Lexus Training Center Awarded LEED Platinum

Parsippany, N.J. — At Lexus’ eastern training facility in Parsippany, an old warehouse has been transformed into a state-of-the-art sustainable space.

The U.S. Green Building Council awarded LEED Platinum certification to the office and warehouse facility in late August. Leading the project was interior architect and designer Ware Malcomb, based in Woodbridge, N.J., construction manager JLL, based in Chicago, and general contractor Hollister Construction Services, based in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

The 32,000-square-foot building serves as a training center for Lexus dealerships throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The facility fosters environmental commitment through teaching technicians how to service hybrid, plug-in hybrid and other eco-friendly cars. It’s the first LEED Platinum project for the training center program, according to JLL, which was retained by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A in September 2012 to lead the efforts for LEED certification. JLL broke ground on the facility in early April 2013.

“Lexus, with its design team of Ware Malcomb, had the vision to transform this aging warehouse site into a highly functional and technologically advanced sales office and training facility,” said Jerry Sullivan, JLL’s managing director in an April press statement. “Working with such support vendors as Snap-On, KEA, Langan and Hollister Construction, along with the push for excellence and performance by the client, the building was converted into a highly efficient and multi-functional facility for the firm’s area managers and trainers.”

The facility is made up of about 20,000 square feet of administrative and presentation space and 10,000 square feet of training space with 16 training bays. The previous warehouse space was transformed into modern offices designed around a central “town hall” with glass garage folding doors and an adjoining café.

Ware Malcomb incorporated sustainable elements that counted toward LEED certification, including daylight sensors, zoning controls in more than 75 percent of the space, and an efficient HVAC system. Construction materials were salvaged and repurposed by Habitat for Humanity for future local area projects. The efficiency of the building will result in a 40 percent reduction in water usage and a 20 percent reduction in energy usage.

“The new Lexus Eastern Area Office is not only a vibrant and creative space, it also provides a sustainable and collaborative work environment for current and future Lexus employees,” said Michael Bennett, regional director of Ware Malcomb’s New Jersey office, in a statement.

Toyota, which owns Lexus, is a strong proponent of not only building green cars, but operating green buildings. The car manufacturer has won the Energy Star Partner of the Year eight years in a row and has won the EPA’s Energy Star Challenge twice for energy efficient operations in all of its U.S. plants. The company’s engine plant in Huntsville, Ala., for example, hasn’t sent manufacturing waste to a landfill in more than 10 years, according to al.com.