NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma US, Inc. today announced that its new headquarters for the Americas, located at the northwest corner of I-294 and Willow Road in Northbrook, has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is one of the primary rating systems for the design, construction and operation of energy-efficient buildings. A Gold certification is achieved by buildings that are designed and constructed with sustainable concepts and practices that substantially reduce the building's impact on the environment as compared to other, similar facilities.

"Today is an extremely proud day for Astellas in achieving LEED Gold certification at our new headquarters for the Americas, which we've worked toward since we broke ground in 2010. This honor further demonstrates our commitment to the environment, the local community, and as an employer of choice to our employees," said Collette Taylor, Astellas, Senior Vice President Human Resources & Corporate Administration of Astellas and headquarters project manager. "With energy costs and carbon emissions on the rise, we're thrilled that we invested in green building at our new facility in Northbrook, Illinois."

The Northbrook complex obtained LEED Gold certification for its environmentally-conscious construction, including:

• Hybrid geothermal field, which uses the earth as a heat source in the winter or heat sink in the summer, to reduce energy costs more than 20 percent
• Use of more than 77 percent of wood from managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
• Use of 35 percent recycled materials, use of 45 percent locally-manufactured materials and the recycling of more than 85 percent of waste during construction
• Improved indoor air quality with building flush-out using outdoor air to remove the majority of pollutant emissions
• Providing outdoor air more than 30 percent above the mandated standard
• Use of high-efficiency heat and air-conditioning equipment and plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption
• Indoor secured bicycle storage and showering facilities
• More than 70 percent of the facility's parking under cover to reduce heat island
• Landscape irrigation from retained storm water

"Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "Astellas' new headquarters for the Americas efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come."

Astellas partnered with MB Real Estate to manage the development of the buildings and site with GlenStar Properties, LLC. MB Real Estate contracted the services of HJKessler Associates, a green building and LEED consultant, and worked closely with the USGBC and the EPA to ensure the proper implementation of sustainable building design and practices. The new headquarters was designed by world-renowned architect, Goettsch Partners, the interior architect was SmithGroup, and it was built by Power Construction.

"It was a pleasure to work with Astellas through the LEED certification process," said Natalie Stanley, Director of Sustainability at MB Real Estate. "We share a common vision of bettering the world for future generations by making significant improvements to the efficiency of properties and reducing our overall carbon footprint."

Opened in June 2012, the complex accommodates more than 1,000 employees, with ample space to build a future third building to accommodate the company's projected growth. The complex includes two six-story buildings totaling 425,000 square feet and cost approximately $150 million to build.  

The new Astellas Headquarters for the Americas project has been well-recognized throughout the real estate community and has received numerous awards including Office Development of the Year 2011 for the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), Build-to-Suit of the Year 2011 for the Greater Chicago Food Depository's Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards. Most recently, the development was honored with the Merit Award for New Construction in the Suburbs by the Chicago Building Congress and 2012 AIA Chicago Design Excellence Award for Interior Architecture.

About Astellas
Astellas Pharma US, Inc., located in Northbrook, Illinois, is a U.S. affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organization is committed to becoming a global category leader in focused areas by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities. For more information about Astellas Pharma US, Inc., please visit our website at www.astellas.us or follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AstellasUS.

About U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About LEED
LEED is the foremost program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings. Nearly 50,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising 9.3 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 135 countries. In addition, more than 26,000 residential units have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 91,000 more homes registered. By using less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Learn more at usgbc.org

About MB Real Estate
Founded in 1982, MB Real Estate is a full-service real estate organization that provides multifaceted expertise in Asset/Facilities Management; Leasing Services; Project/Construction Management; Tenant Representation; and Investment Services. Headquartered in Chicago, with a regional office in New York City, MB Real Estate provides these services to corporations, institutions, professional organizations, private investors, and non-profit agencies. For more information, please visit www.mbres.com.

SOURCE Astellas Pharma US, Inc.