DesignGroup is widely recognized as a leader in sustainable design. Long before the LEED rating system became operational, Jack Hedge, LEED AP and design principal, was designing buildings to take advantage of orientation, optimize daylighting, use "green" materials, challenge the performance of HVAC systems, and employ sustainable site techniques.
By implementing sustainable design solutions, DesignGroup can:
- Save the client money by reducing both energy costs and the building's impact on the site's infrastructure;
- Promote healthy, effective, and productive learning and work environments; and
- Reduce the environmental impact of the building by using local, reused, or recycled and less resource-intensive materials.
Our holistic approach includes the incorporation of the building's site, water efficiency, energy performance, construction materials, and indoor environmental quality.
SITE - How the site is treated creates opportunities for a sustainable design approach, including:
- Reduced disruption of the natural environment.
- Increased access of public transportation can reduce use of fossil fuel for automobiles and decrease parking demand, resulting in less asphalt.
- Placement of more landscape in parking areas reduces "heat islands."
- Proper selection of site lighting fixtures, especially in parking areas, reduces spillage of excess light into surrounding community.
- Management of storm water on site allows more water to percolate down to water table and cost of storm water drain systems are reduced.
WATER EFFICIENCY - Management and reduction of water allows for significant cost savings and more responsible use of resources, including:
- Utilize indigenous plant material in landscape areas to minimize supplemental watering demands.
- Restroom and locker room facilities utilize huge amounts of potable water, which could be reduced through the use of waterless urinals and sensor-activated plumbing fixtures.
- Possibly utilize "graywater" (runoff storm water from roof) to flush toilets.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE - Reduction of energy for the facility offers significant cost savings, including:
- For enclosed areas, focus sustainable design efforts on building envelop and HVAC systems. Proper glass exposure to select orientation, install sun shields, select high-efficiency mechanical equipment, etc.
- Conduct Commissioning throughout the design and construction process, which involves thorough evaluation of mechanical equipment and systems to insure proper performance during occupancy. Bring in Commissioning Agent during early phases of planning to gain maximum benefit and cost savings.
- Study renewable energy options to provide renewable energy, such as photovoltaic cells, wind, biomass, etc.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS - Creative use and management of materials for the project offers savings, including:
- Utilize recycled or reused building materials.
- Secure building materials from local sources.
- Minimizing waste of materials on the job site lowers material use and offers cost reductions, such as lower dumping fees.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY - The quality and health of spaces for people in such a facility can be impacted utilizing sustainable practices, including:
- Use of low-emitting materials, including paint, adhesives, carpet, furniture and other building materials.
- Proper ventilation and air exchange reduces illness and inhibits mold growth.
- Use of daylighting (natural light) for many functional areas enhances customer experience and worker health, while saving significant dollars.
- Providing views to increase productivity and reduce absenteeism.
At DesignGroup, we strive to serve our clients while utilizing the core principles of sustainable design.
