What It Means To Be A Sustainable Design-Build Firm

We hear it all the time “green materials,” “sustainable practices,” but what does this mean? Sometimes it is a marketing ploy, something to convince people that they are making the right moral decision by purchasing that vinyl flooring that “meets sustainability standards.” Other times, it means that firm is doing the very best it can and are constantly working to do better.

Making the choice to work sustainably early in our career, we studied the built environment in college and learned what a huge impact architecture and interiors have on our planet, our health, and future generations. Sustainable design is not a simple marketing technique for us, it is a moral obligation to do the right thing.

But, what does it mean in terms of working with Waldron Designs as a sustainable design-build firm? Here are some insights on how we are doing our part to make a positive impact in our industry.

It means that we will suggest alternative materials for sustainable living.

We know that LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is hot on the market and that a wet basement seems like the place to put a material such as this for practical reasons. We have done our research and have alternative materials that we can suggest which will provide the same protections while protecting the environment, not adding to future landfill waste.

This also means that if you are dead-set on those vinyl products, we may not be the right fit for your project. To us, providing thoughtful design solutions is part of why we hope you’re wanting to work with us. A part of that thoughtful consideration is the environmental impacts of our decision-making.

It means that we will use the site to your building’s advantage.

Alternatively, we could easily say that we use the home to the site’s advantage. Our goal is for the two to function symbiotically with each benefitting the other and an example that comes immediately to mind is how we handle water on site. 

Our regional reputation for consistent…relentless…punishing rain is often a PNW punchline. However, when we’re able to design for it and harness it, rain water can become a wonderful asset and you may end up feeling pings of excitement when you see it in the forecast - no promises though.

We incorporate intelligent site design strategies to cool, slow, cleanse, and even capture water that falls on your site. While this often results in beautiful outdoor amenities like rain gardens and bioswales which support animal life, it can support indoor uses such as toilet-flushing as well. If you’re a gardener, stored rain water is a wonderful source of irrigation too. So, not only do we have the opportunity to create something that’s beautiful and functional but are also able to reduce potable water consumption and the demand on district or regional water systems.

The heat and light we get from the sun (yes, we think of it as part of the “site”) is another passive resource we love to capitalize on. Building width, ceiling height, window (operable of course) placement, and overhangs (or other shading devices) all work together to drive light and warmth deep into a home in the cool winter and limit its intrusion in the warmer summer months. We can also leverage those same elements to incorporate passive cooling through cross-ventilation or stack ventilation. We can go further by providing daylight and/or occupancy sensors but even the basic strategies above will result in lower energy use - reduced demand for artificial lighting, heating, and cooling - and, maybe more importantly, increase your comfort and the joy you experience both in and outside your home.

It means that we will consider your health and well-being when we select finishes and fixtures.

An area of sustainability that is often overlooked is the need for healthy indoor air quality. Yes, an inexpensive rug is easier to throw away when it gets a stain, and it may even be stain-resistant due to all the plastics and chemicals applied to it, but is it worth your health or the health of your family?

Most upholstered furnishings utilize foam cushions that off-gas and go into the landfill when their life is over. But, what if we utilize FSC-certified latex cushions? Latex is healthy for the environment, has no off-gassing, and the quality is unsurpassed. We love watching for these win/win situations where a product is not only more environmentally friendly but also superior in its quality.

We utilize products that contain no formaldehyde and low-to-no VOCs to ensure the interior air quality is clean and healthy.

It means that we will reuse building materials and remove all products with care for reuse and/or salvage.

Our construction team takes extreme care during demolition, salvaging everything possible for reuse or donation. This includes the wood studs in your walls, which in good condition, we will reuse for new framing and niches. For a small fee, we gladly take said items to the nearest reuse store (Second Use, Earthwise, etc.) for donation. Alternatively, we may leave salvageable items for you to store, donate, or resell independently. 

We firmly believe salvageable products should not be taken to the dump.

It means that we will take care when products with VOCs must be used.

Construction is dusty, and that dust gets into our air. We work to mitigate this dust but cannot prevent it entirely. 

There are times when strong adhesives are necessary to ensure safety (counter installation is a perfect example.) These adhesives are stinky and strong, meaning they emit VOCs. We will alert you when the counter installation will be happening so that you may choose to be out of the area, and will open all windows and utilize fans to ensure the air in the space is as cleared out as possible.

Long-lasting construction is a big part of our goal to always do the best we can, but we’re also always working towards doing better, keeping on the lookout for quality materials that are earth and environment-conscious!

It means that we will work with you to gain Built Green certification and work with a Sustainability Consultant upon your request to ensure that your home meets sustainability standards.

We are thrilled to incorporate these features into your home, ensuring a healthy, happy space for years to come. We may have all heard of LEED*, but Built Green is a program specifically designed for residential renovations and new construction.

It means that, as Green Home Institute members, we are constantly learning new methods of bringing sustainability to your home.

We have been members of all the major design organizations, AIA, ASID, NKBA, and AIBD, among others, and the one we have seen the most benefit from to date is the Green Home Institute. The group offers weekly continuing education and free certification for all members Waldron Design’s owner, Rachel is currently attending courses through this program.  We share this because it is important to know that the most recent up-to-date information is provided by your design team!

*Our architect, Sean Waldron, is LEED AP Certified and brings this knowledge to your projects as well

---

We realize that sustainable design often costs more. We upgrade from standard wood finishes to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified woods, which means that we are now paying for that certification process. When we make the choice to work with natural products that may require more maintenance over time. Add to this the considerations of solar power, upgrading from gas appliances and conditioning to electric, and it can be quite daunting.

We understand that we can’t be all in, all the time. Setting goals to incorporate more sustainable features over time is a great method of working sustainably. Working with what we have and prioritizing goals can allow us all to move toward a sustainable future.

---

If you have a passion for green design, both inside and out of the house, we highly recommended: Sustainable Landscaping on Vashon Island

---