We have highlighted a number of trends as more people invest in eco-friendly homes. However, the focus on sustainability goes far beyond building green homes.

A number of businesses are also investing in ecological engineering practices as well. We covered some of these trends in a previous article.

Eco-Friendly Engineering Becomes More Popular as Climate Change Fears Escalate

Climate change is an increasingly urgent global issue, with its potentially devastating effects on the environment and human society. One recent study showed that climate change was responsible for 17 deaths on Mount Everest. One promising solution to combat this problem is ecological engineering, a field that aims to integrate ecological principles and engineering techniques to develop sustainable solutions.

Ecological engineering is the practice of designing, constructing, and managing ecosystems that can provide ecological services to meet human needs while minimizing negative environmental impacts. The goal is to find ways to harmonize human activities with the natural world and to minimize the damage caused by human actions.

This article will examine the role of ecological engineering in combating climate change, with a focus on ecosystem restoration, sustainable solutions, challenges, and future outlook, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this field’s potential to address this urgent global issue.

The Role of Ecological Engineering

There is great synergy between ecological engineering and global efforts to reduce carbon footprint. Ecological engineering provides solutions that help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources, implementing green technology, and promoting sustainable transportation, all fall under the umbrella of ecological engineering.

Ecological engineering approaches present an opportunity to safeguard, responsibly govern, and revive human-modified ecosystems while delivering numerous advantages for the well-being of the economy, communities, and the natural world. Ecological engineering projects can help to reduce the risk of floods, droughts, and other natural disasters, thereby increasing the resilience of communities to climate change impacts. Furthermore, ecological engineering can promote sustainable land use practices that increase soil fertility and promote biodiversity, leading to improved water quality and reduced erosion.

Several ecological engineering projects have been successfully implemented in different parts of the world. For instance, the restoration of degraded wetlands has been used to improve water quality and increase carbon sequestration. Green roofs and walls have been implemented in urban areas to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. The use of bio-swales and rain gardens has also been shown to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

Ecosystem Restoration

The restoration of ecosystems through ecological engineering presents a powerful approach to reversing environmental degradation and promoting ecological resilience. Through strategic interventions, ecological engineering endeavors to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem functioning, and restore natural balance. With its emphasis on sustainable and nature-based strategies, ecological engineering offers a promising pathway toward recovering and preserving ecosystems for future generations.

Ecological engineering can aid ecosystem restoration by using various techniques, such as bioremediation, phytoremediation, and habitat restoration. Bioremediation and phytoremediation involve the use of microorganisms or plants to break down or remove pollutants from contaminated sites. Habitat restoration involves the reestablishment of native plant and animal communities, which can help restore the ecological balance of an ecosystem.

Successful examples of ecosystem restoration through ecological engineering include the restoration of wetlands, streams, and forests. For instance, the restoration of the Everglades wetland in Florida has involved the construction of canals and levees to restore natural water flow and the reintroduction of native plant species. Similarly, the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay in the US has involved ecological engineering techniques such as oyster reef restoration, nutrient reduction, and wetland creation.

Sustainable Solutions

In the urgent battle against climate change and the pursuit of environmental sustainability, sustainable solutions driven by ecological engineering have emerged as a vital lifeline. With its transformative potential, ecological engineering promises to mitigate the detrimental impacts of human activities on our fragile ecosystems. As torchbearers of this innovative field, ecological engineering companies and eco-engineering specialists offer a wealth of eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.

Eco-engineering specialists, companies, and consultants use landscape and ecological engineering to implement solutions that address climate change, sustainability, environmental solutions, renewable energy, green technology, and carbon footprint reduction. One area of focus for ecological engineers is ecosystem restoration, which can help address environmental issues by restoring natural habitats and improving soil quality. Renewable energy and green technology can be integrated into ecological engineering practices to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Landscape and ecological engineering can also be used in the preservation of biodiversity. Ecological engineering companies specialize in designing and implementing restoration projects that aim to enhance ecosystem function and resilience. These projects can include the restoration of wetlands, rivers, and forests, which can provide numerous benefits such as flood control, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat.

Sustainability is the key objective of ecological engineering. By implementing environmental solutions, eco-engineering consultants help mitigate climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of various industries. With proper planning and design, ecological engineering projects can be cost-effective and positively impact the environment.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Ecological engineering solutions can be an effective approach to addressing the multiple environmental challenges that the world is facing today. However, several challenges must be overcome to ensure the success of ecological engineering.

