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Go Green
Sustainable Desgin FAQ
Commerical Designers' Guide
Residential Designers' Guide
Green Tips: A Basic Guide for Commercial Designers
by Lucinda Jennings, ASID, and Victoria Schomer, ASID
The prevalence of sustainable design projects has increased multi-fold, due in part to the growth of the U.S. Green Building Council, comprised of member organizations such as architectural and engineering firms, design firms, contractors and developers; federal, state, and local government agencies; and professional associations like ASID, AIA, ASLA and IIDA. The introduction of the LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Building Ratings System has set an industry standard for green building design. A new LEED™ for Commercial Interiors (CI) rating system is now in the pilot phase, intended for tenant improvement projects in existing buildings.
With this significant professional move toward specifying and building healthy buildings and interiors that offer superior indoor air quality and energy efficiency, it should be no surprise that sustainable design is considered to be the fastest growing segment of our industry.
Although many of the same design principles and material selection ideas related to residential design also apply to commercial design, the following are some sustainable design practices specific to commercial projects.
- Design flexible floor plans for multiple uses and easy future reconfiguration. Arrange spaces to maximize the penetration of natural daylight and allow views to the outdoors from all occupied spaces.
- Anticipate future renovations and attempt to avoid them. Interior spaces are often renovated because they have become outdated, even though the materials are not worn. Discarded materials add unnecessarily to landfills.
- Provide adequate space for inhabitants to recycle paper, glass, metals and plastics. Locate the recycling spaces in easy-to-use areas.
- Specify materials that are manufactured locally or within a 500-mile radius to reduce the embodied energy costs of using fossil fuels.
- Specify carpeting manufactured from wool or recycled fibers. Consider woven carpeting with minimal backing material and avoid petroleum-based backing materials.
- Recycle existing carpet through the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE).
- Work closely with the electrical engineer to select high-quality, energy-efficient lighting. Coordinate lighting controls with operable window coverings to optimize lighting quality, minimize glare and save energy.
- Recommend using office equipment such as computers, copiers and printers with the EnergyStarâ„¢ rating.
- Specify products with low VOC ratings. Patronize companies that have submitted their products for testing by GreenGuard™ or other testing agencies.
- Require a flush-out period prior to building occupancy.
- Research materials in advance, including a review of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and require submittals of the MSDS by the contractor particularly on product substitutions.
Remember that every project can serve as an educational experience for its primary users and the visitors that enter the building whether it's an office building, manufacturing facility, elementary school or environmental learning center. Take advantage of the special opportunities presented by LEED™ to pursue recognition for your client's new space or building as well as your design efforts.