When Polsinelli Shughart PC employees arrive at work in the morning, they find lights that automatically turn off when they’re away from their desks, low VOC materials and furniture that improve indoor air quality, and recycled glass countertops and energy efficient appliances in their break room.
These are just a few of the sustainable features that helped the Denver office of Polsinelli Shughart become the first law firm in the city to be named LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified for Commercial Interiors at its new office in the historic Lower Downtown District.
Polsinelli Shughart achieved LEED certification, which is established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute, for its use of energy-efficient electrical, lighting, heating and cooling systems, office equipment and materials, as well as a variety of other conservation strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED-certified buildings save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier work environment.
Polsinelli Shughart’s attorneys and staff relocated last September to their new office in LoDo at 1515 Wynkoop St. The firm is located on the sixth floor of the eight-story building, which last year became LEED Gold certified for the new construction of its core and shell. In honor of Polsinelli Shughart’s relocation to LoDo, Gov. Bill Ritter, in a letter to the firm, commended its “commitment to the New Energy Economy and its selection of a LEED-certified site.”
“Being LEED certified recognizes our commitment to providing a sustainable, healthy and productive environment for our employees and clients, as well as the economic redevelopment and revitalization of LoDo,” said Gene Commander, shareholder and vice chair of Polsinelli Shughart’s construction practice group. “We’re proud to be among the growing number of companies investing in sustainable facilities. It’s more than a trend. It’s the right thing to do.”
Acquilano Leslie Inc., (www.acquilano.com) a Denver-based LEED-accredited design firm specializing in interior architecture, incorporated sustainable concepts throughout the Polsinelli Shughart space, which was built by J. E. Dunn Rocky Mountain, Inc.
The designers included such items as carpet with a high recycled content, zoned lighting in common office areas, and EnergyStar®-rated equipment. The office also has a formal recycling program with collection receptacles located throughout the space. In addition, Polsinelli Shughart earned points toward its LEED certification by donating, rather than discarding, its used office furniture to Arapahoe House, the state’s leading provider of drug and alcohol services.
“Building operations are nearly 40 percent of the solution to the global climate change challenge,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “While climate change is a global problem, innovative companies like Polsinelli Shughart are addressing it through local solutions.”
Polsinelli Shughart signed a 12-year lease last year with developer Hines Interests LP for 38,000 square feet in the building, which is located in a mixed-use district with restaurants, business services, retail, residential and Union Station. The agreement, which includes options to lease the entire 47,000 square foot floor and to extend the term to more than 20 years, was brokered by Studley.
Journalists who would like to share this story are invited to:
• Tour the firm’s LEED Certified space and interview employees about the benefits of working in a sustainable office
• Photograph or videotape the office to help illustrate your story
• Interview the design firm
For more information contact:
Heather McMichael, Public Relations Manager at 816-395-0618,
Russ Rizzo, Linhart Public Relations, 303-951-2561,
About Polsinelli Shughart PC
With more than 495 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart PC (www.polsinelli.com) is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business litigation, financial services, real estate, business law, construction, life sciences, environmental and natural resources, health care, insurance coverage/bad faith, and labor and employment. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients regionally, nationally and worldwide, Polsinelli Shughart is known for successfully applying forward-thinking strategies for both straightforward and complex legal matters. The firm has 16 offices located in Kansas City, St. Louis, Phoenix, Chicago, Denver, Washington, New York City, Wilmington, Overland Park, St. Joseph, Springfield, Jefferson City, Topeka and Edwardsville.