Sustainability is a delicate balance between
human and environmental needs.
A sustainable site connects natural and human-built systems to achieve balanced environmental, social and economic outcomes and improves quality of life and long-term health of communities and the environment. Sustainable landscapes balance the needs of people and the environment, and benefit both.
Site Selection
The goal of good site selection is to reduce the environmental impact from the location of a building on a site.
There are a number of factors to consider that help to guide the site selection process including what kind of impact will construction have on the local environment.
Parking Solutions
Traditional transport systems have siginificant impacts on the environment, accounting for approximately 25% of the world energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
To encourage sustainable transportation The Gadsden Center Remodel and Addition offers priority "green" parking.
Heat Island : Roof
The term "heat island" describes developed areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas. The difference can reach as high as 22° Fahrenheit, or 12° Celcius.
Cool roofs can lower energy use, electricity demand, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Pollution Reduction and Prevention
Construction or renovations can cause erosion, especially when it rains. This can be reduced by controlling: soil erosion, dust generation, and waterway sedimentation.
Obtrusive artificial light is know as 'light pollution". Automatic controls have been installed to turn off non-essential interior lights during non-business hours.