This article was originally published on ibtimes.com.
While attaining LEED Gold certification, Chambliss law firm reduced its office footprint by 9% largely by reducing its reliance on paper and embracing electronic file storage. While 60% of office furnishing were reused during construction, 50% of waste was also diverted from area landfills and either recycled, repurposed or reused. Electricity to each office floor is metered separately, allowing Chambliss to better monitor its energy consumption. Liberty Tower's light fixtures reduce energy consumption by 50-80%, low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water use by at least 30%, and nearly 40,000 square feet of window space is fitted with solar control, low-emissivity glass which improves solar and thermal performance. (Photo: Business Wire)
When Chambliss, one of the largest law offices in Tennessee, moved to Liberty Tower in 2012, both businesses were aspiring to obtain LEED certification. Liberty Tower was certified for its core and shell development in December 2014, and Chambliss was certified for its commercial interiors in March 2015. This is the only project to achieve dual LEED certification in Chattanooga.
“This joint venture between Chambliss and Liberty Tower established an efficient, productive and healthy office environment, benefiting our clients, our employees and our community,” said Dana Perry, shareholder at Chambliss law firm. “LEED certification answers the global demand for greater corporate environmental consciousness, and our offices are less costly to operate and maintain than before.”
“It’s gratifying to see hard work and dedication create a gorgeous structure that both meets the needs of our tenants and encourages green living,” said Steve Hunt, managing partner of Berry & Hunt, which leases Liberty Tower. “Environmental consciousness is at the heart of Chattanooga and is a global cause.”
Chambliss and Liberty Tower were both awarded LEED Gold certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED certified projects are proven to operate more efficiently, and therefore cost less to operate.
“This dual LEED Gold certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. and Liberty Tower, LLC serve as prime examples of just how much we can accomplish.”
Throughout Chambliss’ offices, motion sensor lighting controls improve energy efficiency and reduce the cooling load on the building’s mechanical system. Glass interior walls reduce the need for interior lighting by making optimum use of daylight. The office relies heavily on Energy Star rated products and Green Power. Chambliss selected paints, wallpaper adhesives and carpet tiles that are low in volatile organic compounds, which contribute to smog and air pollution.
Liberty Tower management replaced light fixtures with units that use less electricity and produce less heat. Bike racks and shower facilities on the property also promote healthy lifestyles for employees by encouraging them to be active during lunch breaks and before or after business hours. The highly efficient mechanical equipment, plumbing fixtures and window systems all contributed to the attainment of LEED Gold certification.