SUSTAINABLE

Sustainable design is an integrated approach which considers the entire life of a building including materials and system components. This design strategy supports environmental goals while considering the costs and benefits associated with sustainable design. The main goals of sustainable design are to reduce depletion of natural resources: minimize the environmental damage of construction and building operations for the life of the building: and create healthier built environments. Sustainable design has environmental, economic and social elements that benefit everyone, including owners, occupants and the general public.

At SMPC, sustainable design is one of our values. We encourage and educate both our clients and staff to consider design and construction strategies that use natural resources in environmentally sensible ways and to recognize the importance of every design decision. We assess every project for opportunities to implement sustainable practices and materials.

SMPC has recognized the importance and urgency of actively participating in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming. It is with this knowledge that the firm has accepted the Architecture 2030 challenge. SMPC is committed to making every effort to meet the Architecture 2030 targets for energy reduction on every building design.

The Architecture 2030 Challenge states that all new buildings and developments be designed to use (½ the fossil fuel energy they would typically consume (½ the country average for that building type).

SMPC’s design strategy is to meet the Architecture 2030 targets through proper siting, building form, glass properties and location, material selection, and by incorporating natural heating, cooling, ventilation, and day-lighting design concepts. Additional energy required for a building to maintain comfort and operate equipment can then be supplied by renewable resources.

SMPC has endorsed the Architecture 2030 Challenge and is committed to the goals of reducing energy consumption in every project we design. We also support our local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as, hold a corporate membership with the National organization.