OREANDA-NEWS. Cox Enterprises announced today that it has been awarded LEED® Gold certification for its 578,000 square foot office building that is located in Sandy Springs, Ga. The new building is the second facility on Cox Enterprises' corporate campus to achieve LEED Gold certification.

The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

"Through our Cox Conserves sustainability program, we look at every possible way to lessen our environmental impact," said Marybeth Leamer, Cox Enterprises' executive vice president of human resources and administration who served as construction project chair. "We're thrilled to have two LEED Gold certified facilities on our campus. They are a visible example that collaborative workspaces and conservation can go hand in hand."

Cox achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at conservation.

Energy Conservation:

  • A free-standing solar canopy on the parking deck produces 72 MWh of energy, provides shade for cars and annually prevents the release of 43 tons of carbon.
  • A high-efficiency HVAC system minimizes energy use during off-peak times.
  • The buildings use energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures, as well as occupancy sensors and lighting controls to adjust usage based on exterior lighting conditions.

Water Conservation:

  • HVAC systems store captured groundwater, rainwater and condensate in a 15,000 gallon cistern, reducing potable water consumption for cooling towers.
  • Water-efficient food service equipment reduces process water use.
  • Low-flow faucets and toilets and waterless urinals are featured throughout the building.

Waste Management:

  • Mini trash bin/recycling container systems are located at each employee desk.
  • Recycling vessels are placed throughout the building and composting stations are located in break rooms.
  • More than 95 percent of construction waste was recycled or diverted from landfill disposal.

Eco-Friendly Transportation:

  • Continuous shuttle service is provided to and from nearby public transportation stations.
  • The parking deck includes bicycle storage areas, charging stations for electric vehicles, tire inflation stations and designated parking for carpools and fuel-efficient vehicles.

"Building operations are nearly 40 percent of the solution to the global climate change challenge," said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. "While climate change is a global problem, innovative companies like Cox Enterprises are addressing it through local solutions."

Cox also makes a local impact through two of its properties (Ch. 2 WSB-TV and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) participation in Atlanta's Better Buildings Challenge. Nationally, Cox Enterprises participated in the White House's American Business Act on Climate Pledge, where it committed to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become carbon and water neutral by 2044.

About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.

About Cox Conserves:
Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 55,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.