Green Corporate HQ Tells Story of “Nature's Living Energy"
Young Living celebrated its 25-year anniversary in a big way—by opening a new $70 million, 263,000-square-foot headquarters building in Lehi, Utah, for its nearly 1,000 employees. Its neighbors include tech giants Oracle and Adobe, but the aim of Young Living, which sells essential oils and oil-infused products via a multilevel marketing model, is different than most in the area.
The company's mission is to “honor our stewardship to champion nature's living energy, essential oils, by fostering a community of healing and discovery while inspiring individuals to wellness, purpose, and abundance." So it's fitting that the headquarters, designed by Provo-based Scholz Architects, reflects that same kind of energy and connection to nature. Just ask anyone who has been in its atrium, featuring an abundance of living plants and a dramatic three-story waterfall.
“Our owners, Gary and Mary Young, wanted the building to integrate with nature and demonstrate Young Living's commitment to preserving and conscientiously utilizing nature," says Ron Harris, vice president for real estate and facilities at Young Living. “They wanted it to be a welcoming sanctuary for visitors and members, a comfortable and efficient environment for our world-class staff, a place for learning and discovery, a recognized landmark, and a physical expression of Young Living's dedication to its mission."
Beyond aesthetics and the work being done within its footprint, sustainability is the main project standout. In harmony with the company's zero-waste goal, the curvilinear building and grounds have more than 20 eco-friendly features. Highly visible is the decision tto devote 240% more acreage to worker-friendly green space than Lehi City code requires. Less visible examples are a high-tech water purification system and a variable refrigerant flow HVAC system to optimize energy conservation. The project is currently seeking LEED and Green Globe certifications.
Nature at work. Young Living's five-story building, completed in late May of 2019, was designed to resemble an open flower. The curvilinear design contrasts with neighboring rectangular buildings. The 27-acre grounds include many pathways and 3.6 acres of demonstration gardens, providing a dose of nature to many employees during the work day.
Stepping into a green sanctuary.Young Living's connection to nature can't be missed as visitors enter the reception area and see the dramatic tree-legged welcome desk and a lavender field backdrop. The building's project team sourced regionally produced construction materials whenever possible to minimize energy-consuming transportation to the site.
Living and growing. On each side of the atrium's three-story waterfall is an organic growing wall. In addition, a landscaped garden features plant materials Young Living uses for oil production. Including the atrium in the design was not just for a wow-factor. It serves to naturally temper, refresh, and humidify building air. For visitors, the most memorable part of the headquarter's facility tends to be the botanical atrium, with its soothing three-story waterfall. Two immense skylights bring natural light to the core of the building
Young Living at work. Visitors can observe the work of the D. Gary Young Research Institute up close at the Research and Analytical Sciences area, featuring an essential oils distillation lab. Founder Gary Young, who valued whole-life wellness, passed away unexpectedly soon before the building's completion. Also on the tour route is the Young Living museum and an energy-efficient conservatory/greenhouse.
Living and learning. The headquarters features an amphitheater-style training area for teaching and demonstrating the benefits and uses of Young Living's holistic product offering.
Business as usual. Employee-friendly work areas are outfitted with low-emitting, recyclable materials-based furniture and finishes, and they are filled with natural light. Interior glass walls maximize the amount of sunlight that hits individual offices.
Stay and chat. Informal collaboration spaces invite colleagues to stop and talk shop or simply get to know each other. LED light fixtures throughout the building help keep energy usage down.
Lunch and learn. Employees can take a break from cafe seating on nice days to relax together outside in the shade. The shades, plus tinted windows on the facility, help reduce the demand for cooling. The Vitality Cafe serves organic, locally sourced produce and other products to employees, friends, and neighbors. Recycling is strongly encouraged, with an intensive recycling system , including cardboard baling, throughout the building.
Be your best self. On-site fitness and health care facilities promote employee wellness and education. Those who choose the gym receive company-subsidized personal training. Or they can visit the on-site spa for a total relaxation experience.