1. Limited eco-engineering specialists: More environmental and ecological engineering professionals are needed to be trained to apply ecological engineering principles. This shortage makes finding the right expertise to implement such solutions challenging.
2. Lack of understanding: Many people still need to understand the concept of ecological engineering and its potential benefits. As a result, they may be resistant to change and reluctant to implement ecological engineering solutions.
3. High cost: Implementing ecological engineering solutions can be expensive, which makes it challenging for small organizations and communities to implement them.
4. Time-consuming: The implementation of ecological engineering solutions can be a time-consuming process, and it may require long-term commitments.
5. Multi-disciplinary nature of environmental issues: Environmental problems require the integration of natural science and social science, which can be difficult due to cultural barriers and differences in research methods and paradigms. A collaborative approach and cross-disciplinary training programs are necessary to address this challenge.

Despite these challenges, ecological engineering has a bright future. With climate change and sustainability becoming increasingly critical issues, the demand for environmental solutions, renewable energy, and green technology is growing. Ecological engineering can help reduce our carbon footprint, restore damaged ecosystems, and improve the resilience of communities to climate change.

The potential impact of environmental engineering on the future is significant. It can transform how we interact with the environment and lead to more sustainable and resilient communities. As the field continues to grow, it is essential that we work together to overcome the challenges and promote ecological engineering as a viable solution to environmental problems. Therefore, investing in ecological engineering research and development can lead to significant progress and new breakthroughs toward sustainable development.

Conclusion

In summary, ecological engineering holds tremendous potential in addressing the urgent global issue of climate change. By integrating ecological principles with engineering techniques, ecological engineering offers sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and human society. It plays a crucial role in reducing carbon footprints by promoting sustainable practices, such as renewable energy, green technology, and sustainable transportation.

The post How Ecological Engineering Helps Fight Climate Change appeared first on Green Building Insider.

One of the greatest sources of energy in the universe is that of the sun. If it were effectively harnessed, the sun could solve the energy crisis. Why isn’t solar power commonplace? How does it come out in regard to value and efficiency? In this article we will discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to determine whether solar power is worth the investment on a commercial and domestic scale.

Strengths of Solar Power

• Solar power is sustainable and renewable. Except for the manufacturing of the hardware required for harnessing solar power, it is a completely green source of energy with zero emissions. While the materials used in solar panels come with a carbon footprint, the do have a lifespan of 30 years with the correct maintenance so they don’t need replacing very often.
• Solar power makes users self-sufficient. Those who can generate their own energy are independent from external providers, giving users more control and smaller bills. Any extra energy that is generated and not used can be stored in batteries which are very helpful in the event that a backup is needed. Alternatively, they can generate an income and be sold to energy providers.
• It doesn’t cost much to maintain. After the installation process, there is no need to testing or maintenance by anyone other than a standard electrician completing an electrical installation condition report. Electrical testing can be done by any qualified person or company, such as Western Industrial. However, in order to maintain efficiency and condition, it’s important to inspect solar panels regularly and keep them clean.
• Solar panels can have a diverse number of applications. Solar panels don’t need to be in direct sunlight all the time, they are very effective when they’re somewhere exposes that also has a bit of shade. The technology is also advancing all the time meaning that they are becoming even more effective and efficient.

The Weaknesses of Solar Power

• It can feel like an expensive investment at first. Purchasing and installing solar panels is not the cheapest thing to do so lots of people can get put off because of the initial cost.
• They rely on good weather. Depending on your location, you are not always guaranteed bright sunshine. Even though solar panels can operate during the winter and when the weather is overcast, they’re output isn’t as good as when it’s bright and sunny weather.
• The selling price for unused energy isn’t great. While an energy company will buy your energy for around 5 pence per kilowatt, they will go on to sell it for 52 pence.

The Opportunities for Solar Power

• They are various government grants available to help you pay for the cost of solar panels.
• They are an investment for the future. Investing in solar panels now could save you a lot of money in the future.
• It can add value to your property.
• The selling price of unused energy is going up so that could help you get a bit of your investment back.

The Threats to Solar Power

• With the unstable economic climate at the moment, there is no guarantee when it comes to pricing.
• Any remaining balance due for the purchase of the solar panels is tied as a debt to the property.

The post The Ins and Outs of Solar Power For Your Green Building appeared first on Green Building Insider.

