Sustainability
While we are proud of our portfolio of LEED and Austin Energy Green Building projects, our approach to sustainability is less about checking off boxes and more about integrating basic, time-tested principles into the core design of our projects. From the orientation of a building to features such as deep overhangs and abundant natural light, we have developed a set of fundamental guidelines that we can apply to projects of all types and scales:
60-kiloWatt rooftop solar array (Performing Arts Center)
Energy
Providing natural light to all occupied spaces reduces overall energy use, minimizes the need for and maintenance of electrical lighting, and offers an important connection to the environment. When combined with LED lighting, on-site solar or geothermal power generation, and occupancy sensors, the savings over the life of a project can be significant.
Drought-tolerant landscape of native and adapted plants (Tree House)
Water
With populations booming and droughts become longer and more frequent, reducing wasteful water consumption is paramount. Water-saving features include recycling graywater for flushing toilets and landscape irrigation, rainwater collection and filtration, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and drought-tolerant landscaping able to withstand heat, wind, and foot traffic.
Locally-sourced Leuders limestone blocks (Chinmaya Mission Austin)
Materials
Durable and long-lasting materials and finishes extend the life of a structure and minimize maintenance, while sourcing materials locally minimizes their consumed embodied energy. Through careful planning of the construction timeline and thoughtful material selections, typical construction waste can be minimized, mitigated, or completely eliminated.
Case Study | LifeWorks
80% less overall energy use
80% less irrigation potable water use
28% less indoor potable water use
53% of building materials sourced in state
31% recycled content
83% of construction waste recycled or salvaged
Most interior paints contain zero volatile organic compounds
95% of wood products are FSC-certified
All plant species are native or adapted
Situated near multiple bus stops and light rail
Bike racks, showers, lockers, and electric car charging stations promote alternative means of transportation
Case Study | Hill Country House
8-kiloWatt solar array supplies 80% of annual energy usage
Mechanical heating and cooling via 5-ton geothermal system
30,000-gallon rainwater collection system meets all of the owner’s annual water needs
Locally-sourced materials include limestone, cypress, and pecan
Utilized construction waste-management plan
All recyclable materials processed by IESI, with documentation denoting the percentage of each load that was recycled
All paint and exterior coatings are water-based and contain zero volatile organic compounds
Designated Wildlife Management area provides the environment necessary for migrating song birds
Case Study | Performing Arts Center
23% less overall energy use
100% less irrigation potable water use
33% less indoor potable water use
44% of building materials sourced within 500 miles
33% recycled content
60-kiloWatt solar array offsets up to 8% of annual energy needs
Daylit offices and public spaces reduce overall energy use
Graywater recycling for toilets and all irrigation
All plant species are native or adapted
Situated near multiple bus lines and planned light rail line
Bike racks, lockers, showers, and electric car charging stations promote alternative means of transportation