Benchmark Opens LEED-registered Office
by July 28, 2008 12:00 am 70 views
Rogers-based architecture firm Benchmark Group recently opened the doors to its new 118,000-SF, LEED-registered headquarters on North Second Street.
The building, which had a permit value of $14 million, incorporates many sustainable features, including water-saving measures, recycled denim insulation, low volatile organic compound glues and sealants, recycled concrete and glass floors and recycled paper countertops that feel as hard as Formica, among many other measures.
Some of the steps Benchmark took – such as using sourced, sustainable wood – were more expensive upfront, but the company will save a substantial amount of money on its monthly utility bill.
“We built a building that our customers would feel comfortable building,” said Timothy Duffy, program director at Benchmark.
In addition to saving money on utilities and having a lower environmental impact, the building will also be an educational tool for other builders, said Krista Killman, project manager at Benchmark.
Arvest Bank financed the construction of the building. Benchmark Group employs about 260 people.