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Trends to Stimulate Sustainability

August 28, 2018
John LaRow
Construction companies globally recognize the importance of making a positive impact on the environment through sustainable practices and dedication to the environment. Teams are focusing on making the right choices to protect their people, the local community and the environment — now and for generations to come. Whether by eliminating waste, reducing pollution, promoting recycling, utilizing repurposed materials and increasing energy efficiency to reduce our carbon footprint, building with sustainable practices is essential.

Trends

The sustainable landscape includes exceptionally high-performance, high-quality projects that can be achieved on budget and on schedule through thoughtful design with attention to detail. Wish lists for sustainable features typically include glazing systems, enhanced insulation, durable and sustainable cladding, cool or green roof systems, and day-lighting throughout the complex to minimize energy usage. Graywater system connected to onsite lavatories and sinks to irrigate landscapes; a solar thermal hot water system and vacuum composting toilets have also been incorporated into projects.

Recently, Gilbane partnered with Google and Green Building & Design Magazine on a special collective impact feature, “The Most Successful Collaboration for Sustainability in the Build Environment” to discuss some of these features.

Net Zero Buildings

 width=Net zero buildings create enough energy within one year to power the building, removing the requirement for external energy sources. Gilbane has delivered six projects that are net zero ready. Projects designed to net-zero standards include features such as:

  • Energy production to sustain the building
  • Geothermal and demand control ventilation system
  • Solar thermal domestic water heating
  • Ground water injection through pervious paving system and bio-retention system
  • Multi-level lighting controls for maximum energy savings
  • LED dimmable lighting
  • Optimal building orientation

Certifications

Training is key to building strong teams who support clients creating sustainable buildings: Gilbane supports the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) as a Platinum member and continues to grow our 400+ count of team members that are Green Associated and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Accredited Professionals.

In addition to completing several LEED v4 projects, Gilbane has completed several Living Building Challenge Projects https://www.gilbaneco.com/project/california-state-university-associated-students-sustainability-center/

Future

Sustainable construction is a lot more than just filling out the LEED templates.

Our Gilbane Sustainability Council works in partnership with project teams and owners to make sure goals — such as diverting 93 percent of our construction waste — are met.

New initiatives to drive the future of sustainable buildings include researching environmental impacts on construction sites by measuring water, energy usage and air quality.

Be sure to see the Gilbane Building Company video highlight or connect with Adrienne Franklin or Mark Winslow at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo from November 14-16, 2018 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

What are your critical success factors for sustainability project success?  Share in the comment section below.




About Authors
John LaRow is senior vice president for Gilbane Building Company’s New York State operations which includes business units in Upstate New York and New York City. He is also Gilbane’s Pride Employee Resource Group’s Executive Sponsor. A Siena College graduate with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, John is responsible for driving consistency and excellence for sales and operations while overseeing projects and more than 440 employees across the state. John has served as the Chairman of the Board for the Albany Affiliate of the ACE Mentor Program; he was on the Board of Advisors for Siena College and the Executive Board of the Center for Economic Growth. Additionally, he has been involved with the Ballston Spa Education Innovation Fund for Early College High School Program and Saratoga County Rebuilding Together. John was named senior vice president in 2021.
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