(ARA) - It's been said it's not easy being green - but in today's business, it's being said a lot. Everywhere you turn, there's more about the "greening" of America. This is certainly true with American businesses striving to build new and remodeled offices to meet the latest sustainability standards and certifications.

One way to gauge the best in sustainable design, particularly when creating commercial interiors, is through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This green building rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors) is the rating system for building tenants to certify their interiors are healthy, productive work environments.

LEED is used as a benchmark by architects and interior designers, real estate professionals, engineers and facility managers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials to help transform the built environment into a more sustainable environment.

Keri Luly, stewardship coordinator at Allsteel, a leading contract office furniture manufacturer, noted that most building and interior "green" design concepts not only meet today's changing requirements, but also make good business sense. "There's no denying that cutting waste, reducing energy and conserving water is smart for everyone, whether it's new or remodeled interior space," she says. "Saving money and improving the environment at the same time - what's not to like?"

"To achieve certification, there are many options to consider. It may mean using low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and cleaners to reduce indoor air pollution, or adding renewable energy and drought resistant plantings to demonstrate long-term commitment," she continues.

According to the USGBC, LEED-CI, the rating system for commercial interiors, provides tenants with the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their interiors' performance. It uses a credit system to seek and establish a level of achievement, and based on number of points earned, can award one of four different levels of performance: certified, silver, gold and platinum.

Allsteel recently received LEED certification for three new office furniture showrooms in Atlanta, San Francisco and Santa Monica. Luly points out several of the LEED features it implemented during the design and construction process and notes that other businesses may take these into account when they pursue a similar path for their interiors.

Site selection: If possible, locate facilities in densely populated areas near public transportation routes, discouraging individual car use.

Local manufacturing: Purchase a significant percentage of materials from manufacturers within a 500-mile radius to improve the local economy and reduce the fossil fuels needed for long-haul trucking.

Water-saving technologies: Choose plumbing fixtures carefully and install readily available water-saving technologies, such as flow restrictors in sinks, low-flow toilets and dual-flush valves. By using this practice, Allsteel showrooms have reduced water consumption beyond government conservation requirements for commercial construction.

Construction waste recycling: It's important to clarify during design and planning that waste materials separation is required during construction to make sure as much construction debris as possible can be diverted from landfills to recyclers.

Indoor air quality: Develop an indoor air quality management plan for all phases of project construction and occupancy. Then use low VOC emitting carpeting and adhesives and conduct air flushing to remove any remaining air pollutants before occupancy.

Energy savings: It is important to use energy-efficient mechanical systems and zoning, as well as Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment. Lighting power density can be reduced to save energy using motion and light sensors and automated shades whenever possible to maximize the use of natural light.

Education: Allsteel's new showrooms were designed to be used for environmental education and outreach, including innovative, interactive kiosks that allow visitors to learn about sustainable building and LEED. The kiosks also tell the company's sustainability story and guide viewers through each individual showroom's green features.

"One of the clearest ways to demonstrate commitment to sustainability is to design and build to LEED standards creating a healthier environment for both employees and visitors, while significantly minimizing the impact on the environment," Luly says. "In addition, building to LEED standards can translate into both immediate and long-term cost savings, which can directly benefit the bottom line."

For more information on USGBC and LEED, as well as "going green" with your building or office interior, visit www.usgbc.org. For more information on Allsteel and its commitment to sustainability, visit www.allsteeloffice.com/sustainability. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent