Workplace
Naturally, we’re committed to doing all that we can to reduce our workplace energy use and commensurate GHG emissions.
In 2010, our corporate headquarters at Oakland, California became one of only 38 buildings in the United States to achieve Platinum Level LEED–EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design–Existing Building) certification–the highest eco recognition an existing building can achieve. This 34-year-old building houses almost 1,200 employees and contractors, and is one of the oldest buildings to achieve this eco certification level.
The LEED program, administered by the U.S. Green Business Council, is the preeminent green building certification program in the U.S. and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED-EB certification focuses on lowering the environmental footprint of an existing building’s operations and maintenance. Platinum certification is the highest of four certification levels the LEED program offers. In order to earn this certification, Clorox had to make dozens of building improvements including:
- Replacement of every plumbing fixture, toilet and urinal in the building in order to reduce our water consumption by over 40% (approximately 1.5 million gallons annually).
- Replacement of over 1,700 lamps to more eco-efficient lighting
- Installation of a new white reflective roof (cleaned regularly with Green Works!)
- Numerous efficiency improvements to the building’s heating, cooling and ventilation system–like high efficiency boilers and water heaters
- Moving to non-potable water for all irrigation
- Implementation of solid waste recycling and composting programs
The LEED-EB Platinum certification distinguishes Clorox as an Eco leader with a very strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Recently, we also reduced our paper use by 30% across all of our North American facilities, with all remaining paper converted to 100% recycled content.
We’ve also recently reduced business travel by 20%, and converted our company car fleet to hybrid vehicles, which reduced fuel use by almost half and lowered annual GHG emissions by about 700 metric tons.
