SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Weber Marketing Group, a strategic branding and marketing consulting agency, moved their headquarters to a new, eco-friendly office building in May. The 40,000 square foot building in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood is one of the first in Seattle to achieve Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The four-story building was constructed without air conditioning, something that hasn’t been done in Seattle in 30 years. A passive cooling and highly efficient plumbing system will result in an estimated 30% energy and water savings compared to a traditional office building with air conditioning. Weber Thompson, a Seattle-based architectural firm, designed the building. “It’s going to be a tough sell for naturally ventilated buildings, but that’s why we did this. We wanted to show it will work,” said Scott Thompson, a senior principal at Weber Thompson. Special features such as operable windows, automated louvers and a center courtyard help keep the building’s interior cool during summer. Warm air is drawn into the courtyard, which acts as a chimney, sending the warm air skyward. Fixed and adjustable sun shades on the building’s exterior absorb heat, but still let light through. A light colored roof helps protect the building from solar heat gain. Other sustainable elements in the building include shower and change rooms for bicycle commuters and workstations with translucent furniture located near windows for more natural light. Structural elements contain a high percentage of recycled materials. The new building reflects Weber Marketing Group’s commitment to eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable practices. “Going green with our new headquarters was an easy decision,” said Mark Weber, Founder and CEO of Weber Marketing Group. “Not only is it the right thing to do for the environment, our clients will appreciate our insights and experience when they’re ready to pursue a green strategy,” he added. Weber Marketing Group is a strategic branding agency, specializing in solving complex marketing challenges with breakthrough brands, names, retail environments, promotional campaigns and integrated design. Based in Seattle, Washington, Weber Marketing Group has developed hundreds of brands and thousands of branch environments for financial clients across North America.
