May 2006

(San Antonio, Texas) - ZCC Chairman Bartell Zachry, CEO John Zachry, and President David Zachry marked the opening of the Zachry Employment and Conference Center building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10. The environmentally friendly facility was conceived with the goal of constructing one of only a handful of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)® Platinum-certified, green buildings in the world.

A combination of skylights, clerestory glass and low emissivity glass windows allow sunlight to permeate the facility while minimizing glare and heat transfer. These features reduce the need for electric light, which conserves energy and protects the environment. But they also provide occupants with ample natural light and outdoor views, both of which are proven to make for a comfortable and productive work environment.

Other green features include under-floor mechanical systems and ductwork, which allow for smaller, more efficient air handlers; a tank to collect rainwater to flush plumbing fixtures; a water reclamation system to collect water from washbasins and drinking fountains to use for irrigation; pervious concrete sidewalks; and furnishings made largely from renewable or recycled materials.

The facility was constructed within the framework of the former Building C Warehouse, so the project did not require installation of new infrastructure or the disturbance of a virgin site. Almost 90 percent – or 200 tons – of debris from demolition was salvaged or recycled and thus diverted from landfills. The interior design process was guided by the desire to create an open, earthy workspace using natural, environmentally friendly finishes. The facility features Marmoleum® and cork flooring, Dakota Burl™ and fabric wall coverings and wheat board subsurfaces. Salvaged wood was used for stairways and ceilings, and the terrazzo tile flooring was made from recycled glass and carpet fibers.

Almost 80 percent of the building’s furnishings are GREENGUARD ™ certified, meaning they are constructed from materials that emit few to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The Employment and Conference Center also serves to educate visitors about the importance of building green. Computer kiosks provide information about the LEED® program, and Plexiglas® floor panels allow the underground ductwork to be seen.

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