By Crystal Denker, AIA
Project Architect
LEED and “Green” design are important topics of discussion in early design. Most owners want to incorporate these principles, but upon further research discover that it costs more money up front to implement them. Although the benefits in the long term investment are usually impressive, most people don’t have the resources to pay for them initially, especially dealing with the state of the economy today. Even if an owner doesn’t want to go through the process of certifying their building through the US Green Building Council, there are still many things that can be done at little to no cost to implement some of the “spirit and intent” that the principles of green design have been set up to accomplish.
· Site Selection – If an owner is looking for land to purchase for a new project they should take the following into consideration:
o Land should not be purchased or developed that is considered to be prime farmland, in the 100 year flood plain, within 100 feet of any wetlands, or be part of any previous undeveloped land within 50 feet of a body of water that can support fish, recreation, or industrial use.
o Construct a new building on a previously developed site, or renovate a building instead of new construction.
o Purchase a site that is within ½ mile from a rail station or ¼ mile from a bus stop to promote less automobile use.
o Make sure the parking lot size that the building requires does not exceed minimum local zoning requirements.
· Water Efficiency :
o Save on water by using fixtures that require less water.
o Maintaining fixtures to prevent leaking faucets also helps conserve water.
· Energy Efficiency :
o Place the building on site and the direction of windows to take advantage of the natural angles of the sun to help with solar heat gain. Encourage employees to turn off lights when rooms are not in use.
Project Architect
LEED and “Green” design are important topics of discussion in early design. Most owners want to incorporate these principles, but upon further research discover that it costs more money up front to implement them. Although the benefits in the long term investment are usually impressive, most people don’t have the resources to pay for them initially, especially dealing with the state of the economy today. Even if an owner doesn’t want to go through the process of certifying their building through the US Green Building Council, there are still many things that can be done at little to no cost to implement some of the “spirit and intent” that the principles of green design have been set up to accomplish.
· Site Selection – If an owner is looking for land to purchase for a new project they should take the following into consideration:
o Land should not be purchased or developed that is considered to be prime farmland, in the 100 year flood plain, within 100 feet of any wetlands, or be part of any previous undeveloped land within 50 feet of a body of water that can support fish, recreation, or industrial use.
o Construct a new building on a previously developed site, or renovate a building instead of new construction.
o Purchase a site that is within ½ mile from a rail station or ¼ mile from a bus stop to promote less automobile use.
o Make sure the parking lot size that the building requires does not exceed minimum local zoning requirements.
· Water Efficiency :
o Save on water by using fixtures that require less water.
o Maintaining fixtures to prevent leaking faucets also helps conserve water.
· Energy Efficiency :
o Place the building on site and the direction of windows to take advantage of the natural angles of the sun to help with solar heat gain. Encourage employees to turn off lights when rooms are not in use.
· Materials and Resources:
o Provide recycling bins in the building for employees to participate in recycling.
o If an existing building is being renovated, re-use as much of the structural and building elements as possible.
o Consider using salvaged or re-furbished building materials.
o Many manufacturers are joining in on the green principles and are using recycled content in their products. Select products that meet these standards.
o Use local materials and building products.
· Indoor Environmental Quality:
o Don’t allow smoking in the building or within 25 feet of entrances.
o Reduce the amount of VOC’s put in the building. Many companies are voluntarily reducing the VOC’s in their products to make for a more productive work environment.
o Maintain good daylight in occupied spaces.
o Provide direct views to the exterior.
These are just a few ideas of many that don’t cost more money in the initial investment that can help sustain the earth’s resources for the generations to come. Please consider them in your next project.
o Provide recycling bins in the building for employees to participate in recycling.
o If an existing building is being renovated, re-use as much of the structural and building elements as possible.
o Consider using salvaged or re-furbished building materials.
o Many manufacturers are joining in on the green principles and are using recycled content in their products. Select products that meet these standards.
o Use local materials and building products.
· Indoor Environmental Quality:
o Don’t allow smoking in the building or within 25 feet of entrances.
o Reduce the amount of VOC’s put in the building. Many companies are voluntarily reducing the VOC’s in their products to make for a more productive work environment.
o Maintain good daylight in occupied spaces.
o Provide direct views to the exterior.
These are just a few ideas of many that don’t cost more money in the initial investment that can help sustain the earth’s resources for the generations to come. Please consider them in your next project.
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