Riis Borg recently completed an 11,000 square foot green roof as part of a new shopping center at 24th & Pulaski in Chicago.  The client elected to go this route in lieu of installing a more expensive underground holding tank to satisfy local code requirements for limiting storm water runoff.  Other benefits of a green roof include energy savings, noise reduction, fire prevention, extended roof life, and the absorption of carbon dioxide and resulting creation of oxygen.  Green roofs are looked at favorably by city planners, zoning authorities and the community at large.
 
On other projects, Riis Borg has also participated in material reclamation programs as well as the procurement of sustainable materials.

While the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system and criteria is often thought of as an Architect’s concern, LEED very much affects the Contractor in planning and performance of the work.  The market outlook for green buildings looks remarkably strong, despite the current economic downturn.  The city of Evanston, as well as a number of other municipalities, recently passed a law requiring new buildings to achieve LEED certification.  Riis Borg has taken steps to be at the forefront of Green Building in Chicago.  We currently have LEED AP (Accredited Professionals) on staff and additional office and field staff are preparing to become LEED certified in 2010.  Riis Borg supports ongoing training and educational seminars for employees to remain current with the ever-changing technologies, including those associated with building “green”.

This was a 20,000 s.f. renovation of the 12th floor at the Rubloff Building, and the second major project completed by Riis Borg in the same building within two years.  It included the complete renovation and upgrade of all HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.  The new floor plan consisted of 35 private offices and conference/meeting areas to meet the needs of the NU Medical School Executives.  Riis Borg coordinated the installation of Dirtt pre-manufactured wall systems as well as Henricksen furniture systems. The project included extensive coordination amongst school facilities personnel and users, and incorporated high end finishes and a material reclamation program.

“The success of the new Feinberg School Dean’s Administration’s Offices is a direct result of the collaborative team effort between the Northwestern University, IA Interior Architects, and Riis Borg.”

-Leigh Ann McGrath, IIDA, NCIDQ  
Interior Architects

"In May 2009, the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) hosted the “Build Chicago” awards luncheon, its first awards ceremony since the Chapter’s founding over 20 years ago."

“Riis Borg Controller and Chapter VP Tracey Fenolio received a nomination for General Member of the Year in recognition of the support that she and Riis Borg give to the Chicago Chapter.

The event, which was the most well attended meeting in chapter history, drawing over 160 attendees, also recognized an Associate Member of the Year and two Construction Executives of the Year.

“The success of this event far exceeded our expectations for this first year. It was very difficult for the Awards Committee to select winners, because there were so many deserving nominees,” said Kathy Cole, Board Member and Chair of the Awards Committee.”