6 January 2010 – AMCOL International Corporation (NYSE: ACO) today announced the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded their new headquarters building, located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) NC Silver certification. The building is located in the Prairie Stone Business Park which is a unique blend of technology and tranquility with native prairie surroundings.
AMCOL International demonstrated its commitment to sustainability when planning and building its corporate headquarters which measures 70,000 square feet. The building reflects their dedication to the environment through collaboration with the architect — Gensler, the builder — Leopardo Construction, their employees and the surrounding community. This building includes an expansive research and development laboratory which creates a collaborative working environment within the various business groups.
Larry Washow, President and Chief Executive Officer, comments, “We are very pleased to receive the LEED (NC) Silver Certification. Our new global headquarters building is a reflection of our corporate commitment to creating a great work place while emphasizing our focus on the environment, innovation and sustainability.”
To achieve the LEED (NC) Silver Certification, AMCOL’s sustainability strategy included implementing a number of green design and construction features.
The exterior of the building includes a native landscape design, using bioswales and rain gardens to provide natural filtration and treatment of rainwater. The two native planted green roofs showcase CETCO GreenScapes® components, which are part of AMCOL’s environmental segment and do not require any irrigation. The native surroundings attract wildlife and the plants are natural to the environment. This setting is an opportunity for employees to enjoy the outdoors by using the green roof patio, café patio or surrounding trails.
The building was designed to reduce overall energy usage. The heat recovery and ventilation system is monitored by a building automation system for maximum effectiveness. The automated lighting system uses sensors and timers to reduce energy consumption. Windows throughout the building, including the R&D laboratory provide natural daylight.
The design and construction of the building maximizes the use of locally available materials and products with recycled content. Ninety percent of the wood throughout the building has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council.
AMCOL has implemented many everyday green practices. A new imaging system was implemented to reduce paper consumption and minimize traditional file storage, which reduces the amount of space required. Individual copiers have been eliminated and employees now share advanced multi-functional equipment. An extensive recycling program has been established and eliminates individual trash receptacles to encourage the use of sorting stations. By implementing simple practices such as these, employees continue to contribute to AMCOL’s sustainability philosophy.
An open office environment provides employees with a variety of workspaces as well as increased collaboration. The building is wireless and headsets are provided to employees when privacy is necessary. A variety of rooms are available, such as huddle rooms, conference rooms, a training room, library which overlooks the green roof, wellness room, innovation room and an open café to host large gatherings.
Sustainability is an ongoing philosophy at AMCOL International. The new headquarters represents AMCOL’s commitment to ecologically responsible practices.
ABOUT AMCOL
Headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, AMCOL has five reporting segments: Minerals, Environmental, Oilfield Services, Transportation and Corporate. The Minerals segment produces and markets specialty minerals and related materials used as a performance additive in industrial goods and consumer products. The Environmental segment manufactures and markets engineered materials used in, and provides related services for, construction, waste containment and civil infrastructure applications. The Oilfield Services segment provides filtration and other related services to oil and gas production and exploration customers. AMCOL’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ACO.” The Company’s website is www.amcol.com.
CETCO is part AMCOL International.
Contact
Don Pearson
Vice President & CFO
+1 847 851 1500
