Through responsible site planning and design, Heritage Architecture creates building environments that are beneficial economically, socially and ecologically. These benefits translate into lower operational costs, healthier living and working environments and mindful management of the earth’s limited resources. We incorporate the following sustainable design principles into the buildings we design:

1. Sustainable Site Development. Beginning with responsible land use and site layout, consideration is given to the effect that the building will have on the local ecosystem. Reducing site disturbance protects natural resources. At Heritage Architecture, we optimize the building footprint for its intended purpose in order to limit the negative effects that the building addition or new construction will have on the environment. We pay attention to how the building is oriented on the site in order to enable solar technology integration through passive solar design, as well as to optimize positioning for active solar power generation. During the construction process, we minimize site disturbance and conserve topsoil for re-use in landscaping.

2. Water efficiency and conservation. We strive to reduce the burden on the water supply by integrating water-efficient systems into the building design. A project can achieve up to 40% water efficiency^* through landscaping with native species, implementing innovative wastewater recovery technology, and reducing the overall demand on the water supply. Water is conserved throughout the construction process.

3. Energy Efficiency and the use of Alternative Energy Sources.  By integrating technology into the living and working environment, we are able to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the building. Advanced modeling tools enable us to calculate the optimal size of high efficiency mechanical systems in relation to the building envelope design in order to implement the most efficient system for its intended application. Heritage Architecture can apply Energy Star ratings to our building designs, which provides a standardized measure of the overall energy efficiency of the space. Multiple thermostats and zone controls, together with energy efficient lighting fixtures and advanced lighting controls provide up to 30% in energy conservation and cost savings. ^* In addition to the incorporation of existing technologies, we explore ways to implement both traditional and emerging alternative energy sources into our buildings. Options include passive solar design, which utilizes daylighting and shading techniques to heat and cool the building, active solar generation, and geothermal technologies.

4. Selection of Materials. We use natural and sustainable materials as an integral part of the building. Building materials affect the environment throughout their life cycles and their impact can be minimized at harvesting and mining, manufacturing and processing and then installing and using the product. By selecting non-toxic renewable materials from indigenous sources, materials with high recycled content and reducing construction waste through recycling 50-75% of construction and demolition waste, we can provide a design that has a positive impact on the end user and the environment.

5. Indoor Environment. A project can result in up to a 30% increase in productivity* through implementing sustainable principles in indoor environments. Increasing the availability of natural light, ventilation and views improve the occupant’s spatial experience and provide a sense of well-being. Low VOC-emitting materials and finishes are selected in order to improve the overall indoor air quality and individual thermal comfort is considered when integrating high performance systems into the space.

*With a minimal upfront investment (0-5% of construction cost) in sustainable design. USGBC Statistics.

LEED

The US Green Building Council introduced a rating system that measures through a point system the extent to which the above sustainable factors have been applied in a particular building project. Additional points are given for designs that integrate these solutions in innovative ways. LEED ratings are available in four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum, depending on the number of points earned in each category listed above. Our LEED Accredited Professional, Ms. Summer Alhamash, will work with you to incorporate these sustainable principles into your project in order to achieve the highest possible LEED Certification for your building.