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Offices
The offices in the main building incorporate sustainability at every turn. The overall layout (PDF, 2pp., about PDF) of office space allows for flexibility without the need for major alterations. Modular workstations can be reconfigured to meet changing needs, and the same furnishings are used for both open and closed offices. In addition, standard office configurations facilitate changes with minimal impact on lights, vents, sprinklers and other utilities. Furniture is made from recycled steel, minimizing the need for formaldehyde-containing particle-board. The powder-coat paint process releases fewer emissions at the factory and minimizes furniture emissions in the buildings. Office chairs contain recycled materials and have been tested for chemical emissions. What's more, employees choose from three different ergonomic designs - improving comfort and productivity while protecting the environment. Natural lighting is abundant. Office suites have open centers at the window wall, allowing light to penetrate through to the hallways. Offices are also lit by recessed high-efficiency fluorescent fixtures, with Daylight dimmers and occupancy sensors that control light levels through detection of movement and daylight intensity. Combined, the light systems use 70% less energy than typical office lights. Plus, when the building is not occupied, EPA's "lights out" program automatically turns off lights overnight. Staff that need to work during off-hours simply pick up the phone and call the "LITE" line and lights are turned on only as needed by the building automation system.Visit an EPA-RTP office (WMV, 48 sec., 10.7 MB) by taking a video tour. |
