Sustainability

Verret Designs prides itself as being a LEEDer in Sustainable Building Design principals and practice. To us, building ‘Green’ is nothing new: years of experience have proven repeatedly the benefits of incorporating into our designs the following green building practices:

• energy efficiency
• water conservation
• waste minimization
• pollution prevention
• resource-efficient materials
• improved indoor air quality

There are numerous economic benefits to green building and low impact development strategies, including: reduced operating costs, increased return on investment, increased productivity and human health, enhanced image and marketability, meeting regulatory requirements, and reduced liability.

On the environmental front, development and construction practices are primary contributors to the depletion of natural resources and a major cause of unwanted side effects such as air and water pollution, solid waste, deforestation, toxic wastes, health hazards, global warming, and other negative consequences. Buildings use one-quarter of the world's wood harvest, and consume two-fifths of all material and energy flows. Fifty-four percent of U.S. energy consumption is directly or indirectly related to buildings and their construction. Buildings account for 35% of U.S. CO2 emissions.  In the state of Washington, 55% of all waste going to landfills is construction waste.

NW Washington is experiencing high population growth rates that result in a demand for increasing our 'built environment'.  Simultaneously, what new-comers and old-timers in this part of the world value most is our natural environment and strong sense of community. Sustainable and green building practices have a huge part to play in our channeling this growth that we are experiencing in a positive direction, so that the unique and irreplaceable character of NW Washington will continue to be enjoyed and celebrated by generations to come.