Profile of a Patriot

Through the Lugar Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security. In addition to the profile posted here, individuals will receive a certificate designating them Lugar Energy Patriots, and a letter of congratulations.

Chuck Surack
President, Sweetwater Sound
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Sweetwater Sound, one of the nation’s largest dealers in musical equipment, is about to reach the crescendo of energy-saving building design. It will soon be recognized for outstanding energy-saving and environmental design with a Platinum LEED certification.

While the detailed requirements of LEED’s highest level of certification is certainly praiseworthy, it is the leadership of Sweetwater and its president, Chuck Surack, in taking on the responsibilities to use energy efficiently that is the real honor. As Surack explains, LEED certification may not be for every Hoosier business, but environmental stewardship is.

 “A company doesn’t have to be LEED certified to affect change with regards to energy usage; they just have to start somewhere. LEED certification doesn’t necessarily work for all businesses but saving energy does,” said Surack.

“You have to weigh your options. I really wanted windmills on this property at the start of the project but after tests of the area, etc. we determined it wasn’t cost efficient to install windmills in this location,” said Surack. “That said, it may be cost efficient for a business on the other side of town. You have to do your research and do what’s right for your business, your community and your employees.”

Surack has high hopes for the effects that his precedent will have on businesses and citizens in the community.

“I wanted to lead and challenge this community and I think this building exemplifies that. It is an inspiration and voice to others in Northeast Indiana looking to be more energy efficient,” said Surack.

LEED-ing the Community

Surack hopes to inspire more than just his approximately 350 employees. Although the business’ primary focus pertains to selling audio equipment and recording services, they also see their recent efforts as an opportunity to advertise and educate.

“Green is a culture thing right now,” said Surack. “Building a space such as ours can be used for marketing. It’s been said that this building is the new ‘gateway to Fort Wayne’ when entering on U.S. 30.”

With the attention Sweetwater now merits, many flock to the site to see the energy efficient renovations.

“We have many, many visitors to our building and each of them hear about our energy efforts and their importance,” said Surack. Sweetwater estimates that 10,000 people visit their facility each year.

As with every business, however, financial goals must be taken into account as well.  Sweetwater has discovered that you can synchronize these efforts, keeping both the environment and the checkbook in balance.

 In renovating the building, Surack adhered to one critical philosophy: “all of this has to be a mix of doing what’s right for the environment and for the people working here,” said Surack.

Surack advises other businesses that “the extra money you spend upfront on any energy efficiency project will definitely be offset.” 

Taking the LEED

“We are proud to be the first commercial Platinum LEED certified building in Northeast Indiana,” said Surack. “It is a great place for events from around the community. Hearing the positive feedback from local environmental groups makes it all worth it.”

In some respects, these praises are a surprise to Surack, who describes his company as always having had an “energy mindset.”

“When we decided to reach for a LEED certification, I had no real plans of going Platinum,” said Surack. “As the project evolved, I realized that in terms of return on investment, painting the walls with LEED certified paint was virtually the same as not. After those considerations, we knew a Platinum LEED certification was in our reach.”

Surack and his team decided that it was better for the environment to remodel and add on to the existing structure rather than start from scratch. The construction team worked tirelessly to ensure they recycled anything they could during the renovation and construction. “From steel to glass we made sure that if it could be recycled it was,” said Surack.

During the construction process, some materials were even sent back to manufacturers to be reused in future projects. Most materials that were used for the building contained recycled content and more than 20% were retrieved regionally, within 500 miles of Sweetwater.

“Our offices have independent climate control so that if we are in a meeting the temperature can fluctuate.  Our urinals are waterless. The hallways have motion sensor lighting,” said Surack.

The Platinum LEED certified Sweetwater building also features insulated glass to reduce cooling needs, a reflective roof membrane to reduce solar heat gain, skylights to reduce lighting needs, an extensive recycling system, and developed water conservation strategies which include low flow and automatic faucets and dual-flush toilets, all of which increase energy efficiency.

LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.” Established by the United States Green Building Council, LEED is an internationally recognized system that propagates environmental standards for construction and renovation. Participation in LEED is voluntary.

A Sweet place to be

Now, having reached that goal, employee and customer alike are benefiting.

 “We really wanted this to be a comfortable space for our employees and guests,” said Surack. “I’d imagine that at least 80% of our employees have window views from their desks which greatly helps morale.”

The benefits extend beyond just a better view, though. The environment seems to be returning the favors with a healthcare package of its own.

“In building a LEED certified building, you are working and living healthier,” said Surack. “Our employees tell me constantly they are breathing better. I see them sorting their trash at lunch. Saving energy and helping the environment is definitely a culture with our company.” 

That “culture” now manifests itself in the landmark structure with state-of-the-art features that can make any energy enthusiast swoon.

 “There are just so many benefits to a business in building a space such as this,” said Surack. “From the business point of view it’s easy. Everyone wants lower energy costs.  With more Hoosier businesses leading the way in energy efficiency, we can begin to achieve the goal of less energy usage across the country.”