Sustainable Design > Introduction

Buildings are made from natural resources of our Earth, and these resources are being depleted at ever increasing rates as more development, urbanization, and construction occurs, not only in our country, but in every developing country around the world. To compound this concern, buildings also consume the most natural resources by using vast amounts of fossil fuels to be heated and cooled for the human population, and we all understand the increasing costs of energy these days. Sustainable design (a.k.a. green architecture) employs a methodology of economic and environmental principles to reverse this trend while saving our client’s money with lower energy and utility bills. The added benefit is a healthier building environment in which to live, work and play.

What is sustainable design? It is design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants in five areas of focus: sustainable site design; safeguarding water resources by maximizing water efficiency; energy performance and renewable energy; conservation of materials and resources; and indoor air and environmental quality.

Examples of these practices employed on a certified green building project include:

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.