DUBLIN, Ohio The new IGS Energy headquarters in Dublin recently received the highest award for being environmentally friendly.
The building received the LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, 10TV's AJ Smith reported Wednesday.
The energy company focused on energy efficiency by using natural light, open floor plans and energy-saving computers and building materials.
"The insulation value of the windows and the roof and the walls, they keep the cold out in the wintertime and the heat out in the summertime," said Scott White, IGS Energy president.
The computers the company uses do not create excess heat so the air conditioning does not need to run as high, Smith reported.
White said the lights are programmed to recognize the natural light and it will dim automatically.
The company spent nearly 15 percent more to make the Dublin office green. White said the building uses about half as much energy of a typical building each month.
The monthly utility savings will cover the additional cost to build in about seven to ten years.
LEED Platinum certification is the U.S. Green Building Council's highest award for energy and environmental stewardship. This designation highlights IGS Energy's commitment to the future of responsible and sustainable energy use.
The headquarters building, located at 6100 Emerald Parkway in Dublin, Ohio, was built to meet strict criteria in six areas of sustainability, as set by the U.S. Green Building Council. At 104,500 square feet, it is the largest LEED NC Platinum office building project in the state and one of only four LEED NC Platinum-certified projects listed by the USGBC in Ohio. IGS Energy earned 52 credits to achieve this prestigious award, including 10 out of 10 for energy efficiency.
IGS Energy is a recognized energy products leader, advocating for changes to improve the industry and the way consumers use energy resources. It's because of this that IGS Energy decided to construct a building and site that meets the highest standards according to Scott White, President of IGS Energy.
"As an energy company we wanted to focus on making responsible energy choices," White said. "We were able to design our headquarters to consume about half the energy of a comparable facility which was a great opportunity to demonstrate just how much impact the user can have in managing their energy consumption. We hope this will encourage others to become more engaged energy consumers."
The project team strove to ensure that all possible energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly measures were utilized throughout the building's design and construction, which began in October 2008. From state-of-the-art glass to sensor controlled lighting to a highly efficient HVAC system, IGS sought to minimize energy usage. IGS Energy also took advantage of renewable energy sources including solar photo-voltaic panels on the roof that reduce the electric utility cost for the building by 7.5 percent, and a geothermal heating and cooling system that creates a comfortable, year-round thermal environment.
All building materials were specified and documented in accordance with LEED requirements such as recycled content, location of origin, air quality restrictions and removal of construction materials through recycling channels.
The project effort began more than three years ago when IGS Energy assembled an experienced design, consulting and construction team to fulfill the company's vision for the new headquarters. The design team included Bird Houk as lead architect, Prater Engineering as mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers, EMH&T as civil engineers and Jezerinac Geers as structural engineers.
Consultants to IGS Energy included Joslin Consulting, LEED consultant; Joe Ventressca, energy consultant; Jeff Persons, geothermal consultant; and Don McCarthy, owner's representative. Messer Construction served as construction manager/general contractor. Third-Sun Solar installed the solar photo-voltaic system. Additionally, IGS received support and guidance from the City of Dublin throughout the project lifecycle.
"The City of Dublin is proud and fortunate to witness IGS Energy grow from the original three founders to the energy industry leader it has become today," said Dublin Deputy City Manager and Director of Economic Development Dana McDaniel. "IGS Energy continues to grow in its role as a leader, not only to the industry at large, but also to our region's residents, by constructing this forward-thinking facility that is achieving the LEED Platinum standard. The City of Dublin is pleased that its Green Incentive of $75,000 in some way contributed to this significant achievement."
IGS moved into its new building in July 2010.
About IGS Energy
Founded in 1989, IGS Energy is the largest residential retail supplier of natural gas in the United States. The company serves more than 850,000 residential and commercial and industrial customers across the Midwest and Northeast. IGS is known for its energy expertise and its simple, clear customer solutions and are continuously seeking ways to deliver energy more efficiently. For more information, visit www.igsenergy.com.
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