Sustainability
Rendering of the University of Vermont's Davis Center, by Ed Dumont, courtesy of WTW Architects
B&D is a national leader in the planning and implementation of sustainable facilities. As a registrant of the U.S. Green Building Council, and with several staff members who are Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified, B&D understands the reason and requirements for LEED Certification. B&D has worked on numerous projects that are either LEED-certified or vying to become LEED-certified. Some examples:
- In 2008, California Polytechnic State University completed the first phase of Poly Canyon Village, a student residence community that became LEED-certified.
- In 2008, Washington State University completed renovations of the Compton Union Building, which immediately became certified as a LEED facility.
- In 2008, Nationals Park--the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals--opened as a LEED Silver facility and as the first U.S. stadium to receive LEED accreditation.
- In 2007, the University of Maine opened the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, which became certified as a LEED Silver facility in 2008.
- In 2007, the University of Vermont opened the Dudley H. Davis Student Center, which became the first student center in the United States to receive LEED Gold certification.
- In 2006, the Cleveland State University opened a new recreation center, which became LEED certified in 2008.
- In 2006, the University of Cincinnati opened the Campus Recreation Center, which became LEED certified later that year.
- In 2005, Haverford College opened the Douglas B. Gardner '83 Integrated Athletic Center, which became certified as a LEED Gold facility in 2007.
- In 2003, Western Washington University opened King Student Recreation Center, which became certified as a LEED Silver facility in 2007.
B&D is committed to the development of cost-effective, energy-efficient, healthy learning environments. Our LEED-accredited professionals work in partnership with our clients to establish sustainable design objectives aligned with the clients mission and strategic objectives, and oversee the implementation of these objectives during the design and construction process to create high performance, environmentally responsible facilities that enhance human experience and performance.
In addition to implementing LEED-based solutions for clients throughout the country, B&D has adopted a firm-wide commitment to working in a more sustainable environment. This policy does not exist merely for current staff; beginning on their first day, all new B&D employees understand how they can contribute to our sustainable workplace.
Some of our efforts include:
- subsidies to staff who commute using mass transit
- Web meetings replacing air travel
- increased application of electronic reports and communications
- high-efficiency light fixtures in offices
- recycling bins in every room
By embracing this philosophy on our soil, we are well equipped to embrace this philosophy on your soil.
In July 2007, B&D held a staff retreat on sustainable planning and implementation strategies.
The all-day meeting took place at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center--the first building in the world to receive a LEED "Platinum" rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
B&D identifies with the Merrill Center's success, promoting a facility development philosophy that helps to preserve the environment while reducing long-term building costs.
