SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, CONTINUED
As a standard practice,
NEGRETE & KOLAR ARCHITECTS directs consulting engineers to constantly evaluate methodologies and products manufactured to reduce energy consumption and to promote sustainability. Equally important considerations include: utility infrastructure, transportation network, cost considerations and environmental assessment to determine toxic contamination, flooding and ground percolation criteria.
Typical sustainable design practices include:
1. Utilization of topography and soil type to maximize site and structural fill material as a cut-and-fill operation without bringing in outside fill.
2. Optimize building orientation to preserve existing trees and take advantage of daylight, reinforcing planning concept with energy efficiency measures.
3. Specify construction waste management practices to divert materials from the landfill.
4. Select native or adapted trees and vegetation that fit the regional and microclimatic conditions and require minimal irrigation.
5. Select appropriate materials, finishes, adhesives and sealants to protect the indoor air quality.
6. Select materials and building products that are economical, durable and of low embodied energy to reduce industrial and environmental impact. Also, seek regional availability to reduce transportation cost and stimulate the local economy.
These measures constitute a few of hundreds of sustainable and environmentally-conscious design concepts, resulting in lower construction and operational cost and limiting impact to natural resources utilized in both manufacturing and transportation. The process of integrating sustainable goals includes coordination with the design team and the owner’s objectives and budget.
