2017
Copenhagen Zoo and BIG unveil yin yang-shaped panda habitat
The new habitat will sit between two existing buildings, including the Elephant House designed by Norman Foster.
Architects | Mar 28, 2017
A restroom for everyone
Restroom access affects everyone: people with medical needs or disabilities, caretakers, transgender people, parents with children of the opposite gender, and really anyone with issues or needs around privacy.
High-rise Construction | Mar 27, 2017
Density and tall buildings
CRTKL’s Maren Striker examines Europe’s desire to build upward.
Architects | Mar 9, 2017
Watch Frank Lloyd Wright and Buckminster Fuller discuss architecture in animated video shorts
Given more time, Wright wanted to rebuild the country and change the nation.
Architects | Mar 6, 2017
Demolished Frank Lloyd Wright buildings get new life with photorealistic renderings
Architect David Romero recreated the Larkin Administration Building and the Rose Pauson House with detailed, fully colored renderings.
Building Team | Mar 6, 2017
AEC firms: Your website is one of the most important things you'll build
Don’t believe it? You’d better take a look at the research.
Architects | Mar 3, 2017
Hoffmann Architects’ Leadership Elected President of Three Industry Organizations
Maureen Dobbins, Lawrence Keenan, and Arthur Sanders to lead chapters of BOMA, AIA, and ICRI.
