Akron, Ohio
National Representation No
FirstEnergy’s new West Akron Campus is the first high-performance green building of its size in Akron. Housing primarily the company’s IT employees, the 208,000-square-foot building was constructed to LEED specifications. Unique environmental features range from energy use of 20% less than similar buildings and underfloor HVAC systems for energy-efficient climate control, to a heat-reflective concrete parking lot, drought-resistant vegetation and preferred parking for bicycles, carpooling and low-emitting vehicles. The open, two-story lobby features exposed steel beams and a polished concrete floor. Inside the contemporary, open-plan work environment, amenities include video conferencing to decrease the need for travel, a sophisticated lighting system designed to reduce overall energy consumption, low-VOC paints, carpet with recycled backing and low-flow water fixtures. The café features Energy Star appliances, “spudware” cutlery made from potatoes and biodegradable plates.
NAIOP Architectural Design of the Year Award 2008