Environmental Sustainability Winner:
Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. Headquarters Expansion
The Scripps Networks Interactive project resulted in a new 155,000 square foot addition to their campus in west Knox County. Although its architecture is truly stunning, the Commission was equally impressed with its environmentally sensitive design. 
Various measures were used to cut energy consumption. Its white roof reflects light, thus reducing heat load. The building is narrower than conventional buildings but almost entirely encased with thermal-pane windows allowing maximum daylight penetration. The features have resulted in LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, by the way, stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
The entire facility has a wireless network so employees can work wherever they feel most productive, including patios and work lounges. Bamboo and cork flooring were used throughout the building, and a state-of-the-art air system eliminates recirculation of contaminated air. Combined with few chemical-releasing materials (such as synthetic carpet and paint), a healthy, comfortable environment has been assured.
The design team created a partial green roof and a multi-deck parking garage, which reduce runoff to Ten Mile Creek, a basin long known for flooding problems. In turn, stormwater is retained on site in a detention pond that doubles as an amenity for employees.
Developer: Scripps Networks
Contractor: Blaine Construction
Architect: KZF Design
Landscape Architecture & Engineering: Barge Wagner Sumner and Cannon