Photo by David Hewitt/Anne Garrison Architectural Photography

According to Leopold, it was also important to the company to incorporate natural light and ventilation into building�s design.

�Our intent was to create an environment that was naturally ventilated and lit, and to do so in such a way that a person walking through the space wouldn�t even realize that there are no lights on or no air conditioning running,� he says. �In effect, we want to bring the outside in � not only because it�s the responsible thing to do but also because it�s a far superior working environment for our employees.�

Bringing light into the building was achieved from several modifications to the structure including stripping the film off existing windows to allow more light into the office, installing 36 Solatubes or high-performance daylighting systems, as well as roof monitors or large operable skylights and glass roll up doors around the perimeter of the space. With these additions and new energy efficient lighting fixtures and controls, DPR estimates it will reduce the building�s energy consumption by 53% and that an outdoor view will be enjoyed in 90% of the office.

A state-of-the-art interconnected skylight building management system enables the windows to open to bring natural ventilation into the structure. When the outside and inside air temperatures reach a certain range, the system opens the windows and the skylight to naturally cross-ventilate and cool the open office area. As windows open, the HVAC system is shut down to conserve energy. This ventilation strategy is expected to reduce the number of operating hours of the HVAC system by 79% compared to a sealed building.

Other sustainable features include new preferred parking for fuel efficient vehicles, replacing the roof with an Energy Star product, diverting over 75% of construction waste from disposal in landfills, installing low flow plumbing fixtures to decrease water usage 51%, modifying the existing irrigation to reduce landscape water usage by 60%, and placing Dyson hand dryers in the bathrooms to decrease energy and waste from paper towels.

DPR also reused many materials from its previous office and the existing building such as 40 work stations and casework. More than 80% of the new wood was managed using the Forest Stewardship Council principles and high recycled content materials were selected including tile, drywall and metal tiles. The carpet was also made from recycled materials and was adhered without glue with the volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the Earth�s atmosphere. Other materials that used no or low-emitting VOCs included paints, coatings, composite woods, sealants, adhesives and caulking. In addition, used pallets were stripped and used throughout the space.

�At the end of the day, this building was designed to create an atmosphere that values our employees, our customers, our teammates, and the environment and with the goal of changing the world we live in by setting an example in our industry,� says Leopold.