DuPont last week opened a new five-story, 220,000 square foot office building at its Chestnut Run facility – incorporating sustainability into the building design and using more than 20 DuPont innovations. The building is west of of the company’s Wilmington, Del. headquarters.
The company has applied for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. The LEED green building rating system — developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council — promotes design and construction practices that increase profitability, reduce environmental impacts and improve occupant health and well-being.
DuPont Chair & CEO Ellen Kullman, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and New Castle County Executive Paul Clark participated in the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon.
“We are investing in our future here in Wilmington,” Kullman said. “I am absolutely proud of the work done by our team to design a building that is sustainable and energizing. It is a perfect showcase of how DuPont uses innovation in everything we do.”
“Project Renaissance is tangible proof of DuPont’s commitment to the citizens of the great state of Delaware,” said Markell. “Through good times and bad, the company and generations of Delawareans have worked hand-in-hand to build an enterprise which is admired globally as a powerhouse of scientific innovation. We are proud that DuPont continues to call Delaware home.”
Sustainability is a key element of the building’s design, including a green roof complete with a state-of-the-art solar array that offsets energy needs. Advanced building automation throughout includes waterless urinals, energy efficient LED lighting and HVAC systems.
In addition to an extensive use of recycled materials, the building’s design incorporates advanced technology into its function and aesthetics. Employee focus groups were asked to describe what they believed to be the ideal office environment. Many of the elements they cited were included in the design. Over 65 percent of the building’s glass exterior allows extensive use of natural lighting. Above employees’ heads is a “white roof” made of DuPont Elvaloy that reflects the sun and reduces the load on cooling systems in the summer months saving on energy bills. Below their feet is carpet made with renewably sourced Sorona fibers. More than 20 DuPont products are incorporated into the building’s structure, electronic systems and décor.
The building features an “open work plan” to foster collaboration as DuPont continues its transformation into a science-based products and services company. Approximately 700 DuPont employees will occupy the space.
Many of those employees are moving from the company’s Barley Mill Plaza site which was sold in 2007. DuPont businesses relocating to the building include Building Innovations, Packaging & Industrial Polymers, Sustainable Solutions and the company’s Information Technology function.
The opening of Building 730 completes the first phase of DuPont’s Project Renaissance plan to modernize office facilities in the Wilmington area. The company expects to complete construction on another office building at Chestnut Run Plaza by the end of 2013. – Excerpt from a DuPont Co. release.
