OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

The following is a brief overview of the factors involved in creating a sustainable building. 

PHILOSOPHY: As architects, we seek to create buildings that stand the test of time and are assets to their communities.  Where ever possible, we incorporate sustainable features into our projects.  Not only does this reduce our impact on the environment, but it leads to healthier places to live and work. 

Recent innovations have made it easier than ever for homeowners to benefit from sustainable features.  We take care to discuss available options at the onset of every project so that the sustainable components are fully integrated.  From there, the features evolve seamlessly, as the project is detailed and refined. This reduces redundancies that increase costs, and results in a more beautiful finished product.  

BENEFITS: Many people have become aware of the multitude of benefits of building green.  Green buildings are more comfortable, more durable, and healthier than conventional homes.  Green homes offer economic benefits such as reduced energy and maintenance costs, environmental benefits such as reduced pollution and waste, and health benefits such as reduced exposure to mold and mildew.  In short, they increase the client’s quality of living while decreasing their reliance on natural resources.  For these reasons, the value of green buildings continues to grow steadily, with less fluctuation than the conventional building market. 

STRATEGIES: There are many green home building programs and rating systems available to clients that can offer certification of a homes energy performance. Whether or not a client chooses to pursue certification in a program such as LEED or Energy Star, we look to their guidelines to provide a rationale for each aspect of a building. This information, combined with our own expertise, allows us to work with our clients to identify the measures that will add the most value to their project.

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COMPONENTS OF GREEN DESIGN: The following is a brief overview of the factors involved in creating a sustainable building. LEED credits are divided into several catagories, and we find these helpful in communicating priorities in "green design" to our clients. Russell Campaigne has completed the testing required to become a LEED for Homes Accredited Professional.

INNOVATION AND DESIGN PROCESS: Inspiration for a sustainable feature can come from the architect, homeowner, engineer, builder, or landscape professional.  Engaging colleagues and clients from the start allows for comprehensive project planning and creative, project specific ideas.  This is when we can generate a Durability Plan, gathering site specific information, assessing risks to the building’s longevity, and forming strategies to manage these risks.  Risks include water penetration, termite and pest damage, air flow, and heat gain.  Strategies for durability include selecting practical materials, carefully detailing flashing and drip edges, borate treating the perimeter of the home, using proper vapor barriers, and orienting the building with respect to the sun, wind, and landscape.

LOCATION AND LINKAGES: Even the greenest building can be a detriment to the environment if it is poorly located.  We work with site information and local regulations to ensure our projects are not in environmentally sensitive areas.  When we have the pleasure in helping a client obtain a building site, we consider the existing infrastructure (water and electricity), community resources (stores and schools), and surrounding development (parks and neighborhoods). 

SUSTAINABLE SITES: With each new building, a patch of earth is replaced with rooftop and surrounding areas are stripped of groundcover.  This substantially effects drainage and, if not properly addressed, can result in compromised foundations and wet basements.  Green roofing, permeable paving materials, and erosion control can lessen a buildings impact on its site.  Replanting with drought tolerant, non invasive species and maintaining shade trees.

WATER EFFICIENCY: We encourage water efficiency, low flow fixtures and drought tolerant landscaping in all of our projects in an effort to reduce water and energy costs and conserve resources.  We have utilized more intensive water conservation methods such as rain water harvesting and gray water recovery on projects with particular ground water challenges such as shoreline sites.  The use of pervious paving system and roof water management can also be incorporated to minimize risk of erosion and replenish natural ground water supplies.

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE: Increasing the thermal performance of your home is very heavily weighted in the LEED system.  A tighter building envelope means less energy is wasted to condition the spaces inside. We often  specify high performance icynene insulation and low-e windows.  Homeowners can also reduce their energy consumption by purchasing Energy Star labeled appliances, using compact fluorescent lights, insulating air ducts, and installing efficient hot water and HVAC systems. 

GEOTHERMAL: In our experience, geothermal ground source heat pumps are excellent alternatives to less energy efficient fossil fuel heating and cooling systems. A geothermal system uses the stable temperature below the earth’s surface to provide heating and cooling. We have found that the added cost for a geothermal system pays off in 3-5 years with reduced energy bills. 

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS: Photovoltaic panel arrays, which convert sunlight into electricity are becoming more available and feasible. With an energy efficient home, it is possible to supply much of the necessary power with solar panels.  Using today’s electricity rates and generous State and Federal rebates, the added cost of a photovoltaic system often pays off in 7-10 years. On several projects, including the Tall Timbers Project, we have discretely incorporated arrays into the architectural design without detracting from the appearance of the home. 

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: In the United States, buildings account for 30% of our raw materials use and generate 30% of our waste.  By reducing these numbers, we can greatly impact the availability of our resources as well as the amount of waste going into landfills. We work with builders to minimize and recycle construction waste and with our clients to find alternatives to standard building materials that are environmentally preferable, high performing and cost effective.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: We spend most of our day inside our homes and offices, and so it is important that they promote our good health.  Steps can be as simple as installing air filters, a central vacuum, or a radon mitigation system.  It also entails keeping contaminants, such as car exhaust, out of habitable spaces.  Often, we work closely with a mechanical installer to ensure fresh air circulation and balanced humidity levels throughout a home.  Both of these measures can lessen the threat of mold as well as alleviate allergies or other conditions.   

AWARENESS AND EDUCATION: We have a responsibility, as design and building professionals, to advance the public’s understanding of our industry.  We share our expertise in lectures and publications and work toward a goal of life long learning to keep up with current products and trends.

COSTS: We assist our clients in resolving the up front costs and long term benefits of sustainable building with their desires and their budget. We also aid in applying for the many tax incentives and rebate opportunities for implementing these technologies.

For more information about COST, REBATES AND INCENTIVES available, Click here