LEED® certification reinforces AOC’s green leadership
March, 2012 : Collierville, TN
AOC LLC has earned LEED® Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the design, construction and operation of its World Headquarters in Collierville, TN.
LEED certification is an internationally recognized standard for green building. Factors such as site sustainability, water and energy efficiency, materials, waste management, indoor environmental quality and design innovation earn points for a LEED candidate during evaluation.
AOC’s LEED Silver qualifications include:
- A geothermal HVAC system
- Building materials with recycled or renewable content
- Regionally produced construction materials & certified wood
- Pollution prevention during construction
- Low-emitting sealants, paints & construction materials
- A reflective roof which eliminates heat buildup
- Maximum use of ambient lighting
- Increased ventilation & outdoor air deliver monitoring
- Light pollution reduction
- Recycling facilities
- Water-saving systems
- Incentives for employees to use low-emitting vehicles and bicycles
As a result of these forward-thinking building tactics, the company’s new headquarters conserves 30% more energy and water than similar non-LEED buildings, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste, and requires lower operating costs.
The company also made a point of using customer-produced and other composite materials to enhance the building’s décor. Customer-produced products include HanStone solid surface counter tops throughout the facility, Strongwell FRP railing and Kohler composite showers and plumbing fixtures. The core stairs and second floor safety rail were produced by 3form with co-polyester recycled content product. Other composite materials incorporated in the building include epoxy terrazzo tile in the main lobby and restroom stall divider panels and doors.
“AOC’s LEED Silver Certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, USBGC President, CEO and founding chair. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further. AOC serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”
AOC Chairman and CEO, Randy Weghorst said, “From inception, we wanted our World Headquarters to reflect our continuous commitment to the environment. Sustainability is a critical corporate objective and is reflected in our headquarters, products and manufacturing facilities. And to help customers meet sustainability goals, we continue to grow our EcoTek® product line of bio-renewable content, recycled content, and/or styrene-free materials.”
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification was verified by the Green Building Verification Institute, a third-party organization that provides independent oversight of green building programs in the U.S.
About AOC
AOC is a major global supplier of resins, gel coats, colorants and synergistic systems for composites and cast polymers. AOC knows technology, lives quality and delivers service better than any other supplier. With EcoTek® technologies, AOC is leading the development of green materials for producing composites that are friendlier to the environment. Sustainability is at the core of AOC’s culture through green ideas and actions in product technology, manufacturing, facility design, operations and corporate attitude. To discover more contact Leslie Beck, Global Marketing Director at 901-854-2318 or email, LBeck@AOC-resins.com
About USGBC
Based in Washington D.C., the U.S. Green Building Council is America’s leading authority on green building design, construction and operation. USGBC estimates that greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy and that a national commitment to green building can generate 2.5 million American jobs. The organization’s LEED certification program recognizes commercial, institutional and residential buildings that save money, reduce harmful emissions, and contribute to a healthier environment.