altafiber Achieves LEED Silver Certification for Office Space
altafiber is excited to announce that its headquarters office in Cincinnati has achieved LEED Silver certification. This prestigious accreditation is awarded for utilizing environmentally conscious designs and practices in the building located at Atrium Two, specifically at 221 E. 4th Street.
This certification showcases altafiber’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and wellness as part of its environmental strategy. In alignment with the Cincinnati 2030 District's goals set forth in 2018, altafiber aims to significantly reduce its energy and water consumption, minimize commuting emissions, and enhance workplace wellness initiatives by the year 2030.
The LEED Silver certification supports altafiber's broader climate action plan, which targets a notable reduction of 40% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The ultimate aim for the company is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2040, marking significant progress in addressing climate change.
Patrick McDonough, the Vice President for Business Operations at altafiber, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, "Our workplaces have a significant impact on our health, productivity, and well-being. Buildings contribute to a large portion of global energy consumption and resource expenditure. Achieving LEED certification provides us with a framework to hold ourselves accountable to our cultural and environmental aspirations."
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, focuses on sustainable building practices. The certification ensures reduced electricity costs, lower carbon emissions, and the creation of healthier indoor environments for employees. To fulfill the LEED Silver standards, altafiber collaborated with leading architecture and engineering firms such as Elevar, along with HBC Facility Management as general contractor and ZH Commissioning for project oversight.
The successful certification was earned through a set of rigorous categories encompassing energy consumption, carbon footprint, water conservation, waste management, transportation methods, materials sourcing, and indoor air quality. Some key initiatives from the project include:
Energy and Water Efficiency Improvements
altafiber successfully achieved a 40% reduction in lighting power usage through the installation of LED lighting and sensor controls, while utilizing 89% ENERGY STAR appliances and equipment. Moreover, they implemented low-flow and WaterSense fixtures, leading to a 30% decrease in indoor water usage.
Sustainable Material Practices
The workspace has also embraced sustainability by reusing 35% of existing furniture and diverting 81% of waste produced during renovations from landfills. The material selection for the project prioritized green choices, emphasizing low- or no-emitting materials, such as low-VOC paints and furnishings, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
Indoor Air Quality Enhancements
To further improve the workplace environment, altafiber augmented air filtration systems and introduced additional greenery into the indoor space. Workstations offer views to the outdoors, enhancing work quality and mental well-being.
Christi Cornette, Chief Administrative Officer at altafiber, noted, "Our headquarters office now serves as the cornerstone of our workplace culture, symbolizing collaboration, openness, and responsibility. This integrative project prioritizes ergonomics, safety, environmental flexibility, daylight access, clean indoor air, cutting-edge technology, and efficient HVAC and water systems. It sets a benchmark for altafiber's future endeavors."
About altafiber
Formerly known as Cincinnati Bell, altafiber operates in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, delivering comprehensive communication solutions to consumers and businesses via its advanced fiber-optic network. This includes high-speed internet, voice services, video offerings, and data solutions. Additionally, altafiber serves clients in Hawai’i under the brand Hawaiian Telcom and possesses the capability to provide gigabit Internet services to over a million addresses in its operating regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LEED Silver certification signify for altafiber?
LEED Silver certification demonstrates altafiber's commitment to sustainable building practices, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a healthier workplace environment.
What are altafiber's sustainability goals?
altafiber aims to achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and ultimately reach net-zero emissions intensity by 2040.
Who collaborated with altafiber for this certification?
altafiber partnered with Elevar for architectural and engineering services, HBC Facility Management for construction, and ZH Commissioning for project oversight to reach LEED Silver standards.
What initiatives are included in altafiber's LEED certification project?
Key initiatives include energy-efficient lighting, water conservation fixtures, sustainable material practices, and improvements to indoor air quality through enhanced ventilation and greenery.
Where can I find more information about altafiber?
For further details, visit altafiber's official website.
