The renovation of the Friends Center, a National Historic Landmark in downtown Philadelphia, began as a modest capital improvements project. Now, by embracing the Quaker tenet that peace and justice depend upon restoring the Earth’s ecological integrity, the Center stands as a model of sustainable design after achieving the highest LEED Platinum (NCv2.1) score in Pennsylvania.

7group collaborated with a diverse team of highly committed consultants through early design charrettes and provided the design and final energy models as well as extensive commissioning services. Two goals governed the venture: to prevent further degradation of the watershed by reducing water usage and stormwater runoff, and to become 100% fossil fuel free. For these efforts, the Center has won numerous awards, among them the 2009 GBCA Construction Excellence Award for Best Green Building, 2010 Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia Grand Jury Award and 2007 PA EC and PA DEP Stormwater Best Management Practices Award.