UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement Open New Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois

New space will foster collaboration and support sustainability efforts

EVANSTON, Ill. (Nov. 8, 2023) — Global safety science research leader UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and standards development and advocacy organization UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) have opened the doors to their new headquarters in downtown Evanston, the nonprofit organizations announced today.  

The move from Northbrook, Illinois, which brings up to 200 daytime office workers to Evanston, contributes to the organizations’ shared global mission to address increasingly complex human safety challenges. 

The new Evanston headquarters provides space for the organizations’ growing number of employees and serves as a central hub to convene partners from around the world. As such, the office space reflects two related ULRI and ULSE priorities: provide an exceptional workspace for professionals and contribute to sustainability efforts.

The new location features multiple ways to take advantage of Evanston’s vibrant community with proximity to restaurants, cafes, and the beachfront park, which is a 0.4-mile walk away.

“We have focused on bringing light into the space,” said Kevin Mehaffey, director of facilities and expansion for ULRI/ULSE. “While you can see outside from nearly every angle on every floor, we also chose materials that would provide an uplifting feel as you walk around. The tonal selections complement the natural surroundings.”

The organizations are also pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a sustainability standard created by the U.S. Green Building Council. To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality. 

“Now that the move to Evanston is completed, we are on to the next phase of our growth — and that includes an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity and research excellence,” said Terrence R. Brady, ULRI president and CEO and ULSE board chair. “As society continues to emerge from the pandemic, we believe that in-person communication — in an inspiring, physical space — can contribute to our employees’ well-being and career satisfaction, driving the impact we want to make.”

Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss welcomed ULRI and ULSE to the area. “Their move is another vote of confidence in Evanston's unique mix of transit access, restaurant and retail amenities and lakefront proximity in a suburban environment," Biss said.  "We are delighted that these well-respected organizations and their employees will be enhancing the vitality of our downtown economy and community."

About UL Research Institutes

UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data and partner with experts to uncover and act on existing and emerging risks to human safety.

About UL Standards & Engagement 

UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships and advocacy. Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles. ULSE enables innovation and grows trust by convening experts and informing policymakers and regulators as we work toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Visit ulse.org for more information.

Contact

Kristen Delphos
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
UL Research Institutes
kristen.delphos@ul.org