Environmental Design Checklist for Building Owners s an owner, you Company showed that daylight in play a critical role classrooms was strongly correlated with in the design 20% higher test scores among elemen- process. Make your tary students. Another part of the study & architect aware of showed that retail sales were as much as Ayour environmental concerns early. 40% higher in stores with skylighting. This brochure will help you begin. Frequently, buildings designed in You, Your Architect, and accordance with environmental princi- Your Project ples offer increases in occupant produc- The AIA Minnesota Committee on tivity and sense of well being. Numerous the Environment presents this case studies support the correlation of Environmental Design Checklist as a improvements in indoor environmental tool to help clients achieve designs quality with increased productivity, that are not only responsive to output quality, and decreased program needs, but also contribute to absenteeism - savings which can quickly the creation of healthy and sustainable offset any increase in initial investment. environments. As an owner, you play a critical role in the design process. The way you furnish and operate your Make your architect aware of your building influences how well it environmental concerns early. performs and maintains a healthy environment. Educating building users Green Design Can Save You Money and staff on how the building is meant and May Improve Performance to work and encouraging their contri- Designs that minimize environmental butions (for example, turning off lights impact can offer economic benefits, and equipment) can have a real especially in the long term. Energy impact on your utility bill. efficient design of lighting, cooling, and heating systems contribute to Choosing an environmentally respon- lower operating costs and sometimes sible alternative can raise your initial reduce initial capital investment if investment. You and your architect must equipment can be downsized. decide which measures offer the best value in the long term. Utility sponsored A study by the Heschong Mahone rebates may be available to offset costs Group for Pacific Gas and Electric of some energy savings measures. architecture environment 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.