Fowler & Hammer News 2006
October 5, 2006 - Thinking of Building "Green"? Read this...
Click here for a printable version [PDF: 92K]
Green Building
The Art of Saving Money through Environmentally Responsible Construction
The process of designing and building a green building is not so different than the “non-green” process. There are steps that follow one another. There is an unfolding process that occurs, one in which we will lead you through.
Utilizing Fowler & Hammer’s Green Building techniques can be beneficial for you from many points of view. Some of these benefits are as follows:
- Reduction of reliance on both energy and technology, which both reduces cost and protects the environment.
- Taking advantage of available energy sources on site.
- Reduction of heat gain will allow downsized HVAC systems, offering savings in initial costs AND operational costs.
- Facilitation of natural ventilation to reduce heating and cooling loads in transitional seasons by employing operable windows
- Reduction of energy use by using daylighting instead of artificial lighting for ambient light.
- Minimize site clearing around buildings and roads in order to lessen costs and keep the natural beauty of the community we live and work in.
- Minimize the impact of equipment and deliveries on site to prevent dirt and dust runoff into our local waterways, as well as decrease landscaping costs.
- Utilize a construction waste management program.
- Recycle construction and demolition debris for decreased landfill costs.
- Use construction techniques that embody less energy and reduce operational costs.
- Emphasize use of supplies manufactured locally, thereby reducing the environmental impacts from the transportation and supporting the regional economy.
- Develop landscape designs that have lower irrigation requirements.
- Reduce potable water use through the implementation of low flow fixtures for toilets, shower heads, and faucets.
- Using recycled content materials will reduce dependence on virgin resources.
- Thicker wall construction will allow greater insulation values.
- Staff happiness and well being can be improved by utilizing Fowler & Hammer’s Green building techniques.
- Exposure to natural sunlight, beautiful landscaping, sensitively designed interiors, and the utilization of quality “green” materials can add to the happiness and well-being of employees.
- This can result in higher productivity and retention rates.
Click here for a printable version of this information [PDF: 92K]
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