Humana’s Chicago Offices Receive LEED Certification

September 11, 2007

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Humana’s Chicago office has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council in its Commercial Interiors category.

The office, at 550 West Adams Street, was designed to achieve LEED Certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return.

In July 2006, Humana occupied 55,000 sq. feet on two floors of the 18-story tower at Adams and Clinton Streets. The building was new, so Humana controlled much of the design and functionality of the space it leases. LEED certification for a commercial interior means that Humana was evaluated only on its efforts to build out, furnish and manage its two floors, as opposed to the entire building.

LEED Certification of Humana was based on a number of green design and construction features which include:

An office interior designed so that 75 percent of the space receives natural light,
Sensors that dim lights when enough natural light is present,
Energy-saving equipment and appliances,
An active recycling program,
Low-emission carpeting, made from recycled content,
Regionally purchased construction materials and furnishings to minimize transportation-related pollution and fuel costs,
Customized ventilation and air filtration system for efficiency and air quality, and
An agreement that Humana’s housekeeping vendor use organic cleaning supplies.

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Reader Comments

I was once offered a job to work for Humana and they seemed like a great company that really cared about helping people. LEED Certification seems like a perfect fit for them as a LEED building should make its employees healthier, more comfortable, and more productive.
I wonder if anyone has done any follow on studies to see what impact on costs and employee satisfaction the LEED certification has resulted in?
Good job Humana.
Chris

Chris | October 24th, 2008