Mohawk Showroom Gets LEED Gold Status

Kennesaw, GA, Oct. 27, 2008--The Mohawk Group's Chicago showroom has achieved gold-level certification from U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program for commercial interiors.

The recently renovated and expanded space was designed by Ken Wilson, founder and principal of Washington, D.C.-based environmental firm Envision Design. The space is one of the few in the Merchandise Mart to attain gold certification.

"This remarkable achievement speaks volumes to our overarching sustainable design philosophy," said Lewis Perkins, director of sustainable strategies for The Mohawk Group, the commercial carpeting division of Mohawk Industries. "The Mohawk Group strives to be the most environmentally responsible organization inside and out, and our showroom is just one more way we are driving this mission forward."

The Mohawk Group's sustainable design approach aligns with the company's commitment to environmental solutions through recycled materials, use of daylight and use of locally manufactured products, among many others. Some of the showroom's most sustainable features include a 20 percent reduction in water use and more than 90 percent of construction waste was recycled.

The firm also offset 100 percent of energy requirements through green energy credits. More than 85 percent of all wood for the construction and furniture were sourced from well-managed forests and certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council. Nearly 60 percent of all products and furniture specified in the constructio were manufactured within a 500-mile radius. All paint and adhesives were low or zero VOC, and the mechanical system exceeds ASHRAE 62.1-2004 requirements by 30 percent for outside air and ventilation.