Sustainable/LEED
The REES team employs a comprehensive and interactive design process to analyze and evaluate opportunities for sustainable strategies on our projects. During this process, REES works with team members as well as the client to plan and design high performance, energy efficient and environmentally responsible facilities. While versed at using the LEED rating system as a tool to measure results, a formalized rating system is not required.
Our process begins with the evaluation of the site’s existing conditions and characteristics. This information is used to evaluate the potential massing and orientation of buildings as well as potential options for the building's exterior envelope systems during the Schematic Design phase. The site is often a critical characteristic of a responsible environmental project, and the REES team is available to assist in site analysis and selection to get the most out of a sustainable project.
During the Design Development phase the building's exterior envelope systems are given more definition and are further evaluated. During this phase the REES team evaluates the potential benefits and energy performance of specific sustainable systems such as green roofs, high efficiency mechanical systems with energy management controls, and photo-voltaics. Further evaluation of the exterior systems includes the impact of daylight on building orientation, window location and design, and building massing. Daylighting is studied to evaluate opportunities for natural lighting, control of glare, general illumination and thermal heat gain.
Throughout the remainder of the design process the team evaluates environmentally responsible materials, storm water management, wildlife protection, opportunities for building occupants to have access to mass transit and other forms of alternative transportation as well as the ability to provide the building occupants with efficient daylighting and individual thermal comfort and control. Priority is given to those systems that strike the desirable combination of being ecologically sustainable, responsibly manufactured, economically sound, and show potential to increase quality of life for the building’s occupants.
Throughout the design process the REES team will evaluate the economic viability of all potential solutions and options. The team recommends working with a commissioning agent throughout the process as a way to make certain that the building’s systems operate properly and economically from the day the facility is complete and ready to be occupied as well as throughout the life of the facility. The end result is a facility that meets all the functional, operational and economic needs of the client and occupants as well as achieving the recognition throughout the community, and potentially the nation. In going through this process and achieving LEED certification, the facility will be a responsible and practical asset to owner, occupants, community and environment.
Currently REES has many LEED accredited individuals, from our President/CEO, to architects, interior designers, and project designers.
