Lendlease Chicago Office Awarded Several Green Certifications
The company’s new location landed LEED Silver certification under USGBC’s LEED v4, and became the first 3 Star Fitwel-certified building in the city.
By Anca Gagiuc
Lendlease relocated its Chicago office to 30 South Wacker St. The new space is the first to receive a 3 Star Fitwel rating in Chicago and the first commercial interior space to receive the highest rating under the certification system in Illinois.
The configuration for the new office space revolves around the idea of team-based working, innovation and productivity, and is based on an in-depth analysis of employee needs and space utilization. In addition, the Lendlease Chicago office also achieved LEED Silver under USGBC’s LEED v4.
Among the key sustainability strategies implemented are: the minimization of energy use by balancing light output from LED fixtures and natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows; new water fixtures, which contribute to overall indoor potable water savings by 40 percent; workstations with increased flexibility and sit-stand desks; individual retreat space; an internal staircase that connects the two floors to further facilitate collaboration, connectedness and dynamism; healthy nutritional options at the office’s social hub.
The Fitwel system
The building rating system applies to both commercial interiors and multi-tenants and single-tenant existing buildings and provides guidelines on how to design and operate healthier properties.
“By receiving a Fitwel 3 Star Rating for its Chicago office, Lendlease has proven that it is a pioneer in leveraging buildings to support health,” Joanna Frank, president & CEO, the Center for Active Design, said in prepared remarks. “Fitwel has challenged the real estate industry to transform the way it designs and manages workplaces, and Lendlease’s leadership serves as a prime example of just how much companies can do to move the needle on health promotion.”
“Our employees have told us overwhelmingly that they prefer the new workplace to the old one. They enjoy the natural light, they like the flexibility and convenience of the new technology, and most importantly they just feel healthier and more at ease here,” added Bert Brandt, general manager of Lendlease’s Chicago construction business.
Images courtesy of Lendlease
