You´ve heard lots about it, but can you define it? It´s difficult to put into words because "sustainable design" is such a broad term. Simply put, sustainable design seeks to take less from the earth and give more to people.

How is this possible? The basic strategy is to use the best building approaches in combination with the best new technological advances. Sustainable or "green building" projects will have certain characteristics:

• Appropriate use of land and resources
• Efficient use of water, energy and other resources
• Cost-effective to build, operate and maintain
• Conservation of natural habitats
• Enhance human health
• Strengthen local economies and communities

The bottom line: sustainable design is good business. Done right, it is cost effective and makes a positive contribution to your economic and natural environment.

LEED certified buildings

The U.S. Green Building Council´s national standard for what constitutes a "green building" is known as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED ™ Green Building Rating System. The LEED system has four levels:

• LEED certified - 26-32 points
• Silver level - 33-38 points
• Gold level - 39-51 points
• Platinum level - 52+ points

Shive-Hattery is a member of the US Green Building Council. We strive to include sustainable features into our designs whether they are LEED certified or not.

Projects earn points in six categories

• Sustainable sites - 14 points
• Water efficiency - 5 points
• Energy & atmosphere - 17 points
• Materials & resources - 13 points
• Indoor air quality - 15 points
• Innovation - 5 points
• TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE = 69

U.S. Green Building Council fees for project certification are based on square footage and whether or not you are a member of the council. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand, so you want to decide what the benefits are from LEED certification before moving ahead.

Sustainable design is good business

Whether you do a LEED-certified project or not, incorporating green design makes dollars and sense. Feel free to contact Shive-Hattery to discuss how sustainable design may create win-win solutions for you.

Sources

• A Primer on Sustainable Building, Rocky Mountain Institute
• The American Institute of Architects
• U.S. Green Building Council
• Green Building Rating System For New Construction & Major Renovations, U.S.
• Green Building Council

We have LEED accredited professionals on staff. Talk to a LEED accredited professional today