What is Sustainable Design?
Often referred to as "green building" or "environmentally-friendly architecture," sustainable design is more than just a passing trend. While many think of it as the result of some magic formula, use of a particular rating system, or application of new technology, sustainable design is the product of a careful process that considers a wide variety of environmental factors.
Those who truly implement sustainable design seek to accomplish many things,
some of which include:
- Improve the quality, satisfaction, and productivity of the indoor environment
- Save energy along with other finite resources such as water
- Reduce and ultimately eliminate pollution
- Promote materials reuse and recycling
- Enhance and simplify building operations
A project that embodies sustainable design must also be cost-effective. The environmental features that best suit the project's needs can only be determined through careful attention to detail and design issues, especially during the earliest planning phases. This involves a working dialogue between the owner and the various design and construction disciplines. Facilitated by the use of helpful tools, such as rating systems and computer modeling, by experienced design professionals, sustainable design is a realistic and commendable goal for any project.
Services
SDC provides a wide variety of sustainable design services including:
- Environmental programming and goal setting
- Optimized design of building envelope and fenestration
- Use of building-integrated photovoltaics
- LEED™certification (according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System developed by the USGBC)
- Research and consultation on environmentally responsible building materials
- Integration and sizing of HVAC systems
- Design for improved indoor air quality (IAQ)
- Optimal use of sun-controlled natural daylight
If you are interested in obtaining the service(s) of SDC, please contact Bill Bobenhausen by phone (914) 478-3614, or e-mail at
Bill@SDCollab.com.
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