Oct 3 2013
Cox Enterprises announced today that it has been awarded LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its 600,000 square foot facility located at 6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Road. The facility is part of Cox Enterprises' corporate campus in Sandy Springs, Ga.
The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
"Cox is pleased to receive the LEED Gold certification for the newest addition to our corporate campus," said Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy. "Through Cox Conserves, we decided it was appropriate to set goals and objectives in the area of conservation, consistent with how we do things in our businesses. This LEED certification represents our commitment to the environment through eco-friendly construction practices of our facilities."
Cox achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
"From the very beginning, Cox's energy, building services and real estate teams made sure environmental considerations and employee needs were at the forefront of our planning," said Marybeth Leamer, Cox Enterprises' executive vice president of human resources and administration who served as construction project chair. "The result is an environmentally-friendly facility that fosters a collaborative work culture."
Energy and Water Conservation:
- A free-standing solar canopy produces 139 MWh of energy, provides shade for cars and prevents the release of 94 tons of carbon annually. This is one of Cox's 26 alternative energy projects across the nation.
- Irrigation systems use captured nuisance groundwater stored in a 15,000 gallon underground cistern, eliminating the need for potable irrigation water.
- Low-flow faucets and toilets and waterless urinals are featured throughout the building.
- A high-efficiency HVAC system minimizes energy use during off-peak times.
- The buildings use energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures, as well as occupancy sensors and lighting controls to adjust usage based on exterior lighting conditions.
Eco-Friendly Transportation:
- Continuous shuttle service is provided to and from nearby MARTA stations.
- The parking deck includes bicycle storage areas, charging stations for electric vehicles and designated parking for carpools and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Waste Management:
- A waste reduction system repurposes food and paper products from the dining facility into a soil amendment, which is used for landscaping to improve plant growth and health.
- Recycling stations are located throughout the building.
- More than 95 percent of construction waste was recycled or diverted from landfill disposal.
To celebrate the LEED Gold certification, Cox is offering the soil amendment to Atlanta environmental nonprofits at no charge. Nonprofits interested in learning more should contact [email protected].
Construction on the 6305 Peachtree Dunwoody location began in 2010 with occupancy completed in 2012. The facility houses technology operations and includes common areas that serve the overall corporate campus needs.
Cox Enterprises broke ground earlier this year on a new 578,000 square foot office building on its campus headquarters with occupancy expected in 2015.
Nationwide, Cox Conserves prevents more than 41,000 tons of carbon emissions from entering the environment and saves 32 million gallons of water each year.
About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of more than $15 billion and more than 50,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products); AutoTrader.com (online automotive advertising and Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, HomeNet Automotive and Vin Solutions subsidiaries); and Cox Media Group, Inc. (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Digital Solutions). Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.
About Cox Conserves:
With revenues of more than $15 billion, Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 50,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.
Source: http://www.coxenterprises.com