Photos by Jim Fagiolo Puget Sound Energy's new headquarters in Bellevue was built under a pilot LEED program for office buildings.

Puget Sound Energy’s improvement of its corporate headquarters was built under a pilot LEED-CI program, an environmental rating system that addresses the specifics of tenant spaces in office and institutional buildings.

Lydig Construction managed the LEED program during the construction of the interior, ensuring all construction techniques and products met the strict requirements. The contractor used paints and adhesives to meet allowable volatile organic compound levels; doors, paneling and cabinets were built with formaldehyde-free core materials; and energy-efficient appliances were installed. Also, exterior window lighting was installed, which is controlled with photocells that adjust light levels to available natural light.

The project's main stairway had to be put together offsite.

Lydig Construction was responsible for recycling 95 percent of all construction debris.

One of the project’s challenges was assembling and installing the main steel stairs that tie the three floors together. The assembly was put together offsite and moved back into the office in nearly completed forms. Once the stairs were in place, crews perfected the finishes while protecting the air quality with tenting and in-and-out-take hoses.

The project had no injuries or time loss incidents.

Lydig was so inspired by the LEED program that it adopted a comprehensive internal recycling program at its Bellevue office.