The Allsteel/Gunlocke Resource Center at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, has earned gold certification in LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI). The 13,959-square-foot space was designed by HOK in 2008 and represents the fifth LEED certified showroom housing the two sibling companies.
“Allsteel is steadfast in its commitment to create sustainable furnishings and sustainable workplaces, and the LEED certification underscores our dedication. We take great pride in leading by example,” said Keri Luly, Allsteel’s Manager of Sustainability Programs.
“Gunlocke supports the green building industry through our membership with the USGBC as well as through our LEED compliant product offerings. The Chicago Resource Center presented us with another opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the green building industry by achieving a gold certification under the LEED-CI rating system,” said Roy Green, Gunlocke’s Director of Stewardship / Sustainability.
HOK, the award-winning international architectural firm, re-designed the Allsteel/Gunlocke showroom to reflect the distinct personalities of both brands, while ingeniously using local resources, energy efficient lighting and recycled materials. To accomplish the LEED-CI gold certification, numerous innovative solutions were applied including the use of flooring made from large-scale recycled aluminum tiles and reclaimed wood beams from an Indiana barn. Ninety-five percent of the construction waste created during the re-design of the showroom was diverted from landfills by reuse or recycling efforts. In addition, low-emitting woods, paint, adhesive and carpeting were used to reduce toxic VOC transmissions, and ventilation systems were enhanced to improve air circulation.
The Chicago showroom also was awarded four “innovation in design credits,” which are given for “exceptional” or “innovative” performance not specifically required by LEED. Those credits were for:
§ Exemplary performance in Energy, for the purchase of renewable energy credits that offset 100 percent of the showroom’s electricity use for two years.
§ Exemplary performance in Materials and Resources, for having 59 percent of its materials from regional manufacturers.
§ Exemplary performance in Sustainable Sites, for access to public transportation.
§ Education and outreach
§ LEED AP on project team