Sustainable Design
Assessments / Energy Audits / Energy Modeling / Project Documentation / USGBC Submittals / Commissioning and Start up
 |
| Four Square Retail located in Norfolk Virginia |
According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), buildings are responsible for 39% of U.S. CO2 emissions and use 71% of the nation's electricity. Operating with tight margins, retailers are asking IONIC for guidance on designing, constructing and modifying multi-unit buildings to control energy costs and minimize environmental impact.
A USGBC member, IONIC offers "best practices" in sustainable design. Our LEED-accredited professionals (LEED APs) approach sustainable design from a variety of disciplines, including interiors, architecture, and electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.
Smart sustainability solutions strike the right balance between client objectives, and financial requirements. IONIC understands the importance of evaluating life-cycle cost to benefit, not simply lowest first cost.
Each year more and more companies are making sustainability and energy efficiency a part of their brand. Some choose not to pursue LEED certification because of concerns about cost and speed of the certification process. In response to these justifiable concerns, the USGBC launched the “LEED Volume Program.” This program is most suitable for brands planning to certify a large number of new construction projects or existing buildings.
The new program offers a path to LEED certification that is less complex than the individual certification process. With LEED Volume, a brand can simply create a “prototype” that details how the building will obtain LEED credits and ultimately obtain LEED certification. After receiving USGBC approval, the certified prototype can be used as a template for any other stores the company builds for the same general purpose — meaning that all buildings based on that “prototype” are also LEED certified.
Once a client’s prototype is approved, IONIC acts as LEED advocate, validating the submittal. Whether you are pursuing LEED certification or simply seeking a greater level of efficiency, we will help you determine what level of energy efficiency is best for your company.
