IFAW Opens Green Headquarters Reflecting Commitment to Animals and the Environment

Longstanding IFAW board member and “Hardball” news anchor Chris Matthews will host the opening reception and program exposition showcasing IFAW’s global animal protection projects on Friday, June 20, from 4 to 7 p.m.
 
“We’re here to celebrate the opening of this beautiful green building, which exemplifies IFAW’s commitment to animals and the environment,” said Chris Matthews. “I am passionate about IFAW’s work to protect animals and their habitats worldwide and am honored to serve on its board of directors.”
 
IFAW’s new international headquarters was built using an environmentally conscious design featuring recycled content building materials and passive solar technology achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification.
 
“IFAW has proudly called Cape Cod home for 30 years,” said IFAW President and CEO Fred O’Regan. “Building a low-impact office allowed us to remain on Cape Cod and brought all 165 Cape employees together in a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly setting. We are already increasing our efficiency, strategic planning and communication, which will benefit the animals we are working to protect.”
 
Green highlights include:

• Advanced on-site wastewater treatment eliminating nitrogen loading
• 46% less water usage than buildings meeting current federal standards
• Structural steel, foundation insulation, window framing, carpet, rubber flooring and tiles made from recycled materials
• Certified wood, with 91% sourced from managed forests
• Energy-efficient mechanical systems designed to exceed the latest energy standards:  45% less energy for heating and air conditioning and 22% less energy for lighting
• Passive solar technology with full-height glass curtain wall that traps heat in the winter and prevents solar gain in the summer

Background:
IFAW’s international headquarters was based at 411 Main St. on 6A in Yarmouth Port for nearly 30 years. Over the past decade, IFAW expanded significantly and quickly outgrew the existing space. Local employees were split between two or three separate buildings at a time amounting to six different buildings in the past several years.