GREEN DESIGN For more than a decade, we have made it our priority to incorporate Green Design and energy conserving elements into our designs. We designed the first geo-thermal heat pump system in Eastern Iowa, the only green roof in the State and were the first Iowa Architectural firm with a LEED certified team member. Examples of our commitment to high-quality design that minimizes the impact on the environment while reducing operating costs follow: Center Point Urbana Elementary School, Center Point, Iowa This new elementary school is a great example of how green design can translate into savings for the client. The school features highly efficient heat pumps dissipating hot and cold load into the ground at wells drilled on the site. All classrooms and the gymnasium were designed so that even on a cloudy day there would be uniform, adequate natural light. The self-adjusting light system minimizes energy consumption by self-adjusting based on the amount of daylight entering the room. The energy saving systems generated substantial rebates from the utility company and therefore reduced the project cost. Rebates totaled $144,822. North Ridge Park Pavilion, Coralville, Iowa The guiding vision for the project transcends the typical utilitarian nature of a park shelter to serve as a model of sustainable design in the community. Environmental elements incorporated into the design include Iowa’s first ‘green roof’, locally quarried limestone, recycled timbers, and passive solar techniques. Through informative signage, the building serves as an educational tool to the concepts of sustainable design. As a result of the project’s environmentally responsive nature, it was partially funded through a variety of state and federal grants as well as local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. Energy Smart Schools Goals for the energy smart schools include specification of materials that do not release VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), thereby improving indoor air quality. Preliminary specifications for materials dictate those with high recycled content and those which must be produced from renewable sources. Classrooms will contain carbon dioxide monitors to assure proper ventilation is being maintained. The architects are also looking into the use of photovoltaics, whereby the sun’s rays will be converted into energy, which will further reduce the school’s electrical burden. The buildings will be heated using a geothermal system supplemented with passive solar energy. Early plans also include an outdoor learning environment which will include a natural area and a rainwater reclamation project. Bluestem In 1995 Neumann Monson designed the corporate offices for Bluestem Solid Waste Agency on the Cedar Rapids campus of Kirkwood Community College. A primary element of the program was to design the structure with concepts, products and systems that would have a minimum impact on the environment. Most materials in the construction contained high levels of recycled content including steel, sheetrock, carpet and tile. Products with low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) were also specified. Maximum day-lighting was incorporated through windows and rooftop monitors to reduce dependency on artificial lighting, even on cloudy days.