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MCA Opens New "Green" Headquarters
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago (MCA), held a ribbon cutting
ceremony at their new “green” headquarters in Burr Ridge, Illinois,
on Tuesday, October 21, 2008.
The Chief Engineer was on hand for the ceremony and a tour of MCA’s
new headquarters, which has been registered as a LEED Gold building. At the
present
time, the group is awaiting final certification by the Green Building Council.
From the moment you approach the new facility you can see the effort put
forth to maintain sustainability at the facility. Landscaping surrounding the
facility
is designed to eliminate the need for power mowers and take advantage of natural
rainfall for irrigation. Entering into the facility requires one to cross over
three separate doorway mat systems that controls introduction of contaminates
into the facility.
The energy efficient lighting within the building uses approximately thirty
percent less electricity and still provides more than ample lumens throughout.
The modern
and stylish lighting fixtures certainly caught our eye and blended well with
the decor throughout the facility.
The Emerald Ash Bore Beetle has taken a monstrous toll on ash trees throughout
the Chicago area since its introduction into the ecosystem. In an effort to
control this new pest, ash trees throughout the area have been felled. In an
effort to
mitigate somewhat this terrible loss, MCA commissioned cabinetry manufactured
from ash trees that were felled because of ash borer infestation. The result
is some of the most beautifully finished cabinetry we have seen in any office
setting.
Absolutely no area of the building’s infrastructure or furnishings
do not meet some green building goal. Carpeting was made from recycled material,
as
were doors, wallpaper, and floor tiles. Nearly ten thousand aluminum cans were
used in the manufacture of cabinet countertops in the facility and the result
is nothing less than breathtaking.
Perimeter walls were filled with lcynene foam insulation to promote greater
energy savings and the facility roof is a reflective white to cut down on
sun-load. Room occupancy sensors, water saving fixtures and low flush toilets
and low
emission
paints, sealants and epoxies were used in construction of the facility which
not only saves energy, but also promotes a healthier indoor air environment.
The MCA headquarters facility will also be used for training programs and
a full schedule of fall semester courses are scheduled. Mechanical contractors
throughout
the Chicago area use MCA for the training of staff and technical personnel.
From what we learned on our tour of this wonderful facility, energy conservation
and
how to construct the perfect green building is one lesson every visitor
to MCA is sure to learn.
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