As architects, making a positive environmental impact means being more than responsive to project needs: it means being active and deliberate in developing and applying research to make better, more energy-efficient buildings.

An important component of sustainability is the reduction of energy consumption. After all, less energy used translates to less fuel burned, which results in fewer emissions of global warming gases. In addition, less demand for energy results in a need for fewer power plants (whether coal burning or nuclear plants, or even photovoltaic arrays or windmills), using fewer natural resources for construction.

At ...[more]

A prime concern in the renovation of Gallatin Hall was the preservation of existing exterior masonry while ensuring the building’s energy efficiency. The masonry had behaved consistently through the freeze/thaw cycles of the previous 80 years, and we were concerned that complying with modern energy codes and LEED standards could have an adverse effect by moving the location of the dew point. Using energy modeling programs, we were able to determine that with 1” thick spray foam insulation, we could achieve an exterior wall assembly with an R-Value of 6 that didn’t drastically move the dew point from ...[more]

CINCINNATI, OH –Two prominent academic buildings now under construction will create a dramatic new gateway for the Jesuit university campus, according to today’s Cincinnati Business Courier.

The Williams College of Business and a Learning Commons are part of the first phase of construction of the Hoff Academic Quad, a project that Bob Sheeran, the university’s vice president for facilities management, told the Business Courier is “really a transformational project for the campus.”

The two 85,000 s.f buildings are being designed to LEED Silver standards with sustainable features including materials sourcing and selection, thermal and lighting controls, and a high-performance building envelope.

The first phase of the 12-acre project, which broke ground last fall, ...[more]

BOSTON, MA – Shepley Bulfinch Principal Wagdy A.Y. Anis FAIA, LEED AP, has been elevated to the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) prestigious College of Fellows, one of 76 AIA members nationwide to receive the honor.

He will receive his Fellowship medal during the Investiture of Fellows Ceremony at the AIA 2007 National Convention in San Antonio. The investiture will be held on May 4 at the Alamo.

“Wagdy has changed the way people think about building energy performance and creative design solutions for sustainable and energy efficient buildings,” said Shepley Bulfinch president Carole Wedge. “We’re very proud of his contributions to the mentoring of many generations of architects in our ...[more]