Policy Briefs & Reports

In July 2011, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) relocated its Washington, D.C. office to a new space designed with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. NRDC is an international nonprofit environmental organization committed to protecting the world’s natural resources, public health, and environment.

The energy-efficient new NRDC office has high performance measures which are projected to yield a 30 percent annual energy savings, compared to expected energy use if the office were built to the minimum energy code requirements (ASHRAE 90.1 2007). Over the life of the 15-year lease, NRDC forecasts a net cash flow savings (cumulative energy savings minus initial incremental cost) of $197,871 from the measures. The largest contributor to the project’s energy reduction is the efficient lighting scheme, including the use of daylighting, automated and manual controls, and energy efficient fixtures.