These days, one of the most effective and trending ways to go green is to not only look at how we live, but also where we live, and to take those practices, products and policies into our houses. Whether we are making green updates to a treasured home, or building a new eco-friendly house, let’s take a look at how green building impacts our wallets. You don’t need to live in a smart house to be green. There are a lot of other sustainable living ideas to try.

Green Building Certifications

There are many certification programs available for green building that notably increase the value of your property, and often lead to other incentives such as tax breaks and grants. Green certified buildings often even receive discounts on homeowner’s insurance. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) issued by U.S. Green Buildings Council, is probably the most easily recognized sustainable building certification, as more than 1.6 million residential units are currently participating in LEED around the world. Other popular certifications include Energy Star, BREEAM, and Green Globes. Prospective buildings undergo a thorough third-party verification process, including an onsite inspection and performance testing. Successfully certified homes deliver on design plans and meet green building commitments that save energy, water and other resources. But do they save money? By using less energy, green homes also lower utility bills. On average, LEED certified homes save 30% of water and 15-20% of energy, which averages out to about $70 per month in utility bill savings. While the typical cost of an entry level LEED home is about 3 to 5 percent higher than a conventional home, that additional cost is canceled out by utility savings, making a LEED certified home with all of its benefits- from cleaner indoor air quality for the family, to a lower carbon footprint for the planet- comparable in cost to a traditional home meeting minimum building code.

Tax Breaks

We talked about a number of financial benefits of green buildings for both consumers and businesses in the past. One benefit is tax breaks.

Like certifications, there are many available tax breaks, grants, and other financial incentives for green construction, helping many families to make the commitment to saving the planet. Federal, state, and local governments want your home to be more efficient and earth-friendly, and surprisingly, so do many utility companies. From solar to wind, geothermal to fuel cell energies, the tax breaks being offered can make a huge impact on their cost for either new or existing projects, offering up to up to 26% of the installation and equipment as a tax credit. Not to mention all of the state, local and utility deals. For example, Pacific Gas and Electric, a leading California utility company, offers utility bill rebates of up to $120 to customers who purchase efficient appliances and equipment. The building of eco homes is on the rise with thanks going to these tax breaks and money saving incentives. Keep in mind these tax breaks are set through December 31, 2021, when they will be reevaluated.

Uncertified Updates

On the more affordable end for the homeowner who wants to make sustainable upgrades without the commitment of a certificate or a new build, there are tons of options. There are simple best practices that are cost effective and low effort, like sealing windows and other air leaks (90 inches of weather strips costing about $12), taking shorter showers, turning lights off or switching to LED bulbs (8 pack for about $10), and using pressure cookers (ranging from $50-$250) rather than the energy intensive ovens. There are more long-term investments such as installing energy efficient windows or doors (lowering energy bills by 12% on average), installing a whole house fan (saving 90% in cooling energy costs on average), or upgrading kitchen appliances (qualifying for tax breaks plus potential energy bill savings of over $100 per year).

Final Thoughts

It is very clear that energy saving, means energy bill saving. If a family is able to front the cash to make the upgrades or commitments to a sustainable lifestyle, the numbers say they will save money in the long run. Luckily, we don’t have to choose between saving a buck or saving the planet, with options for every person on every budget. Not only that, but government financial incentives make it easier than ever to make the switch to a green lifestyle. It is heartening to know that energy companies, insurance companies, local and federal governments all are on the same page about saving the planet, and want to create the easiest, most accessible path for homeowners to get on board, too.

The post How Green Building Projects Impact Your Wallet appeared first on Green Building Insider.

In the past decade, the incorporation of green standards in new buildings has increased significantly. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the number of new buildings with sustainable features will continue to grow as the market responds to consumer demands.

Urban areas are leading the way in retrofitting old buildings. With whole neighborhoods experiencing revitalization, old brick rowhouses in cities across the country are finding a second life. Retrofits look to use the existing structure while removing toxic materials and adding more sustainable features. Most projects involve removing toxic insulation, such as asbestos, as well as installing new utility systems, more sustainable lighting and even features like green roofs and rain gardens.

It’s possible to retrofit most existing buildings with green features. Green buildings look to improve not only the energy efficiency of the structure, but also the health of its occupants. A few adjustments make existing infrastructure healthier and more sustainable.

Five cities in the United States are leading the way in greening existing infrastructure. From coast to coast, urban areas are finding ways to preserve the historical significance of older buildings, while also improving the living space for the future. From Portland, Ore., to Boise, Idaho, we will explore five cities transforming old buildings into the epitome of green renovation and urban rehabilitation.

