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Tip #16

By Kara Brooks, Sustainability Program Manager, ASHE

In anticipation of the upcoming ASHE PDC Summit, this month is a great time to review some tips for implementing sustainability concepts in building and construction projects.

For most construction projects, preparing sustainability initiatives before and during the project is ideal. A project designed with sustainability in mind will naturally produce better results than one that requires integrating sustainability elements later on. To ensure that sustainability is considered before and during construction:

1. Plan for Energy Savings A new structure can be made more energy efficient in countless ways from the outset. A review of the can provide scores of ideas, including:

• Consider location. Is the location easily accessible to public transportation? Will sensitive natural areas be disturbed?
• Consider environmental issues. How will rainwater runoff be managed? Will the building be a heat sink?z
• Consider energy consumption. Can the building orientation affect the HVAC and lighting requirements? How can the building envelope enhance energy conservation?
• Consider the interior design. Will the design be flexible enough to accommodate future uses with minimal reconstruction? Is an advanced building automation system included in the plan?
• Consider energy elements. Is the site appropriate for ground source heating/cooling? Is solar or wind power suitable?
• These suggestions are just “tips” of the iceberg; a newly built or renovated health care facility offers a wealth of sustainability opportunities.

2. Have the Whole Team On Board Early
   • A successful building project of any type, but especially one that includes unconventional energy-saving elements, requires a diverse, talented team that includes equal representation from ownership, designers, construction and facility personnel. Engage these individuals early in the design process to create an optimum high-efficiency project.
3. Show the Big Picture
   • During design and construction, sustainability concepts can add initial cost to a project. Show budget-concerned leaders the return on investment for prioritizing sustainability. This will capture both the design’s energy considerations and its practicality.

Excerpt modified from ASHE published monograph titled “".