The U.S. Green Building Council Practices What It Preaches With New Headquarters - And Energy Efficient Restrooms
There's no doubt about it: "green" is red hot. Environmental concerns and regulations are driving more and more companies to rethink the concept of "business as usual" and as sustainable building continues to rapidly increase in popularity, building owners around the country turn to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the certification needed to obtain or improve the environmental ratings of their facilities. The present demand for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for building projects is so high that the USGBC has expanded significantly in recent years to accommodate their clients. As a result, they quickly outgrew their former offices - and decided to build new headquarters that would embody the founding principles of the organization.
"We knew that this was an opportunity to show our clients what a green building can look like," said Ashley Katz, Communications Coordinator at the USGBC, who moved into the USGBC's new headquarters, located in Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C., in November 2006. "People sometimes assume that a green building won't have the right aesthetics for their organization, but there are a lot of possibilities to explore. These days, green design is very accessible."
The building itself is LEED Gold rated, and the 22,000 square foot commercial interior earns the coveted Platinum - the highest rating possible. The headquarters was designed by LEED-accredited architects at Perkins+Will and contracted by the James G. Davis Construction Corporation, and boasts 21% recycled materials in its construction. USGBC members also contributed products and services to the project - everything from recycled timbers to cork flooring to lighting controls.
One of the contributors was the family-owned, East Longmeadow, MA-based company Excel Dryer Inc., who donated their new high speed, energy efficient XLERATOR® hand dryers. Just as the USGBC has shed a new light on green building and design, the XLERATOR has helped to change the way people think about hand dryers. Because of its new patented technology, the XLERATOR works three times faster than conventional dryers while using 80% less energy. Excel Dryer is a USGBC member and proud of the fact that the XLERATOR hand dryer helps facilities qualify for LEED credits, including EA (Earth and Atmosphere) Credit 1 - Optimizing Energy Performance, which is now a mandatory credit for all LEED certifications.
"Most people associate hand dryers with frustration and poor performance, often walking away unsatisfied and with hands that are still not thoroughly dry," said Denis Gagnon, President of Excel Dryer. "The XLERATOR has raised users' expectations and is now considered the 'new industry standard' for hand dryers. We're pleased to be a member of the USGBC and join them in proving that green design can be effective and economical, as well as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly."
"The XLERATOR, with its new patented technology, was a natural choice for us," said Katz. "We wanted dryers that would limit paper towel use and minimize energy consumption, but we also wanted them to work quickly and thoroughly. Not many hand dryers can make that claim."
Each of the USGBC's restrooms includes an XLERATOR as well as water-free urinals, dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets, resulting in a 40% reduction in water use. "Green design is all about the details - cutting back on waste and resource use wherever possible," said Katz. "Our new headquarters reflect that, from the lobby to the conference rooms to the restrooms. We're excited to show our clients the best of green building in action."
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's leading nonprofit of corporations, builders, universities, and government agencies working together to transform the built environment through green building practices. The Council developed the LEED Green Building Rating System(TM) and hosts Greenbuild, the industry's largest annual green building conference and expo. Founded in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 10,000 member companies and organizations, and a network of over 70 local chapters, affiliates and organizing groups. For more information about the USGBC, visit www.usgbc.org or call 800-795-1747.
About Excel Dryer, Inc.
Excel Dryer, Inc. manufactures the industry's finest quality hand dryers and hair dryers, including the 'new industry standard' XLERATOR hand dryer. For more than 43 years, Excel's full line of American-made products has provided cost-effective hand dryers and hair dryers for schools, hospitals, airports, service stations, correctional facilities, restaurants, stadiums, movie theaters, health clubs, office buildings, factories, hotels and many other commercial facilities. For more information about the XLERATOR, visit www.exceldryer.com or call 413-525-4531.
