Chicago utility Exelon Corp. consolidated its downtown Chicago locations into one suburban location and modernized existing space to conform to U.S. Green Building Council standards, EnergyBiz reports. Altogether, the renovation came at a five percent premium, the utility says. But, that will pay for itself within five years in the form of increased energy savings.
Exelon purchased more than 60 percent of the materials from manufacturers located within 500 miles to reduce emissions associated with transportation. Three-quarters of construction waste was recycled or salvaged, and almost one-third of furniture and other materials were reused. Exelon is also buying renewable energy certificates to offset 100 percent of electricity usage for the office space from regional wind power facilities.
Ninety-six percent of the products that the utility uses, everything from copy machines to appliances, are Energy Star certified, and the building uses advanced lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
Compared to its previous space, the company has reduced electricity consumption by more than 43 percent and water consumption by 30 percent.
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