It took less time than many home remodeling projects.

In approximately six months, Tremco completely transformed its 40-year-old Beachwood headquarters into a sustainability showplace, adding a new insulated facade, high-performance tinted windows, improved HVAC systems, several new sidewalks, a vegetative roof on one building and a photovoltaic roof system on another. There were special touches too, like a wind turbine and an electric-vehicle carport.

It even involved moving employees floor by floor to other working environments as windows were replaced and mechanical systems updated.

“We wanted to create a comfortable environment that gives people pride in coming to work,” says Randy Korach, president of RPM Business Solutions Group, which includes Tremco.

The $5.5 million project, which is seeking LEED Gold certification, was managed by Tremco subsidiary Weatherproofing Technologies and included work by 11 companies within the RPM family.

“[It’s] a holistic, integrated solution that any building owner or developer can access with our help,” says Korach. “The project is a reflection of our broader commitment to our sustainable business practice.”

With nearly 1,000 customers, sustainable advocates and business leaders having toured the Tremco facility in the past year, we stopped by to take a look around for ourselves.

1. A 15,000 gallon water-retention system beneath the parking lot collects and reuses rainwater, which is fed to the various gardens around the building, including the one on the roof. 2. The electric carport has 12 parking spots and four charging stations. When the charging stations are not in use, the carport generates electricity that flows back into the building. “We were promised the use of a Chevy Volt, but they’re in such high demand that we haven’t been able to get it yet,” says Cynthia Cicigoi, vice president of sustainable initiatives/facilities. 3. Tremco ground up the original roofing material, combined it with ground asphalt from a recent I-90 project and used it to patch the parking lot where the retention system was installed. They applied for an innovation and design LEED credit. “We are trying to find a way to commercialize the process,” Cicigoi says. 4. The 42-foot wind turbine is designed for residential areas and rooftop mounting. It does not make a sound, even when standing directly beneath it. 5. The highlight of the renovation is the 9,000-square-foot green roof with more than 40 plant species selected specifically for Ohio’s climate, including herbs and blueberries used in the cafeteria. “It not only creates beautiful green space for our workforce,” says Korach, “it absorbs the sunlight and minimizes storm water runoff since the plants retain the water.” 6. The renovation generated 2 million pounds of waste, and none went to a landfill. Tremco found uses for all but 1,200 pounds. The remainder was incinerated for fuel. The company donated blinds, sinks, toilets, faucets and window treatments to Habitat for Humanity. The rest was recycled back into the building.

A. The wind turbine, electric carport and solar array combine to generate about 12 percent of the main building’s energy needs. Though it doesn’t provide a lot of energy, it demonstrates the company’s capabilities. B. There are bike lockers on the side of the building and two showers inside. C. The walk path on the roof is made from slate reclaimed from the building renovation. D. The exterior wall system features Dryvit’s TerraNeo finish, which provides an insulated facade applied directly to the existing slate. E. The windows are double-pane, tinted and far exceed minimum energy-saving standards. F. The blueberry patches on the roof are the same variety used on the green roof Tremco designed for the William J. Clinton Presidential Library.

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