Kampgrounds of America (KOA) celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Billings, Montana, this week. As part of the celebration, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) president and CEO, Peter Templeton, was on-site to present KOA with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.
LEED, developed by the USGBC, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Gold certification was awarded for the building’s innovative design, construction and use practices, which are measured against criteria including water conservation, energy efficiency, waste and resource management and indoor environmental quality.
“KOA is very proud of our Montana roots and thrilled to complete our new headquarters in Billings, where we welcomed our first campers in 1962,” said Toby O’Rourke, KOA’s president and CEO. “From the beginning, we knew we wanted to create a space that embodied our mission of connecting people to the outdoors and each other. Partnering with local firms that share our commitment to sustainability was essential, and we are proud of the award-winning, eco-friendly space we have built.”
Completed in 2023, the project was designed to create a high-performance, sustainable, working environment for all building users. KOA’s corporate headquarters incorporates intentional elements that nod to the company’s legacy while reflecting the brand’s link to nature. Design features include:
- Native landscaping, that once established, won’t need irrigation, promoting water conservation and preserving wetlands
- Building layout designed to bring in natural daylight and visual connection to the outdoors
- Functional outdoor space to create opportunities to work, meet and relax throughout the day, while interacting with the surrounding natural environment
- Curated art collection of contemporary Indigenous art, many with local and regional ties
- Collaborative workspaces with advanced technology to connect with peers throughout North America
The building dedication represents a milestone in the company’s journey, affirming KOA’s innovative approach to outdoor hospitality and the company’s commitment to being good community partners, neighbors and stewards of the land.
To learn more about Kampgrounds of America and the company’s sustainability practices, please visit koa.com.