THINKING OUTSIDE THE BUILDING (article)

TUI Marine’s LEED features extend beyond the front door.

The best LEED-inspired projects don’t end at a company’s front door; they include features that extend positive environmental strategies into the community. Here are a few features of the new TUI Marine international headquarters that expand the business’ green philosophies into the public space:

• Walk the Walk. TUI Marine’s location at Offices at Park Place near US Hwy 19 N and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard puts it within a half mile of more than a dozen services employees use regularly, including restaurants, banks, grocery stores and dry cleaners. Being in a highly walkable location earns the building credits toward its pursuit of LEED Gold certification.

• Say Hi to Hybrids. The parking lot at TUI Marine includes 13 reserved parking spaces in prime locations for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. Employees and visitors must drive a vehicle with a minimum green score of 40 from the ACEEE green vehicle rating guide to qualify for this preferred parking.

• Hop on the Bus.  The TUI headquarters is located within a short walk of bus stops on three PSTA routes, making public transportation a convenient option for staff members.

• Go Free Wheelin’.  To encourage employees to forego driving in favor of pedal power, the exterior of the TUI Marine building was designed to accommodate secure bicycle storage.

• Hit the Showers. Recognizing that staff members might shy away from walking or biking to work in the Florida heat, TUI Marine included employee showers, lockers and changing rooms in its facilities.