Herman Miller International Headquarters Lands LEED Gold  

The 20,000-square-foot facility serves the company's operations outside of North America.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 1/2/2008

Furniture manufacturer Herman Miller recently earned LEED Gold in the new construction category from the U.S. Green Building Council for VillageGreen, its international headquarters in Chippenham, England.

The 20,000-square-foot facility, designed by international architecture firm Gensler, serves as the company's headquarters for operations outside of North America. To date, Herman Miller has picked up 12 LEED certifications; VillageGreen is its seventh to achieve LEED Gold. The building also has a BREEAM Excellent rating, the United Kingdom's highest rating for environmental design.

VillageGreen earned LEED Gold for innovative green design elements including a computerized system that monitors airflow, providing natural ventilation and eliminating the need for air conditioning. The building also features timber that is Forest Stewardship Council-certified, recycled aggregate building materials sourced from within 20 miles, carpeting that is recyclable, and energy-efficient lighting activated by movement sensors. Additionally, 75 percent of the building is exposed to natural daylight, 95 percent of the office space has outdoor views, and cycle racks and showers were included to encourage alternative transportation.

"VillageGreen provides an efficient and dynamic work environment for employees," says John Portlock, president of Herman Miller International. "It also serves as a living case study about the possibilities that exist with sustainable design."