With the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Office depot has become the first office supplies retailer with a headquarters building certified under any of the LEED rating systems. The company’s headquarters is also now the first LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance-certified building in Boca Raton, Florida and one of ten in the entire state.
Features of Office Depot’s LEED Gold Certified headquarters include: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy-efficient fixtures, sustainable materials, and indoor air quality.
The facility utilises fuel-efficient, battery-powered equipment and underground water retention system designed to handle storm water run-off. Commuter programme that encourages use of public transit and parking spots designated for carpools are some other eco-friendly features. Rain Sensor System designed to reduce water usage during landscaping, and low flow aerators installed in sinks to conserve water are also featured.
Energy-efficient interior lighting has been employed throughout the facility by switching from 32 watt to 28 watt fluorescents, which are 12.5% more energy-efficient. Conversion of garage lighting from 130 watt metal halide lamps with ballast to 54 watt fluorescent lights led to reduced energy consumption by two-thirds.
The HQ facility is carbon neutral as a result of Renewable Energy Credits purchased from NextEra Energy. Motion detectors in all conference rooms, offices and restrooms ensure that lights are off when a space is not occupied.
New sustainable purchasing policies for ongoing consumables, technology, furniture, lighting and cleaning products written to meet or exceed LEED for ‘Existing Buildings’ sustainable purchasing guidelines are adhered to in the facility.
New solid waste management policies were written and implemented. Over 90% of paper used in building is 30% post consumer recycled or higher, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified. Reusable cutlery and dishes in on-campus cafeteria help to reduce solid waste.
Low mercury lamps are installed throughout the building. Steel case furniture triple-certified to the highest green furniture standards: MBDC Cradle to Cradle Silver, BIFMA Level 2 and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Advantage Gold are used. Carpets used in building are recyclable and is 100% recycled.
Indoor air quality is ensured with the use of green cleaning products, which are Green Seal and EcoLogo-certified. Disposable paper cleaning cloths are replaced with reusable micro fibre cloths.
Fourteen on-site lime, grapefruit, orange and tangerine fruit trees are planted. About 100% of durable goods are diverted from landfill through building recycling programme and 139% weighted green value of office supplies expenditure was documented using Office Depot’s industry-exclusive LEED for Existing Buildings Credit Report.
Approximately 1,700 Office Depot associates work at Office Depot’s global headquarters in Boca Raton. The company leases the facility from Boca 54 North, LLC, a joint venture partnership between Flagler, which oversaw the design and development of the complex, and TIAA-CREF Global Real Estate Group. Office Depot partnered with LEED consultant Envision Realty Services to manage the project.
