architecture & A This brochurewillhelpyoubegin. your environmentalconcernsearly. environmental concernsearly. Make yourarchitectawareof critical roleinthedesignprocess. environments. Asanowner, youplaya the creationofhealthyandsustainable program needs,butalsocontributeto that arenotonlyresponsiveto tool tohelpclientsachievedesigns Environmental DesignChecklistasa the Environmentpresentsthis The AIAMinnesotaCommitteeon Y Y environmentGroup forPacific GasandElectric A studybythe HeschongMahone equipment canbedownsized. reduce initialcapitalinvestment if lower operatingcostsandsometimes and heatingsystemscontributeto efficient designoflighting,cooling, especially inthelongterm.Energy impact canoffereconomicbenefits, Designs thatminimizeenvironmental and MayImprovePerformance Green DesignCanSaveYou Money Checklist forBuildingOwners Environmental Design our Project ou, Your Architect,and architect awareof process. Makeyour in thedesign play acriticalrole s anowner, you of someenergy savingsmeasures. rebates maybe availabletooffsetcosts value inthelongterm. decide whichmeasuresoffer thebest investment. sible alternativecanraiseyour initial Choosing anenvironmentallyrespon- impact onyourutilitybill. and equipment)canhaveareal butions (forexample,turningofflights to workandencouragingtheircontri- and staffonhowthebuildingismeant environment. Educatingbuildingusers performs andmaintainsahealthy building influenceshowwellit The wayyoufurnishandoperateyour offset anyincreaseininitialinvestment. absenteeism output quality, anddecreased quality with improvements inindoorenvironmental case studiessupportthecorrelationof tivity andsenseofwellbeing.Numerous ples offerincreasesinoccupantproduc- accordance withenvironmentalprinci- Frequently, buildingsdesignedin 40% higherinstoreswithskylighting. showed thatretailsaleswereasmuch tary students.Anotherpartofthestudy 20% highertestscoresamongelemen- classrooms wasstronglycorrelatedwith Company showedthatdaylightin Y increased productivity, - savingswhichcanquickly ou andyourarchitectmust Utility sponsored A Checklist of Issues to Discuss With Your Architect

Site & Land Planning Recycling & Waste Management Materials Transportation accounts for 15-20% of In Minnesota, approximately 46% of Over a third of the virgin minerals the annual 6 billion tons of carbon the waste in the landfills is construction consumed each year are used in the emissions from human activities that and demolition debris. building construction industry. are leading to climate change. — 1997 landfill receipt data from the — Worldwatch Institute, Worldwatch — Worldwatch Institute, State of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency paper #124 World 1999 □ Have the construction materials □ Can I use materials that minimize How can my site be best used to specified been considered for their the ecological effects of mining encourage building design that: durability, recycled content or or harvesting raw materials, □ Takes advantage of solar access and ability to be recycled? transportation, manufacturing existing vegetation? □ Have the benefits (economic and and packaging? □ Has minimal impact on ecosystems? otherwise) of recycling vs. land- □ Are local sources available? □ Supports use of alternative filling construction waste □ Are materials available that use less transportation? materials been considered? raw material, such as those made □ Are plumbing systems, fixtures, and from recycled or waste products? Energy landscaping designed to minimize Building construction and operation the use of water? For More Information constitutes over 40% of the energy □ Does the design accommodate This checklist merely touches on the consumed in the world. occupants' recycling programs? range of environmental design issues. — Worldwatch Institute, Worldwatch □ Does the design anticipate future If you would like further information, paper #124 expansion or reuse to minimize please contact the American Institute waste? of Architects Minnesota, Committee □ What are cost-effective energy On The Environment (AIA-MN performance targets for my project? Healthy Building COTE) at 612-338-6763 □ Will initial investments for design 1.2 million commercial buildings and construction be offset by are believed to be affected with This brochure was created by the AIA reduced capital costs in heating and “Sick Building Syndrome.” Minnesota, Committee on the Environ- cooling equipment? — OSHA ment with some material adapted from □ How long will it take to receive earlier publications by the National payback on my investment? □ What are the nontoxic or least toxic AIA Committee On The Environment. □ Are utility-sponsored rebates or materials to use for each part of my design-assistance programs project? available? □ What are the cost implications of □ Is lighting, including daylight, using such products? designed to optimize comfort and □ Will improved indoor air-quality minimize energy use and peak increase productivity and user electric load? satisfaction? □ Are ventilation systems, including natural ventilation, designed to minimize air-quality concerns? □ Can a pre-occupancy “commissioning” period be incorporated to help rid the building of pollutants? 275 Market Street, Suite 54 Minneapolis, MN 55405-1621 612-338-6763 Printed on recycled paper containing 50% recycled fiber and 30% postconsumer waste. Printed with soy-based inks. www.aia-mn.org