Christman HQ: The World’s First Double LEED Platinum Building

The 82 year-old <a href="http://www.christmanco.com/portfolio.asp?id=106#top" target="_blank">Christman Building</a> in Lansing, Michigan is the world's first building to be achieve double <a href="../tag/leed-platinum" target="_blank">LEED Platinum</a> certification. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was resurrected by an incredible <a href="../green-renovation/" target="_blank">green renovation</a> led by the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/16/chesapeake-bay-foundation-headquarters-greenest-building-ever/" target="_blank">SmithGroup</a>. The renovated space, which serves as the headquarters for The Christman Company, has earned LEED Platinum certifications for both Core and Shell (CS) and Commercial Interiors (CI) - read on for a look inside!

The Christman Building acts as the headquarters for The Christman Company, a construction management and development firm in Lansing, Michigan.

The green renovation of the five-story building achieved LEED Platinum certification for both Core and Shell (CS) and Commercial Interiors (CI), making it the first ever "Double Platinum" certification.

The Christman Company, who specializes in historic renovations, decided to make its new home in an 82-year old building to showcase its strength in historic and sustainable renovations.

The original building was once The Mutual Building, built in 1928 and located in the shadow of Michigan’s Capitol. The landmark building is located in downtown Lansing and was constructed as the headquarters of Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company.

One of the biggest changes to the historic building was the construction of a beautiful atrium with skylights that floods interior spaces with natural daylight.

Thanks to skylights and large windows, 92% of the interior spaces now receive natural daylight.

Additionally, 92% of the original material of the building was salvaged and restored reducing the need to buy virgin materials.

N materials that were bought for the renovation were sourced from recycled, reclaimed or local materials.

The new headquarters places a strong emphasis on healthy interiors -- it makes great use of daylighting, natural ventilation and minimizes pollutants to ensure healthy air quality.

Surprisingly, the renovation includes an under-floor air distribution system, which provides 200-300% more ventilation than conventional systems.

This eco renovation goes to show that a green building can be created from existing buildings without the need to build a completely new structure.

Although the building does not include any renewable energy generation, the company purchased Renewable Energy Certificates for clean wind energy to offset 70% of the building's core and shell and 100% of the company headquarters' electricity use for two years.

Christman Company's headquarters are located very close to the capital of Michigan and are expected to help spur on a revitalization of the downtown Lansing area.