• careful building siting allowed for southern glazing to capture controlled daylight, berming north of building to protect from cold winter breezes and an expansion plan that took full advantage of natural site amenities;
• displacement ventilation system that delivers conditioned air low maximizing user comfort and naturally cleaning the air;
• an open office plan in this high powered office maximizes views and connection to the environment, minimizes material required for build-out and maximizes long term building flexibility;
• extensive southern glazing with extensive overhangs allows in natural light to mitigate the use of electric light as photosensors automatically adjust interior light levels;
• building planning that incorporated the need for seemless modular expansion;
• wholistic design includes office space, an exercise area, a lunch area and specifically design exterior spacesto serve the whole person, not just the individual as a worker;
• decision-making based on an evaluation of a strategy's payback making the building both environmentally sensitive and economically responsible.
  

• green roof to reduce heat island affect while reducing stormwater run-off from the roof;
• porous paving with vegitated bioswales and native landscaping to maximize water infiltration and treatment on site;
• extensive daylighting from clerestory windows protected by sun shades;
• a construction waste management plan that recycled almost 90% of construction waste instead of placing it in landfills.
  

• east-west site orientation to maximize controllable southern daylight while minimizing uncontrollable east and west light during sunrise and sunset;
• geothermal heating and cooling with heat recovery ventilation;
• daylight in all regularly occupied spaces through nearly continuous band of clerestory glazing and roof monitors;
• natural ventilation via operable windows from building exterior through to mechanically operated hallway roof monitors;
• renewable materials including cork, bamboo and wheatboard;
• water conservation including dual flush toilets, sensored faucets;
• rainwater collection cisterns tied to roof downspouts for irrigation:
• conservation of materials by minimizing added finishes--i.e. in the corridors concrete floors were stained and standard roof trusses were left exposed to avoid additional material and maintenance requirements:
• the standard classroom program was enhanced with each teaching area supplemented by a "Study Nook"--a small alcove that each classroom could adapt to its own particular need.
  

• geothermal heating and cooling with heat recovery ventilation;
• displacement ventilation in office area;
• natural ventilation through operable window and foor ventilators;
• renewable wheatboard was used for interior wall finishes and extensive cabinetry;
• underground rainwater collection cistern for fire protection system with piping to allow for flushing of toilets if/when code allows;
• exterior cistern to capture additional roof rainwater for site irrigation;
• a tight building shell was detailed to provide continuous air and thermal barrier to minimize heat gain and loss.
  

• carefully studied building configuration with enclosed support spaces on north to buffer cold, north winter breezes with continuous glazing on south to maximize daylight and views;
• extensive southern glazing complemented by sloping interior ceilings and light shelves to distribute natural light as deep into builidng interior as possible;
• materials predominantly specified from local manufacturers;
• a community meeting chamber placed under tower element allowing for natural ventilation via chimney effect;
• site planning to restore natural ecosystem and provide amenity to the community including a pond and native landscaping.
  

• construction waste management plan that recycled almost 97% of construction debris;
• extensive reuse of existing resources including walls, floor coverings, ceiling tile,doors and door hardware;
• renewable wheatboard panels were sculpted for decorative wall finish in high visiblity areas;
• materials included renewable cork, countertops with recycled aluminum cans and recycled paper.

Area One Police Headquarters and
Engine Company No. 46 Renovations
Both Part of LEED for Existing Buildings Pilot Program
Extraordinary sustainable features include:

• green roof to reduce heat island and reduce stormwater run-off;
• high performance office lighting specifically laid out to coordinate with furniture and minimize fixture count to reduce energy use;
• a green cleaning program was developed to insure that unwanted chemical build-up and off-gasing would be avoided.

• green roof to reduce heat island and reduce stormwater run-off;
• geothermal heating and cooling with heat recovery ventilation;
• extensive daylighting through southern glazing and clerestories protected by long overhangs and shading devices;
• and materials specifically chosen for their durability, the ease with which they can be kept free of dirt and allergens, their recycled content and their low VOCs;
• building planned as a prototype with enough flexibility to address a variety of site configurations and orientations.

Prive Residence - Lake Forest, IL
Extraordinary sustainable features include:

• superinsulated envelope with R-50 in the walls and windows of R-8, tremendous resistance to thermal transfer reduces capital costs in mechanical unit sizing, operational costs and maintenance cost;
• stained concrete floors are carefully protected from summer sun by shading devices but are open to lower winter sun angles to create a thermal storage slab to collect heat during the day and release it all through the night making for a more comfortable and energy efficient interior.

The strategies noted above are by no means comprehensive. They are merely an introduction to a variety of sustainable strategies available today. It is essential to note that implementing sustainable strategies should occur in the context of comprehensive planning so synergies can be understood, developed, and implemented - the best strategies do not solve a single problem, but contribute a variety of benefits. Only then can a building be truly healthy, efficient and sustainable.