Oldenburg Facility Gains Leed Certification

Oldenburg Group Incorporated received a LEED “Certified” designation from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its Technical Center built in Kingsford, Michigan.

Wayne Oldenburg, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer stated, “This was the right thing to do.  It is good for the environment plus the extra expense and effort of attaining the certification will provide a return over the life of the building.”

Lighting for the project was provided by the company’s Milwaukee-based Visa Lighting. “Its high-efficiency architectural lighting was used extensively throughout the project and was an instrumental part of the LEED Certification effort,” stated Oldenburg.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary program that provides third-party verification of green buildings and is an international benchmark in construction sustainability.

The Technical Center is a build-to-suit office facility for the Oldenburg Group’s Defense and Energy segments located in Kingsford, Michigan. The 22,500 sq. ft. building is a two-story structure located on a bluff overlooking the Menominee River. Most of the building is faced with translucent glass to maximize daylight and views in occupied spaces. Sustainable elements in the building include energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems, improved air quality, daylighting, and sustainable finishes.

“Because of the site along the river, we were able to take advantage of natural daylighting throughout the structure,” said Ken Kasten, project manager for The Boldt Company. “The entrance features a light cavity wall with programmable LED lights that can change color as well as offer energy savings.” Boldt was construction manager and general contractor on the project.

Oldenburg Group Incorporated is a Milwaukee-based supplier of performance-engineered products used in the defense, mining, energy and architectural lighting industries worldwide. Founded in 1981 by Wayne C. Oldenburg, its manufacturing and distribution facilities are located in Wisconsin (Milwaukee and Rhinelander), Michigan (Kingsford, Ontonagon, and Iron River), Virginia (Newport News) and South America.