Today, Delta Institute CEO Jean Pogge announced that the Delta Institute office has achieved Platinum Certification under the 2009 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard, making it one of nine Chicago offices with LEED Platinum distinction.
Pogge says, “For fifteen years, Delta Institute has been a catalyst for environmental sustainability throughout the Great Lakes region. I’m thrilled that with our LEED Platinum Certification we can walk the talk and demonstrate our strong commitment to sustainability.”
Delta Institute obtained Platinum certification after relocating to the historic Jeweler’s Building at 35 East Wacker Drive in the Chicago Loop. Built from 1925-1927, the building was included as a contributing property to the Michigan–Wacker Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1994. The office location contributed to the LEED certification, earning points for its close proximity to urban amenities and extensive public transportation.
Among the many enhancements made to the office space, Delta Institute prioritized the following improvements:
- Water use reduction: Delta achieved a 40% reduction in water use through the installation of low-flow fixtures in the kitchen and collaboration with building management to replace all bathroom fixtures for the floor with low-flow fixtures;
- Energy use reduction: Delta achieved a 30% reduction in energy use through the installation of LED lighting and high-efficiency T-5 fluorescent lights with daylight photo sensors and occupancy sensors; and
- Materials recycling: Delta recycled 98% of the debris generated from the office build-out and used paints, sealants, furniture and flooring composed of low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting materials.
Visitors to Delta can learn about its LEED features by taking a virtual office tour using the tablet docked in the Delta lobby.