Stamats has announced that it has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified Silver for its headquarters building in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings. The LEED certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Stamats' headquarters were damaged by the severe flooding in 2008 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Rather than relocate elsewhere, Stamats decided to remain in downtown Cedar Rapids and rebuild its headquarters to LEED standards. Company President/CEO Guy Wendler explained, "After the flood, we decided that we would not just come back, but come back better than before. Rebuilding and operating our headquarters in a sustainable manner fit right in with that goal. Employees are proud to be part of a green business, and we are seeing returns in the form of utility savings. Plus, it's just the right thing to do."
Rich Hanson, Stamats Senior Controller, oversaw the rebuilding of the 30,000 square foot facility and listed some of the major sustainable building improvements:
- Low flow water fixtures that reduce water usage by 30%
- Building materials that use recycled or renewable materials and/or which are locally sourced, thereby reducing the company's carbon footprint
- Energy saving features which reduce the need for gas and electricity such as the extensive use of glass and open layouts, which allows spaces to receive natural light; automatic lighting controls which turn on lights only when space is occupied and light is needed; energy efficient light fixtures; and more insulation
LEED certification is important to the markets Stamats serves—colleges and universities, hospitals, and meetings and conventions. Further, through its Buildings and Interiors & Sources media brands, Stamats provides extensive editorial coverage of green building in the United States. Stamats' San Francisco offices are also located in a LEED certified building.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.
Stamats is a specialized marketing solutions company providing market research, creative communications, consulting, digital, live event, and business information services to the higher education, meetings and conventions, commercial building, and healthcare markets. Company website: www.stamatscommunications.com
