The Patterson Company's technology center has achieved LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) certification at the silver level.
The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a nationally recognized program acknowledging building strategies that meet the highest standards for design, construction, maintenance, and operation for healthy and environmentally friendly performance, according to a press release.
The technology center achieved LEED certification by developing a sustainable site and conserving water and achieving high performance in energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. The number of points earned in the LEED credit categories enabled the center to attain the higher silver level certification.
Specific green measures include building materials made of recycled content, occupancy sensors and daylight controls on light fixtures, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. In addition, fresh air is circulated in the building approximately every 6.5 hours. Exterior features include vegetation growth on the cafeteria roof to reduce heat and improve storm water collection, landscaping with plant material native to the area, a walking path around a pond that filters site storm drainage, and parking areas with charging stations reserved for fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.
The technology center, which is located in Effingham, IL, opened in 2011. It provides technology support infrastructure for customers served by Patterson Dental, Patterson Veterinary, and Patterson Medical and serves as the company's central technology and software development, testing, and employee training facility.
