CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Greeley and Hansen, a leading national niche firm specializing in practical engineering, architectural, and management solutions for complex water, wastewater, and infrastructure challenges, recently won the 2011 Facility of the Year Award, presented by the Chicago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The award recognizes innovative designs, best practices in facilities management, and projects that have a substantial, positive effect on an organization.

“We’re honored that our recently renovated headquarters was named Facility of the Year,” said John C. Robak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Greeley and Hansen. “Our vision for the redesign was to create an energizing and dynamic workplace environment for our staff by focusing on improvements to promote greater employee engagement, collaboration, and connectivity. The renovation transformed our headquarters with new work areas, some of the latest technologies, and other features that allow our staff to work more efficiently and engage in collaborative problem solving to provide even greater service to our clients.”

The centerpiece of Greeley and Hansen’s recently completed renovation is the firm’s social lounge, which has become a central hub for a variety of gatherings. In addition, the firm made it a priority to implement several ‘green’ design features including energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing, as well as recycled and natural materials from local sources to help reduce the firm’s carbon footprint and demonstrate environmental stewardship.

The headquarters redesign received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The firm is the first tenant in the 50-year-old, 21-story building to earn LEED certification for its office space.

“As an engineering firm committed to environmental design, this LEED recognition reflects our mission, culture, and brand and is an achievement that is highly valued by our staff,” said Robak.

“The Chicago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association takes great pride in recognizing Greeley and Hansen for their innovative design promoting an energizing and dynamic workplace for their staff as well as their strong commitment to sustainability and the environment through their LEED certification. The bar has been set,” said Kevin M. Corrigan, President, Chicago Chapter of IFMA.

About Greeley and Hansen

Founded in 1914, Greeley and Hansen is a leader in developing innovative engineering solutions for a wide array of water, wastewater, water reuse, and solid waste challenges aimed at improving public health, safety, and welfare. Headquartered in Chicago, Greeley and Hansen has a staff of more than 300 in 18 locations across the U.S. The firm provides services for all phases of projects ranging from master planning and feasibility studies through design, construction, and start-up. Greeley and Hansen has consistently been recognized by the National Association for Business Resources as one of Chicago‘s 101 Best & Brightest Places to Work and by the Chicago Tribune as a Top Workplace 2010. For more information about the firm, please visit www.greeley-hansen.com.

About Chicago Chapter of IFMA

Founded in 1983, the Chicago Chapter of IFMA’s mission is to advance the profession of Facilities Management and to support the professional growth and development of facilities managers in the Chicagoland area. The chapter accomplishes this mission for its over 300 members by providing programs that advance our members’ professional education, creating networking and information sharing opportunities, fostering the attainment of CFM designation, acting as an information resource, promoting synergy between professional and associate members, recognizing members’ achievements in the field and championing initiatives that make our members better corporate citizens (e.g., sustainability and community service initiatives.).

SOURCE Greeley and Hansen