(PRWEB) May 5, 2006 -- High-performance, economically sustainable office space will make its Michigan Avenue debut Tuesday at the new offices of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA). On May 9 from 5-7 PM MEEA will showcase its new energy efficient office space with a reception and open house in downtown Chicago at 645 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 990.
“ MEEA places high value in creating a work environment that aligns with our mission ”
Not content to simply advise others on how to reduce their energy and environmental impact, MEEA stepped up and is applying for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Green Building Rating SystemŽ, which is the green benchmark for the tenant improvement market. LEED-CI gives the power to make sustainable choices to tenants and designers who do not always have control over whole building operations. LEED-CI is the recognized standard for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy, productive places to work, less costly to operate and maintain and reduce environmental footprint.
“MEEA places high value in creating a work environment that aligns with our mission,” stated MEEA president, Alecia Ward. “We went through the LEED certification process and are very pleased with the result. Our office space is a model for Chicago and other Midwest businesses.”
The LEED Green Building Rating System for Commercial Interiors addresses performance areas including: selection of sustainable tenant space; efficiency of water usage; energy performance optimization including lighting and lighting controls; resource utilization for interior building systems and furnishings; and indoor environmental air quality including comprehensive emissions criteria.
The LEED certification process seeks to maximize the recycled content of all construction component materials. MEEA utilized significant amounts of recycled material including: reflective ceiling tiles, aluminum ceiling grid and door framing, steel studs, static control floor tile for the server room and non-static control tile for the kitchen flooring, carpet and carpet adhesive and gypsum drywall.
Ms. Ward stated, “Recycling and waste reduction allowed MEEA to retain the recycled content building materials, helps us achieve the desired LEED rating and made our office space a demonstration project for environmentally friendly office design.”
MEEA gratefully acknowledges the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for its sponsorship and assistance in developing the new office space.
About MEEA
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is a collaborative network whose purpose is to advance energy efficiency in the Midwest in order to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.
MEEA is a leader in increasing and sustaining the level of energy efficiency in the Midwest region by fostering increased market penetration of existing energy-efficient technologies and promoting new technologies, products and best practices, including renewable energy.
For questions or more information about MEEA please contact Rebecca Wigg at 312-587-8390 ext. 17.
