The 25,000-square-foot office building boasts of green features from top to bottom in spite of being decorated in shades of blue.
The office building features fluorescent lights that can adjust their intensity based on the sunshine from 28 skylights, walls insulated with recycled blue jeans, refurbished office furniture and window sills made from reclaimed marble from a state office building.
The new building also has five conference rooms with video capabilities and smart sensors that adjust the temperature only if people are present. The ceiling insulation is soy-based while a white roof reflects heat. The floors are also raised 18 inches allowing more even heating and cooling. Employees can regulate the temperature in their cubicle from individual floor vents.
A 50-kilowatt wind turbine is due to be installed and running by September 2009, providing about 30% of the building’s power.
State officials hope to gain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum rating for the building. It would be the only platinum-rated building in Michigan and one of only about five in the United States.
