Sustainable Land Development Today - March 2009 - (Page 15)

The student union at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, designed by Gould Evans, meets LEED Silver standards. Energy and Recycling Energy and atmosphere technologies are not, at first glance, the cheapest green solutions. However, it’s important to remember that the higher initial costs can be offset through efficiency; the client will be able to reach the payback point in fewer years, especially when the equipment is reinforced by good site selection and other, less expensive additions such as external sun shades. One increasingly popular choice is the use of white roofs. Their high reflectivity doesn’t absorb heat as dark-colored tar or shingle roofs do. This makes the building much easier to cool—and, as many building owners and operators can attest to, is also more modern and attractive in appearance. In the future, construction company owners and operators will face requirements for mandatory recycling and use of recycled materials. Therefore, it is their commitment to ensure that subcontractors recycle as well. For this to be successful, it may require multiple dumpsters and additional plans for construction staging and management, but the reduction in landfill debris is signifi- cant. Construction waste management is also a smart option for both cost savings and recycling points. Instead of paying another subcontractor to haul construction waste to the dump, owners can pay a lower hauling fee to a company that will remove and recycle materials such as corrugated cardboard, metals, glass and wood. “reserve” windows, it gives more employees an advantage, allowing the entire office to benefit from the sunlight. Fresh Ideas It’s important to remember that not all certification points are right for all clients. For example, a shelter facility for homeless men was not able to take advantage of the water reduction capabilities of waterless urinals due to their unique requirements and clientele. Crucial to the certification process is to tailor solutions to clients’ needs, as well as their desires. LEED conferences, workshops and trade shows are chock full of new products and ideas, as well as places to exchange ideas and heighten awareness. Building owners and operators, along with contractors and design professionals, do well to attend. Another strategy that’s a “slam dunk” is to include a LEED Accredited Professional on the design team. This person can direct the way toward less-recognized point solutions — such as adding fly ash to concrete, which will earn a recycled–materials point. An accredited Indoor Issues Indoor environmental concerns are often overlooked. Low-emitting volatile organic compound (VOC) materials don’t cost more than problematic highemitting ones, so they should always be included in planning and design from the start. This can be as simple as the design team incorporating these specific materials into their specifications. Items such as adhesives, sealants, paints and carpeting can be utilized at little or no premium to the project budget. The sun is a major free resource. Therefore, controllable individual cubicle task lighting can be complemented by plenty of windows that provide daylight for the entire space. Although this means that private offices can no longer Circle 135 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard www.SLDTonline.com 15 http://www.cliclearwater.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard http://www.SLDTonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - March 2009

Sustainable Land Development Today - March 2009 Contents Our Voice: Energy Savings Accounts Mining the Sewers for On-site Reuse Modern Flood Disasters The Financial Challenge of Leed® Technology: Opportunities Exist to Buy in Now SLDI In Focus: A Look Inside Calendar of Events Energy: Solar Power on Rails Industry News Products & Services The Bottom Line: Green Lending – Class G Advertiser Index Editorial Board SLDT Resources Last Word: Not All Gloom & Doom

Sustainable Land Development Today - March 2009

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