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Sweetwater's state-of-the-art headquarters building employs some amazing technology to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. In fact, the buildings are LEED-compliant (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in order to preserve our natural resources and provide a safer, healthier workplace. This will be the first LEED Gold-certified building in Indiana, a fact that not only benefits us, but the entire community.
Here are some of the features of the new campus:
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Rapidly Renewable Materials
Every effort was made to use rapidly renewable materials — products derived from plants that are harvested within a 10-year or shorter cycle. The sales manager offices, clad in bamboo, are one example. |
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Glass
Insulated, heat-treated glass is used on the building faces to reduce solar heat gain and limit the cooling load placed on the building’s mechanical systems. The heat-fused coating on the glass also reduces glare to improve the comfort of building occupants.
Light Sensors
Sensors throughout the building respond to natural light levels and occupancy, automatically adjusting the amount of light as necessary.
Roof Membrane
The buildings feature a highly reflective white roof membrane that reduces solar heat gain. Insulation was added to the roof to increase energy efficiency.
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Daylight & Views
Windows and skylights throughout the building help to reduce or eliminate the need for electric lighting creating a stimulating and productive environment for building occupants. |
Recycling
Recycling stations are found throughout the facility, reducing waste that would end up in landfills. Shredded paper and cardboard boxes are reused in the warehouse for packing and shipping orders.
Construction Waste Management
Throughout the construction process, materials were sorted to identify items that could be reused or sent back to the manufacturers.
Recycled Content of Materials
Construction materials were carefully selected to assure recycled content would be used wherever possible. Carpet, fabric, steel, and other metals are just a few of the facility’s materials that contain recycled content.
Regional Materials
More than 20% of the building’s materials have been extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. All of the warehouse structural steel and panels were manufactured just north of Fort Wayne; the stone that will clad the new recording studio and auditorium spaces is quarried in Glenmont, Ohio.
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Water Use Reduction
Sweetwater’s restrooms employ water conservation strategies resulting in a 40% efficiency increase and reducing the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems. Waterless urinals, low flow/automatic faucets, and dual flush toilets all contribute to water savings. |
Certified Wood
At least 50% of the wood-based products used in the facility are certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s Principles and Criteria. These components include structural framing, flooring, sub-flooring, wood doors, and finishes.
Low-emitting Materials
All adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building comply with standards for air quality control. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) materials including carpet, urea-formaldehyde resin-free wood products, paints, coatings, glues, and sealants were specified to ensure compliance with air quality measures.
Building Flushing
Prior to occupancy, the building air was flushed to reduce/eliminate harmful vapors and toxins that may have been present during the construction process.
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Ice Storage
Ice storage tanks on the campus produce ice for the mechanical system’s cooling needs during off-peak hours (overnight), reducing overall power consumption and the load on the utility grid. The cost of this system will be offset within five years due to annual energy savings. |
Commissioning of Mechanical Systems
The mechanical systems were commissioned and carefully analyzed by specialists throughout the design process. Energy modeling, through testing and balancing of different components, was calculated to improve efficiency.
Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Air monitoring systems, designed to help sustain occupant health and comfort, are integrated into the building. This system regulates indoor air quality, introducing fresh air as necessary to flush out contaminants that may be present in the air.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
This campus is “smoke-free” to minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation systems to environmental tobacco smoke.
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