The American Heart Association is one of the first organizations to construct a "green" building in Houston. By utilizing this building process, the association looks forward to the rewards of environmentally friendly construction: reduced operating costs, increased employee productivity, lower absenteeism, and lower employee turnover.

The U.S. Green Building Council defines green buildings as structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. 

There are more than 400 registered  projects in the U.S. – 7% of the total square footage of U.S. commercial construction.

For more information about sustainable construction,
visit http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/

The American Heart Association Building received the following awards of excellence:

AIA Houston Chapter, Award of Merit: Sustainable Design, 2004

Buildings Magazine New Construction Award: Honorable Mention, Private/Corporate, 2004

City of Houston Mayor’s Proud Partner Award, 2004

The Kirksey home office building, constructed by Metzger was recently awarded a LEED certification.

The 26,000 sf building is constructed of sandblasted tiltwall concrete panels with exposed-structure steel framing on the interior. The facility is divided into three activity zones, the largest of which is the studio space.

Illuminated on the south by a full-height glass curtain wall and nine skylights, the space features indirect fluorescent lighting that supplements the natural light and highlights the interior roof framing.

An exterior aluminum-and-steel trellis serves as a solar shading device, preventing excessive heat gain inside.

Reception and meeting areas line the eastern edge of the building; flanking the western edge are the resource library, administrative offices, employee dining space, and an outdoor terrace. Site areas have been preserved for future expansion.