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Stephen Sparn Architects,PC


Boulder Green Building GuildCity of BoulderUSGBCSUSTAINABLE DESIGN

"The only things we won't recycle are our ideas."

It takes both vision and experience to build an environmentally sustainable future. SSA has both. We have been advocates of sustainable design since Stephen Sparn won a passive solar design award in 1978, and our efforts continue today through:

As the environmental, social and financial benefits of sustainable design continue to grow, our team is passionately committed to pursuing new sustainable design solutions, sharing our knowledge with you, and designing buildings that honor the broader goals of society.

We offer all of the following sustainable design services:
  • Sustainable land planning
  • Mixed-use development
  • Transit oriented development
  • Green building design
  • Alternative sources of energy
  • Low impact material selection

SSA Eco-Principles
Green Design
 THE RIGHT DESIGN
Sustainable SItes
 SUSTAINABLE SITES
Smaller is better Renovate older buildings.
Design an energy efficient building Create community.
Design buildings to use renewable energy. Encourage in-fill and mixed-use developments.
Optimize material use. Minimize automobile dependence.
Design water efficient, low maintenance landscaping. Value site resources.
Make it easy for occupants to recycle waste. Locate buildings to minimize environmental impact.
Water efficient design. Provide responsible on-site water management.
Design for future reuse and adaptability. Situate buildings to benefit existing vegetation.
Avoic potential health hazards: radon, mold, pesticides.    
     
Green Materials and Resources
 MATERIALS / RESOURCES Green Equipmetn and Appliances EQUIPMENT / APPLIANCES
Use durable products & materials. Install high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
Choose low-maintenance building materials. Install high efficiency lights and appliances.
Choose building materials with low embodied energy. Install water efficient equipment
Buy locally produced building materials. Install mechanical ventilation equipment.
Use building products made from recycled materials. Minimize packaging waste.
Use salvaged building materials where possible.    
Seek responsible wood supplies.    
Avoid ozone depleting chemicals in mechanical equipment and insulation.
Green Job Site and Business Practices
 JOB SITE & BUSINESS PRACTICES
Avoid materials that will off-gas pollutants Protect trees and topsoil during site work.
Minimize use of pressure treated lumber. Minimize job site waste.
Minimize packaging waste. Make your business operations more environmentally responsible.
    Make education part of your daily practice.
    Avoid use of pesticides/chemicals that may leach into the groundwater.