Sustainable Building Design: Improving the Global Footprint

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the reasons behind the design decisions for the presented projects.
2. Identify the key sustainable elements in each of the projects.
3. List two design constraints to sustainability in the projects.
4. Discuss the sustainable building strategies used in these projects.

This webinar is part of the Sustainability Academy.

Join this Sustainability Academy webinar highlighting projects that exemplify sustainable design in action. Architects, as leaders in the movement to promote awareness of the environmental impact of buildings, are the standard-bearers for new innovations in design and engineering. Learn how these projects are improving the sustainable footprint of the global built environment.

Rives Taylor, principal with Gensler’s Houston office and the firm’s sustainability leader, will discuss the new Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) headquarters, which recently received LEED Platinum certification. With a goal of preserving as much of the original site as possible, designers used natural elements and reclaimed building materials to reduce the new building’s environmental impact. In addition, a smart building envelope design and on-site solar and geothermal energy generation meet all of the building’s heating, cooling, and electricity needs. This webinar will also demonstrate the interactive story map, created to allow anyone to view the entire planning, design, and construction processes.

Sean McGreal, principal with ZGF, will present the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Headquarters, Phase 1 and 2 in Agoura Hills, California. The LEED Platinum Phase 1 building is designed with sustainable features, including a green roof, solar energy panels, passive heating and ventilation systems, a stormwater collection system, and is net-zero energy ready. Currently in design, Phase 2 builds in key learnings from Phase 1 and reflects the evolving environmental goals of the foundation. Together, these projects reflect the foundation’s primary objectives of providing innovative solutions to maximize energy efficiency and environmental protection, including setting a regional precedent for environmental stewardship.