Cushman & Wakefield's New World Headquarters Captures LEED Gold-CI Certification

27 Apr, 2010, New York

Cushman & Wakefield today announced that its world headquarters facility located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas in New York has received a LEED Gold-CI Certification issued by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Commercial Interiors (CI). The distinction memorializes Cushman & Wakefield's corporate initiative to lead by example in promoting environmentally responsible business practices throughout the commercial real estate industry.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) is the premier rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.

"This achievement demonstrates our commitment to enhance the environmental performance of our own business as we continue to proactively engage and support our clients in the adoption of sustainability practices," said John C. Santora, President and CEO of Cushman & Wakefield, Americas. "The best way to showcase our sustainability services with our clients is to invite them to see, touch, and feel the elements of a LEED Gold-CI certified facility - delivered by Cushman & Wakefield professionals - right here at our own headquarters."

Highlights of Cushman & Wakefield's sustainability initiatives undertaken at its Midtown Manhattan headquarters include a 30 percent reduction in water usage and a 25% reduction in lighting power density below the ASHRAE standard which was achieved partially through the use of daylight sensors and dimmable ballasts as well as a policy to ensure the purchase of low mercury lamps.

Additionally, more than 75% of the construction waste from the build-out of Cushman & Wakefield's office space was diverted from landfills while the new materials used in its office furniture are made from more than 20% recycled content. A full 60% of materials used on the project were sourced locally which significantly reduces the amount of fuel burned in transportation. In addition, all office finishes and furniture utilize low volatile organic compound (VOC).

Best practices were utilized during construction and prior to Cushman & Wakefield's occupancy to ensure a high indoor air quality is maintained. In order to raise awareness about the benefits of sustainability practices, a signage and education plan was developed that informs employees, clients and visitors about the sustainability measures that were implemented.

Cushman & Wakefield is New York City's largest property manager and the world's largest privately held commercial real estate services firm. The firm directly manages more than 500 million square feet of commercial space globally and provides some level of services to more than 1 billion square feet of space.

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