Jul 18 2014
DIRECTV’s renovation of its 299,000 square-foot headquarters building at 2260 E. Imperial Hwy in El Segundo, Calif. has earned Platinum certification, the highest available under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) category. The building also holds a Silver LEED rating for the Core and Shell (BD+C) category.
The project was initiated in 2011, after DIRECTV signed a long-term lease that doubled its campus footprint in El Segundo. At the time, the lease was the largest office lease in California in the prior decade.
“Achieving LEED Platinum certification demonstrates our commitment to conserve energy and reduce waste from our operations, as well as our commitment to communities where we live and work. This certification reinforces our goal to reduce the carbon footprint of our U.S. operations by five percent by 2015, compared to our 2011 baseline,” said Mike White, DIRECTV chairman, president and CEO.
DIRECTV completely redesigned the space with a vision of creating a more collaborative, innovative and sustainable atmosphere, reflecting its premier video entertainment brand and commitment to environmental stewardship. Along with site characteristics, many other factors contributed to the LEED Platinum qualifications, including:
Energy and Atmosphere
- Highly efficient mechanical equipment, controls and fresh air exchanges, also allowing employees to benefit from a healthier and more comfortable environment.
- Reduced lighting power density by 21% with LED lighting.
- Occupancy sensors have been installed for 96% of connected lighting.
- 97% of installed equipment and appliances are ENERGY STAR-rated.
Materials and Resources
- Diverted 96% of on-site generated construction waste away from landfill.
- 18% of building materials (by value) were manufactured using recycled materials.
- 46% of building materials (by value) were manufactured within 500 miles of the site.
- Use and application of low-emitting materials in systems, furniture, cleaning supplies, flooring systems, adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings and other products.
The space earned an Innovation and Design credit through a Green Education program that kicked off with a presentation and tour for the USGBC West Los Angeles Chapter. Exemplary performance credits were also earned for lighting controls, energy efficiency, materials sourcing and waste diversion.
DIRECTV was able to achieve its vision with the collaborative support of JLL, which managed the project and the LEED certification process; AECOM, the architect and designer; ARC Engineering, the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer; and Clune Construction, which provided construction services.
DIRECTV’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond LEED certification. In addition to this project, DIRECTV developed a furniture liquidation program that repurposed 52% of the office furniture from the former building by gifting it to local charities. These efforts, combined with recycling and resale, resulted in 280 tons of waste being diverted from landfill.