Established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is a leading-edge system for certifying the greenest performing buildings in the world and a nationally accepted benchmark for building sustainability.

“Earning LEED Gold Certification underscores Symantec’s commitment to minimizing our environmental impact while enhancing the health and well-being of our community and employees,” said Luigi Sciabarrasi, vice president, Real Estate and Facilities, Symantec.

To develop its LEED Gold-certified site, Symantec met high standards for site sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. For the location of its LEED-certified Culver City campus, Symantec selected a site previously considered undevelopable in a densely populated area of the city.

The facility features three water quality filtration units that surpass local standards for storm water treatment as well as landscaping and exterior design, including roofing, to reduce heat islands.

“Symantec is to be congratulated for achieving LEED Gold certification on their commercial office project,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “Symantec has demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment, and by achieving certification, they also demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ health, comfort and well-being.”

Symantec Culver City also features several water efficiency enhancements, including landscaping that reduces water consumption by 50 percent and indoor fixtures that reduce water use by more than 40 percent. Energy performance is also enhanced, delivering a nearly 30 percent savings through the use of high efficiency windows, reduced lighting power density, efficiency HVAC, a water-side economizer system, and other features. A raised floor system holds the infrastructure for air and power distribution that gives the occupants control over their environment, thereby using less energy. Solar powered lamp posts in the parking areas provide an innovative alternative energy source. The interior layout of the building was designed for maximum flexibility and to provide daylight and a view for 90 percent of the occupants. Recycling and green housekeeping practices have been mandated throughout the campus.