PHILOSOPHY: As architects, we seek to create buildings that stand the test of time and are assets to their communities. Whenever possible, we incorporate sustainable features into our projects. Not only does this reduce our impact on the environment, but it leads to healthier places to live and work.

Recent innovations have made it easier than ever for building owners to benefit from sustainable features. We take care to discuss available options at the onset of every project so that the sustainable components are fully integrated. From there, the features evolve seamlessly, as the project is detailed and refined. This reduces redundancies that increase costs, and results in a more beautiful and functional finished product.

BENEFITS: Many people have become aware of the multitude of benefits of building green. Green buildings are more comfortable, more durable, and healthier than conventional ones. Green homes and offices offer economic benefits such as reduced energy and maintenance costs, environmental benefits such as reduced pollution and waste, and health benefits such as reduced exposure to mold and mildew. In short, they increase the client’s quality of living while decreasing their reliance on natural resources. For these reasons, the value of green buildings continues to grow steadily, with less fluctuation than the conventional building market.

INNOVATION AND DESIGN PROCESS: Inspiration for a sustainable feature can come from the architect, owner, engineer, builder, or landscape architect. Engaging colleagues and clients from the start allows for comprehensive project planning and creative, project specific ideas. This is when we can generate a sustainability plan, gather site specific information, assess the building’s life cycle, and form strategies for implementation.

SUSTAINABLE SITES: We carefully locate buildings on their sites to maximize solar and wind effects. We strive to leave mature vegetation in place. We specify green roofing, permeable paving materials, and erosion control to lessen a buildings impact on its site. Replanting with drought tolerant, non invasive species and maintaining shade trees are all benefits of green site design.

WATER EFFICIENCY: We encourage water efficiency, low flow fixtures and drought tolerant landscaping in all of our projects in an effort to reduce water and energy costs and conserve resources. We have utilized more intensive water conservation methods such as rain water harvesting and gray water recovery on projects with particular ground water challenges such as shoreline sites. The use of pervious paving system and roof water management can also be incorporated to minimize risk of erosion and replenish natural ground water supplies.

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE: Increasing the thermal performance of a building is one of the most important criteria of a green building. A tighter building envelope means less energy is wasted to condition the spaces inside. We often specify high performance insulation, glazing and super-efficient HVAC systems. Additional strategies include using Energy-Star labeled appliances, high-efficiency lighting systems, insulating air ducts, and installing in-floor radiant heating systems. GEOTHERMAL: Geothermal ground source heat pumps are excellent alternatives to less energy-efficient fossil fuel HVAC systems. A geothermal system uses the stable temperature below the earth’s surface to provide heating and cooling. We have designed many projects that include these systems and have found that the added cost for a geothermal system pays off in 5-7 years with reduced energy bills.

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS: Photovoltaic panel arrays, which convert sunlight into electricity, are becoming more available and feasible. With an energy efficient home, it is possible to supply much of the necessary power with solar panels. Using today’s electricity rates and generous State and Federal rebates, the added cost of a photovoltaic system often pays off in 7-10 years. On several projects, we have discretely incorporated arrays into the architectural design without detracting from the appearance of the building.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: In the United States, buildings account for 30% of our raw materials use and generate 30% of our waste. By reducing these numbers, we can greatly impact the availability of our resources as well as the amount of waste going into landfills. We work with builders to minimize and recycle construction waste and with our clients to find alternatives to standard building materials that are environmentally preferable, high performing and cost effective. These include products that are sourced locally, reclaimed building materials and items that contain a high recycled content.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: We spend most of our day inside our homes and offices, and so it is important that they promote our good health. Steps can be as simple as installing air filters, a central vacuum, or a radon mitigation system. We always specify low or no-VOC materials for paint, adhesives and coatings. We work closely with a mechanical engineer to ensure fresh air circulation and balanced humidity levels throughout a building. These measures can lessen the threat of mold as well as alleviate allergies or other conditions.

AWARENESS AND EDUCATION: We have a responsibility, as design and building professionals, to advance the public’s understanding of our industry. We share our expertise in lectures and publications and work toward a goal of life long learning to keep up with current products and trends.

OFFICE COMMITMENT: At R.S. Granoff Architects, our own recent office expansions were built using green principles. We used cork flooring. Terrazzo counters, wheatboard wall panels, a bamboo conference table and recycled laminate counters. We recycle as much of our waste as possible. Many of our employees drive hybrid vehicles and we installed sophisticated energy control systems at our office. We “practice what we preach” to set an example for our clients, friends and families.