The first BASF building to earn LEED Certification and only the third building to earn LEED EB O&M certification in Minnesota, the Silver certification verifies that BASF has achieved significant improvements in energy efficiency and water use, and developed and implemented programs to dramatically reduce waste to landfill, encourage and facilitate sustainable purchasing, and improve the indoor environmental quality of the building.
LEED EB O&M stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance. Developed and administered by the USGBC, this rating system helps building owners and operators identify and improve ongoing operations and maintenance of existing commercial and institutional buildings.
The building was originally constructed in 1972, and has undergone three additions and one significant renovation. The current site occupies 283,304 square feet, with a 50,879 square feet building footprint. Nearly 100 people are employed at the site, which is approximately 40% office area, 40% lab area, and 20% dock, warehouse and utility space.
The facility is home to the management, research and development, marketing, communications, customer service, technical, finance and other service/support functions of the business.
The certification system rewards current best practices and provides an outline for buildings to use less energy, water and natural resources while improving the indoor environment, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues, recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades.
