The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) is a public interest legal advocacy organization advancing clean energy, green transportation, and the preservation of natural places in the Midwest. ELPC wanted a cutting-edge green facility for their new headquarters located on the 16th floor at 35 E. Wacker, known as the Jewelers Building, a Chicago Landmark.
Major design challenges for the project space included building out the existing floor to optimize daylight and creating energy efficient systems within the constraints of the existing historic infrastructure. Sustainable design features include energy-efficient lighting, daylight harvesting and specialty controls to reduce phantom loads during unoccupied hours. The system also uses extensive energy monitoring for performance verification.
The HVAC system was designed to provide occupant comfort and controllability. The system includes VAV boxes with demand control ventilation and existing perimeter radiant heat.
The project team also encouraged the building to be "greener" by installing dual-flush and low-flow fixtures in the floor public restrooms. With these fixtures and low-flow fixtures in the space, ELPC saves an estimated 460 gallons of potable water per year. The project received LEED-CI© Platinum level certification.