HLW's Sustainable Strategy for New Panasonic Headquarters Recognized

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HLW International is pleased to announce that the United States Green Building Council New Jersey Chapter (USGBC NJ) will be honoring Panasonic Corporation of North America at this year's Annual Gala & Awards Dinner. The event will take place on October 9, 2013 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. For more information on attending the event, please visit www.usgbcnj.org/events.

Each year, the USGBC NJ presents Gala Awards to companies who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in green building and sustainability. Panasonic Corporation of North America is being honored for its "Corporate Culture of Sustainability & Best Practices." The USGBC NJ cited Panasonic's "organizational goals to become the number one green innovation leader in the electronics industry by 2018" as one of the reasons the company was selected for this honor. USGBC NJ also recognized Panasonic's new 280,000 sf North American headquarters in Newark as demonstrative of having contributed to the USGBC mission. HLW partnered with Panasonic to create a healthier work environment, one with increased collaboration among employees and across business functions. However, the facility also serves as a showcase to encourage businesses and individuals (within and outside the Panasonic organization) to make greener, healthier choices.

HLW provided interior architectural design, workplace strategy, and LEED consulting for the relocation and consolidation of the headquarters to Newark. John Gering, HLW Managing Partner, described the process as the "alignment of corporate goals with real estate and corporate culture with design" to create a functional, sustainable and healthy work environment. "HLW has worked on many projects where our designs directly impacted the health and well-being of the individuals using the spaces. For an architect, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing you not only improved someone's physical space but also their psychological space."

Virtually all aspects of the project reflect the Panasonic cultural emphasis on corporate responsibility. This was true from the initial programming, which included the development of a new workplace strategy and space standards, to the integration of green products throughout the building and the creation of the "Innovation Center," an interactive product demo area to showcase green technological solutions for home, office, avionics, automotive and more.

Nearly 1,000 Panasonic employees occupied the new North American headquarters beginning in July of this year. The new facility houses the Panasonic Innovation Center, a conference center, and a food service/dining area, in addition to new offices. It was important for Panasonic to create an inviting work environment for its employees. HLW developed a new open-floor concept that delivered the space efficiencies, ergonomic designs, and abundance of natural light requested by Panasonic. Approximately 90 percent of all employees have outdoor views and access to sunlight.

Panasonic Corporation of North America is pursuing LEED Platinum certification for the interiors of its new North American headquarters in Newark.

About HLW International
Sustaining a successful practice for over 125 years, HLW remains a strong, innovative and progressive organization with offices strategically placed around the world to support our clients. The firm continues to design buildings and interior places for a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from broadcast and media, financial corporations, technology, academic institutions, and multi-family and mixed-use buildings.

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Colette Taber
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SOURCE HLW International