The new global headquarters for Novus International in St. Louis has been awarded the Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Platinum certification is the highest designation available to buildings that demonstrate energy efficiency and sustainability.

The building, which is located in Missouri Research Park, is only the fourth building in Missouri to achieve the distinction and one of fewer than 100 buildings in the United States to receive the designation.

The 90,000 square foot facility consolidates the Global Headquarters and International Research Center for the animal health and nutrition company into a single facility. In addition to office space, the building includes 10 research laboratories, state-of-the-art employee and customer training center, a fitness center and cafeteria.

The building has some great “green” innovations, such as the largest array of solar panels in Missouri (5,000 square feet), countertops made from recycled milk jugs and scrap aluminum, a fitness room floor made from recycled tires, and carpet containing recycled yarn, plus landscaping using Missouri native grasses and plants designed to require no irrigation, equating to thousands of gallons of water saved each year.

I recently posted an interview with Jeremy Lutgen, Novus Public Relations Manager, about the new green building and their upcoming opening ceremony in June.