We’re pleased to announce that our new corporate headquarters received LEED Silver certification for Interior Design and Construction (ID + C).
Our new office, located in the historic Sibley Square in downtown Rochester, marks an exciting chapter. Having been part of downtown throughout our 55+ year history, we are committed to the city’s downtown revitalization and sustainability. We chose the location for its historic significance and central location in the city.
Built in 1906, the Sibley building was once home to the largest department store between New York City and Chicago. It was a significant part of Rochester’s history and is an important part of its future. The 1.1-million square-foot Sibley Square is being revitalized as a vibrant, mixed-use complex with an array of businesses, art galleries, retail shops, restaurants, and mixed-income housing.
We sought to design a place for work, inspiration, and growth. To reflect our values and commitment to sustainability, we pursued LEED certification. The US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System is the most widely used green building standard in the world and provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.
Our new headquarters, a one-floor, 31,000 square-foot modern and flexible office, received LEED Silver certification by earning 53 points under LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C). Highlights of our certification include:
- The Sibley Square site afforded us a highly walkable, public transit-friendly location with many amenities.
- Energy-efficient systems reduced our demand, and the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits offset 50% of our carbon footprint
- Our material selections prioritized human health and the environment
- Over 60% of the project’s construction waste was diverted from a landfill
- Our commitment to well-being included implementing a construction indoor air quality management plan with air-quality testing prior to employee occupancy
- SWBR’s Just label demonstrated “Social Equity in the Project Team”
- We have tenant-level water and energy meters to monitor our footprint
- Our extended lease agreement with Winn at Sibley Square underscore our long-term commitment to downtown Rochester.
The design and sustainability teams’ commitment and diligence resulted in exceeding the initial certification points goal. With this certification, our portfolio of LEED-certified projects is nearly 2.5 million square feet.