News
MEDRAD Corporate Headquarters Achieves LEED Gold
By: Ted Johnson
Source: IDC Architects
WARRENDALE, PA, 16 July 2008 — While LEED® certification may seem time-consuming and costly, time and money are well spent when not just the environment benefits but also clients’ bottom line.
MEDRAD's new corporate headquarters, located in the Greater Pittsburgh Region of Western Pennsylvania, recently received LEED Gold certification, reaping several long-term benefits.
A global producer of diagnostic medical devices, MEDRAD, Inc., founded in Western Pennsylvania, sought to relocate its headquarters. A design competition was held with five potential locations along the eastern seaboard. IDC Architects (IDCA), along with CB Richard Ellis and construction partner P.J. Dick, proposed Tech 21 Research Park, a 223-acre site in Western Pennsylvania. IDCA’s winning design nestled the 125,000 SF building—a vessel for catching light—into a ridgeline on a 17-acre site, preserving the existing forest while creating a dynamic work place.
Originally, Medrad questioned LEED certification, considering it too costly. But after IDCA led an eco-charrette describing LEED’s benefits, the client agreed to pursue LEED Silver Certification. Later analysis revealed Gold Certification was within reach, so IDCA’s integrated team of architects, engineers, and interior designers coordinated with a commissioning agent, a LEED consultant, and the construction manager to achieve LEED Gold (on the basis of sustainable site approach, energy, and atmosphere).
The Global Center's sustainable features include a centralized lighting control system that monitors lighting to reduce output based on entering ambient light. The system reduces lighting energy consumption by approximately 30-55%. Additional sustainable design features include under-floor air supply for office areas with personalized control of air-flow direction, eliminating costly ductwork; use of materials without high concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC); a recycling program; and a high-performance building envelope.
IDCA's perseverance, within a fiscally responsible budget, enabled the MEDRAD Global Center’s to achieve LEED Gold certification, embodying its commitment to environmental stewardship and employee satisfaction.