KI played a role in helping the University of Arkansas (UA) Innovation Center, become the first U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certified building in the state. The new building features several KI products, including environmentally-friendly Genius moveable walls that can be easily reconfigured to create new office spaces.

Genius walls are made with more than 70 percent recycled aluminum, are 99 percent reusable and 96 percent recycled. Installing movable walls also improves air quality by eliminating dust and debris associated with drywall.

The new 35,000-square-foot environmentally-friendly facility anchors the Arkansas Research and Technology Park and provides office and laboratory space for technologically intensive companies to co-locate with university faculty. Achieving LEED certification represents UA’s commitment to designing, constructing and operating facilities that minimize negative impact on the environment, establish healthier work places for occupants and improve operations and maintenance efficiencies.

“When choosing furniture for the Innovation Center, KI was the clear choice,” said Phillip Stafford, president of the UA Technology Development Foundation. “Genius walls meet the flexibility requirements of the space, support our environmental initiatives and reduce materials, waste and costs.”

Additional advantages of Genius walls include aesthetic versatility, durability, optimal acoustics and simple installation. The walls recently earned GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification for low-emitting products by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. “For new or renovated facilities, Genius walls provide flexibility within the space and complement the surrounding aesthetics,” said Rob Wittl, senior product manager, KI.

The Innovation Center also employs KI’s All Terrain tables, which are height adjustable within a seven-inch range, to accommodate the various needs of its users. All Terrain tables are available in a variety of shapes to complement today’s dynamic office settings and provide a smooth and ample work surface.

In addition, UA selected KI’s WireWorks to create smaller office areas within the Innovation Center’s open spaces. WireWorks panel systems easily readjust and reconfigure to meet the individual needs of employees and create a private work space.

KI manufactures innovative and wall system solutions for higher education, K-12, healthcare, government and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wis. and operates sales offices and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique “Market of One” customer service and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit www.ki.com.