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Environmentally Friendly Design
Smart structure and site planning:
- Jones Pierce practice “passive solar design” which means using the sun's energy for the heating and cooling of buildings and taking advantage of this natural energy transference to certain materials and to the air of the pace from exposure to the sun. For example, putting a material like stone paving for flooring in an interior space that receives sun toward the end of the day which will in turn radiate that heat back through the interior at night.
- We look at the property on which the building sits before designing. Where will the building benefit the most from the natural topography? How can we site it to create the least impact on natural resources? Where are the best sun angles for passive solar design?
- We make outdoor and un-conditioned space around the building useable with strategically placed covered porches and “outdoor rooms.”
Recommending systems that increase the efficiency and save money:
- A Geothermal heating and air system, which uses the earth’s natural energy to make up a large part of the structure’s air conditioning and water heating.
- Well before the current drought, Jones Pierce recognized the advantages of collecting rain water for use in outdoor irrigation. Selecting the right roofing material and collection system means capitalizing on free water.
- Likewise, a gray water system for purifying and reusing shower and sink drainwater to fill toilets makes good sense.
- Radiant flooring systems increase the comfort level while taking strain off the heating system. This is especially useful when coupled with a geothermal
Recommending products that increase the efficiency and save money:
- Icynene insulation creates a better air barrier than traditional batt insulation, with the ability to be sprayed on the underside of the roof deck to create semi-conditioned space in the attics, making this usually very hot or very cold space more useable and taking strain off the HVAC system.
- Timers installed on items that have a tendency to be left running, like bath fans and irrigation systems.
- Energy efficient lighting. We are educated on the latest lighting technologies and provide a lighting plan that fits how the client uses the building while being energy conscious. This includes using Energy Star rated products and specifying the right lamp (bulb) for the right location.
- Locally sourced materials, reducing the “carbon footprint,” by specifying products that are made within a 500-mile radius of the site.
- Reclaimed materials like flooring, or tile made from recycled materials.
- Energy efficient windows and doors.
- Energy Star kitchen appliances and water efficient front-loading washers.
- Low VOC paints and carpet for better indoor air quality.
- Hot water on-demand system which is more efficient than a typical tank system.
- A central vacuum system for better air quality.
Recommending green building practices that make the structure ecologically responsible:
- “Smart framing” practices that increase the energy efficiency while using less wood.
- Mulching of any removed vegetation: the vegetation remains on the site and is reused.
- If the project is a remodel or there is any demolition, using site-processed concrete from old footings or slabs as gravel beds for the new footings.
- A blower door test done to confirm air sealing measures have been met. A duct blaster test to ensure the efficiency of the air handling system.
- Permeable driveways and parking areas to lower natural runoff impact.
- Site planning to minimize sod and other water-demanding planting.
- Planning for a practical area to make recycling easier.
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