Great River Energy's headquarters received 56 points under Version 2.2 of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction and Major Renovations Green Building Rating System, four more than required for Platinum certification. How it accomplished the feat:

Sustainable Sites

Great River Energy received 12 of 14 possible points in this category in part by building on a previously developed site within a half-mile of 10 basic services and a quarter-mile of two or more public bus lines, planting native or adapted vegetation on more than half of the site area, implementing a stormwater-management plan, employing a thermal-polyolefin white roof, and lighting areas for safety, security, and navigation without impacting the night sky or adjacent properties.

Water Efficiency

Great River Energy received all five possible points in this category in part by collecting rainwater for use in toilets and urinals and installing low-flow aerators and motion sensors on bathroom faucets and dual flush meters on toilets.

Energy & Atmosphere

Great River Energy received 16 of 17 possible points in this category by demonstrating a more-than-47.5-percent improvement in energy performance compared with a baseline building complying with ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings; deriving approximately 14 percent of its energy from on-site renewable sources (about 10 percent from the wind turbine and 3 to 5 percent from the solar panels); employing enhanced commissioning for all systems; selecting refrigerants that contribute little, if at all, to ozone depletion and global warming; and receiving 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.

Materials & Resources

Great River Energy received six of 13 possible points in this category by recycling more than 95 percent of construction waste; using a variety of materials made from recycled content; using a variety of materials extracted, processed, and manufactured regionally; and using Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Great River Energy received 13 of 15 possible points in this category in part by installing permanent monitoring systems that provide feedback on ventilation-system performance; using low-emitting adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, carpet systems, and composite wood and agrifiber products; providing individual task-lighting and comfort controls; and providing a view of the outside to more than 90 percent of occupants.

Innovation & Design Process

Great River Energy received four of five possible points in this category in part by allowing employees and guests to interact with building information through kiosks in the lobby and at www.greatriverenergy.com.