According to AIA Small Project Practitioners’ National Issues Convocation, which took place at the 2007 AIA national convention, affordable green design ranks as one of the top issues confronting small firms. What are some strategies or methodologies that you use to incorporate sustainability at a low cost? How can the AIA better serve your needs in this area?
Comments (5)
For a clubhouse design that incorporated some large meeting areas, we did include cooling, but relied on the large spatial volume, height of spaces and operable windows to incorporate stack ventilation, in lieu of code required 100% outside air from large air handlers. It turned out to be "low tech" since calculations were not available on computer programs for HVAC systems, but were found in classic text books. Stack ventilation not only saves energy costs of the operation large fans while heating make up air, but reduces installation costs by disposing of supply and make up fans, filters, heaters, and air distribution ductwork.
Posted by C. Morris Stafford | March 21, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on March 21, 2008 12:31
Edward, what a great suggestion! Thanks for the green tip of the month.
In addition to the paint manufacturers, could green designers make the same suggestion to pre-finished metal panel or whatever manufacturers and even prefab metal buildings, or not? Let us talk. John
Posted by John Albrecht | January 21, 2008 7:12 PM
Posted on January 21, 2008 19:12
Can anyone share some names for sources on this recycled-water-content paint? I am thinking for residential.
thanks
bob
Posted by W Robert Kreger (Bob), AIA | December 17, 2007 1:57 PM
Posted on December 17, 2007 13:57
The way to design an affordable 'green' building is to incorporate that mindset from the begining with the entire team. No one should design in a vacuum. It should be an intergrated design. Through this design make smart decisions, acknowledge the site, and use quality systems. It is very possible to achieve LEED through smart design at no extra cost. It is possible that going for Platinum will cost more, but that is a much different story.
Posted by Shannon Barras, AIA, LEED AP | December 17, 2007 1:39 PM
Posted on December 17, 2007 13:39
Ask the Architectural Coating supplier to replace the drinking water used to make their Paint, with Class A recycled water. I am intimately knowledgeable on the formulations, it is achievable at a 1:1 ratio. Every gallon of paint is 1/3 drinking water. Recycled Water is recognized in the LEED / Green Seal criteria as a Post Consumer Recycled material. This elevates the component level of the coatings within a project, as the weighted value just increased by 33%.
An opportunity exists for the Architects to challenge the Coatings manufacturers and advance the use of renewable natural resources in sustainable building practices. Paint, to Protect, preserve and beautify, why noy advance this in your project, you would be the pioneer. If you need any LEED coatings with Certified Recycled Water content, I have several regional Mfg's ready to supply. From in/exterior coatings to specialty coatings.
You could be the first, and, any paint Co you are selecting out of the LEED qualified supply chain, is capable. They simply need to be challenged.
Don't mind the temporary placement of the info on my coffee site. But as the owner, it supports the many hours put into getting this moving forward.
Posted by Edward Mugits | September 22, 2007 7:16 PM
Posted on September 22, 2007 19:16