Given their 24-hour operations and extensive reliance on power and plumbing, casinos are more commonly associated with greenbacks than green building design.

Photo Courtesy of John Rouse
Construction waste recycling for Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Ill., exceeded 89%. Nearly 60% of building materials were locally sourced
Photo Courtesy of John Rouse
Low-flow plumbing fixtures and sensor-controlled faucets reduce water usage throughout.

The LEED-Gold-certified Rivers Casino in Des Plains, Ill., is an exception. Construction waste recycling for the 20-acre project exceeded 89%, and nearly 60% of the building materials for the project were locally sourced.

LED lighting on three signature towers extends to a parking facility incorporating a reflective roof and "living" exterior walls. In addition to preferred parking for alternative-fuel vehicles, valet parking is available for electric cars.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures and sensor-controlled faucets reduce water usage throughout.

Rivers Casino, Des Plaines, Ill. Key Players

Owner: Development Management Assoc., Chicago

General Contractor: Pepper Construction Co., Tinley Park, Ill.

Architect: Klai Juba Architects, Las Vegas

Structural Engineer: Clark Engineering, Minneapolis

MEP Engineer: RHR Consulting Engineers, Las Vegas