White Castle receives top LEED certification for new headquarters
White Castle’s new home office was constructed with — and is being operated to — the highest level of sustainability.
The fast-food chain, founded in 1921, announced that it was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for the interior improvements in its new home office, located in Columbus, Ohio. White Castle said the building was built with materials that have environmentally, economically and socially preferable life-cycle impacts, are responsibly extracted or sourced, and minimize the use and generation of harmful substances.
In addition, the company used low-emitting materials and finishes to ensure better air quality. Its waste-free café features all reusable cups, plates
Elford Development handled construction of the building. Architectural Alliance designed the overall building; M+A Architects designed the interior.
"From the very start, we knew we wanted to create a space that operates sustainably and gives our team members a healthy, more comfortable place to work, said Lisa Ingram, president and CEO of White Castle. “That focus on building a clean and safe environment certainly means more today than we ever anticipated, and the certification confirms that we succeeded."
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification ensures buildings employ design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health. White Castle achieved LEED Gold for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
"White Castle has always implemented innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment," Ingram added. "Our new home office physically embodies our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and making the world more sustainable."
White Castle, which is family-owned, owns and operates more than 360 restaurants.