The principals of SDA are leaders in Bay Area sustainable design -- our sentiment is that good design IS green design. In addition to offering architectural services that incorporate environmentally sound values, we also offer consulting and advisory services to clients and contractors who seek to raise the bar on their own projects.
GreenPoint Rated is an increasingly visible tool in the in California for demonstrating the responsible construction practices being used today in residential construction. Many developers have found this rating system to be a useful way of assuring project funders of their commitment to healthy design. When the program was first instituted, it sought to provide a reachable goal of what “going green” could mean -- and it has been successful in that regard. Some GreenPoint Rated principles have become almost mainstream, and so Build It Green continues to raise the bar and encourage greater strides. Struthers Dias Architects keeps its finger on the pulse of these changing guidelines. We also offer third party GreenPoint Rater services to developers and contractors who understand the value of having a green consultant that can speak their language.
LEED is another powerful mechanism for proving a developer’s solid commitment to lowering the impact of new construction on the environment and on society. As a LEED Accredited Professional, we are comfortable navigating the administrative obligation associated with this rating program, and we have a facile grasp on the strategies that offer efficient benefits to both the project’s carbon footprint as well as its monetary budget.
At the same time, we recognize the burden these ratings programs can put on the developer’s soft cost budget. Our Edes Phase A project in Oakland included 3 homes that were LEED Gold certified, but all 26 homes were built to that same exacting standard of excellence. In fact that is the direct impact these programs can have -- they provide a roadmap for how to improve materials and methods even if a project doesn’t pursue certification. In that same vein, there are a number of invaluable green principles that are not properly reflected in any ratings system -- for instance, very high residential density, and a competent community design process.
Struthers Dias Architects is proactive in encouraging our clients to aim higher on the green spectrum. We are currently seeking ways to incorporate net-zero energy principles into one client’s development model. We are concurrently planning to perform HERS ratings ourselves, in an effort to better understand and better serve a repeat client interested in green renovation. Our green specification outline is now being further developed in conjunction with our adaptive reuse housing projects. We are a recognized affiliate of the Green Affordable Housing Coalition, and regularly promote their interests in our monthly e-newsletter.
Continuing vigilance is a necessity for remaining on the forefront of sustainability. Our staff tirelessly pursues additional trainings and education about new product opportunities and new understandings of energy conservation. We are your resource for sustainable design.
