Sustainable Design means satisfying the needs of the present generation without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.

Our design approach utilizes technology, creativity and strategic planning to help restore the social fabric and conserve resources. This strategy is one of our methods of creating communities of unique places that express the continuity of our habitation, the interconnectedness of all people, and our relationship with the physical environment. It is our desire to create places that are worthy of affection that can only enhance the surrounding environment.

One of the most difficult aspects of environmentally-responsive design that we have experienced is to find the most suitable materials and products that help sustain the earth and human health, and to meld these with the economics of the project. Our approach is through the initial design process that gives thoughtful placement and orientation of the buildings on the site; appropriate reduction of the overall building size; consideration of energy use, efficiency and impact; innovative approaches to resource conservation and recycling as well as human health; and selection of appropriate building materials in concert with the general contractor and the project’s budget.

Tools Used to Develop Sustainable Projects

• Environmental Goals Charette
• VMWP Green Spec Check List
• LEED Certified Design Team
• A belief that environmentally intelligent building design and uban planning is crucial to the world’s future.

Sustainability Links:

www.usgbc.org

 Green Design on the Regional Scale
• Regional Planning: Visionary planning for future urban growth and conservation of important open space resources.
• Greenways: Linear open space that connects park components to form cohesive park, recreation and open space system.
• Urban Growth Boundaries: Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are a tool of growth management policy that establish lines around towns or metropolitan areas and discourage or prohibit growth outside the boundary.
• Policies and Initiatives: Programs developed by municipalities as a way to create the basis for a more sustainable way of life, one that safeguards and enhances local resources, prevents harm to the natural environment and human health, and strengthens the community and local economy.

Green Building on the Neighborhood Scale
• Street Connectivity: Connectivity of streets allows for an attractive pedestrian environment, lessening the reliance on automobiles.
• Transit-Oriented Development: By focusing more intense development within walking distance of transit stations, greenfields on the urban fringe can be preserved as open space.
• Green Street Design: Green Streets are designed to incorporate a system of stormwater treatment and urban beautification.

Green Building on the Site Scale
• Site Planning: Sustainable site planning.
• Water Management: Safeguarding water.
• Energy: Energy efficiency, Energy producing.
• Materials: Conservation of resources and use of sustainable products.
• Health: Indoor environmental quality