UHC Awarded LEED Certification for Chicago Headquarters

CHICAGO, Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UHC has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for excellence in environmentally responsible design in the construction of its office space at 155 North Wacker Drive in Chicago. LEED, an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, provides a framework for identifying and implementing green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.

UHC received the certification in conjunction with its architectural design firm, Cannon Design, after relocating its headquarters to Chicago from Oak Brook, Ill., in June 2011. UHC's innovative new office is designed to be aesthetically striking, energy efficient, and environmentally responsible. Flooded by warm, natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows, the new office space features energy-efficient lighting, equipment, and appliances; recycling kiosks; fittings that reduce water use; and an interior glass wall design that allows light to filter throughout the office; as well as green materials used in the construction of the space.

UHC's new office space, which occupies two full floors and part of a third, is also larger than its previous space to accommodate the growth necessary to provide new programs and maintain the high quality of its existing offerings, partnerships, and initiatives.

"UHC has transitioned to a space that is not only larger and more accommodating, but is as innovative as we are," said Irene M. Thompson, UHC's president and chief executive officer. "The design is creative, but more importantly, it inventively meets our needs and reflects our values as we continue UHC's work at the forefront of responsible health care delivery."

Designed by an architectural firm internationally renowned for the creation of forward-thinking work spaces, UHC's Chicago location reflects UHC's innovative approach to the delivery of quality health care. The office is located in Chicago's Loop area within walking distance of the city's theater and commerce district. The location also is appealing because of its proximity to public transportation and expressways.

About UHC

UHC is an alliance of the nation's leading nonprofit academic medical centers, which are focused on delivering world-class patient care. Based in Chicago, Ill, UHC fosters collaboration with and among its 116 academic medical center and 276 affiliated hospital members through its renowned programs and services in the areas of comparative data and analytics, performance improvement, supply chain management, strategic research, and public policy. UHC helps its members achieve excellence in quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Formed in 1984, UHC's membership includes a majority of the nonprofit academic medical centers in the United States. For more information, visit uhc.edu.

SOURCE UHC