Dec 4 2009
The ACE Group has announced that their building has received the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The building, located at 436, Walnut Street, Philadelphia, is the only LEED-certified building, which is a 350,000sq.ft structure and accommodates 900 employees. The building serves as ACE Group’s North American regional headquarters.
According to Brian Dowd, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ACE Limited, Insurance-North America, they have promised to reduce global carbon footprint and their building in Philadelphia reflects their promise. He also added that by implementing steps to earn the certification in one of their biggest facility has become a major achievement in their environmental mission.
LEED certified buildings help to save money for businesses, families and taxpayers. It also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a healthier environment for employees, residents and the community. The ACE Group has received the LEED-EB certification for usage of lighting, water and material use, energy and other strategies.
The certification recognized the following criteria at ACE Group building in Philadelphia. By securing an Energy Star score of 74, the building utilizes 20% less energy than other buildings of equal size in Philadelphia region. Installation of energy efficient boilers can also help the company to reduce its energy consumption with the implementation of other energy reducing projects. The company has purchased Energy Star certified electronic products, namely, printers, computers, televisions, and cell phones. All waste that leaves the building is recycled up to 57% by weight. ACE employees commute to the office by using alternative transportation, namely, bus, rail, walking and bicycling. The ACE Group provides risk management services and insurance products to help customers to tackle environmental and climate-related challenges.
The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps both operators and building owners to measure improvements and maintenance on a consistent basis, and operations also. This will help them to increase the operational efficiency and decrease the impact on the environment.
Source: http://www.acelimited.com/