Nonprofit Services Organization

Business Activity: Nonprofit, Social Programs
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Project: LEED Consulting and Commissioning for LEED

A community advocacy organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities wanted to ensure that their new headquarters was both sustainable and accessible to those in need of their services. Sieben Energy Associates (SEA) was the project’s LEED consultant. SEA worked closely with the architects and general contractors to ensure that the 47,000-square-foot building was designed in a way that would meet LEED credit requirements, maximize energy efficiency, and accomplish the client’s environmental and humanitarian goals.

As LEED consultant, SEA reviewed the project specifications to identify which LEED credits could be earned, while also ensuring that building systems would be as energy efficient and cost-effective as possible. For example, SEA recommended an advanced fluorescent lighting system, the use of optimal-grade insulation, a green roof to reduce cooling costs, and superior air-handling-unit controls to maintain occupant comfort. Compared to the average new building that adheres to the Chicago Energy Code, the lighting system in the headquarters realizes energy savings of 43% annually. Measures such as these helped the building achieve LEED certification and created an accessible, sustainable, and comfortable space for the client.

As part of the LEED Certification process, SEA prepared a comprehensive energy model to benchmark and track energy usage and costs. Additionally, SEA provided commissioning services, confirming that the building’s mechanical equipment had been installed and was operating according to design specifications. SEA recommended practical, straightforward, and cost-effective solutions for systems that were not functioning optimally. The building uses about 30% less energy than other new Chicago-area buildings of comparable size and demonstrates how a building can minimize both its environmental impact and its energy expenditures.

With the expertise of Sieben Energy Associates, the design and construction of the organization’s headquarters surpassed expectations. Originally slated for LEED Silver Certification, the project accrued sufficient credits to achieve LEED Gold Certification. The building also earned a special award from the American Institute of Architects for its sustainable design. True to the client’s mission and goals, their new headquarters is a striking model of universal accessibility and green building design.