The recently completed United Therapeutics headquarters building, the Unisphere, constructed in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, has been certified LEED Platinum. The Bell Company, working as a subcontractor for the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, was responsible for all Mechanical and Plumbing construction. This 215,000 square foot Headquarters expansion operates on Net Zero Energy: the amount of electrical and thermal energy consumed is renewably generated on-site throughout the course of the year. To achieve this ambitious goal, the cutting-edge facility includes various sustainable features including photovoltaic panels, geothermal wells, a high-performance electrochromic curtainwall, earth-coupled heating/cooling system, natural ventilation, daylight harvesting, and a thermal pool.
This new facility is comprised of high-end office space, retail space, a public plaza and a 152-space private parking garage below the building.
LEED®, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is the preeminent program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of high-performance green buildings. Created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1999, LEED has become the international standard for green building performance. To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. LEED certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy.
The LEED® certification trademark is owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and is used with permission.