Posts Tagged ‘green offices’
August 24th, 2009 in Green 2 Comments
Green buildings are getting a lot of attention these days for their environmental and health impacts and long-term cost savings. For all this attention, notes the author, many of these buildings fall short of expectations in their acoustical performance. Part of the problem seems to be that LEED and other rating systems don’t include specific acoustical credits, and designers are simply too caught up in more top of mind considerations to even think about this issue. The good news is that open-plan green workspaces can get the proper acoustics as easy as ABC… (more…)
August 13th, 2009 in Trends No Comments
Current economic conditions are causing many firms to cut back on real estate costs. Other companies are simply looking to rearrange things to eliminate the morale-sapping empty offices resulting from firm layoffs. This article looks at three design trends that have emerged to address this situation and create engaging environments for creativity and productivity. (more…)
August 11th, 2009 in Green, Health No Comments
Good air quality is an important factor in maintaining a healthy and comfortable office environment. This article takes a look at the latest techniques to marry the best of ventilation and air filtration systems with low emission, environmentally friendly furnishings to enhance the health and performance of employees and bolster the organizational bottom line. Notable efforts discussed include:
- The use of low-emitting carpets, low-volatile organic paints and urea-formaldehyde-free wood products;
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April 15th, 2009 in Buildings, Green No Comments
This article examines the findings of two separate studies that conclude that “green” building has yet to prove its financial viability. A study by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association of Herndon, Virginia, found that a 30 percent improvement over the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) code – a benchmark cited by many prominent efficiency advocates – is not financially feasible for most class-A office construction. The conclusion of the NAIOP president: developers would not be able to recoup the costs from energy-savings for at least a decade. Furthermore, he notes that the costs of achieving these higher-efficiency targets vary so widely across climate zones that a “one-size-fits-all” approach imposed by legislation or other mandates simply won’t work.
Meanwhile, a survey by a Los Angeles law firm and Constructive Technologies Group (CTG) of Irvine, CA found that 93.4 percent of more than 900 respondents believed that green building was worth the time and effort. The Third Annual Green Building Survey, however, found only 66.2 percent agreed it was worth obtaining official LEED certification from the U.S. Green Council, down from 76 percent in its second annual survey of last year.
On the bright (green) side: most respondents felt that the cost premium for green construction over traditional building is less than 4 percent. Furthermore, notes the author, recent increases in energy costs lead 74 percent of respondents to indicate that they are more likely to incorporate green elements into future projects.
Source: Staff, Mortgage Banking; Apr, 2009
March 12th, 2009 in Green No Comments
This article explores the ways in which a number of Minneapolis companies are living their values by developing sustainability strategies at the office level. The companies profiled include an LEED-certified law firm, an architectural firm applying for LEED certification and a property management company. The tactics employed by these firms are varied and include:
- The strategic use of glass throughout offices to distribute natural light (and cut down on light fixtures);
- Occupancy sensors in conference rooms, individual offices and restrooms;
- Recycled office furniture and carpets;
- Hands-free faucets and flush valves; and
- Subsidized public transportation passes.
The article stresses that company concern goes beyond cost-savings to include “the triple bottom line for environmental, economic and other community benefits.” While some companies may not be considering LEED certification, the Mississippi Headwaters [the Minnesota Chapter of the U.S. green Building Council] offers helpful guidelines that can be used to create a plan that gradually replaces fixtures with more energy-efficient ones as they wear out. Additional tips for sustainability efforts are provided at the end of the article.
Source: Anna Pratt, Finance And Commerce Daily Newspaper, Mar 12, 2009
September 22nd, 2008 in Green No Comments
This article begins with an exploration of the areas and degrees of risk involved with green building projects. It begins with a look at the first state-level green building code adopted by the California Building Standards Commission earlier this year, outlining the nature of the regulations as well as the potential legal pitfalls. The article warns that while California is the first to adopt formal, green building standards, “local governing bodies across the country have similar requirements and others are rapidly moving in the same direction.” (more…)
September 15th, 2008 in Green No Comments
A panel of green building experts met in Minneapolis in late September of 2008 to discuss examples of how green building principles can result in long-term operational savings. Among the projects and studies discussed were:
- A green roof for the Target Center (due in 2009) that will save the city over 20 percent on its cooling bill from June through September, as well as $76,000 annually saved from reduced storm water fees. The added building cost would be fully recovered through these savings in just over 5 years.
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September 15th, 2008 in Green No Comments
This article explores the new state mandates in Indiana that require all new and renovated state buildings to be designed and operated for maximum energy efficiency. The author discusses the enormous benefits for building owners, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage and construction waste, particularly regarding materials sent to landfills. He also addresses the economic boost anticipated for the state as improved air and water quality enables it to better compete for new jobs and for the best people to fill them. The article ends with a discussion of the productivity-enhancing potential inherent in sustainable design practices. Notes one expert, “A physical layout and design of space can be just as valuable in boosting productivity as actual business processes.” (more…)
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