Delta Dental of Michigan's corporate headquarters has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Delta Dental's $91 million project included the construction of a new 90,000 square-foot office building, renovation of the original headquarters, and a new 22,500 square-foot data center, according to a press release.
The LEED certification was based on a number of green design and construction features, including:
- Use of recycled building materials;
- Large windows to maximize natural lighting;
- Use of bioswales and plant material on the roof to minimize storm water runoff and provide natural thermal insulation;
- Rejuvenated grounds with native ground covers, prairie grasses, wildflowers, and trees;
- Development and maintenance of a native wildlife habitat; and
- Increased pond surface area to provide nearly 160,000 cubic feet of additional storm water storage for the community.
