Seventh Generation LEEDs the Way in Green Office Design

BURLINGTON, VT--(Marketwire - June 4, 2009) - Corporate responsibility pioneer and natural product marketer Seventh Generation announced today that the first phase of its new Burlington, Vermont office interior has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program recognizes buildings that meet specific criteria in six broad categories related to sustainable design: Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation and Design, and Sustainable Sites. Seventh Generation's new offices incorporate a variety of materials, technologies, and features, which combine to create a facility that conserves resources, safeguards the health of its occupants, and makes positive contributions to the larger community. The design features next generation office innovation, including a diversity of informal work spaces in "neighborhoods" centered around a dramatic daylight-filled central space.

Maclay Architects, a Vermont-based firm that specializes in green architectural design, worked with a team of Seventh Generation employees to lead the interior redesign process. Development of the company's 19,000 square foot phase one headquarters began with an extensive design process that involved every employee and assured that the final result would reflect the firm's strong environmental values. Every aspect of construction was examined and "green" alternatives and options were selected wherever possible. These include the use of local wood products from sustainably managed forests; recycled insulation and workstation materials; toxic fume-free, recycled fiber carpeting; volatile organic compound-free paints and sealants; energy- and water-efficient fixtures and natural daylighting strategies; integrated composting and recycling services; and other elements.

"Our new office is really one of the greatest things our company has achieved," said Seventh Generation President and Chief Inspired Protagonist Jeffrey Hollender. "It's a remarkably healthy space, and what's interesting is that you don't see it. It works just like any other office and looks absolutely state-of-the-art, which shows that sustainable design needn't mean making sacrifices. Where we do see the difference our design makes is in things like dramatically lower energy costs, increased employee productivity, reduced absenteeism, and other things that feed directly into our bottom line and ensure that our construction costs are quickly going to pay for themselves."

"The new Seventh Generation headquarters is an exemplary model of sustainable design, going far beyond LEED requirements in terms of materials selection," said Bill Maclay, president of Maclay Architects. "This is where we need to head with workplace design to lead the world with creativity and inspiration for future generations."

About Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation is committed to being the most trusted brand of household and personal-care products for your living home. Our products are healthy and safe for the air, the surfaces, the fabrics, the pets, and the people within your home -- and for the community and environment outside of it. Seventh Generation also offers products for baby that are safe for your children and the planet.

For information on Seventh Generation cleaning, paper, baby and feminine personal care products, to find store locations, and explore the company's website visit www.seventhgeneration.com. To read more about Seventh Generation's corporate responsibility, visit the Corporate Consciousness Report at: www.seventhgeneration.com/corporate-responsibility/2007.

About Maclay Architects

Maclay Architects of Waitsfield (VT) specializes in healthy and ecological architectural design. Firm President William Maclay, AIA, LEED AP, has been recognized as a leader in green building design for more than 35 years. Through its team of LEED-accredited professionals, the firm offers a full-range of architectural services for all phases of residential, commercial and institutional projects. For more information, visit www.maclayarchitects.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Chrystie Heimert Seventh Generation 802-658-3773 x620 www.seventhgeneration.com