1. Portland, Ore.

The city of Portland is revolutionary in its green building standards and has some of the best examples of retrofitted buildings in the country. Housing complexes, such as Tillamook Row in Northeast Portland, incorporate new insulation and solar panels that have eliminated electricity bills for occupants by creating a surplus of renewable energy.

Many energy, construction and design firms in Portland are working to improve energy and building standards. In 2009, the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability issued a plan to reduce energy consumption in current buildings. Working with Clean Energy Works Portland, which provides loans for energy upgrades, the plan resulted in reducing energy consumption by 20% in participating buildings.

Additionally, Portland’s Green Building Policy works with existing policies to manage issues like stormwater treatment, transportation, economic development and waste management. The policy network incorporates LEED strategies, as well as the Earth Advantage Institute and Living Building Challenge, both of which guide design in terms of both energy and health.

2. Austin, Texas

In 1990, the city of Austin established the first green building initiative in the country. Known as the Austin Energy Green Building process, the plan has evolved in recent years to account for improvements in energy efficiency, as well as the availability of additional green certifications.

Several sustainability companies in Austin work to support green initiatives in existing structures. The Austin Green Team focuses on improving structures for the health of the occupant, with sustainability being a bonus. Retrofit projects can include sustainable insulation, HEPA air filtration systems and natural mold solutions.

Contracting firms are also heavily involved in retrofit projects throughout Austin. One company, Burt-Watts, strives to reuse the majority of existing infrastructure and reduce energy usage by a minimum of 25%. In one project, the firm converted a 1960s building into an office space, adhering to the Austin Energy Green Building Standards as well as LEED certification standards.

3. Chicago, Ill.

In Chicago, buildings produce more greenhouse gas emissions than any other source. To support the goal of improving economic and environmental sustainability, the city has focused on increasing incentives for green construction, as well as retrofitting projects. Retrofit Chicago, a city-led energy-efficiency program, focuses on reducing greenhouse emissions while saving homeowners money.

Green retrofitting in Chicago focuses on improving insulation, installing energy-efficient lighting and reducing maintenance costs. The city has ranked as the Greenest Place to Work in America three years in a row, according to the National Green Building Adoption Index. There are two primary standards for measuring green buildings in Chicago: the EPA EnergyStar label and the U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification.

4. Baltimore, Md.

There are over 17,000 vacant buildings in Baltimore. However, the city has made significant progress to help reduce the number of demolitions and push for adaptive reuse instead. According to the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Baltimore, sustainable building projects are the best way to create cost competition in the market.

The city of Baltimore also established a Green Construction Code in 2015, which works to distribute permits for green-certified construction and retrofit projects. Other citywide initiatives also work to transform existing infrastructure into sustainable spaces, including Retrofit Baltimore, the Neighborhood Design Center and the Enviro Center. The Neighborhood Design Center focuses specifically on retrofitting old buildings throughout the city.

5. Boise, Idaho

When considering green cities, Boise may not be one of the first examples to come to mind. However, Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and has aggressive sustainability strategies to reduce energy use in existing buildings by 50% by 2030.

Boise has an extensive geothermal energy network, with geothermal providing heat for more than 90 buildings downtown. Additionally, the city installs solar panels on commercial buildings. Using renewable energy is a straightforward way to reduce energy consumption in old buildings without the need for new infrastructure.

The city of Boise also enacted a Green Building Code in 2015, which adopted the International Green Construction Code. In addition to assisting with project coordination and permitting, the city also donates a plaque attesting to the building’s sustainability upon completion of the retrofit project. These small actions make a significant impact on consumer awareness when it comes to green buildings.

Old Is the New Green

The production of concrete is the third-highest source of greenhouse gas emissions, behind only energy and transportation. Additionally, demolitions and teardowns contribute to air pollution and also generate a significant amount of construction waste, most of which ends up in landfills. Adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the need for new materials. Retrofitting existing buildings in urban areas is a fantastic way to save historic properties, while improving the health and livelihood of tenants and communities.

Green retrofits are part of the holistic process of using green infrastructure throughout neighborhoods, from inside homes to sidewalks, parks and rain gardens. Based on the principle that it’s possible to make urban areas green without tearing them down, retrofitting old buildings plays a critical role in neighborhood revitalization.

Making green modifications to existing structures through renovation, retrofit or refurbishing projects helps reuse existing materials, while improving the energy efficiency of the original building. The U.S. Department of Energy offers detailed resources with guides on meeting sustainability goals and green building certifications.

