The Nissan Americas building's innovative energy-saving features has earned it the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's prestigious 2009 Energy Star. The award signifies the building's energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide. Nissan Americas, which opened in July 2008, serves as the regional headquarters for North, Central, South and Latin America.
"Nissan Americas is a statement of our overall commitment to the environment and to energy savings," said John Harris, director of facilities and environmental engineering. "The Energy Star award recognizes Nissan's ground-breaking efforts in constructing a building that has numerous features designed to maximize energy efficiency and reduce the impact on the environment."
Nissan's manufacturing plants in Smyrna, Tenn., and Canton, Miss., have received Energy Star awards during the last three years. The plants, including Nissan's powertrain assembly plant in Decherd, Tenn., have seen their energy efficiency improve by more than 30 percent, saving the company more than $11.5 million per year.
"Improving the energy efficiency of our nation's buildings is critical to protecting our environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "From office buildings to hotels, supermarkets to schools, EPA's Energy Star distinguishes those organizations who are taking environmental responsibility into their own hands."
The Energy Star is the mark of superior energy performance and identifies Nissan Americas as one of the most efficient buildings in the nation. Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star designation use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and release 35 percent less carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere.
Key design features in Nissan Americas that contribute to energy savings and environmental protection include:
· Heating and cooling efficiency through an under-floor ventilation system
· Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass
· Light harvesting
· Sunshades
· Green roof system
· Runoff water collection system
In 2006, Nissan pledged to become an Energy Star partner and committed to three principal actions that include measuring and benchmarking energy performance; reducing the intensity of energy use at all facilities; and educating staff and the public about Energy Star.