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 Green Architecture is a term used widely, by both practitioners and academicians, which defines Architecture as a product of its environment. Green Architecture is synonymous with 'Sustainable Development,' a term defined in 1987 by the World Commission on the Environment as, "meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainable Design is in part the systematic consideration of a project's life cycle impact on environmental and energy resources --- its long term cost and value. Cowart Coleman is committed to being a responsible steward of our natural resources and, as a leader in Architecture, intends to provide leadership in developing an ethic of sustainability in all of our practices.Green Architecture is in part achieved through sensitive siting and the use of renewable and recyclable materials. The sun’s warmth, cooling breezes and natural light are free resources that the Architect can use to enhance human comfort and reduce or eliminate a building’s draw from non-renewable resources. Green Architecture is not only about protecting the environment; it is about protecting the health, well-being and quality of life of the building’s occupants. Natural ventilation and the use of non-toxic paints, carpets and adhesives help to make a green building a healthy building. By engaging in Sustainable Design, we create high performance buildings that are in harmony with their context and ones that protect, enhance and even restore the natural environment. We optimize energy efficiency and exploit opportunities for passive solar and natural lighting. We conserve natural resources through reducing waste, using regional resources, and using renewable, salvaged and recycled materials. We optimize indoor air quality and incorporate safeguards to reduce wastewater and protect water quality.  Demonstrating and sharing the understanding of these practices and principles is an important component in all of our projects. We support the new green standards such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and the Earth Craft House. These programs are transforming the building industry toward a sustainable future. With a staff of LEED Accredited Professionals, Cowart Coleman Group is committed to the ethics of this transformation through our integrated design approach. Traditional Design approaches have been largely linear. The Architect/Planner progresses from Conceptual Design through Design Development and Construction Documents to Contract Administration while pulling technical consultants in along the way. Integrated Design employs a multi-disciplinary approach where all the project professionals and stakeholders are brought in to the design process early on, to form a collaborative team. This process recognizes that early design decisions made collaboratively will have a major, positive impact on achieving cost effective, well considered, and sustainable design goals. With the understanding and desire to create "visual harmony with the environment," Gerry Cowart, AIA , has been honored by receiving the AIA Georgia Design Award for Sustainable Residential Architecture for 1996 for the Hendershot Residence on Spring Island, SC, and received the same award in 1997 for the Baron Residence on Brays Island, SC.  This single family home is a product of its site. The magnificent home is sited on a secluded three-acre site overlooking a hidden salt pond and the marshes of Chechessee River. The site's sensitive ecology with wetlands on three sides and the owner's strong desire to be connected with the environment were primary design determinants. The semi-tropical climate of Spring Island also dictated primary architectural consideration. Certainly, the dramatic panoramic views heavily influenced the design. Sustainable Architecture seeks to marry the owner to the site. It hopes to connect strongly to the ecology and convey the emotion and symbolism of the South while exercising sound contemporary construction, planning and environmental principles. Site Plan  The wonderful views and climatic considerations led Mr. Cowart to an "exploded one room deep" design approach. This allowed every room in the house to have dramatic multidirectional views. Natural cooling in this hot, humid but breezy, coastal climate dictated lightweight construction. A raised foundation, ventilation, shading of large overhangs, covered porches gathering prevailing breezes, and tall ceilings with many tall operable windows, all lend themselves to  Sustainable Architecture. This decentralized massing of the structure enhances the breeze catching and heat dissipation resulting in passive cooling. Furthermore, porches form a functional and emotional link between the house and nature, effectively blurring the line between natural and built environment, allowing the two to be seen as one.  Sustainable Architecture requires that the selection of materials and colors also reflect a sensitivity to place. Pine and cypress in combination with tabby speak to historically proven, locally available and ecologically renewable resources. This is carried through into the interior with the use of much recycled pine, Savannah Gray Brick,  and antique ship ballast stone. "The historical context of this site suggests a connection with the plantation era of South Carolina. The owner and architect felt strongly that the house should be of its place. This desire encompassed both natural contexts, as well as social-historical context." Checklist for Environmentally Sustainable Design and Construction From the AIA Environmental Committee I. DESIGN
Smaller is better.
II. SITING
Optimize use of interior space through careful design so that the overall building size and resource use in constructing and operating it are kept at a minimum.
Design an energy-efficient building.
Use high levels of insulation, high-performance windows, and tight construction. In Southern climates, choose glazing with low solar heat gain.
Design buildings to use renewable energy.
Passive solar heating, day lighting, and natural cooling can be incorporated cost-effectively into most buildings. Also consider solar water heating and photo-voltaic --- or design buildings for future panel installation. If wood heating is an option, specify a low-emission wood stove or pellet stove.
Optimize material use.
Minimize waste by designing for standard sizes. Avoid waste from structural over-design (use optimum value-engineering/advanced framing).
Design water-efficient, low-maintenance landscaping.
Conventional lawns have high impact because of water use, pesticide use, and pollution generated from mowing. Landscape with drought-resistant native plants and perennial groundcovers.
Make it easy for occupants to recycle waste.
Make provisions for storage and processing of recyclables: recycling bins near the kitchen, under sink, door mounted bucket with lid for compostable food waste, etc.
Look into the feasibility of gray water and rooftop water catchment systems.
Water that has been used for bathing, dish washing, or clothes washing can be recycled for flushing toilets or irrigation. If current codes prevent gray water recycling, consider designing the plumbing for easy future adaptation. Rooftop water catchment for outdoor watering should be considered in many regions.
Design for future reuse.
Make the structure adaptable to other uses, and choose materials and components that can be reused or recycled.
Avoid potential health hazards: radon, EMF, pesticides.
