HNI Building Receives LEED Silver Certification
(December 3, 2007) Ryan Companies US, Inc., along with design partners OPN Architects and Gensler, announced today that a project they jointly worked on for the Muscatine-based HNI Corporation has received a silver LEED® rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. A LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating is an indication of commitment to environmentally responsible, healthy and efficient development. The HNI building is the first in Iowa that is not part of a school system or campus to attain LEED certification; it joins a select list of six other LEED-certified projects to date in the state.
HNI Corporation’s headquarters, a 33,000-square-foot stucco and block structure, was built in 1929. When Ryan renovated the building, the development was designed to meet LEED standards in six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design. All LEED-certified projects must meet minimum prerequisites in erosion control, systems commissioning, energy performance, CFC management, indoor air quality, and tobacco smoke control.
“Early in the planning process HNI made the decision to make the LEED certification process a priority, not because it was trendy, but because it was the right thing to do,” said Glenn Stelzner, Corporate Facilities Manager for HNI. “The sustainable design not only honors how we work but who we are. HNI is committed to improving the environment and how it impacts our members, communities, and business partners.”
The project was awarded points for redeveloping an urban brownfield with landscaping that cuts water use and reduces heat island effect. Building amenities encourage public transportation use and bicycling, and accommodate alternative fuel vehicles. The design team made creative use of computerized modeling to achieve the maximum credit level for energy efficiency. Construction materials with recycled content were chosen, and waste from the renovation was also recycled. Air quality was monitored throughout construction, and materials without harmful chemicals were specified. Thermal comfort, natural light, and views to the outdoors enhance the work environment. The project also earned innovation credits for exceptional performance in reducing water use, maximizing natural green space, and utilizing “green housekeeping” post-construction janitorial services.
In order to develop an energy-saving building that would have minimal impact on the environment, Ryan worked with LEED-certified consultants to bolster its in-house sustainable construction knowledge. Marc Gullickson, President of Ryan Iowa, said, “Efforts like this are not successful unless you have a committed owner and talented design partners. We had that with HNI and our team.” Collaborators in addition to OPN and Gensler on the project included: KJWW Engineering and the Weidt Group.
Bradd Brown of OPN Architects, said of his firm’s involvement: “I am a huge advocate of the LEED process. The designers, engineers, contractors and owner representatives all shared a common goal of sustainability. It became a thread that tied the team together. For the result to achieve a LEED Silver rating is a tremendous reward and something we are very proud of.”
Green building practices have increased steadily in recent years, partly due to the fact that building operation contributes 38% of carbon dioxide emissions and uses 71% of electricity in the U.S. As of 2007, more than 6,000 buildings participate in the LEED system nationwide.
Analysis shows that building sustainably is economically, as well as environmentally smart. According to experts in the field, the cost premium that comes with LEED certification is often offset by decreased operating expenses due to reduced energy and water use. Additionally, that cost premium can be less than the perception: some Certified and Silver level buildings are being built without added upfront costs. This is possible through the efforts of a knowledgeable, integrated construction team.
About HNI
HNI Corporation, the second-largest office furniture manufacturer in the world, and the nation's leading manufacturer and marketer of gas- and wood-burning fireplaces.
About LEED
Developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based, nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders, the LEED rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being. The LEED rating system for new construction offers four certification levels for new construction — Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. See the U.S. Green Building Council web site for more information: www.usgbc.org.
About Ryan
Ryan Companies US, Inc. is a leading national commercial real estate firm offering integrated design-build and development as well as asset, property and facilities management services. For nearly 70 years, Ryan Companies has used a single-source approach that offers flexibility in defining the scope of a project and strength in providing effective, timely solutions resulting in a higher certainty of success. In addition to its Iowa offices, Ryan has offices in Minneapolis, Chicago, Phoenix, Tampa, and San Diego.