Sustainable Building

A sustainable building, or green building is an outcome of a design philosophy which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.

Though green building is interpreted in many different ways, a common view is that they should be designed and operated to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by 

  • Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
  • Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
  • Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

Modern Structure wants to help guide their customers in utilizing sustainable building practices and materials for their project.

  • Conversion of a prior Brownfield site (previously developed)
  • Building site positioning to take advantage of energy efficiencies from the sun and wind.
  • Materials selection – Sensitivity to indoor air quality conditions; avoidance of use of volatile, inorganic compounds.
  • Locally manufactured and sourced materials – to help increase the local economy and decrease the carbon imprint from transporting materials sourced far away. 
  • Use of renewable energy sources – Solar electric, wind generated electric, geothermal, or solar thermal, heating.
  • Carbon neutral – the property’s operations will not result in carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere, either incurred directly by the building, or indirectly by suppliers of energy to the building.
  • Energy efficiency – Materials providing isolative qualities in roofing, walls, windows, or energy absorption in extreme climates; reflective coatings in warm climates.
  • Low energy usage – High SEER rated air conditioning systems, energy efficient lighting, radiant floor heating, tankless water heaters and energy efficient appliances.
  • Building Design – Making use of daylight to illuminate interiors and use of natural ventilation.
  • Water Use Reduction – Rainwater retention systems, drought-tolerant plantings, low water usage showerheads and toilets.
  • Recycling – Reuse or repurpose of building materials and products. 

Contact Us