ELPC's Eco-Office - A New Vision for Office Design

When the Environmental Law and Policy Center planned its new office space, we wanted the office to be not only a place to work, but to also reflect the spirit of the work that we do. Just as architects' offices are often dramatically designed spaces, ELPC wanted to put our principles into practice by demonstrating that environmental protection and economic development go hand-in-hand.

The techniques and materials that we used in ELPC's eco-office are neither exotic nor expensive. Everything was economically justified and implemented within the constraints of existing conventional downtown office rental space. We have employed readily-available, off-the-shelf technologies to prove that significant achievements can be made by any company which is interested in a better working environment -- both within and beyond the physical office walls.

What we have achieved is an office that is aesthetically more enjoyable, healthier and more productive for our staff. It also saves money for ELPC over time through reduced energy costs. At the same time, the design and construction of our new eco-office minimizes pollution, cuts electricity demand, uses recycled materials and avoids sending a significant amount of waste to landfills. Our ultimate goal is to see these practices replicated and adopted by others, demonstrating how each green space can help make Chicago a greener place. Please come by and tour ELPC's eco-office and see for yourself.