BASF achieves LEED-EB O&M Silver certification

Duluth, Minn.-based LHB Corp. helped BASF Construction Chemicals attain LEED Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Silver Certification for BASF’s Building Systems headquarters located in Shakopee, Minn. This is only the third building to earn LEED-EB O&M certification in Minnesota. “LHB showed us how LEED is not just for new buildings, but can be used to improve the performance of existing buildings. Their work will help us make positive environmental contributions and save tens of thousands of dollars every year for the life of this facility,” said Doug MacRae, head of building systems at BASF. LHB analyzed and provided recommendations to improve the operation and maintenance systems of BASF’s 37-year old, 49,000-square-foot (4,552-m2) building. Developed and administered by the USGBC, the LEED-EB O&M rating system helps building owners and operators identify and improve ongoing operations and maintenance of existing commercial and institutional buildings. The certification system rewards current best practices and provides an outline for buildings to use less energy, water, and natural resources while improving the indoor environment with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED-EB O&M addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades.