Chicago-based law firm Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) announce that its newly built-out office achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The firm relocated to The Bell, a renovated Chicago landmark at 225 W. Randolph St., in May 2025 and said its decision was guided by a commitment to environmental excellence. The project earned 85 points across all eight categories in the LEED v4 Interior Design & Construction (ID+C) rating system.
“Our goal was to create a space that reflects our values—efficient, inclusive, and forward-thinking,” said Sonia Menon, COO of NGE. “We didn’t just want a beautiful office; we wanted one that actively reduces our environmental impact and supports the well-being of our people. This certification validates the rigor and intentionality behind every design and construction decision.”
According to NGE, key sustainability achievements include:
- Materials & Resources: NGE earned nearly every available point in this category by diverting over 75% of construction waste from landfills, reusing existing furniture, and selecting products with proven low-carbon footprints through Environmental Product Declarations, as well as carbon reduction plans. A full life-cycle assessment guided material choices, resulting in a 32% reduction in embodied carbon.
- Water Efficiency: Achieved over 40% water use reduction from EPA baselines across all plumbing fixtures, saving a projected 170,000 gallons annually through low-flow, touchless automatic fixtures and collaboration with the base building owner.
- Energy & Atmosphere: An 18% reduction in energy consumption beyond code, achieved through high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting with daylight and occupancy sensors, and ENERGY STAR-rated equipment.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: The “right to light” was a major theme of the project’s design, and ensuring that employees have access to natural daylight became a primary design element. The design prioritized daylight access, acoustic comfort, and healthy air. Low-emitting materials were used throughout, and enhanced air quality strategies and acoustic performance measures support a healthier, more productive workplace.
- Innovation & Regional Priority: The project achieved exemplary performance across multiple credits, and NGE’s comprehensive composting program qualified the project to document a related LEED Pilot Credit, which are proposed credits that are used to test and evaluate innovative strategies before they can be considered for formal incorporation into the LEED rating system.
- Location & Transportation: The office is steps from major transit lines and bike routes, enabling employees to reduce their commuting footprint. The building’s central location also provides easy access to essential services, reinforcing NGE’s commitment to sustainable urban integration.
“This isn’t just about a certification—it’s about leadership,” said Managing Partner Robert G. Gerber. “We’re proud to set a new standard for sustainability in the legal industry and to show that environmental responsibility and business performance can go hand in hand.”
The project was guided by sustainability consultant Laci Hoskins of NovoSustainability, who added, “NGE’s achievement is a model for how tenant spaces can push the boundaries of sustainable design.”
NGE plans to build on this momentum by advancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and sharing best practices with peers across the legal and business communities.
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