Leviton Manufacturing

Melville, NY - The following is a description of the sustainable issues the new Leviton World Headquarters has addressed in achieving a LEED CI Certified rating:

Sustainable sites

  • The project did not add any new parking spaces, which reduces paved areas which contributes increase open space and heat gain.
  • The building is close to public transportation and community services such as banks and restaurants that are within walking distance.
  • The project is serviced by two public bus routes.

Water Efficiency

  • The project utilizes equipment to enables a reduction (37%) in water consumption through the incorporation of water saving fixtures and devices.

Energy and Atmosphere

Leviton Café
Leviton Café

 

The lighting in the open areas and offices is an indirect source using high efficiency lamps. This contributes to a better environment in two ways. First, the indirect light reduces glare and gives a more even light. Second, the high efficiency lamps save energy. In conjunction, a highly reflective ceiling tile is used to maximize light transmittance and reflectivity. The project meets minimum energy performance and had reduced or eliminated the amount of CFC in equipment. All equipment has also been commissioned to perform efficiently. The energy consumed to power the lighting has been reduced by 20% and 90% of the projects equipment and appliances are energy saving devices.

Materials and Resources

Leviton Elevator Lobby
Leviton Elevator Lobby

A recycling program is in place for employees. Materials with a high recycled content were also incorporated into the design. Natural materials were used in the design as well, this helps in two ways, these materials have zero vocs and zero inorganic compounds are used to produce the materials. The flooring material in the pantries and copy areas is manufactured from all natural products - wood pulp, jute and linseed oil. Furniture was reused from existing layout thus cutting down on new product being produced and old product going to the landfill. The new furniture that was purchased has low voc and is made from a high percentage of recycled materials.

25% of the materials used in the project are made from recycled content and sources. 50% of the waste form the project was diverted form landfills.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Leviton Public Zone
Leviton Lobby

An open plan of minimal private offices was designed so that more employees can enjoy views to the exterior. Shades were incorporated in to the project in order to control sun glare and heat gain as well as comfort of those along windows. The project incorporates low voc emitting materials such as paints, carpets, adhesives, woods and furniture to create a healthy indoor air quality.

The project HVAC system meets minimum IAQ standards and employs Carbon monoxide monitoring system from outside air delivery.

There is a no smoking policy in the building to increase the air quality.

Innovation and Design

Leviton Workspace
Leviton Workplace
  • A public education program is implemented to inform employees and visitors of the sustainable practices the company is executing.
  • An ergonomics program is implemented with training and education. A green cleaning and housekeeping program is maintained.
  • 5% of the project materials were climate-neutral products; this is a major carbon footprint reducing practice.
  • The project incorporates a LEED AP professional for the schematic, development and documentation of the project.

About LEED®

The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a feature-oriented rating system that awards buildings points for satisfying specified greenbuilding criteria. The six major environmental categories of review include: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental. Quality and Innovation and Design. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of LEED green building certification are awarded based on the total number of points earned within each LEED category.

To learn more about LEED, Click here.