The following is a series of Physical / Environmental design guidelines that we try to implement into every project we take:

Sustainable Sites:

• Avoid development of inappropriate areas and minimize development footprint.
• Rehabilitate and restore damaged sites. Protect and restore natural habitats and biodiversity.
• Implement erosion and sedimentation controls during construction.
• Maintain an appropriate density of building size and occupancy.
• Provide access to public transportation systems.
• Minimize use of non fuel-efficient vehicles, encourage alternative means of transportation.
• Limit disruption to natural hydrology; manage stormwater flows to encourage infiltration and reduce pollution.
• Reduce heat islands by using light reflective or vegetated surfaces and shading elements.
• Minimize light pollution from building and landscape lighting.
• Storm water mitigation measures including bio swales, pervious concrete and recapture and collection/ reuse systems for sub surface irrigation

Water Efficiency:

• Limit or eliminate the use of potable water for landscape irrigation.
• Design landscaping with native or adapted plants to reduce irrigation requirements.
• Reduce potable water use in sewage conveyance, treat wastewater to tertiary standards.
• Minimize water use by installing high-efficiency or dry fixtures and encourage re-use of stormwater and greywater.
• Establish an ecologically engineered waste water management system, integrating blackwater treatment, greywater re-use and secondary uses such as hydroponics and aquaculture.

Energy & Atmosphere:

• Ensure that energy related systems are properly commissioned and managed, for optimum performance.
• Minimize use of cooling and refrigeration systems; eliminate use of CFC-based refrigerants.
• Optimize energy performance; establish a measurable target for energy reduction.
• Reduce solar gain (insulate roof, use high-reflectance surfaces, specify low-E glass, shading).
• Maximize natural light and ventilation.
• Hydronic solar radiant systems integration for thermal solar heating systems
• Green roof and vegetative -living walls- and green machine integration
• Install solar water heating.
• Specify high-efficiency appliances and equipment.
• Maximize use of renewable energy systems (photovoltaics, wind power, geothermal etc.).

Materials & Resources:

• Provide an area for storage and collection of recyclable materials.
• Maintain existing buildings and structures, when possible.
• Maximize the salvage and/or recycling of construction and demolition debris.
• Reuse building materials when possible, incorporate salvaged materials into the design.
• Maximize the use of recycled materials in the design
• Maximize the use of materials sourced and manufactured in the region.
• Maximize the use of rapidly renewable materials, such as bamboo and coconut, in the design.
• Ensure that all wood  products come from certified sustainable sources and avoid treatment with toxics chemicals.
• Product research and development, with a specialization in concrete and high volume Fly ash mix designs and sustainable materials with recycled content
• Expertise in sustainably harvested wood including lesser known species reclaimed lumber / renewable materials and bio composites.
• Alternative energy systems research, modeling and implementation including PV photovoltaic and small scale wind and hydroelectric turbines.

Environmental Quality:

• Maximize effectiveness of natural ventilation in the design of buildings.
• Specify low-emitting, low toxicity adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings and carpets.
• Specify low-emitting composite wood products.
• Control storage of chemicals and potentially polluting substances.
• Specify operable windows throughout buildings.
• Maximize controllability of air conditioning equipment and lighting, integrated with occupancy sensors where possible.
• Provide access to daylight and views for all occupants and staff.