Expert Blog

Explore NRDC’s Sustainable Office During Open House Chicago

From climbing gardens to live-tracking of water and energy consumption, find out what a sustainable work environment committed to workplace wellness looks like during Open House Chicago! On Saturday, October 13, NRDC will be participating in this free public festival that provides behind-the-scenes access to more than 250 architectural gems across the city. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our space, located in the iconic Civic Opera Building. We hope to see you there!
Locally sourced items adorn NRDC's foyer, including the reception desk salvaged from barn wood and the walls constructed from recycled crown molding.
Credit: © Steve Hall, Hall + Merrick
Annalise Dum
Annalise Dum (Alum)

Guest post written by Rachel Mickelson

 

From climbing gardens to live tracking of water and energy consumption, find out what a sustainable work environment committed to workplace wellness looks like during Open House Chicago! On Saturday, October 13, NRDC will be participating in this free public festival hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center that provides behind-the-scenes access to more than 250 architectural gems across the city. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our space, located in the iconic Civic Opera Building. We hope to see you there!

 

 

Originally designed by Studio Gang Architects in 2013, NRDC’s Chicago office is the first commercial tenant space in the world to earn certification from the Living Building Challenge (LBC), the most rigorous environmental standard for the built environment. The office is also LEED for Commercial Interiors v2009 Platinum certified, U.S. Green Building Council’s highest certification for sustainability. A similarly high bar for sustainability was applied to NRDC’s 2015 expansion by nushu, LLC.


Architect Jeanne Gang (Studio Gang), Director of Facilities and Sustainability Anthony Guerrero (NRDC), and Sustainability Manager Eileen Quigley (NRDC) highlight the 2015 renovation.

Visitors will have an opportunity to explore all of the nuances of creating a healthy and sustainable work environment, such as our meticulously selected nontoxic, locally sourced materials, our air-purifying climbing gardens, our live tracker of daily water and energy consumption, our careful efforts to achieve net zero waste, and more.

 

NRDC's expansion space features Forest Stewardship Council certified wood panels locally sourced from the Midwest.
Credit: © Tom Harris

 

As an environmental nonprofit, our workspace embodies and reflects the purpose of NRDC’s work to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. We welcome all to experience and enjoy our space.

 

A brightly lit open office floor plan and climbing gardens contribute to staff wellness.
Credit: © Steve Hall, Hall + Merrick

 

Planning to stop by? Feel free to let us know.

Unable to make it? Drop us a line at sustainability@nrdc.org to schedule a tour for you or your group.


For more information about NRDC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and workplace wellness, check out these resources: