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Learn & Plan Topics

  • Building Systems Upgrades

    The following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as your space undergoes a building system upgrade to improve energy, water use and occupant comfort. Refer to the Share Section for a representative project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.

  • Energy & Atmosphere

    Buildings and facilities rely on the operation of mechanical systems and electrical systems to maintain a comfortable indoor environmental quality for occupants. Building operations consume approximately 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced annually in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Greenhouse gases are generated and released throughout the life cycle of producing and consuming fossil fuel energy. These greenhouse gases directly contribute to air pollution and climate change. Therefore, atmospheric problems can be reduced by increasing the efficiency with which energy is used‚ optimizing the use of natural energy resources‚ and understanding the effects of energy technologies on the atmosphere.

  • Space Reconfiguration and Renovation Projects

    As needs change over time, tenants often need to convert space or phase the conversion of individual space or rooms to meet these changing needs.

  • Sustainable Building Operations and Maintenance Services

    Follow these sustainable strategies as your space renovations are complete and the building and interiors are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner. Operations staff should endeavor to establish best practices in energy efficiency, resource conservation, ecologically sensitive products, and other sustainable practices, and implement them.

  • Plan Section Guidance

    For each project there is a selection of issues and questions you should consider before selecting specific materials or products. This will help you and your team address the most critical sustainability concerns and opportunities for that project type; look for synergies and mitigate unintended consequences. There are ways to improve even the simplest projects, such as repainting or re-carpeting.

  • Best Practices Applicable to All Project Types

    This section presents key issues that should be considered for each project type. It is intended to help you think about your overall project, before you begin to compare and select specific materials. This will enable you to select the "best" strategies and materials for your project, given the opportunities and constraints you have identified. Use the sidebar to navigate to your specific project type.

  • Keys to Success

    Sustainable design, construction, operation, and renovation are best thought of as an integrated process, rather than a collection of things. The process involves new ways of designing, constructing and operating our buildings and facilities.

  • Materials, Furniture, and Furnishings Replacement

    Daily wear and tear means that materials, furniture and furnishings require periodic replacement.

  • Under 10,000 SF Interiors Gut Rehab Project

    Following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as the space has or will undergo a major tenant gut rehab for projects under 10,000 SF. Note to use a current version of LEED for Commercial Interiors for tenant improvement projects over 10,000 SF. Refer to the Share Section for a represented project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Overview

    When seeking to make the most sustainable choice, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides the most data to inform your decision. By including the impacts throughout the product life cycle, LCA provides a comprehensive view of the environmental aspects of the product or process and a more accurate picture of the true environmental trade-offs in product and process selection.

  • Flexibility

    Today's workplaces are often in flux. As organizations change direction or develop new services, people also move. Teams form and re-form. People move to new spaces and take on new responsibilities. The spaces themselves are transformed to meet new needs. These changes are much easier to accommodate, with less stress on people and the organization, when the workplace is designed to support flexibility.

  • Planning to Build Green

    Sustainability "means to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations." Executive Order 13514


Whole Building Analysis


Materials

  • Metal Systems

    Metal ceilings are not often used in office spaces as it tends to be a high-end finish and does not offer the same acoustical properties as acoustical ceiling tile or drywall ceilings.

  • Filtration System

    Reduce waste by providing water dispensers that filter water. Under-sink water filters and instant hot water dispensers can be incorporated into the sink. Both options may require individual faucets. Have reusable glasses and mugs available for employee use.

  • Sound Masking

    Electronic sound masking systems can be installed in office areas. A sound masking system generates "white noise" that helps mask other sounds. Sound masking systems help make an open office area more functional for the occupants.

  • Under Floor Air Distribution

    Under floor air distribution systems supply conditioned air to an occupied space via diffusers in a raised floor. This system effectively maintains thermal comfort and indoor air quality levels.

  • Thermostat

    A thermostat is a component of the HVAC controls system. Detection and communication of the space temperature is a critical component of overall HVAC controls. Most new thermostat controls are DDC. Older pneumatic systems can be upgraded to DDC for better control. Zone control is critical.

  • Open Ceiling

    Open ceilings offer a modern, industrial-type feel to a space as duct-work and piping are typically visible. Like bare concrete floors, open ceilings do not require additional materials. While they make a space feel larger, they do not offer the acoustical benefits of dropped ceilings, thus, making for a potentially noisy work environment. Acoustical panels placed strategically within the open ceiling system can lessen the noise yet still maintain the industrial feel.

  • Glass - Tinted / Colored

    Although clear glass is the most common glass component of a window system, tinted glass may be used to reduce solar heat gain. The principal colors available are bronze, gray and green and the degree of tint depends on both the composition of the glass and the thickness of the coating. Tinted glass is usually placed on the exterior of the glass.

  • Copy Equipment

    Copiers, fax machines and other office equipment can be energy intensive. Many newly manufactured copiers, printers, scanners and fax machines are ENERGY STAR rated, which means that they use less electricity. Consider co-locating equipment and installing supplemental ventilation or filtration system in the copy room.

Green Products

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