SC Johnson’s Sustainability Efforts Continue with New Building
Fortaleza Hall, located at the company’s Racine, Wis. international headquarters, not only captures the company’s unique culture, it illustrates its commitment to the environment.
LEED Certification on the Horizon
Fortaleza Hall is currently in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process with final credits scheduled to be submitted to the U.S. Green Building Council after the project opening. SC Johnson is aiming for a Silver LEED certification.
Design, Construction and Outfitting
Sustainability has been a key driver in every aspect of Fortaleza Hall’s innovative design, construction and outfitting. The project incorporates the latest thinking, building materials and equipment to create a greener environment for employees, their families and the community-at-large. Examples include:
• Building materials
• Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint, stains, varnishes, caulks
• Kasota stone – this regionally-sourced natural stone is integrated into the architectural design of the structure. It comes from Mankato, Minn. – less than 500 miles away – which cuts down on transportation costs.
• Oculus glass/glazing – this serves to minimize the impact of solar radiation.
• Terrazzo flooring – Recycled materials such as glass and marble are used to create this flooring. The terrazzo is manufactured on-site, which minimizes post-commercial waste and transportation costs. By comparison, many of the marble and tile floors used today are manufactured overseas and imported.
• Bamboo flooring – Bamboo is one of the hardest natural materials available for wood flooring; it is a rapidly growing grass and can be harvested every five to seven years unlike the 15-100 years required to harvest other tree woods. This makes bamboo an environmentally-friendly product for flooring.
• Forest Stewardship Council wood – Polyconic mosaic map on the floor of Fortaleza Hall of the Western Hemisphere is made of end-grain certified Forest Stewardship Council wood which means it is wood harvested on a sustainable basis.
• Benches in Fortaleza Hall are made with U.S. black walnut, also harvested sustainably.
• Building equipment
• Low waste appliances/systems – many appliances/systems are ENERGY STAR rated (Frymaster® gas fryers, Scotsman ice machine, Cleveland high efficiency convection steamers). The project also incorporates Meiko’s AZP80 Waste
Pulper, which will allow SC Johnson’s cafeteria to reduce its weekly kitchen waste disposal by 75 percent, from approximately 24 cubic yards to six cubic yards, or from 19,200 pounds of waste material down to 4,800 pounds.
• Water efficient fixtures installed throughout – includes Hansgrohe, Chroma showerheads (1.75 GPM, for a 30 percent water savings) for the employee fitness center, Hansgrohe, Talis S Electronic water faucets for lavatories (1.5 GPM), Zurn infrared low flush water closets (1.28 gpf) and Zurn high efficiency urinals (1/8 gpf).
• Four columns at the perimeter of the building function as rainwater returns – the rain water goes through the columns and into an underground cistern for landscape irrigation; also collected from The Commons. This will reduce use of potable water for landscaping the area surrounding the site by at least one-third.
• Energy efficient features
• Energy efficient lighting installed throughout – lighting is controlled through the use of an energy management system, light and occupancy sensors.
• Exterior overhang at top of structure – serves to reduce solar gain in summer and increase it in winter when it is needed.
• A unique floor system called AIRFLOOR™ – saves energy by turning the finished floor into a radiant source of heating or cooling; Building Automation System helps control temperatures wherever people are present.
• Revolving doors/tunnels to improve energy efficiency.
• Energy management system – monitors and controls all energy using equipment and ensures it is operating efficiently when needed.
• Other sustainable features
• Steel and concrete are recycled materials and comprise much of the facility’s building materials. Today, steel is at least 25 percent recycled content. The concrete mix contains 40 percent recycled content.
• Formaldehyde-free duct wrap eliminates off-gas emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality.
An Enduring Commitment to Sustainability
Through five generations of family leadership, SC Johnson has made innovative quality products while focusing on upholding high environmental and health standards. The company’s sustainability efforts target key areas where it believes it can make the biggest impact on quality of life, economic progress, product mix and the planet.
• Improving Our Products
Using earth responsible raw materials – SC Johnson continues to increase its use of environmentally preferred raw materials through its patented Greenlist™ ingredient selection process.
• Reducing Resource Use
Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) – Through a wide range of innovative efforts at its global facilities, SC Johnson works to keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere by reducing fossil fuel use and GHG emissions.
• Protecting Families
Preventing insect-borne diseases – As the leading global marketer of household insecticides and repellents, SC Johnson develops innovative products that help protect
people from mosquito-borne diseases, while working to educate about disease
prevention and making products accessible to more consumers.
• Strengthening Communities
Advancing social progress and public health – SC Johnson is committed to partnerships
that drive positive social change, to reaching consumers who need and value quality products and services, and to improving quality of life.
• SC Johnson publishes an annual Public Report that highlights its progress on sustainability objectives. For more information visit www.scjohnson.com
Visit Fortaleza Hall
Fortaleza Hall is open to the public and invites visitors to tour the building. Tours of Fortaleza Hall will run on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.
• Fridays, beginning Feb. 12 – April 30: 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Fridays, May 7 – Oct. 29: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Fridays, Nov. 5 – March 25, 2011: 9:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Saturdays, beginning Feb. 13 – May 1: 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
• Saturdays, May 8 – Oct. 30: 10 a.m., and 1:15 p.m.
Tours are free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to tour the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings on campus on Fridays. Reservations for both tours are required.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room will also be available to visitors 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with reservations and based upon availability.
To make a reservation, call 262-260-2154 or email Rondelle@scj.com