The project, carried out in phases, is slated to be the largest refurbishment project across the globe to receive the certification. The 50-floor building has been equipped with energy-efficient heating and air conditioning equipments. The new insulation system and window tint serve as a heat repellent and cuts down air conditioning load.
The facility also incorporates occupancy sensor-controlled lighting fixtures with daylight dimming controls, and Energy Star-certified kitchen appliances, computers and monitors. The design of the building now offers outside glimpses from 92% of the work areas, and natural light penetration to the desks of 85% of the office staff, which further reaps energy savings.
The cellar of the facility comprises a tank with 54,000 gallon capacity. The tank helps store rain water from drains on the roof and plaza. The rainwater is later filtered and recycled to meet landscaping needs, and in toilets in the building’s lower portion. This leads to annual water savings of over one million gallons. This, coupled with other new high-performance plumbing fixtures, reduce water consumption by half the amount prior to its facelift.
The remodelled facility has incorporated new landscaping spanning almost 16,500 square feet which includes green roofs. It comprises low-maintenance plants to slash building temperatures during summer and decrease stress on the city’s sewer system during rainy days. Presence of soil in the planters helps filter pollutants from rainwater whereas a herb garden adorns the roof of the 11th storey to suffice dining needs.
The office has reclaimed more than 99% of the original building and over 85% of construction debris such as 990,000 square feet of carpeting. It has also diverted over 12,000 tonnes of construction waste from reaching the landfills. In addition, the facility has created 266 bicycle racks to boost the green initiative.
