Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification process, established by the U.S. Green Building Council, which measures “green” buildings. Projects are ranked in a range from “Certified” to “Platinum” level. The program provides a concise framework for improving building energy performance while advocating for improved human health conditions. We have provided services to numerous LEED-rated projects, including five Platinum Level LEED for Homes recipients. Richard Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman of USGBC, noted our work as “invigorating and inspirational.”

The dawn is rising on a new energy infrastructure era. From advances in solar photovoltaic electrical systems, to solar thermal hot water heat exchange and wind power, we look to renewable building system technologies as current and future building standards. Converting solar energy into electrical power, capturing the wind, or using the sun’s heat as part of a domestic hot water system reduces our reliance on conventional energy sources. Consequently, building operational costs are significantly lowered, carbon emissions are reduced, existing energy infrastructures are less impacted by development, and most importantly our future becomes brighter.

It is imperative, and we believe our responsibility, to include water conservation as a primary design element. Potable water is a diminishing primary life supporting resource. Responsible development includes low consumption plumbing fixtures, drip irrigation systems, and the use of reclaimed water. Clean water for the future starts with decreased demand.

Where is a material from? What it is made of? And, what will happen at the end of its lifecycle? These questions equate to the benefits of local production, durability, and recycling. Egan | Simon specifies local products to reduce the impact of transportation, products with high percentages of post-consumer recycled content, and products which will be recycled in the future, thereby reducing our dependence on landfills. From finish materials such as countertops, flooring and paint, to rough materials such as insulation, adhesives and lumber, every projects lifecycle will end. Our goal is to prolong the building lifecycle, recycle the past development, and acknowledge future material demands.

Holistic design interconnects buildings and their environment. From site orientation to aesthetics, the impact of each design element together defines the project whole. Our projects strive to optimize natural daylight and ventilation through prevailing breezes and solar angle exposure. Concurrently, shading of the structure to reduce building envelope heat gain (heat island effect) significantly reduces building air conditioning system demands. Through the selection of materials with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC), chemicals which in high concentrations can cause various health problems, indoor air quality is increased.