Are any design/build firms taking energy costs/green building seriously, because what we’ve been shown seem to be off-the-shelf facilities?
Tom Auer, VP-architecture, NewGround, St. Louis.
Yes. Design/Build firms are taking the issue of energy efficiency and Green Building design seriously, including NewGround. We see the market demand increasing through 2008 and continuing into 2009. To this end, we foresee up to 10% of our design revenue coming from LEED or Green projects in 2009.
NewGround had one of the first LEED Certified branches in the country back in 2003 Since that time, we have focused our attention on getting our internal team educated on green building concepts. It is our goal to have our three directors and myself LEED certified by the end of 2008. We currently have one registered architect who has obtained his LEED certification.
In regards to the “off the shelf facilities” observation, I would have to disagree because green building concepts are generally specific design solutions that address specific project challenges, so “off the shelf” solutions are not feasible.
Bill Bily, VP of design, DEI, Cincinnati
Increased awareness of our environment and building options has increased interest in green building. We anticipate government regulations will become stricter on building materials and methods and therefore green building will effect everyone in the design/build industry at some point.
Many of our clients are aware of green buildings and are interested in becoming more educated about how they can get involved. Although they may not want to spend the money to become LEED certified, they are definitely interested in incorporating green elements into their building.
Jim Caliendo, President and COO, PWCampbell, Pittsburgh.
Green facility design is alive and well and taken very seriously in the design/build sector. Our company, for example, has invested in research and development to obtain LEED certification for our architects. “Green” buildings are the wave of the future, but not every credit union is prepared for both the spending cost and process that goes with planning for a truly “green” facility. While we may not get “green-specific” requests in terms of incorporating environmentally friendly elements into new and existing branches, we are being asked for information on “green” topics such as how to derive more efficient heating and cooling solutions, for example. The “greening” of design/build projects has an awareness that it did not have just a few years ago and it’s just a matter of time before most clients will consider LEED certification an important attribute when selecting a firm.
We do know is that it is easier and less expensive to develop environmentally friendly buildings from the ground up than to re-do an existing facility. Green building is, in fact, an added expense, but one that can ultimately bring a higher return on investment and operating costs over time. One of the things that we knowGreen building is, in fact, an added expense that can ultimately bring a higher return on investment and operating costs over time. More importantly, having a “green” facility will have more image and marketing value for members and the general community as environmental awareness continues to increase.
Will Klein, senior consultant, KDA, Marietta, Ga.
KDA has been receiving inquiries about green buildings from its clients for several years. We have been cognizant of the need to be as environmentally friendly as possible when designing and building facilities for credit unions and work with our clients to exceed the building code requirements in this area. The installation of energy efficient materials such as high performance glass and mechanical systems with a high efficiency rating are standard on most of our buildings. We have explored the use of solar and geo-thermal power in some facilities.
The major stumbling block to a total green building has been the cost to take a facility the next step toward LEED certification. In addition to the expenditure for materials and installation procedures to raise the efficiency of a facility, the certification process comes with a price tag that our clients have been unwilling to pay. None-the-less, credit unions we work with want to exceed code requirements for efficiency and the environment and are taking bigger steps with each, new project. As energy prices and ecological concerns escalate, the facilities that KDA builds will continue to push the envelope toward energy efficiency and the green end of the scale.
Ralph La Macchia, President of La Macchia Group, Milwaukee, Wis.
Yes, we’re taking energy very seriously. Since 2002, we’ve designed and completed green facilities using sustainable design. These projects, include geothermal HVAC, reuse of materials on remodels, natural light, low V.O.C. finish, rain gardens, photovoltaic panels, waterless urinals, and man-made recycled products. We’re committed enough to green facilities that we are building our own new office building to LEED Gold standards. It is important to note that there are upfront costs involved in green building; the payback on energy costs is approximately five years - this is important, make sure you ask.
Green building is the right thing to do. Our staff is in constant training; with a focus on LEED we have a LEED-certified instructor on our staff. Ben Rogers from the Filene Research Institute has reported that “69% of people between ages of 13 to 25 consider a company’s social and environmental commitment when deciding where to shop”. We at La Macchia Group carry this through in to our work as well; our team has tremendous diversity, and we live our values. This is important stuff, not some catchy marketing slogan, and yes, we have been at it since we opened our doors. In fact, our staff has a locally active green themed community outreach program called T2.
Our clients are always our focus; we offer green at every project kick-off meeting. If the client elects to go green, we are there. If not, we provide sustainable design alternatives. Our customers are our lifeblood and we’re here to serve them. There are more and more green projects every year, and now is the time for leadership. In a few years, green building will be as ADA is today and simply become compliance. We CAN make a difference, and we need to start today.
Tom Lombardo, CEO Clayco Financial Facilities, St. Louis
Clayco Financial Facilities take energy cost/green facilities very seriously. We are the 10th largest green contractor in the United States and have over 50 accredited professionals on staff.
Being environmentally responsible is a best practice our design team implements on all projects, regardless of whether Clayco is pursuing LEED certification. When designing building layouts and mechanical systems or specifying products and materials, our designers always consider what will provide the client with the best long-term savings as well as the best value. With our tools, knowledge and experience, Clayco is able to provide clients with the maximum benefit at the best possible cost. In the field, many of our regular practices are recognized as “green” friendly, such as how we sort construction waste and recycle. Ultimately, the commitment to go green on a project or to pursue LEED certification must be a collaborative process between the owner, community and the design-builder. All goals, including cost, must be weighed carefully before initiating the process.
As we have gained expertise building green buildings, Clayco has developed a carefully planned system of design and cost assistance between the owner and the design team. Our buyout approach clearly identifies to all bid parties the specific LEED or sustainable approaches to be implemented on a project-by-project basis. Before the bid package is awarded, we capture the identifiable cost premiums for LEED and evaluate any additional costs with the owner.
Each project represents a unique solution to achieve LEED certification. Solutions that came from modifying existing facilities to achieve LEED certification often lack the creative effort required to approach a project incorporating the best sustainable practices. We partner with the Owner to determine the level of LEED Certification (Green) and budget parameters.
