WHY GREEN DESIGN IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND GREAT FOR OUR CLIENTS
Samantha McCloud
In conversations around the world and across industries, environmentally-conscious decision-making continues to materialize as the heart of innovation, cost-saving, and responsible practice. We have been at the forefront of this discussion for many years.
That tradition continues as we give great consideration to how our clients can capitalize on the aspects of sustainability and green design and engaging clients early on in the design process.
According to http://www.usgbc.org/articles/business-case-green-building, research studies show:
Green Buildings are Cost Effective
- Owners of green buildings reported that their ROI improved by an average of 19.2% for existing building green projects and an average of 9.9% for new projects.
- Operating costs decreased by 13.6% for new construction and 8.5% for existing building projects.
- Building value increased by 10.9% for new construction and 6.8% for existing building projects.
- Increased asset valuation: New green building projects 5%; Green building retrofits 4%.
On our team, Andy Meyer, Ben Allers, Joel Marquardt, Melissa Brown, Kathy Burke, Steve McGuire, John Price and Kirk Gastinger have all earned LEED AP certification. Additionally, all of our designers incorporate LEED and sustainability principles into their designs.
Our LEED Certified Buildings
Green Buildings Attract Tenants
- Buildings with lower operating costs and better indoor environmental quality are more attractive to a growing group of corporate, public and individual buyers. The new Class A office space is green; lease-up rates for green buildings typically range from average to 20 percent above average.
Green Buildings Provide Better Health Standards for Commercial Building Tenants
- Improved lighting design leads to a 27% reduction in the incidence of headaches, which accounts for 0.7% of the overall cost of employee health insurance. This equals approximately $70 per employee annually.
- In terms of health care costs, building retrofits which improved the indoor environment of a building resulted in reductions of: communicable respiratory diseases of 9-20%; allergies and asthma of 18-25%; and non-specific health and discomfort effects of 20-50%.”
While the complete list of projects that exemplify our commitment is extensive, here are a few specific examples of our sustainable, efficient design:
ENERGY SAVINGS
Kansas City Art Institute, Dodge Painting Building, Kansas City, MO
- In our climate region, educational buildings average a total of 69 kBtu/sf/yr.
- Through the use of a compact floor plan to classroom proportion; excellent insulation; a judicious use of glazing areas; and modular mechanical equipment (for ease of zoning the building for different days and time of the year), the Dodge Painting Building averages only 20 kBtu/sf/yr.
- Annual energy savings of 73.3%!jg
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
Wildcat Glades and Audubon Center, Joplin, MO
- The center is oriented for optimum solar efficiency and all spaces have access to natural lighting.
- The passive solar design, ground source heat pumps and well insulated walls teach visitors about conservation.
- A growing green roof system was planted with no maintenance plants and the parking lot is paved with permeable asphalt, keeping rainwater runoff to a minimum.
- Bioswales located on the property catch the small amount of runoff and keep the glades free from human contaminants.
PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION, MATERIALS, PLANNING
UMB, Phoenix, AZ
- Roof top solar array creating 55,000 kWh (kilowatt-hour) annually, equal to annual building use.
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures, 35% water use reduction.
- 75% recycled or salvaged construction waste.
- 20% recycled content, regional materials.
- The building was developed under highly restrictive development guidelines that required the specific uses of building materials, glazing, finishes, site circulation and orientation.
As a forward-thinking architectural practice, we are committed to providing high-quality service and life-cycle cost-saving designs to our clients, grounded in the basics of energy conservation. It is our goal to be current in the latest technologies and tools for green buildings so we may help clients make well-informed and educated decisions.
How can we help you with your next “green" design?