IIDA Headquarters Achieves LEED Interiors Certification

The new headquarters for the 12,000-member International Interior Design Association (IIDA), located in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, is considered by IIDA to be “an illustration of green ideas at work, featuring products and materials that demonstrate how sustainable design can be both beautiful and functional.”The design association earned a Gold rating in LEED for Commercial Interiors, with a space that includes underfloor air distribution, T-5 linear pendant fixtures, and glass walls and doors for private offices to maximize the penetration of natural light. Of the materials specified for the project, such as ceiling tiles and upholstered wall panels, 25% (by cost) contain pre- and post-consumer recycled content, and 5% (by cost) are made with rapidly renewable materials, such as cork.Envision Design, an architecture and interior design firm based in Washington, designed the space and provided LEED consultation. More information is available at www.iida.org.