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Rockwell Automation Takes the LEED

Sept. 12, 2013
Rockwell Automation has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
Green buildingRockwell Automation's headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., has earned LEED certification,  the second-largest structure in the state to do so.

Rockwell Automation has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for significantly reducing the overall environmental impact of its landmark corporate headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. The 2.1-million-square-foot building is the second-largest existing structure in Wisconsin to receive this certification. Rockwell invested $3.2 million to upgrade its corporate headquarters, starting in 2001. LEED is the nation's pre-eminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

The recognition culminates a comprehensive, 12-year sustainability program at Rockwell Automation's headquarters, which includes combined office, laboratory and former manufacturing space. The project included physical retrofits and sustainable operational practices implemented by Rockwell Automation to reduce the environmental footprint of its corporate headquarters.

"The sheer size of the buildings was the most challenging—and rewarding—aspect of the program," says Steve Strzok, Rockwell Automation's facility manager. "Every part of the space had to meet LEED specifications for an operations and maintenance rating, including indoor air-quality standards and ‘green cleaning' procedures and products used by custodians."

Water consumption inside the buildings was reduced by half with the installation of state-of-the-art, sensor-activated faucets and other lavatory fixtures.

Rockwell Automation employees also made significant strides in recycling everything from cardboard to old office refrigerators, diverting 82% of the facility's solid waste from landfills in 2012. Employees were responsible for the team being awarded additional LEED points for using alternative transportation for travel to and from work, such as carpooling and bike riding. Rockwell Automation was recently awarded the 2013 Commuter Champion Award from the Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air.

The crowning feature of the environmentally friendly facility is its green roof —the largest private-sector roof in Wisconsin—that helps reduce the energy required to heat and cool the building, and annually retains 1.2 million gallons of rainwater that otherwise would runoff into the city sewer system and eventually into Lake Michigan.