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Christine A. Renner | Executive Assistant to the CEO
First Affirmative’s new home office is the first office space in Colorado Springs, Colorado to be awarded a LEED® for Commercial Interiors (CI) certification! Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification recognizes our effort to construct an environmentally-friendly office, which we believe is both healthier for our employees and an expression of our deep commitment to sustainability.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed LEED CI as an independent, third-party rating system for tenant improvements to existing buildings. Environmentally responsible features of our office include cabinets made from 100% pre-consumer recycled wood, use of regional materials, and natural lighting (and views!) for 90% of the space.

“First Affirmative is to be commended for achieving LEED certification. This facility is one both the company and its clients can be proud of,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and CEO of the USGBC. “First Affirmative will be a showcase for high-performance and an inspiration for others.”

The USGBC reports that buildings account for 71% of U.S. electricity consumption. Energy efficiency drove our purchase of EnergyStar compliant appliances and equipment. We have also contracted for 141,000 kWh of wind power through renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset 100% of our home office electrical use.

We chose bamboo flooring, a rapidly renewable material, for the conference room. Use of such materials reduces demand for long-cycle renewable materials (such as many hard woods), thereby reducing deforestation. Another rapidly renewable material, linseed oil, is a primary ingredient in the Marmoleum® flooring installed in the office break room and copier areas. Marmoleum is durable yet fully biodegradable.

Much of the furniture from the old office was in great condition and reused. We purchased a new reception desk with a Greenguard certification (third-party testing for construction with low-emitting materials). To further reduce the chemical off-gassing associated with many conventional materials found in new offices, we selected low-VOC paints and carpets. In addition, our occupancy has motivated a switch to Green Seal certified cleaning products throughout the building!

Our decision to build green is an expression of our values as a company and the values of many of our clients. LEED certification gives us a practical way to demonstrate the principles embodied in client portfolios.

The LEED Certification Mark is a trademark owned by the USGBC and is used by permission.