Green building conserves natural resources, reduces energy costs and improves working environments.
Stage 23
The Studio’s Stage 23, completed in 2009, maintains a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Gold rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. It was the first LEED™-certified sound stage in the world. The stage incorporates a number of sustainable elements including a 100-kilowatt solar electrical system; Forest Stewardship Council-certified lumber; Ice Bear cooling technology, which uses off-peak electricity for daytime cooling; recycled steel and metals; concrete foundations containing recycled fly ash; non-toxic paint and adhesives; and energy efficient lighting.
Stage 23 was built in an area of the Warner Bros. Burbank Lot previously occupied by Building 89. Originally build in the mid-1930s, Building 89 was carefully deconstructed in a manner that ensured 92% of its materials were reclaimed for either reuse or recycled. This action diverted 1,890 tons of material from landfills. Approximately 70,000 board feet of vintage Douglas Fir from the building’s structure was reclaimed for reuse, including in the construction of new furniture now in use on the Lot.
International Television Distribution Building
In 2004, Warner Bros. attained LEED™ certification for the retrofit of the Warner Bros. International Television Distribution building in Burbank. This was the first building in the entertainment industry and in the City of Burbank to receive the LEED™ standard for Commercial Interiors and has been awarded the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for Sustainable Practices.
Results of the remodel included a 38% reduction in energy use, better indoor air quality and a brighter and healthier working environment. In addition, more than 80% of the demolition and construction waste was recycled rather than adding to landfill. This elegant space demonstrates how environmental design can be both beautiful and beneficial.
Additional Green Construction Projects
Green building practices are also applied to smaller projects whenever possible. For example, the lobby of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging facility incorporates products made with sustainable materials and granted green certifications. Green materials were specified for wall, floor and ceiling finishes while recycled content was used in the construction of furniture and building signage. Conference room chairs also meet one of the highest sustainability standards known as “Cradle to Cradle” certification.
The production offices of Warner Bros. Television’s “The Mentalist,” Warner Bros. Studio Facilities Custodial Services and other office buildings have been remodeled to incorporate green practices as well. Efficiency lighting, centrally controlled energy systems, reverse osmosis water filtration units and other green building principles are implemented wherever possible and in all new construction.