CSX's Florida headquarters earns LEED certification

CSX Corp. yesterday announced it obtained Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla.

Constructed in 1959, the 485,000-square-foot building is the first CSX facility to gain certification under the "LEED® for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance" rating system. CSX's other LEED-certified facilities include terminals in North Baltimore, Ohio, Worcester, Mass., and Florence, S.C.

"This accomplishment further validates CSX's long-term sustainability strategy, which promotes energy efficiency and environmental stewardship throughout our entire network," said Carl Gerhardstein, CSX's assistant vice president of health, environment and sustainability, in a press release.

The headquarters features more than 760 offices, 65 conference rooms, and a health and wellness center. Since 2006, the Class I has invested several hundred thousand dollars to upgrade the facility with energy-efficient technologies and employ environmentally friendly operating practices, including HVAC optimization, efficient lighting, and the installation of a white roof that reflects sunlight and reduces the energy needed to cool the building, CSX officials said.

"Sustainability is deeply ingrained in the company's daily operations, and the enormous strides in energy efficiency at our headquarters are a prime example of that philosophy at work," said CSX Real Property Inc. President Steve Crosby.