Bayer’s EcoCommercial Building Conference Center sparkles with Green Power award

Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s EcoCommercial Building (ECB) Conference Center is a sparkling example for promoting Pennsylvania’s clean-energy economy.

For its work, Bayer will receive a Green Power: Turn It On award from Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture). The annual award is part of a PennFuture campaign aimed at building Pennsylvania’s renewable energy market.

"We are honored to receive this award from PennFuture,” said Paul Platte, head, EcoCommercial Building in North America, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “Bayer’s EcoCommercial Building Conference Center and the broader ECB initiative demonstrate our commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable built environments.”

In May 2010, the ECB Conference Center was officially unveiled at Bayer’s North American headquarters in suburban Pittsburgh. Ongoing building research in this solar-powered facility is aimed at achieving net-zero-energy and net-zero-emissions on a commercial scale. Simultaneously, the building serves as a showcase and education center for sustainable building solutions, as well as a working center for evaluating R&D materials and technologies.

Bayer sponsors the ECB initiative, which includes a network of industry experts that provide solutions to significantly improve the energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness of new and renovated commercial buildings. The 800-square-foot ECB Conference Center was originally designed and constructed by Pennsylvania State University students as a residential housing concept for the U.S. Department of Energy 2009 Solar Decathlon competition in Washington, D.C. Bayer collaborated with the students, providing technology and materials.

In addition to the ECB Conference Center, Bayer has embarked on a $17 million renovation of its headquarters in suburban Pittsburgh. The planned improvements focus on two buildings, which house the largest number of employees at the Robinson Township campus.

Numerous products based on Bayer’s advanced polyurethane and polycarbonate materials contribute to exterior and interior improvements of both buildings. Spray polyurethane foam insulation, polyurethane-insulated metal panels and fiberglass/polyurethane composite windows transform the building envelopes to energy optimized, contemporary and state of the art. Inside, the buildings feature open, attractive workspaces ergonomically designed to increase occupant comfort, health and productivity. Optimal daylighting featuring clear polycarbonate sheet allows natural light to filter throughout the workplace, while energy-efficient LED fixtures with polycarbonate parts provide aesthetic workspace and task lighting. And, low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), waterborne coatings, adhesives and sealants contribute to rapid return to service and a virtually odor-free environment. With these technologies in place, Bayer is pursuing LEED-CI (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Commercial Interior) gold-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

PennFuture is a statewide public interest membership organization that works to create a just future where nature, communities and the economy thrive. Bayer will accept the award during a ceremony being held today at the Fairmont hotel in Pittsburgh.