Call it sustainable. Call it high performance. Building green is the common sense approach to improving operating efficiencies while decreasing environmental impact, and creating the healthiest environment for the building’s occupants.
Did you know that in the U.S., buildings account for:
- 36% of total energy use / 65% of electricity consumption
- 30% of greenhouse gas emissions
- 30% of raw materials use
- 30% of waste output /136 million tons annually
- 12% of potable water consumption
With numbers like these, how can anyone be resistant to the idea of going green? The benefits to our environment are invaluable, and the result of sustainable design also benefits the bottom line; it's a win-win, no matter how you look at it.
Twin Lakes Park Office Complex – A Golden Example of Going Green
Once used as a dormitory for a professional baseball team, the Twin Lakes Park Office Complex in Sarasota, Florida was later refurbished to become as one of the “greenest” office buildings in the state. The project is recognized as the area’s first “green” office complex, and serves as a model for the simplicity and savings associated with going green.
Many environmental factors were taken into consideration for this project, including:
- Erosion and sedimentation
- Run-off reduction and storm water management on-site
- Minimal site disturbance.
The buildings’ orientation to the sun and strategic window placement ensures maximization of northern sunlight for day-lighting within the buildings, enabling heating from the sun during winter months and optimal shading during the summer.
Any electric lighting in the building is automated to monitor and adjust light levels, reducing energy waste. These lighting methods lead to a cost reduction of 40 to 60 percent.
Here’s a closer look at some energy-efficient features that make Twin Lakes green:
Sustainability
- Pervious concrete sidewalks and patios minimize storm water runoff
- Energy-Star reflecting roof reduces heat absorption and heat island effects
- Contained construction/development area to a minimum to disturb as little surrounding land as possible and ensure maximum green space
- Covered bike rack and shower/changing facilities encourage to encourage employees to choose alternative transportation for their commute to work, such as walking or riding their bike.
Water Efficiency
- Uses 58% less water than a new code compliant office building
- 28,000-gallon cistern collects rainwater for toilets and irrigation
- Water efficient, native, climate tolerant plants used in landscaping
- High efficiency irrigation system relies on cistern-collected rainwater
- Super-efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low flow toilets, waterless urinals and motion sensor sink faucets, reduce water consumption
Energy Efficiency
- Uses 45% less energy than a new code compliant office building
- High performance building envelope and glazing system provides improved insulation and energy-efficiency
- Photovoltaics (solar panels) generate 5% of building’s electricity
- Solar water heating, natural day lighting and motion detection lighting reduce energy consumption
- Geothermal HVAC cooling system saves energy and uses ozone-friendly refrigerants
Materials and Resources
- 89.7% of existing structure of Building A maintained for reuse
- Materials with recycled content used in both interior and exterior
- Recycling room reduces amount of waste hauled to landfills
- Materials manufactured locally or regionally minimize cost and impacts of transportation
Indoor Environmental Quality
- Environmentally-friendly adhesives, sealants, paints and carpet
- Carbon dioxide monitor
- Separate exhausts in janitor closets reduce exposure to potentially
- hazardous chemicals
- Smoke-free environment
- Natural day lighting and views of the exterior throughout
In addition to achieving the primary goal of reducing environmental impact with this green building project, the advantages of these upgrades are readily seen in resulting bottom line benefits:
- Integrated design optimizes energy performance to be 50% more energy-efficient than standard buildings
- Interior day-lighting methods decreased lighting costs by 40 to 60%
- This facility is equipped to use 58% less water than a typical code-compliant office building
Leading Experts in Sustainable Design
The 26,000-square-foot Twin Lakes Park Complex, which took over two and a half years to complete, was designed by Architect Michael R. Carlson, founder and principal of Carlson Studio Architecture, a Sarasota-based architecture and design firm that specializes in sustainable, high performance buildings.
At Carlson Studio Architecture, the integrated design approach that we utilize in all our work allows us to provide high quality, high performance buildings for our clients.
We are happy to provide a complimentary consultation to determine how you can incorporate sustainable design into your projects, for green building or renovation. Simply click the button below to submit your request, and we'll respond promptly to schedule your consultation.
