Sustainable Design Certification The green schools initiative is a part of the larger umbrella of sustainable design, which is a cause that the design professionals at HGBD have long supported and been involved. HGBD is currently involved in a selection process for a new construction project in which sustainable design is a primary qualification. HGBD's proposal was the only proposal which received an LEED "gold" rating. LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a organization that provides a rating system and certification of sustainable design.
Some sustainable design characteristics that we incorporate into almost all of our architectural work include simple solutions like the following: designing to eliminate construction waste; specifying products with high recycled content; using insulated glass; adequate insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs; energy management systems; low-flow plumbing fixtures; and daylighting to reduce the need for artificial light. We also incorporate more involved issues like life cycle costing of materials and HVAC systems. Often, materials with a longer life cycle cost more initially, but once we present the Owner the long term maintenance and replacement costs of these materials is significantly less, they prefer to spend the additional money up front to save more money in the long run.
On the engineering side, some of the items we incorporate into our designs include; site selection and building orientation strategies to minimize the impact and disturbance on the ecosystem; xeriscaping, which is landscaping with native plant materials that are hardy and require a minimum amount of maintenance and watering; preserving existing vegetation; permeable paving materials; and capturing and recycling storm water for irrigation systems.
One project which we have recently completed that incorporates many of the characteristics listed above is the New Savannah High School. Some of it's sustainable design features include insulated glass, natural daylighting, light colored roofing material to reflect heat and sunlight, interior finish materials with a high recycled content like acoustical ceiling panels and carpeting, long-life lamps in lighting fixtures, and a high efficient HVAC system with an energy management system.
I can honestly say that they have been the best firm that I have worked with...I am so comfortable with their work that we have and will continue to exclusively use them for all of our YMCA projects.
Randy Bugos, President / CEO YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Inc.
The green schools initiative is a part of the larger umbrella of sustainable design, which is a cause that the design professionals at HGBD have long supported and been involved. HGBD is currently involved in a selection process for a new construction project in which sustainable design is a primary qualification. HGBD's proposal was the only proposal which received an LEED "gold" rating. LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a organization that provides a rating system and certification of sustainable design.