Morrison Kattman Menze, Inc. | Sustainable Design

Morrison Kattman Menze, Inc. is a leader in sustainable design and green architecture. Our expertise is reinforced by LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) who are specifically trained and accredited in the green building guidelines of the United States Green Building Council.

Sustainable design acknowledges the depletion of natural resources in building development and construction. It also reinforces a better understanding of the true and total cost of design and construction over the lifecycle of the building. Sustainable design promotes an integrated approach to design and construction by lessening the impact of the project on the environment and the occupants, including strategies to substantially reduce the amount of energy required for heating, cooling, and lighting. Sustainable design and construction practices significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings in five areas of focus: (1) Sustainable site design, (2) Water efficiencies, (3) Energy usage, (4) Material and resource management, (5) Indoor environmental quality

Click here for a list of the many benefits of sustainable design.

Sustainable Site Design

· Site design that produces zero storm water run-off where such storm water is captured and reused on site
· Landscaping that requires very little, if any irrigation
· Innovative building waste/sewer systems, such as a plant-based ecological engine where the waste product is water and it remains on site.

Water Efficiencies

· Reuse of storm water to flush toilets, irrigation, laundry, and other non-potable uses where the use of potable water can be reduced by 30% or more

Energy

· High performing building where the energy use is reduced by 60% or more.

Material and Resource Management

· Recycled materials and building products with high amounts of recycled content are utilized.
· Materials that come from rapidly renewable resources such as bamboo and cork
· Finishes such as paint, carpets and building adhesives are non-toxic and have zero emissions after construction.
· Where waste during construction can be reduced by 75% or more.

Indoor Environmental Quality

· Interior building spaces are designed to maximize views with day-lighting to reduce the amount of artificial lighting needed in the space. · Natural ventilation is promoted throughout with the goal of maximizing fresh air inside the building · High performance building shells are combined with localized control of building systems to promote the reduction of energy costs.

How do we do all of this? By having LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) who are specifically trained and accredited in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines of the United States Green Building Council. LEED is the system by which the project is certified as “green.” Is your architect a member of the U.S. Green Building Council? We are. Sustainable design does matter: for today, for tomorrow, and for our future.