HGC is committed to wise use and protection of natural resources. By applying the concepts of sustainable design and the U.S. Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles, we strive to improve the building process. We combine modern technology with time-tested building practices:
- Evaluating client objectives. These vary, from requiring a newly constructed sustainable building to wanting simply to reduce water consumption in a current structure. HGC develops and presents client-tailored solutions.
- Sequencing construction activities to maximize energy performance. This eliminates consumption caused, for example, by personnel, heavy equipment, and materials making untimely or unnecessary trips to a site.
- Reusing and/or repurposing construction materials and existing finish materials and products.
- Using locally sourced materials to reduce the energy expended in transport.
- Using sustainable technologies. Site selection or the directional orientation of an existing building help to determine such things as natural lighting or implementation of low-impact climate systems.
- Using low-emitting and certified materials. We consider the embodied energy of materials, which begins with all the resources used in their manufacture.
- Minimizing the impact of construction footprint. This includes erosion control plans and reduction/recycling of construction waste.
Depending on our project involvement, HGC provides support for the application process leading to LEED certification. We collaborate as needed to meet the client’s desired certification level.
What is LEED and what is a LEED Accredited Professional?
Information on LEED, LEED AP, and sustainable building practices is available at the U.S Green Building Council Web site. Visit http://www.usgbc.org.