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High performance & sustainability
Pepper Construction’s Cincinnati office has officially achieved LEED Zero Energy certification, a milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental responsibility. This achievement, combined with the building’s existing LEED Gold certification, while also achieving historic preservation standards, makes it one of the oldest buildings in the country to reach Net Zero Energy status.
Originally built roughly 110 years ago, the 23,000-square-foot office demonstrates that even historic buildings can be transformed into models of energy efficiency and high performance. Pepper Construction’s approach combined cutting-edge technology with a respect for the building’s history, proving that sustainability and preservation can go hand in hand.
Key strategies that enabled this achievement include:
- Geothermal Energy: A system of 16 geothermal wells—each extending 400 feet beneath the parking lot—fuels the building’s radiant floor heating and provides year-round thermal comfort.
- Onsite Solar Power: 390 rooftop and parking canopy solar panels generate approximately 220,000 kWh per year, producing enough energy to power the entire building and contribute surplus energy back to the grid.
- All-Electric Operations: The building operates entirely on electricity, with high-efficiency mechanical systems ensuring energy demand matches the output of its solar arrays.
- Optimized Daylighting: Expansive windows and glass partitions maximize natural light, reducing energy loads while preserving and restoring nearly half of the original historic window woodwork
Heavily involved throughout the life of this project, SVP of High Performance and Sustainable Construction, Susan Heinking, AIA Fellow, LEED Fellow said “this project proves that historic structures can be both highly efficient and future-ready. By integrating geothermal energy, onsite solar, and an all-electric operation, we’ve created a space that not only meets today’s sustainability standards but sets a new benchmark for what’s possible. This isn’t just about energy efficiency; it’s about driving real change in how we think about the built environment.”
Pepper Construction is continuing its commitment to holistic well-being by pursuing WELL certification, ensuring that the office not only benefits the planet but also prioritizes the health and wellness of its employees.
