Take a Look Inside the Greenest Building in Downtown Utica

             Built in 2007, the Hage and Hage Law and Consulting building is a picture perfect example of energy efficiency. From the ground it stands on to the rooftop, everything about this building is green.

            Senior Partner JK Hage says when they first imagined the building, the plan was to develop it in a way to save money on energy costs.  But it turned out to be much more, starting with the heating and cooling of the building coming from the ground. "We developed a geo-thermal system that takes advantage of that, and that's the engine that really drives this building," he says. The building has a daylight harvesting system that determines when the sunlight is strong enough to light the building, and if it is, it'll automatically turn off the lights.

Hage says all of the furniture uses recycled material, can be recycled itself, or is sourced locally.  They used material with low or no VOCs in any paints, glues, or other surfaces.  VOC is a chemical known to give off carcinogens.  The lights used are those that last much longer than average bulbs. And while the building process may have been more costly in comparison to building a 'typical' structure, Hage says going green can save a lot of money in the long run. The building they're in now is 17,000 square feet compared to the 4,000 square foot building the firm used to be in.  And the cost is the same the heat and cool both. 

            He says there are even some health benefits to working in a green building. "When you breathe in the air, it's as if you're breathing fresh air," he says, "there's statistical evidence that people who work in environments like this experience fewer sick days, and take less time off."

And there is so much more.  The mulch outside is more efficient at keeping water in the ground.  The rooftop helps to better insulate the building.  Where there is carpeting, the carpet is tiled, so if there is ever a stain, only the tile needs to be replaced, not the whole carpet.  There is a storm water management system that reduces and filters rainwater by putting it in the ground or in the sewers, after its cleaned.  Overall, compared to a 'regular' building of comparable size, it is 72% more energy efficient.  For more information on the building, you can call Hage and Hage at (315) 797-9850.