Executing on its commitment to sustainability SAP today announced that the expansion of its North American headquarters on the Newtown Square campus in Pennsylvania has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, the highest rating given by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Designed by FXFOWLE Architects and opened in May 2009, the 200,000-square-foot building is currently the largest LEED Platinum-certified facility in the State of Pennsylvania.
The building received the max number of LEED points in the water efficiency, innovative and design process categories. The state of the art design water management system they are using is set to save over one million gallons of water every year.
Energy efficient buildings support SAP’s goal of reducing carbon emissions to year 2000 levels by 2020. SAP estimates that the new building is one-third more energy-efficient compared to conventional buildings by using intelligent design features.
The building's sensor system is integrated with exterior shading devices that automatically adjust the lighting and help control the temperature level in the facility. A hybrid air conditioning system produces ice to cool the building during the overnight hours when energy demands and electric rates are the lowest. Floor-to-ceiling glass exteriors and a green roof, planted with native and regional vegetation, integrate the office with its surrounding natural environment and create an exceptional work environment.
In addition, SAP committed to an annual purchase of 19 million kilowatt-hours of wind-generated Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The wind-energy purchase offsets more than 80 percent of the electricity needs of the SAP Newtown Square campus and reduces the company's carbon footprint by over 10 tonnes.
Source: SAP News – Press Release 17/08/2010
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