“Official certification is the final step in validating Bridgestone's vision and goal for the center, which serves as the hub for Bridgestone's focus on innovation. Efforts are underway across the country to create more environments like this, further realizing our sustainability mission.”
Sustainability features of the center that captured LEED Gold certification include:
- Energy Savings — The building was digitally modeled with an energy simulator and with glass, sun screens, skylights and materials optimize energy savings. Additionally a white roof reflects heat away from the building.
- Water Management — Water usage reduction occurs through low flow faucets, toilets, urinals and shower heads. No city water is used outside the building; utilizing rain water from the roof and used for irrigation. Vegetation on the 16,000 square foot green roof absorbs water to minimize runoff, while helping moderate temperature.
- Landscaping — Areas of the site are landscaped with native Ohio plants, which do not need to be watered. Much of the area around the building features native Ohio short grass prairie species, which also captures and holds rainwater.
- Personal Well-being — Natural light shines through the building and private offices are located in the center of the building with hallways and staircases along the outside so all can see outside. There is also a workout facility on campus with locker rooms.
- Walkability — The center is surrounded by the Firestone Park neighborhood with shaded stone walking paths.
Bridgestone opened the facility, which houses more than 450 employees, in April 2012.
The Akron facility is one of three technical centers for Bridgestone worldwide; the others are in Tokyo and Rome).
Bridgestone said all of its sustainability initiatives are aligned under the company's One Team, One Planet sustainability platform. For additional information about Bridgestone's One Team, One Planet environmental activities, or the company's environmental mission, visit the tire maker's website.
