BURLINGTON, MA--(Marketwire - June 17, 2010) - KEMA has been recognized by the City of Oakland for its commitment to the environment, energy efficiency, and building sustainability. The company's two floors at 155 Grand Avenue in Lake Merritt Tower are certified Gold under LEED® for Commercial Interiors™ by the U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC). With KEMA as the LEED consultant and commissioning agent, and with the assistance of an integrated team of the building owner, architects, contractors, real estate brokers, and mechanical and electrical engineers, the office build-out was completed within two months.
As a leading sustainability and energy consulting firm, KEMA is dedicated to providing a sustainable and highly productive work environment with fresh air, great daylighting, healthy materials and responsible energy and water use. KEMA's clients expect a high level of corporate stewardship in our workplace demonstrating that we "walk the talk" of our practice. This initiative with KEMA's Oakland office initiates corporate sustainability goals for KEMA locations worldwide.
In addition, the building Owner understands the benefits beyond economics that a LEED certified workplace brings. The certification of KEMA's two floors has inspired the owner to implement additional measures throughout the building and the site, and we are now seeking LEED Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance certification for the whole building.
The project includes salvaged and reused building components and office furniture, upgraded plumbing, elements to provide ample natural light, implementation of a composting program, lighting upgrades, ENERGY STAR® rated computer equipment and appliances, and all non-toxic, low-emitting finishes. The reduced consumption will result in more than 250,000 gallons of water, saved per year, a 40 percent reduction, an ongoing diversion rate of 75 percent for all office waste, and a plug load reduction for 76 percent of office equipment.
The building complements KEMA's strong green building practice and particularly additional green building projects within the City of Oakland. Recent local certifications include: Oakland International Airport Terminal 2: LEED Silver; phase 1 of Oakland Museum's major renovation: LEED Silver; the Oakland Municipal Boathouse which now houses the Lake Chalet restaurant: LEED Silver; Lake Merritt Plaza office tower, LEED EBOM Gold, Jack London Square Market: LEED Gold for Core and Shell; and 1100 Broadway pre-certified Platinum under LEED for Core and Shell.
KEMA's sustainable buildings and operations consulting practice provides cost-effective solutions for minimizing energy and resource consumption in buildings to meet sustainability goals. KEMA's broad range of services include LEED design assistance and evaluation, commissioning, building energy performance modeling, training, facilitated charettes, policy and program design, implementation and evaluation services. KEMA has been the primary green building consultant to over 120 projects and has trained over 4,000 people. The firm is actively engaged in finding the rights solutions for building owners to manage properties more efficiently, reduce operating expenses and save energy.
KEMA will be participating in the BOMA 2010 International Conference & The Every Building Show June 27-29, 2010 in Long Beach, California (booth 149).
About KEMA
Founded in 1927, KEMA is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. With world headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, KEMA employs more than 1,600 professionals globally with offices and representatives in more than 20 countries. KEMA's US subsidiary, KEMA, Inc., is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts and serves energy clients throughout the Americas and Caribbean.
For KEMA media relations contacts, visit: www.kema.com/press_releases
Contact Information:
Americas, Caribbean:
Kristen Brewitt
tel +31 26 3 56 2607