Westford's Red Hat Seeks LEED Certification

Red Hat is going green.

The tech company this week announced more global growth along with word that its facilities at its headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., as well as here in Westford and in Beijing, are expected to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, highlighting what the company says is its commitment to building environmentally sound offices. 

Scheduled for completion in late 2013, the new facility in Westford will be four stories with 100,000 square feet and will attach to Red Hat's existing 75,000 square foot facility. The new addition will provide more than 300 new seats for Red Hat associates with space for approximately 600 total associates. Following its completion, Red Hat plans to seek LEED Gold certification for this space. The new facility will include an open office plan as well as more natural light, shower and changing rooms, and energy and water efficient equipment.

Red Hat has more than 80 offices worldwide with more than 5,700 employees.

LEED certification for Red Hat's facilities in Raleigh, Westford, and Beijing are in concert with Red Hat's Sustainability Program, through which the company aims to serve "as a catalyst for environmental stewardship to protect and enhance the quality of life for current and future generations of the company and the communities in which Red Hat conducts business," says a Red Hat press release.

LEED-certified buildings are designed to conserve energy and water, reduce waste, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and be healthier and safer for occupants. Facilities are a core component of Red Hat's Sustainability Program, and while Red Hat seeks LEED Certification for each of its large expansion projects, the company strives to infuse every new Red Hat office, regardless of size, with sustainable attributes designed to minimize the company's impact on the environment.