Untitled Document

A Model Manufacturing and Office Facility:
Melding the working and natural environments

Green Building Fact Sheet
(Acrobat 5 pdf file, 346KB)

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The new 46,000 square foot home of NRG Systems in Hinesburg, Vermont is tucked into a hillside and gets most of its power from the sun and uses wood pellets for heating. The landscape features native Vermont trees and plants to eliminate the need for irrigation. The 1.3 million gallon pond provides scenic views and recreational opportunities in addition to its heating, cooling and stormwater functions.

The entrance welcomes visitors with color and light. Hand-painted tiles, depicting the history of wind energy, are sprinkled throughout the building’s stained concrete floor. High windows equipped with special “light guiding” blinds bring natural light into the core of the building. Low office walls and the main “street” design of the hallway enhances the building’s open floor plan and encourages chance meetings among employees that are so important to workplace productivity.

The Café/Commons area at the center of the building offers a comfortable place for employees to gather and have meals. The well-equipped double kitchen provides ample space for employees to store and prepare their food.

Sunlight from a skylight strikes the 3-story hearth, while windows flanking the hearth give employees a view and sense of connection to both the manufacturing and administrative sides of the building. Operable windows throughout the building bring in fresh air and allow employees to connect with the outdoors.

From the building’s third floor, one can appreciate the rustic warmth and beauty of the stone fireplace and the building’s open floor plan. The boardroom’s south-facing windows bring in natural light and provide an expansive view of Hinesburg’s rural landscape. The hand-crafted furniture is made in Vermont and is Forest Stewardship Council certified.