Mar 06, 2011 Author: Jessica McNaughton
The opportunity to be certified as “green” is now being extended to design and construction firms. The Sustainable Performance Institute (SPI) has launched a program that will recognize firms that can deliver on their promises of sustainability. The program has undergone a pilot phase in Boston, and takes the form of yet another credit based system that rewards leadership, project delivery and strategy among other criteria. The cost of certification can range from $2000 - $6000 per office, with an additional charge on a per office location of a few thousand dollars more.
What does this really mean for the green design and building landscape? Probably not much, YET. There are two programs available today, B Corp and Green Plus, that both offer programs for certification of a company based on an assessment of current practices via a questionnaire or survey and some feedback and reporting. Both focus on environmental and social responsibility, with B Corporations having a stronger lean toward triple bottom line performance and corporate governance.
The real problem with these certification programs is adoption, recognition and demand. High profile firms need to get on board with the programs quickly, then a critical mass of firms meeting the criteria needs to be achieved to be recognized as a “standard” and ultimately, “certified” companies must be demanded by the end customers. The timeframe for a widespread roll out, mass adoption and implementation to the point where clients will only engage with a firm that is “Green Firm Certified” is likely years away. But, the intention is good, and the push towards elevating the firms that truly “walk the talk” in sustainability is in the right direction.
More information on the Green Roundtable’s SPI certification can be found by clicking here.
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Feb 25, 2011 Author: Carrie Moore
Bio-Glass was recently used for the reception desk at Underwriters Laboratories University Training Center. O’Brien/Atkins was commissioned for the design and branding of the training center, which is located on the third floor of an existing building on UL’s RTP campus. The scope of the project included design concepts for the first floor lobby, which is the primary entrance for UL University attendees, and needed to reflect the UL training center brand. In the lobby, the Bio-Glass reception desk greets visitors. The color used is Oriental Jade and the desk is a curvy arc-shape with two worktop levels fabricated by Custom Stone and Marble. Behind the desk is a spacious credenza, which is also topped with Bio-Glass. This material is made from 100% recycled glass and is 100% recyclable, making it a perfect choice for UL, as their mission is to work for a safer world and they believe in supporting the production and use of products that are physically and environmentally safe.
For more information on Bio-Glass, contact us.
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Feb 25, 2011 Author: Carrie Moore
Durat solid surface material was used in The Battery Park City Branch of the New York Public Library. This LEED Gold facility is the first LEED certified branch in Manhattan. It is 11,000 SQFT and anchors the first two floors of the city’s greenest residential high-rise to date. 1100 Architects designed the open and bright space, which provides a welcoming environment for the public.
Durat’s playful colors and sustainability profile made the material fitting for the project and it was used for the shells of bookcases as well as worktops. Blue, orange, green, and white sheets were fabricated into brilliant modern furniture by Dimaio Millwork. Durat contains 30% recycled content and is 100% recyclable.
The branch houses a collection of over 23,000 items, separate reading areas for children, young adults, and adults, a multipurpose programming space, and access to 36 public computers. “This project illustrates the possibilities for a new urban future that incorporates environmental responsibility with the type of vibrant and dynamic design that enriches the public sphere.” says 1100 Architects website and we couldn’t agree more.
For more information on Durat or to receive samples, contact us.
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Jan 28, 2011 Author: Carrie Moore
The second phase of RDU's Terminal 2 opened just days ago and Bio-Luminum tiles, available through CaraGreen, are artistically integrated as a wall finish in the high tech design. Bio-Luminum tiles are appropriately made from 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum from reclaimed aircraft parts. The tile installation features an overlay of clear glass with graphics that depict diagrams of the airport terminal. The majority of the graphics are blue, with the exception of a red one, which signifies where the material is installed. The terminal also incorporates poured terrazzo floors installed by David Allen . And, a gigantic spiraling steel sculpture by Lydio Rubio entitled Gate of Earth. RDU's Terminal 2 is the combined work of Fentress Architects, O’Brien/Atkins, and Freelon. 
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Jan 28, 2011 Author: Carrie Moore
Meld is featured in the new Durham South Regional Library for both countertops and flooring. Freelon, the project architect, selected a custom blue shade (#227) of Meld ecoX for the information desk countertops. And, custom Meld floor inserts were crafted to commemorate the hi story of the jobsite, which was the former Lowes Grove School established in the 1890s. To do this, the floor tiles have historical facts embedded in them. Meld ecoX contains 74% recycled content and is made locally, helping contribute to the project’s LEED silver goal. The 25,000 SQFT library has an impressive list of sustainability attributes, which include:
• Designed to be 69% more energy efficient than a comparable baseline building
• Reduced water usage by 44%
• Over 80% of construction waste was recycled
• Landscaped with drought resistant plant species that do not require irrigation
• Use of products such as carpets, paints and adhesives that do not off-gas.
• CO2 monitors to ensure optimum levels of fresh air
• Daylight in over 75% of regularly occupied spaces
• Views to the exterior from over 90% of regularly occupied spaces
Meld concrete is available in either stocked and readily available pre-cast slabs that are 30" x 96" x 1 1/2" or in custom shapes, sizes, colors and glass options tailored to the needs of individual projects, such as the Durham Library. Meld has over a decade of experience designing and engineering concrete products.
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