Green Design
Why we are the local “Experts”
• Both Local & National Members of USGBC
• LEED Certified Consultant on staff
• Attend monthly UCGCB chapter meetings
• Attended the national conference, GREENBUILD – Atlanta, GA 2005
• Our new design studio and offices is certified by LEED.
• We carry Eco-friendly products – fabric, furniture, wall covering, cleaning supplies, candles, etc…
THE BASICS
* What is green design and why should I care?
Green design is design that goes beyond just efficient, attractive, on time and on budget. It is a design that cares about how such goals are achieved, about its effect on people and on the environment. An environmentally responsible professional makes a commitment to constantly try to find ways to diminish design’s impact on the world around us. It is also a smart way of doing business: sustainable design is the fastest growing segment of our industry.
* What are sustainable design’s key issues and common misconceptions?
It is more expensive than other types of design (not necessarily); there are not enough materials to work with (there are plenty, and new ones are launched every week); nobody is interested in green - from people concerned about the environment, to families with sick children, to businesses worried about lawsuits. More and more potential customers are inquiring about and requesting sustainable design.
* What makes a project or a building green?
The number of sustainable design projects continues its fast increase, due in part to the phenomenal growth of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a body comprised of architectural and engineering firms, design firms, contractors and developers, federal, state, and local government agencies; and professional associations like ASID, AIA, ASLA, and IIDA. We found ourselves with a significant professional opportunity: to specify and build healthy buildings and interiors using environmentally friendly products and materials that have a healthy impact on clients and the planet.
* What does it mean to be LEED certified?
LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the integrated design and LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources, and processes. LEED certification for buildings provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest performance standards. The LEED plaque is recognized nationwide as proof that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable, and a healthy place to live and work. Developed by USGBC, there are currently four available LEED standards: LEED-NC (version 2.1) for new construction and major renovation projects; LEED-EB (pilot version) for existing building operations and maintenance; LEED-CI (pilot version) for commercial interiors projects; and LEED-CS (pilot version) for core and shell projects. Updated LEED for Homes became available for pilot projects February 1st, 2007.
*Information was obtained from the ASID website at
http://www.asid.org/resource/Sustainable+Design+Information+Center.htm
THINK GREEN * DESIGN GREEN * BUILD GREEN * LIVE GREEN
