Clayco|Paric a joint venture announced today that its joint venture on the headquarters for St. Louis-based prescription management firm Express Scripts has been awarded LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is USGBC's leading rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.

"We are very proud to be awarded LEED certification at Express Scripts. Through this project, ClaycoParic continues to show their dedication and commitment to initiate new and innovative practices for sustainable, high-quality developments," said Bob Clark, chairman and CEO of Clayco. "As more builders and designers realize the cost-effective and energy-efficient benefits of building green, these techniques will become the new standard for responsible development."

Finished ahead of schedule, in just 17 months, the 315,000-square-foot build-to-suit building is located on a 16-acre site on the University of Missouri-St. Louis' campus. The $50 million building marks the first time a Fortune 500 company has relocated its corporate headquarters to a public university's campus.

Express Scripts was designed to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. The United States Green Building Council verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return. LEED was established to encourage market leaders to design and construct buildings that protect and save precious resources while also making good economic sense.

LEED certification of Express Scripts was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include a white roof, bamboo and cork floors, energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures and motion detector lights.

"Express Scripts is to be commended for achieving LEED certification. This facility is one that both the community and its customers can be proud of," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO, Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "Express Scripts will be a showcase for high-performance, energy-efficient, and an inspiration for others."