JPMorgan Chase has achieved LEED Platinum from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the renovation of its global headquarters at 270 Park Ave., making it one of the world's largest renovation projects to achieve Platinum status.
In the U.S., existing buildings contribute 50 to 80% of urban greenhouse gas emissions, according to BOMA. The renovation will allow the 50-story building to cut its electricity consumption in half compared to pre-renovation levels. The building will save more than 1 million gallons of water a year by installing new, highly efficient systems and an innovative draining and filtering system.
Earning the Platinum rating meant upgrading and modernizing every system and feature in the 50-year-old building - from heating, air conditioning and lighting, to insulation, plumbing fixtures, flooring and outside views - all while the building remained occupied. To minimize disruptions, an average of 400 construction workers a day completed the renovation in phases, working on up to 10 floors at a time.
LEED Platinum certification of JPMorgan Chase's global headquarters was based on a number of green design and construction features, including:
* New systems to improve energy efficiency, including: heating and air conditioning equipment; lighting with occupancy sensors and daylight dimming controls; Energy Star kitchen appliances, computers and monitors; new building insulation and window tint to reduce glare, heat gain and air conditioning load.
* A 54,000 gallon tank in the cellar that collects rain water from drains on the roof and plaza, which is stored and filtered, and then used in landscaping and to flush toilets in the lower part of the building - saving more than 1 million gallons of water a year. Combined with other plumbing upgrades the building will use half as much water as pre-renovation.
* Nearly 16,500 s/f of new landscaping, including green roofs, that feature low-maintenance plants to help lower building temperatures in the summer while reducing stress on the city's sewer system on rainy days. Soil in the planters acts as a filter to remove pollutants from rainwater. An herb garden was planted on the 11th floor roof to provide fresh herbs and vegetables for client dining.
* Reusing over 99% of the original building and recycling more than 85% of construction waste including 990,000 s/f of carpeting. Over 12,000 tons of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
* New floor designs and layout to give 85% of employees natural daylight at their desks, with more than 92% having exterior views.
* 266 bicycle racks to encourage employee well being and greener commutes.
"This was the largest 'green' renovation of a headquarters building in the world, and we completed it while operating in the building," said Frank Bisignano, JPMorgan Chase's chief administrative officer and CEO of Mortgage Banking. "We are extremely proud of the improvements made at 270 Park, which will substantially cut consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving LEED Platinum status is not just a source of pride, it is very sound business."
"With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC's vision of a sustainable built environment for everyone within a generation," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. "The work of innovative, forward-thinking building projects such the Park Ave. headquarters of JPMorgan Chase is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement."
About JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.2 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 79 local affiliates, nearly 16,000 member organizations, and more than 174,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. GDP from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. Visit usgbc.org to learn more.
LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 44,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED rating systems, comprising over 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries.In addition, nearly 15,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with more than 65,000 more homes registered. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
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