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
| Jan 16, 2012
Suffolk completes construction on progressive operating suite
5,700 square-foot operating suite to be test bed for next generation of imaged-guided operating techniques.
| Jan 15, 2012
Hollister Construction Services oversees interior office fit-out for Harding Loevner
The work includes constructing open space areas, new conference, trading and training rooms, along with multiple kitchenettes.
| Jan 15, 2012
Smith Consulting Architects designs Flower Hill Promenade expansion in Del Mar, Calif.
The $22 million expansion includes a 75,000-square-foot, two-story retail/office building and a 397-car parking structure, along with parking and circulation improvements and new landscaping throughout.
| Jan 15, 2012
535 Madison Avenue achieves LEED Gold certification
Class-A commercial building meets sustainability requirements of LEED Program.
| Jan 12, 2012
CSHQA receives AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Merit Award for Idaho State Capitol restoration
After a century of service, use, and countless modifications which eroded the historical character of the building and grounds, the restoration brought the 200,000-sf building back to its former grandeur by restoring historical elements, preserving existing materials, and rehabilitating spaces for contemporary uses.
| Jan 12, 2012
Stellar earns construction industry's most prestigious safety award
Now widely accepted as the construction industry's standard measure of safety performance, the STEP awards were established in 1989 to evaluate and improve safety practices and recognize outstanding safety efforts.
| Jan 12, 2012
Building independence: New take on female power
Memoir explores historic engineering project, women's empowerment era.
| Jan 12, 2012
3M takes part in Better Buildings Challenge
As a partner in the challenge, 3M has committed to reduce energy use by 25% in 78 of its plants, encompassing nearly 38 million-sf of building space.
| Jan 11, 2012
DOE announces guide for 50% more energy efficient retail buildings
The 50% AEDG series provides a practical approach for designers and builders of retail stores, and other major commercial building types, to achieve 50% energy savings compared to the building energy code used in many parts of the nation.
| Jan 11, 2012
Mortenson starts construction of Rim Rock Wind Project
Renewable energy contractor to build 189-megawatt wind project in Sunburst, Mont.