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Chubb building earns Leed recertification

Green machine: the Leed plaque in Chubb’s main lobby measures a variety of factors to help keep the building green (Photograph supplied)

Bermuda’s Chubb building is the first on the island to recertify its green credentials using a hi-tech device to measure its performance.

Chubb, formerly Ace, uses the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design dynamic plaque to measure and display the building’s performance in five categories, including energy and water usage.

Data from the plaque, on display in Chubb’s main lobby, is used to identify trends and make decisions on improvements to the building’s operations that can save money and resources, as well as make the office’s occupants more comfortable.

Information from the plaque allowed Chubb to recently recertify its Leed gold status with an overall score of 70.

Colin Brown, vice-president, administration and facilities, said: “The plaque allows us to keep employees and visitors engaged in our mission to reduce the environmental footprint of our facility.

“Chubb takes pride in being a corporate leader with its environmental programmes and without collective effort this undertaking would not be possible.”

The company’s building management and green team has also worked with employees, with many opting to get rid of their trash bins to reduce the use of plastic liners, adopting reusable water bottles and using the tin, aluminium and glass recycling scheme.

Staff are also supplied with reusable lunch containers to use in the cafeteria.

And the success of reduction and recycling practices are measured by an annual waste stream audit.

The company said it had achieved a 22 per cent reduction in energy use since 2011 due to careful adjustment of the building’s control systems, adjustment of air conditioning and installation of energy-efficient LED lighting and motion sensor lighting.

A smartphone app is also available for employees who want to keep track of the current status of the building.

Scores in the Leed scheme are graded from certified status with 19-49 points, silver with 50-59 points, gold with 60-79 points and platinum for scores of 80 or more.

The Chubb building scored top marks for its ability to collect enough rainwater to meet all its needs, with two tanks, one for drinking water and one for other uses, with a combined capacity of 300,000 US gallons.

Low-flow aerators are used on taps and toilets in all washrooms to further cut water use and the company has not had to buy in water for three years.

The building first achieved LEED gold status in 2011, as well as a Greenrock green workplace award.