The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that its new Washington, D.C., headquarters has earned LEED Platinum Certification, making it the first project to certify under the latest version of the LEED green building rating system.The 75,000 square foot office, divided between two floors, is connected by an open staircase in the bright lobby, behind which is one of the space’s most prominent design features: a two-story tall water feature, which helps bring the outdoors inside the space. Interior glass, used for all conference rooms, offices, entrances and the center stairwell, was provided by kensington Glass Arts, Standard Bent Glass Corp. and Skyline Design.

In addition, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, original to the building, provide abundant daylighting to any workstation in the office, while the electronic window shade system maximizes natural light while minimizing glare. These and other design integrations helped USGBC achieve 36 out of 37 points in the Energy and Atmosphere category of the rating system.

The planning, design and construction of the new headquarters was a 12-month process from site selection to move-in. Prospective buildings were evaluated on various metrics, including green provisions such as recycling programs and the desire to seek certification for the entire building. With three out of five tenants and six out of the 10 floors in the building either certified or undergoing certification, a Vornado Realty Trust property was selected as the location.

Architecture firm Envision Design was selected because of its extensive LEED project portfolio. GHT Limited Consulting Engineers and James G. Davis Construction Corporation were chosen as the engineering and construction firms. All members of the design, engineering and construction teams are LEED Accredited Professionals.