Success Stories

In October 2024, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) relocated to One Oxford Centre in Downtown, Pittsburgh. With a focus on increasing collaboration and lowering energy-related costs, FHLBank worked with architects and general contractors to create a modern and functional space for employees.

At One Oxford Centre, FHLBank occupies two and a half floors that have an open-office layout to promote collaboration across departments. Each floor includes several conference rooms, focus rooms, and a café for all employees to use. 

As part of the design and construction of the space, intentional considerations were made for environmentally sustainable materials. This led to purchases of materials having a wide range of sustainability certifications including recycled content, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Bio-based content, Living Product Certified, and products with lower embodied carbon. A project target of 75% construction waste diversion was established prior to the move with the end results being a 91% diversion rate, sending only 10 of the 117 tons of waste generated during construction to a landfill. Additionally, many materials were purchased through local and small businesses to align with FHLBank’s mission of supporting community development.

One Oxford Centre is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified building, resulting in a decrease of energy-related costs. Part of this energy-efficient approach includes ‘daylight harvesting,’ which uses daylight to offset electric lighting and energy consumption. Other benefits of the new space include a highly walkable and transit-oriented location, robust recycling, on-site electric vehicle chargers and bike rack stations.

During the process of moving, furniture from the previous location was offered to FHLBank employees through a “Moving On Up” sale. Over 150 employees participated, purchasing more than 700 items. Additionally, FHLBank reused and donated furniture to cut down on waste and help local non-profit groups. More than 10 charitable organizations received donations from FHLBank of chairs, keyboards, monitors and other furniture. 

“Before the donation, we utilized folding tables as our conference room table. Most employees were working from their laptops without monitors,” shared Sarah Rowe, director of operations at Mountain Watershed Association, one of the organizations that received a donation from FHLBank. “Now, workplace ergonomics and efficiency have improved tremendously. Our humble office has had quite the upgrade!”