Ecofibre’s Sustainable Headquarters: A Showcase of Innovation, Wellness, and Daylighting Excellence
Originally published on Solatube International
Australia-based Ecofibre, a global leader in innovative hemp technologies, saw an opportunity to grow its U.S. operations to meet the rising demand for industrial hemp’s natural and medicinal benefits. To support this growth, the company needed a new, sustainable North American headquarters that could serve multiple purposes.
Staying true to Ecofibre’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, the design of the 51,000-square-foot facility prioritized sustainability. The goal was to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, the highest global standard for green buildings. Beyond sustainability, the facility was envisioned as a welcoming space that would foster employee pride, impress visitors, and create a healthy, comfortable environment for everyone inside.
The ambitious goals for sustainability and occupant wellness guided every design decision. A key feature was the integration of 66 Solatube Daylighting Systems throughout the office areas, manufacturing clean rooms, and the 30,000-square-foot warehouse and order fulfillment space. This setup not only provided consistent, high-quality natural light but also reduced the facility's total energy consumption by 58%.
To achieve this, three different Solatube products were used, each chosen for its ability to deliver soft, uniform natural light without glare. These included:
- Solatube SolaMaster 330 DS-C
- Solatube SolaMaster 750 DS-O
- Solatube SkyVault M74 DS with Collector and Amplifier, featuring proprietary Raybender HD, LightTracker, and INFRAREDuction Technology.
The architects at JRA collaborated with Solatube International and their design representative at Shaffner Heaney Associates to carefully integrate the daylighting systems. The result is a cutting-edge space that reflects Ecofibre’s values and supports the well-being of its employees and visitors.
Ecofibre’s new North American headquarters stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and wellness. By integrating advanced daylighting solutions from Solatube, the facility not only achieves remarkable energy efficiency but also creates a bright, healthy, and inspiring environment for its occupants. This state-of-the-art building exemplifies how thoughtful design and cutting-edge technology can come together to support both business goals and environmental stewardship, setting a new benchmark for sustainable industrial spaces.