Any city can achieve the objective of making old buildings green, and the industry shows excellent promise for growth in the next few years.

The post How to Make Old Buildings Green (And 5 Cities Doing It) appeared first on Green Building Insider.

It’s not all bad news, though. As more people wake up to the reality of climate change, we’re coming up with more ways to reduce our environmental impact, including that of our homes. New construction materials, building designs, energy systems and other innovations are enabling us to make our homes greener.

It’s easier to reduce the environmental impact of some types of homes than others, though. Let’s look at four types of houses and their potential for going green.

1. Move-in Ready Homes

The environmental friendliness of pre-built, move-in ready homes varies. You might be able to find some newer homes that are built with ecological impact in mind. For many developers, however, that’s not the priority. Older homes can be especially problematic, as they might not have the latest green technology and are likely to have more insulation issues.

Of course, you can always retrofit an existing home to make it greener. The necessary renovation projects may be challenging, time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, they do have the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency and maximize a home’s green potential.

Not all move-in ready homes are exceptionally eco-friendly, but if you find the right one — most likely newer, sustainable home building options — or complete some renovations, you can make yours relatively green.

2. Custom-Built Homes

With custom-built homes, you have plentiful opportunities to make green choices. You have much more control over how the home is built and what features you include. So, if you make the right decisions, you could end up with an extremely green house.

Of course, the environmental impact of your custom home will depend on the features you choose. Opt for recycled or sustainably produced building materials, electric- and water-efficient appliances and fixtures, and renewable energy systems, such as passive solar and solar panels. You can include the most up-to-date appliances right from the start, ensuring your home will save you money on energy output.

While these green features can require a substantial upfront investment, many of them will save you money in the long run. It’s also much easier to incorporate these features into a new build than an existing one.

3. Modular Homes

Modular homes are built in sections in a factory setting and then assembled on-site. Buying a modular home gives you the option to customize it to some extent. You don’t have as much freedom as with a custom-built home, but the process is typically faster and simpler.

There is less guesswork and waste in making modular homes because they are built in a factory with predefined processes. Many modular home companies also offer green feature options and consider energy efficiency in their designs, so these types of houses have the potential to be quite environmentally friendly.

Because of the way they’re built, they can also be an affordable option. Modular homes potentially free up more space in your budget for green features.

4. Tiny Homes

Reduced environmental impact is one of the most prominent draws of the tiny house movement, which, if you haven’t heard, involves houses that are about 100 to 400 square feet and sometimes mobile.

Because of the size of tiny homes, they use fewer materials and less energy, significantly reducing their effect on the environment. Many are solar-powered, which is easier to accomplish than with a larger house because they require less power to operate.

Tiny houses also encourage simple living and require cutting down on the number of possessions you have. This is another way they help you live a green lifestyle. Another draw is, of course, the tiny price as compared to a standard home.

Choosing Sustainable Home Building

We all have the potential to make our homes greener, as long as we have the right information, resources and the will to see our eco-friendly projects through. Some types of homes, though, making going green easier than others do. The next time you consider relocating, check out and compare those sustainable home building options with the most green potential.

The post Which Sustainable Home Building Option Has The Most Green Potential? appeared first on Green Building Insider.

These five firms represent some of the most celebrated and awarded firms in the U.S. Each firm is making a global impact on architecture and green building design and represents the leading edge of design and engineering in architecture. Their recognition by the American Institute of Architects and Architect Magazine stems from their innovative approaches to green building design and their contributions to the field at large.

Today’s architectural community is more committed than ever to green building design, and these firm’s tireless commitment to the USGBC’s LEED Green Building standards is becoming the standard for the industry – over 2.2 million square feet is LEED-certified every day. As leaders in their respective areas of focus, each of these firms drives the next generation of built infrastructure across the Uni.

1. HOK

HOK is the largest architecture-engineering firm in the United States and winner of countless design, engineering, and architecture awards across the globe. In 2017, HOK ranked as the number one architecture-engineering firm in Architectural Record’s Top 300 and number one in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500.

HOK’s most famous green building projects include New York’s LaGuardia Airport Central Terminal B, the LG Science Park complex, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium—North America’s first LEED-Platinum sports arena. HOK stands out as a top architectural firm for their leadership in architectural research, which guides their innovative approaches to green building design. HOK embeds current and future trends in business and workplace efficiency, organizational theory, and sustainability into every project. HOK is pioneering collaborative office designs that promote innovation and growth.

