A new standard in green

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a national program that rewards projects with superior water and energy efficiencies. A building's site, construction materials, and indoor environmental quality are also considered.

Tui president and CEO Lex Raas says "thinking green" added about half a million dollars to the 25,000 square foot headquarters.  

"The environment, a lot of people talk about it, but not a lot of companies really put their money where their mouths are," Raas said.

But Raas says going green is a natural for the world's largest charter yacht company. There will also be some payback.  

"This building is going to be about 40 percent more efficient from a water point of view, 25 percent from an electricity point of view," he explained.

Many of the building materials contain recyclables. The structure also does not have that "new building" smell.  

"Everything in this building, the materials were selected so that they do not give off gasses. And that includes carpet adhesives as well," the Murray Company's Michael Hartzog explained.

Location was also a factor. The building is within walking distance of bus stops serving three different routes as well as restaurants and services such as dry cleaners and banks.  

Site development provided a lot more green space than required and preferred parking for owners of high-efficiency vehicles.  

There are also showers and lockers for people who walk or ride bicycles to work. Most of the 150 employees work in one large room with views to the outside.

Tui Marine manages six different companies that charter yachts through 120 locations worldwide. It owns about 2,500 boats.