LEED-ing the way in Sustainable Construction – Bayer MaterialScience’s North American headquarters achieves LEED-CI gold-level certification

When it comes to creating a work environment that is collaborative, cutting edge and incorporates sustainable materials and technologies, Bayer MaterialScience LLC has set the gold standard. The company’s Pittsburgh headquarters earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Commercial Interior (LEED-CI) gold-level certification for a renovated office building on its campus.

“Bayer MaterialScience LLC offers a portfolio of products that make more energy-efficient, more comfortable and more innovative buildings possible,” said Jerry MacCleary, president, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “This LEED certification again demonstrates Bayer’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.”

The renovation at Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s Pittsburgh headquarters included installation of more energy-efficient systems for heating, cooling and plumbing, as well as selection of sustainable construction materials, many of which feature Bayer products, including:

• Makrolon^® MAK clear polycarbonate sheet, which is used for the work stations, allowing natural light to filter throughout the workplace.
• Makrolon^® polycarbonate resin, used in LED (light-emitting diode) light fixture lenses.
• Technogel^® polyurethane material which is incorporated into the employee and guest seating, providing greater ergonomic comfort.
• Gthurm^® windows, a line of energy-efficient windows, produced by Graham Architectural Products. Installed in the building’s lobby, they employ a polyurethane composite using resin supplied by Bayer.

The renovations made to achieve this LEED-CI gold level certification are part of a $17 million “Workspace of the Future” project encompassing several other buildings on the Pittsburgh campus. Insulation upgrades, installation of energy-efficient windows and LED lighting in three additional buildings are complete.

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Association. It provides official verification that building designs meet high energy-efficiency and environmental standards.

In addition to this LEED certification, Bayer’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency extends to its EcoCommercial Building (ECB) Network in North America, which assembles leading producers of high-performance building products and experienced service providers to collaboratively pursue challenges associated with environmentally responsible new and retrofit structures. Together, ECB members strive for a net-zero energy building environment by providing innovative products and services to architects, contractors, engineers and building owners.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,800 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2011 sales of 10.8 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience’s 2011 sales in North America were $2.9 billion.  The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

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