For information on listing your product with Sustainable Design

Non biased "Green" product resource for the homeowner, consumer and professional

Navigating through the numerous "Green" products and home improvement merchandise currently available can be quite a challenge. Everyone seems to be green these days. What does it all mean?
At Sustainable Design, we research every product or manufacturer we recommend to make sure they meet the strictest Sustainable Design requirements.
From roofing suppliers and installers, insulation and heating, cooling systems, to flooring, windows or finishes, every product or service we recommend must meet our established national "Green" certification criteria. There are many standard rating systems available. We are very careful in which products and installation procedures we recommend.

Solar, wind

In the design of any green project, consideration should be given to the systems that are currently available and most commonly recognized as "Green". That being the use of solar or wind technologies. With the current tax breaks and local incentives, designing a project that uses these technologies should be balanced with the aesthetic desires of the client and the overall requirements of the project. Not all projects will have the same desired return.

We believe that every aspect of sustainability should be considered throughout the development of the project. Solar or wind generation, or even water and space heating is another tool that should be looked at for the entire project. These technologies are not for everyone. Our design professionals can help you decipher all the confusing information out there and decide if either or both of these technologies suites the needs of your project, your budget and your ultimate goal. Whether you are trying to get completely off the grid, help subsidize your current electric bill or want to help minimize your footprint, we can help guide your decision based on your needs.

Insulation and energy saving

The most important design decision you can make on any project is in regards to the building envelope. Basically, this is the shell in which you inhabit. It is critical that the envelope be properly insulated and sealed to avoid heat loss and absorption. There are many components of a successfully designed building envelope. Usually there are building code requirements that dictates the minimum insulation and circulation requirements within the projects jurisdictional area. It is critical to understand these requirements prior to and during any design decision. Even something as simple as merely replacing old single pane windows with dual pane solutions, can be complemented by design changes geared to help the overall performance of the building.

As with any green project, the cost savings can be amazing. There are many formulas available to help calculate the actual dollar to investments savings, in addition to tax incentives and rebates.

The impact every project has on the overall health of the community is value all its own.

Water conservancy and reuse

We continually hear the comment that we are in a drought, that we need to conserve water. This is so embedded in our consciousness that it is generally thought of as a complete no brainer. Water conservation should be a part of any design decision. It saves money, saves water, helps to minimize the impact of resources into treatment facilities, limits urban runoff pollution and helps to establish better water quality management practices.

Just as the importance of the building envelope is regulated somewhat by the local building codes, so is the water consumption within most projects submitted for approval today. A sound design cannot be accomplished without the knowledge that comes with years practice and experience. Sound design is not something you buy off the shelf at the local hardware store.

Whether you need simple product replacement or design of recirculating rainwater recovery system, we can help make the systems work for your particular needs.

Smart electrical

There are many products and technologies available for use to limit the consumption of electricity. To assume that we will merely just use less by turning off the lights when not in the room, or watching less TV or computer time, is simply naive and not correct. In order to actively achieve the goal of less use of electricity, consequently, less dependency on coal and oil, saving money on the monthly utility bills, intelligent design is critical.

More than merely replacing old incandescent bulbs, sustainable design is using natural light when appropriate, installing timers and motion detectors where needed. The design of a complete system that works both on or off the grid is elemental. With the ever changing codes and design trends, having a knowledgeable design team should be the first step towards electrical independence.

Recycled, reused, repurposed

In the design of any project, it is fundamental for a green project to utilize existing technologies available. Having the ability to recognize and use products existing products is an important part of the green movement. Of course, being green does not necessarily mean using Sanford and Son type building resources. Within reason, there are many alternatives and repurposed products on the market, both from local sources and suppliers nationwide.