XL Construction | XL Construction’s home office achieves LEED silver certification

XL Construction’s home office achieves LEED silver certification

XL Construction was awarded LEED-CI silver certification for the renovation of its corporate headquarters in Milpitas, California. The U.S. Green Building Council, a leading authority on green building standards, granted the certification of the 38,000 s.f. headquarters and shop building. LEED features of the project include water efficient plumbing fixtures, the use of rapidly-renewable and low VOC-emitting materials and energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.

“Every person that walks into our office has the opportunity to see green building in action,” says XL Construction President Eric Raff. “We can say with certainty that operating a LEED facility is as practical and cost-effective as it is responsible.”

XL Construction reports that it achieves a 43 percent savings in water usage due to water efficient plumbing installed throughout the building. The company also highlights several other “green” statistics including: A 96 percent diversion rate of construction debris from landfills; 93 percent of equipment installed in the building is energy star rated; and 100 percent of the water used for landscaping is recycled water.

“There are many benefits to owning and working in a LEED facility, “ says Raff. “Most important are the improvements in the work environment for our employees. The increased daylighting and improved air quality directly contribute to the productivity in our new office.”

Regional materials: insulation, drywall, framing, taping mud, cap sheet, and many of the structural steel and wood elements were manufactured within 500 miles of the jobsite, reducing the environmental impact of trucking. Furniture is “Green Guard” eliminating formaldihides and VOC adhesives.

The gym includes a climbing wall conceived, designed, and constructed by employees, and a bicycle storage and loaner bikes. XL employees formed a committee to encourage good health and environmentally responsible business practices. The program includes resources for healthy living, organized activities, organic foods, and eco-friendly office and jobsite practices.

XL purchased a green power certificate requiring PG&E to incorporate enough additional renewable power to equal 50 percent of our power usage over a two-year period.

XL recycled 96 percent of the waste generate during construction with Premeir Recycle. The facility is also equipped with recycling bins at each workstation, kitchen, and copy area, with a central recycling area outside.

XL regularly gives tours of their office to clients and other building professional. We incorporated our LEED poster into our lobby design to educate visitors on the practicality of becoming LEED Certified.