MIDLAND, Mich. - October 01, 2012
The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) today announced that the Dow Business Services Center Building in Midland, Mich. was selected as a Merit Award recipient in the 2012 BUILDINGS ABBY (America’s Best Buildings of the Year) Awards Program.
The 205,000-square-foot building is located in Midland, Michigan and is part of Dow’s corporate headquarters. The October issue of BUILDINGS magazine will feature an article on the award-winning building, recognizing Dow’s accomplishment in creating a facility that helps minimize the Company’s global footprint.
“From the initial plans for the new campus, Dow committed to creating an innovative facility, one that pushes the envelope in design, construction and performance, while keeping sustainability top-of-mind,” said Dave Kepler, Executive Vice President, Business Services; Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Information Officer. “We’re honored to receive this coveted industry award, recognizing our commitment to Dow’s 2015 Sustainability Goals and delivering on our core value of protecting the planet.”
Dow achieved a sustainable facility through multiple innovations, many of which feature Dow products and technologies:
- THERMAX™ Wall system from Dow, featuring continuous insulation, flashing, and an air barrier was installed on the exterior walls, streamlining construction and allowing Dow to downsize HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) equipment, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- STYROFOAM™ XPS foam insulation was installed under the white roof, the slab, and around the foundation to provide long-term R-value and energy efficiency.
- Roof and wall junctures, the roof perimeter, and other air infiltration points were sealed with FROTH-PAK™ Foam Insulation, which provided a moisture-resistant seal and helped reduce air leakage.
- The energy-efficient “cool roof” reflects solar heat and protects the underlying insulation and roof structure. A double layer of thermally efficient insulation enhances overall building energy efficiency.
- The parking area includes 26 spaces that meet accessibility standards, 67 spots reserved for fuel-efficient vehicles, and six Level II charging stations, along with infrastructure for 20 more electric cars.
- Inside, the design incorporates as much daylight as possible. Horizontal sun shades block sunlight when needed and self-tinting windows eliminate glare. Roughly 99% of workspaces are in an open office design, allowing daylight to penetrate. Interiors feature low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, finishes, adhesives, and wood products, with all carpets meeting the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) Green Label Plus standard. Individual temperature controls signify Dow’s attention to personal comfort, as do carbon dioxide sensors that run the ventilation system as needed.
- Sand obtained from digging out the retention pond was reused to raise building foundations and large areas of naturally landscaped green space and a live pond provide natural habitat for wildlife.
Energy efficient buildings are one of the most effective and immediate means for reducing carbon emissions. The three-building, 205,000 square-foot Business Services Center campus is designed to consume 20 percent less energy than required by current building codes. This completed facility successfully integrates sustainability with aesthetics and is on target to achieve LEED Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.For Editorial Information:
Jan McKinnon
Senior Communications Manager,
Dow Building Solutions
519.541.0336
jmckinnon@dow.com