Press Release

ASPCA^® Achieves Environmental Gold Standard

Corporate Headquarters in New York City Receives LEED^® CI Gold Rating from U.S Green Buildings Council

August 13, 2009

ASPCA Media Contact

NEW YORK–The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) moved its corporate headquarters in New York City last fall to 520 8th Avenue in an effort to provide staff with the best accommodations for a growing workforce. This ideal was realized when the office space was certified Gold LEED^® CI level for 2009 by the U.S. Green Buildings Council.

"In 2008, The ASPCA was committed to decreasing its carbon footprint and providing a work environment that adapted to both employees and pets," said ASPCA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Musso. "We are beyond thrilled that the office space has lived up to the expectations that we set for ourselves and achieved a level of success that reflects an organization that is extremely conscious of its impact on society."

One of the few green office spaces in New York City, the 35,000 square foot space makes use of renewable resources and available materials. Bamboo—a rapidly renewable resource—was used for new flooring. Technology was made more cost-effective through the use of low-energy network servers, sensory lights that anticipate the need for additional illumination and telephones and computers that enter "sleep" mode when not in use. Additionally, heating and cooling of the space is made more efficient through the use natural sunlight and temperature controls that adjust 26 zones—in lieu of the usual five or six—and puts less strain on internal systems.

LEED-certified buildings are designed to:

lower operating costs and increase asset value,
reduce waste sent to landfill,
conserve energy and water,
be healthier and safer for occupants,
reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions,
and demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

"The ASPCA appreciates the advantages LEED certification has on the environment, but the benefits have been professionally rewarding as well. The use of less noxious materials has produced a healthier environment for staff, and the low-energy capabilities has saved 28% on our energy costs, thereby allowing us to draw more funds toward helping prevent animal cruelty," Musso added.

The office, located in a Newmark Knight Frank building, was designed by Paul Bonacci and Lucinda Schlaffer of ARQ® Architects, a nationally renowned firm known for serving the needs of the environment. The ASPCA is currently considering utilizing green design in future renovations to their adoption center and veterinary hospital located at 424 92nd Street in New York City.

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Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

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