Follow recommended practices to minimize radon entry into the building and provide for future mitigation if necessary. Plan electrical wiring and placement of electrical equipment to minimize electromagnetic field exposure. Design insect-resistant detailing that will require minimal use of pesticides.
Renovate older buildings.
III. MATERIALS
Conscientiously renovating existing buildings is the most sustainable construction.
Evaluate site resources.
Early in the siting process carry out a careful site evaluation: solar access, soils, vegetation, important natural areas, etc.
Locate buildings to minimize environmental impact.
Cluster buildings or build attached units to preserve open space and wildlife habitats, avoid especially sensitive areas including wetlands, and keep roads and service lines short. Leave most pristine areas untouched, and look for areas that have been previously damaged to build on.
Pay attention to solar orientation.
Reduce energy use by orienting buildings to make optimal use of passive solar heating, day lighting, and natural cooling.
Situate buildings to benefit from existing vegetation.
Trees on the east and west sides of a building can dramatically reduce cooling loads. Hedge rows and shrubbery can block cold winter winds or help channel cool summer breezes into the building.
Minimize transportation requirements.
Locate buildings to provide access to public transportation, bicycle paths, and walking access to basic services. Commuting can also be reduced by working at home. Consider home office needs with layout and wiring.
Avoid ozone-depleting chemicals in mechanical equipment and insulation.
IV. EQUIPMENT
CFCs have largely been phased out, but their primary replacements, -HFCs- also damage the ozone layer and should be avoided where possible. Reclaim CFCs when servicing or disposing of equipment (required by law) and, if possible, take CFC-based foam insulation to a recycler who can capture CFCs.
Use durable products and materials.
Because manufacturing is very energy-intensive, a product that lasts longer or requires less maintenance usually saves energy. Durable products also contribute less to our solid waste problems.
Choose building materials with low embodied energy.
One estimate of the relative energy intensity of various materials (by weight) is as follows: Lumber = 1 Brick = 2 Cement =2 Glass = 3 Fiberglass = 7 Steel = 8 Plastic = 30 Aluminum = 30.
 Buy locally produced building materials.
Transportation is costly in both energy use and pollution generation. Look for locally produced materials (local softwoods or hardwoods, for example) to replace products imported to your area.
Use building products made from recycled materials.
Building products made from recycled materials reduce solid waste problems, cut energy consumption in manufacturing, and save on natural resource use. A few examples of materials with recycled content are cellulose insulation, Homosote, Thermo-ply, and recycled plastic lumber.
Use salvaged building materials when possible.
Reduce landfill pressure and save natural resources by using salvaged materials: lumber, millwork, certain plumbing fixtures, and hardware, for example. Make sure these materials are safe (test for lead paint and asbestos), and don't sacrifice energy efficiency or water efficiency by reusing old windows or toilets.
Minimize use of old-growth timber.
Avoid lumber products produced from old-growth timber when acceptable alternatives exist. You may not need clear narrow-grained cedar or redwood siding, for example, when using an opaque stain or paint - as long as proper detailing is used to avoid rot. Laminated wood timbers can be substituted for old-growth Douglas fir. Don't buy tropical hardwoods unless the seller can document that the wood comes from well-managed forests.
Avoid materials that will give off gas pollutants.
Solvent-based finishes, adhesives, carpeting, particleboard, and many other building products release formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These chemicals can affect workers' and occupants' health as well as contribute to smog and ground-level ozone pollution outside.
Minimize use of pressure-treated lumber.
Use detailing that will prevent soil contact and rot. Where possible, use alternatives such as recycled plastic lumber. Take measures to protect workers when cutting and handling pressure treated wood, and never burn scraps.
Minimize packaging waste.
Avoid excessive packaging, such as plastic-wrapped plumbing fixtures or fasteners that are not available in bulk. Tell your supplier why you are avoiding over-packaged products. Keep in mind, however, that some products must be carefully packaged to prevent damage - and resulting waste.
Install high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
V. JOBSITE
Well-designed high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners (and distribution systems) not only save the building occupants money, but also produce less pollution during operation. Install equipment with minimal risk of combustion gas spillage, such as sealed-combustion appliances.
Install high-efficiency lights and appliances.
Fluorescent lighting has improved dramatically in recent years and is now suitable for homes. High efficiency appliances offer both economic and environmental advantages over their conventional counterparts.
Install water-efficient equipment.
Water-conserving toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators not only reduce water use, they also reduce demand on septic systems or sewage treatment plants. Reducing hot water use also saves energy.
Install mechanical ventilation equipment.
Mechanical ventilation is usually required to ensure safe, healthy indoor air. Heat recovery ventilators are preferred in cold climates because of energy savings, but simpler, less expensive exhaust-only systems are also adequate.
Protect trees and topsoil during site work.
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Protect trees from damage during construction by fencing off the "drip line" around them and avoiding major changes to surface grade.
Avoid use of pesticides and other chemicals that may leach into the groundwater.
Look into less toxic termite treatments, and keep exposed frost walls free from obstructions to discourage insects. When backfilling a foundation or grading around a house, do not bury any construction debris.
Minimize job-site waste.
Centralize cutting operations to reduce waste and simplify sorting. Set up clearly marked bins or trash cans for different types of usable waste (wood scraps for kindling, sawdust for compost, etc.). Find out where different materials can be taken for recycling, and educate your crew about recycling procedures.
Make your business operations more environmentally responsible.
Make your office as energy efficient as possible, purchase energy-efficient vehicles, arrange carpools to job sites, and schedule site visits and errands to minimize unnecessary driving. In your office, purchase recycled office paper and supplies, recycle office paper, use coffee mugs instead of disposable cups. On the job, recycle beverage containers.
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