DALLAS, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Huitt-Zollars, Inc. is pleased to announce LEED Gold certification for their new office space. After 25 years, the A/E firm relocated their Dallas and Corporate Office to 17Seventeen McKinney Avenue, located in Uptown Dallas. Huitt-Zollars took the move as an opportunity to reinforce their purpose “to constantly improve the quality of life in our world” and incorporated sustainable design features into the space.

Huitt-Zollars implemented the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Commercial Interiors rating system and achieved 77 points for a LEED Gold certified rating – three points from qualifying for a LEED Platinum rating. They challenged themselves to do everything they considered sensible, to become an ambassador of sustainability, and use their office space as an example for others to consider in their own design. Sustainable (high-performance) design features include:

• Sustainable Sites – The new office is located within walking distance to McKinney Avenue Trolley, DART and TRE stations.
• Water Efficiency – Low flow water fixtures were installed throughout the office leading to a 36% reduction in water usage.
• Energy & Atmosphere – Two years worth of Renewable Energy Credits were purchased.
• Materials & Resources – Eighty-four percent of materials and furniture installed consists of recycled content or are refurbished; 41% were manufactured within 500 miles.
• Indoor Environmental Quality – An Indoor Air Quality Plan was implemented during the construction process. Low Volatile Organic Compound materials were used and fresh air was provided as well as the removal of particulates.
• Innovation & Design – Energy efficient lighting systems were installed. Ninety-nine percent of installed lights automatically turn off to save 15% of lighting energy.
• Regional Priority – Huitt-Zollars’ employees and contractors combined efforts and reused or recycled over 96 tons of materials.

These features have made a significant contribution to the reduction of Huitt-Zollars’ carbon footprint. Huitt-Zollars continues to take active steps “to constantly improve the quality of life in this world.” They are currently implementing similar design elements in other offices throughout the company.

About Huitt-Zollars, Inc.

Huitt-Zollars, Inc. is a full service Architect / Engineer firm with extensive expertise in planning, design, program management and construction management. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas with offices strategically located throughout the western United States, the firm is ranked among the nation’s top design firms by Engineering News Record. Additional information about Huitt-Zollars can be found at http://www.huitt-zollars.com or 214-871-3311.

SOURCE Huitt-Zollars, Inc.