News & events : project merit award

Press Release:

For Immediate Release
   Contact:
   Kristen Buck
   Eppstein Uhen Architects
   (414) 291-8152
   kristenb@eua.com

WECC Headquarters Wins Merit Award

MADISON, Wis. (May 13, 2008) - Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation's new headquarters, designed by Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA), recently won a Merit Award at InBusiness Magazine's Commercial Design Awards ceremony. The project was nominated in the "Best Green-Built Project" category.

Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) decided to take on the challenge of creating its own commercial office building after championing innovative energy initiatives for 25 years. Their goal was to show energy-conscious developers and business owners how they can construct energy-efficient, sustainable buildings economically - and why being environmentally responsible can be a smart and affordable business decision. WECC's headquarters was awarded LEED-Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.

A showcase for energy efficiency, affordability and sustainable design, the building includes many features such as:

Permeable concrete parking surfaces and staff patio
Bio-retention ponds and bio-swales for storm water
Green Roof
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems provide 14% of building's electrical energy needs
Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) provide 40% of the hot water needed
High efficiency HVAC results in 40-45% energy savings
Low-VOC paints and finishes
High recycled content on finishes and furnishings

In award consideration, the project scored points for, as one judge put it, "its blend-inability." Other judges agreed, adding (for the record), "To be able to achieve that level of sustainability and not look weird is an advantage in many's eyes. It can look like a regular building and still get all of the green-built qualities incorporated. This project was a very strong contender for first place in this competition."

About Eppstein Uhen Architects
Eppstein Uhen Architects is a 101-year-old, full-service design firm best known for pairing inspired design with exceptional client service. More than 130 employees in Milwaukee and Madison are challenged to go beyond design by demonstrating unparalleled commitment to the markets they serve, the community, and their clients. The award-winning firm specializes in several distinct markets: corporate office, educational, retail/mixed-use, senior living, healthcare, residential, public, industrial, master planning, and interior design. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.eua.com.

About the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Wis. Established in 1980, WECC is a national leader in designing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that partner with private businesses to deliver value to consumers. It champions innovative energy initiatives that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses and policy makers. For more information about WECC, call 800.969.9322 or visit weccusa.org.

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