As green building continues to receive more and more attention in the construction industry, we recognize this issue is becoming of greater importance to our clients. With a growing portfolio of projects that include sustainable building elements, our success in this area stems from our client-friendly approach to green building. We promote a collaborative process with the owner, architect, and our own project consultants, working toward green building solutions that meet our clients’ objectives for sustainability as well as their financial goals. Whether they simply wish to incorporate environmentally-friendly systems and materials into the project design, or have the more ambitious goal of achieving LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification, our clients know we have the resources to help them meet these objectives. Tom Perry, Shawmut’s Director of Engineering Services, is a LEED Accredited Professional and brings an in-depth knowledge of the means and methods behind successful green projects. He is a valuable source of information about the LEED Certification process and works closely with our project team members to provide informed advice and suggestions on green methods throughout the planning and construction phases.
Realizing a sustainable design is about more than simply utilizing specialized materials and systems—it requires a fundamental shift in thinking from start to finish. The key to successfully integrating green elements into any design is early involvement. Important decisions regarding systems and finishes must be carefully considered during the planning phase of a project to maximize the available options for the completed space. Integration is another key factor—it is critical that all systems in a building work together smoothly, and changing one will likely require a change in the others. But if such concerns are taken into account during the design phase, green elements can be easily incorporated into any facility with only a small increase in cost. They can also save money in the long run through improved efficiency and lowered maintenance costs.
For more information on the LEED rating system, please visit the United States Green Building Council at www.usgbc.org.
