Melink Headquarters, Milford, Ohio, USA

Situated east of Cincinnati (Milford), Melink Headquarters occupies about 2787 square meters (30,000 square feet). First, the office consisted of three buildings, located in different parts of the city. Later they were united in one complex on the initiative of Steve Melink, the President of Melink Corporation. In 2006, Melink Headquarters was awarded LEED Gold certification. After installing several systems, particularly a solar photovoltaic array, the building achieved LEED Platinum in January 2010, thus becoming the first building in Ohio with such a high mark in the category of Existing Buildings. Now the office building manages to save about $35,000 per annum in energy expenses. The next aim of the representatives of Melink Headquarters was to make it a “Zero Energy House” in the nearest future. In 2011 this goal, too, was achieved.

Energy is saved in two ways – window blinds which redirect natural light, and sensors which turn lights off when there’s no one in the rooms. The company is famous for working out strategies for saving energy. Besides, power usage is controlled by a distribution system. Temperature and CO2 emissions are under control, too. Dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals help to cut down water use by 40%. The building is armed with a low wind turbine, generating electricity at night.

About 90 % of waste was recycled.

By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am