When Levi Strauss, the international clothing company, decided to embark on a renovation of their US headquarters building in San Francisco, they sought to meet multiple green performance criteria that also reflected their corporate image. More than a building project, the renovation of the US headquarters reflects the company's values and commitments. According to the company, "We believe that commercial success and corporate citizenship are closely linked. This principle is embedded in our 156-year experience and continues to anchor how we operate today. For us, corporate citizenship includes a strong belief that we can help shape society through civic engagement and community involvement, responsible labor and workplace practices, philanthropy, ethical conduct, environmental stewardship and transparency. Our "profits through principles" business approach manifests itself in how we develop our business strategies and policies and make everyday decisions."

Based on the above, the architects found it easy to consider recycled cotton batt insulation for this project since much of the insulating material comes from both pre- and post-consumer denim - a mainstay of Levi Strauss. Matthew P. Greer of Anderson Architects in New York City worked on the project and put it this way: "We were asked to create a place for Levi Strauss & Co. that spoke the language of their brand.  Good materials, rugged quality, long lasting and sustainable lifecycles are part of what makes Levi's who and what they are.  Reusing denim in the walls closes the loop in a real way.  Recycled denim insulation is a perfect fit for Levi Strauss & Co.  The product has great insulating qualities and puts old jeans to good use."

David Church, General Manager of the company that manufactured the insulation used, observed that "choosing a product that combines sustainability and performance involves an educated decision. Recycled cotton insulation products have solved these challenges for architects who are searching for insulation products with high recycled content, that meet strict IAQ standards, and perform well both acoustically and thermally."

Green and sustainable design that is completely thought through from all sides make this renovation a particularly compelling example of making excellent design decisions consistent with core client principles.

Levi Strauss & Co. US Headquarters Building in San Francisco, CA

Photo courtesy Levi Strauss & Co.