Bray's Design Approach
From educational and municipal facilities to residential and commercial buildings, Bray has and continues to approach every project as an opportunity to implement ethical, sustainable-minded design and practice. While the firm utilizes resources as a Member of the United States Green Building Council, Bray Architects’ LEED Accredited Professionals support these projects through a blend of experience and research of developing technologies. In addition, we are committed to educating and involving our clients in the sustainable design process.
Defining Sustainable Design
Designing sustainably is more than just green roofs, solar panels and wind turbines. Ethical approaches to green design can come in the form of either active or passive systems and offer more efficient means of energy consumption, appropriate storm water management and a utilization of environmentally related development impacts.
Passive Systems attempt to utilize the natural elements of the site, such as building orientation to control solar heat gain or site topography for building insulating factors, while an Active Approach employs new technologies such as Solar Panels or Geothermal Heat Systems to provided renewable energy to the building.
Such approaches can translate to lower facility operating costs, reduce landfill waste, create healthier and safer living/working environments and offer tax rebate opportunities, while increasing the quality and value of the space.
From educational and municipal facilities to residential and commercial buildings, Bray has and continues to approach every project as an opportunity to implement ethical, sustainable-minded design and practice. While the firm utilizes resources as a Member of the United States Green Building Council, Bray Architects’ LEED Accredited Professionals support these projects through a blend of experience and research of developing technologies. In addition, we are committed to educating and involving our clients in the sustainable design process.
Defining Sustainable Design
Designing sustainably is more than just green roofs, solar panels and wind turbines. Ethical approaches to green design can come in the form of either active or passive systems and offer more efficient means of energy consumption, appropriate storm water management and a utilization of environmentally related development impacts.
Passive Systems attempt to utilize the natural elements of the site, such as building orientation to control solar heat gain or site topography for building insulating factors, while an Active Approach employs new technologies such as Solar Panels or Geothermal Heat Systems to provided renewable energy to the building.
Such approaches can translate to lower facility operating costs, reduce landfill waste, create healthier and safer living/working environments and offer tax rebate opportunities, while increasing the quality and value of the space.
LEED Explanation
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system created and mandated by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Buildings under construction – new construction, existing renovation or commercial interior – can achieve project certification in one of four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
The LEED system encourages and fosters sustainable design as well as ethical development and building practices. All completed and certified projects receive a LEED plaque, a nationally recognized symbol representing the organization’s commitment to environmentally ethical practices.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system created and mandated by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Buildings under construction – new construction, existing renovation or commercial interior – can achieve project certification in one of four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
The LEED system encourages and fosters sustainable design as well as ethical development and building practices. All completed and certified projects receive a LEED plaque, a nationally recognized symbol representing the organization’s commitment to environmentally ethical practices.