2. Lake|Flato

Lake|Flato is a national leader in eco-conservation projects. It’s the recipient of over 270 distinguished design awards, including the American Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award and ten Top Ten Green Project Awards from the AIA Committee on the Environment.

Lake|Flato’s design ethos hinges on sustainable building designs that work in tandem with the natural world. The firm specializes in buildings that harmonize with their natural environments, like the Naples Botanical Garden Visitor Center and the Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion, winner of the AIA Committee on the Environment’s Top Ten Project Award.

3. Miller Hull

The Miller Hull partnership has won an AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten award every two to three years since 1998, making them one of the most consistently recognized firms in the U.S. Their roots go back even further; cofounders Robert Hull and David Miller began designing solar buildings in the 1980s.

Miller Hull’s iconic Pike Place Market project in downtown Seattle, one of the firm’s most recent award-winning designs, turned a parking lot into a vibrant cultural hotspot, a revitalization of a lost urban space. Their commitments to social improvement through innovative architecture is no better emblemized than in their Gohar Khatoon Girls’ School project in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Their sustainable design helps the school operate on little to no heating fuel or electricity, providing an invaluable contribution to the inclusion of women and girls in Afghan society.

4. BNIM

BNIM is a leader in workplace building design, focusing on human performance as a metric of building success. Their projects have garnered numerous awards, including two Architect’s Newspaper 2017 Best of Design awards for their Princeton University Lewis Center for the Arts building and their 10^th and Wyandotte Parking Garage project.

BNIM is also a national leader in green building design. It helped the U.S. Green Building Council further develop the LEED Rating System, the standard for green architecture throughout the US. BNIM’s people-first designs prioritize natural light, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and human performance; the firm regularly features improvements in work-related tasks as testaments to their designs.

5. LMS Architecture

LMSA, a unique firm that blends education with practice, is last year’s National AIA Architecture Firm Award winner. Their diverse portfolio includes everything from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to affordable housing projects that blend social equity, historic preservation, and cutting-edge sustainable design. The firm has been recognized with over 140 design awards.

LMSA makes significant contributions to the field of architecture by teaching the next generation of thought leaders and innovators. This small firm utilizes an open office environment often reflected in their workplace designs. Their most celebrated buildings, like lead architect William Leddy’s LEED Platinum Nueva School at Bay Meadows, emphasize their unique approach to uplifting public and private spaces.

What Common Threads Make These Firms Exceptional?

Many firms in the U.S. regularly achieve LEED Platinum certifications on building designs, but the firms that design transformative, award-winning spaces for public and private use go beyond building specifications, tapping at the emotional elements of workspaces, schools, and public buildings.

Human-Focused Performance Metrics

These top firms universally share a commitment to spaces that improve or enhance the lives of their occupants. From BNIM’s human performance benchmarks in building design to HOK’s collaborative office spaces, these firms recognize that an office space should support its workforce with the technology, tools and environments that maximize productivity. Spaces that inspire and nurture occupants have the capacity to dramatically change the landscape of their neighborhoods.

Better Work Environments

These firms also share a collaborative approach to organization within their own businesses. LMSA’s educational focus and Miller Hull’s incorporation of regular staff retreats speak to a more holistic, human-centric work environment, a trend that repeats in the leading businesses and companies it designs buildings for. If there’s a lesson to be learned from these architectural firms, it’s that office buildings should focus on the aspects of design that nurture and inspire creativity and collaboration.

Evaluation and Internal Review

At these top firms, projects never end when the ribbons are cut. These firms understand the importance of iterative design processes, where evaluation plays a key role in building off successful projects. BNIM conducts regular performance reviews of buildings before and after construction to gauge the impacts of their designs, and Lake|Flato’s Post-Occupancy Evaluations allow for continuous improvement to designs.

Hands-On Management

Each of these firms showcases a more thoughtful approach to management practices where leaders within each company work alongside other staff to see a project through to completion. The active and involved managers at these firms break down hierarchies and play a central role in each firm’s design process. Miller Hull’s founders have played a central role in the firm’s design process for over 40 years, and Lake|Flato’s managers work with every stakeholder and project team member to ensure the vision of their clients is fully met.

The benefits of thoughtful, human-centric working environments speak for themselves. These practices help these firms consistently rank at the top of their field, decade after decade. It should come as no surprise that these working environments influence the designs of so many top architecture firms. These five show that sustainable building design can transcend physical performance metrics, encompassing the human implications of the built environment.

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