Lower energy prices don't mean landlords and tenants have lost interest in sustainable properties, including green build-outs. “Green build-outs are becoming increasingly important for us as we push to create more sustainable, comfortable and healthy workplaces," Thornton Tomasetti principal and Denver office leader Stan Welton tells us. The engineering firm does more than sustainable projects for its clients: recently its own space at 1400 Wewatta St was certified LEED for Commercial Interiors Gold.

Stan adds that his company "practices what they preach" by pursuing LEED for their own offices. Among other features, daylight and occupancy sensors were installed to reduce an already low lighting load; all furniture, paints, flooring and finishes are from recycled, nontoxic or low-emitting materials; and all office equipment is Energy Star rated. The Denver office is only the third Thornton Tomasetti office to achieve LEED Gold, after Chicago and Philadelphia.