PHILADELPHIA, PA–Following more than a year of work, PECO recently received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Existing Building (EB) silver and gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for five local buildings.

In total, PECO now operates six LEED certified buildings representing nearly half of all LEED-EB certified buildings in Pennsylvania.

“In 2007 we launched a major environmental initiative for our company and our customers. The work at these sites is our demonstration of how important it is to take steps to reduce energy use and how those steps will pay off by reducing energy costs and helping the environment.”

Work at the sites included lighting and HVAC upgrades and control systems, replacement and retrofit of existing plumbing fixtures, conversion of turf grass to native meadows, increased use of environmentally-preferable office supplies, the adoption of a comprehensive green cleaning program, increased recycling, improved indoor air quality management, and the creation of a Green Champion employee volunteer team. In total the work will reduce energy use by 40 to 50 percent and water consumption by nearly 50 percent at each site.

In Chester County, PECO’s Berwyn Campus, consisting of 3 buildings, received Silver LEED-EB certification. One of only five LEED Existing Building Campus’ in the United States, the $895,000 investment also included the creation of a native meadow, improving local habitat and reducing storm water run off. About $300,000 in work at PECO’s Phoenixville Service Center also resulted in Silver LEED-EB certification. PECO’s Berwyn Campus and Phoenixville Service Building also are the first LEED-EB certified buildings in Chester County.

In Bucks County, PECO’s Warminster Service Building was awarded Gold LEED-EB certification. The $750,000 project also included the creation of a local native meadow, providing additional local habitat and reducing storm water run off. The facility is the first LEED-EB certified building in Bucks County.

“These awards highlight a tremendous effort by our project team,” said Denis O’Brien, PECO president and CEO. “In 2007 we launched a major environmental initiative for our company and our customers. The work at these sites is our demonstration of how important it is to take steps to reduce energy use and how those steps will pay off by reducing energy costs and helping the environment.”

“PECO’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. “The urgency of our mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and PECO serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”

These LEED certified sites join PECO’s West Chester facility, previously awarded Silver LEED certification for New Construction. Other environmental projects include the installation of a new Crown Lights messaging system at the company’s Center City headquarters, additional upgrades to secure LEED certification for 5 additional company buildings, throughout the region, the increased use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles, and support for community and customer environmental and energy efficiency projects.

PECO’s environmental efforts contribute to and support Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap, the comprehensive environmental plan of PECO’s parent company. Exelon 2020 sets the goal of reducing, offsetting or displacing more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020. The corporation will do this by reducing or offsetting the company’s carbon footprint, helping customers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and providing more low-carbon electricity in the marketplace.

PECO also offers many programs to help customers save energy, reduce their environmental impact and save money. PECO Smart Ideas, our full suite of energy efficiency and demand reduction programs, provides valuable information, incentives and rebates for residential and business customers. Programs include a home energy e-audit, discounted CFL bulbs in stores across the region, a refrigerator pick-up and recycling program, and other money saving discounts and rebates.

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Herman Miller Aeron Chair

Herman Miller, Inc., is again demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability with one of its most iconic and successful seating designs–the Aeron chair. Since its 1994 introduction, Aeron has set the global standard for high performance work seating. This renowned design now further distinguishes itself by receiving McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) Cradle to Cradle Silver certification for environmentally friendly design.

The certification stems from the company’s commitment to evaluate both new and existing products according to its Design for the Environment (DfE) protocol, based on the Cradle to Cradle criteria, which emphasizes material chemistry and safety, product disassembly and recyclability of materials, and maximizing use of materials with recycled content.

According to Scott Charon, DfE program manager, the quest for Cradle to Cradle certification of an existing product begins with a rigorous evaluation to assess all of the materials used in the company’s products and to identify those that may pose hazards to humans or the environment.

“In Aeron’s case, we particularly addressed the use of PVC in the arm pads. After significant research and collaboration with a new, minority-owned supplier, our ambition for a PVC-free, polyurethane arm pad is now a reality,” he said.

Aeron’s Cradle to Cradle certification also will play a significant role in the company’s 2010 goal to achieve 50 percent of sales from products that meet the DfE protocol. That target is an interim milestone toward the company’s “Perfect Vision” goals for the year 2020, when Herman Miller aims for 100 percent DfE approved product sales.

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