MetLife, Inc. announced that its Manhattan office located at 1095 Avenue of the Americas has been awarded the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors (LEED CI) Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The LEED CI certification is awarded to high performance green commercial interiors that meet the program's standards for energy efficient design and construction. It was developed as a rating system for sustainable tenant improvements to new and existing buildings. Approximately 1,100 MetLife associates occupy 300,000 square feet in the 41-story, Class A office building.

"Our offices at 1095 were designed to provide associates with a healthy work environment and to ensure that we are operating in a sustainable and energy efficient manner," said John Vazquez, vice president, corporate real estate and services. "This recognition firmly acknowledges our commitment to corporate social responsibility."

The site's water efficiency, energy performance and indoor air quality are a few of the key components that were taken into consideration when seeking LEED CI certification. 1095 Avenue of the Americas is outfitted with many green performance elements, including energy efficient lighting and water fixtures, Energy Star-rated equipment and appliances as well as eco-friendly furniture and carpet. Roughly 32 percent of materials contained in the MetLife build-out have been manufactured from recycled materials.

Jones Lang LaSalle, a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate, served as project manager on the effort. The LEED CI certification is the most recent environmental recognition for MetLife. The company's Long Island City, NY office was awarded a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED EB) Silver certification earlier this year and 11 other MetLife facilities have earned Energy Star ratings.

MetLife, Inc. is a provider of insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions.