Contact:
Scott Pigeon
Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. | Director of Marketing
Phone: 920-380-2175 | Email: spigeon@hoffman.net
(Appleton, WI) The demand for sustainable practices and materials continues to rise and programs such as ENERGY STAR and building rating systems like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) have become more popular. Both of these indicate that using green practices and materials has evolved beyond just a good idea for some, to a viable and cost-effective business solution for everyone.
“The largest contributors of green-house gas emissions are commercial buildings,” said Mark Hanson, Director of Sustainable Services for Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. “It’s the owners and renters of these facilities that are demanding sustainable features. They see the environmental and business benefits available when using green practices and materials and they want to take advantage.”
Hanson says there has been a notable progression of how owners have examined green in terms of function, materials, and demand.
Function
“With more variety and options available, sustainability has really moved beyond just selecting materials,” said Hanson. “It has expanded to include the entire design and construction of a facility and its long-term operations. This is generally measured in terms of energy and water consumption as well as enhanced indoor air quality, visual performance, comfort, and how facilities preserve or even restore sites.”
Materials
With the economy not quite back to a peak level, Hanson says it’s no surprise that we continue to see a low turnover of the commercial building stock. “This means that there’s more emphasis being placed on the improvement and operation of existing facilities,” said Hanson. “And with the increased availability of more sustainable options at various price points, owners and renters of existing facilities are more apt to make beneficial and cost-effective upgrades.”
Demand
Regardless of new construction or renovation to an existing facility, the demand by owners and renters for a sustainable space has never been greater. “I think business owners are better educated on the benefits of green design,” Hanson said. “They understand that not only can it save the company money by lowering long-term operating costs while keeping first costs in check, it can help improve employee morale, health, and productivity.”
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Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. is an integrated Total Project Management firm based in Appleton, Wisconsin. Hoffman’s mission is to make a positive impact on people’s lives and their environment by providing creative ideas and responsible solutions. Total Project Management: Vision Taken to the Power of Green® (TPMg), is Hoffman’s exclusive process that integrates efficient, healthy, and cost-effective building solutions that respect the environment while enhancing a building’s quality and value and reducing initial and long-term facility costs. Learn more at www.hoffman.net.
