Share this on

Haworth Strives for Gold

Gold is the highest level of sustainable stamp the USGBC bestows.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 11/29/2005 12:00:00 AM

Haworth has ambitious plans for its new Michigan headquarters--the office furniture manufacturer hopes to earn a Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction (LEED-NC) program, the highest sustainable certification the organization offers.

The project--at 300,000 square feet--is one of largest office building LEED applications in Michigan. During the renovation, the 1,000-foot-long facade of the existing headquarters building will be completely redesigned. Additions include a sun-filled atrium with an angled roofline.

Haworth recently earned a USGBC LEED-CI Gold rating for the Haworth Chicago Merchandise Mart showroom and the first McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry Gold Cradle to Cradle Product Certification, for the Zody chair.

In 2006, Haworth will participate in a feasibility study for wind power generation at industrial sites, evaluating the viability of wind turbines for generating electric power. The company will also continue to seek LEED certifications for regional showroom renovation projects. “Sustainability is a cornerstone to our planning just as it is to our products,” says Franco Bianchi, Haworth president and CEO. “This renovation represents our commitment to sustainability and to helping our customers achieve their goals for the environment and LEED.” Currently, Bianchi is a candidate for the 2006 USGBC board of directors.