Zurich Insurance Headquarters, Schaumburg, Illinois

Sustainability Consulting Role: Developed comprehensive corporate sustainability strategy integrating climate risk management with high-performance building design. Coordinated with corporate leadership, facilities management, and design teams to align building performance with Zurich's climate commitments and ESG goals. (Work performed while at Thornton Tomasetti)

Climate-Positive Solutions Delivered:

  • Multiple green roofs and rainwater harvesting and re-use

  • Horizontal sunshades varying in depth depending on orientation

  • Native landscape with more than 600 trees on 40 acres

  • Climate-resilient infrastructure with 40-acre campus stormwater management

  • 300 ft passively ventilated double-wall façade on the south side of the

  • Advanced workplace wellness with ~76% daylight access in occupied spaces

  • Smart building technologies including automated sunshades and occupancy sensors

Performance Outcomes:

  • LEED Platinum (Core & Shell) certification achieved

  • 62% reduction in energy costs and energy use vs. baseline (exceeded 40% goal)

  • ~76% of occupied spaces meeting LEED daylight criteria

  • 95% construction waste recycled (99% diversion achieved)

  • Significant employee satisfaction improvements in comfort and productivity

The Zurich Insurance Headquarters by Goettsch Partners represents a new standard for corporate sustainability in the insurance sector, demonstrating how financial services companies can lead climate action through their built environments while creating inspiring workplaces that attract top talent.

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