According to Batshalom, most firms that have already begun greening themselves have still not internalized the “all-green-all-the-time” philosophy she espouses. “They’re getting their staff LEED accredited,” she says, “but they don’t understand the management ramifications or the internal commitment they need to make as company in order to do it efficiently and cost-effectively.”
The 80-person Portland, Oregon, firm SERA is approaching the “all-green-all-the-time” goal. About 80 percent of its projects are now aimed at LEED certification. In addition to working with mechanical engineers early in design, the firm has hired one to work in-house. According to SERA associate principal Clark Brockman, AIA, its staff engineer conducts energy modeling well before working with consultants. “She provides guidance early on, when things are happening fast and furious,” Brockman explains, “when designer and client are trying to figure out whether the building makes financial sense, before sustainable design is typically a driver.” He notes that beginning with constraints such as building orientation and optimum glazing area is much more effective than inserting these ideas later in design.
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