Sustainable Design:

SMMA's work in sustainable design builds on the firm's 50 year history of creating truly integrated design solutions. Our approach, staff, and tools support the business goals of all clients, including those who aspire to obtaining LEED™ certification.

As a member of the US Green Building Council and a signatory of the Architecture 2030 initiative to design carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030, SMMA is committed to practices such as HVAC systems with heat recovery of exhaust air, 100% fresh air supply, high efficiency chillers and boilers, and energy management systems. We have developed systems for geothermal heating and cooling, grey water reuse, ice storage, and wind harvesting. Construction waste recycling is typically practiced on SMMA projects, and our understanding of the construction process and history of effective working relationships with builders facilitate effective sustainable practice partnerships on projects.

SMMA's LEED™-accredited staff are recognized experts, active in the industry, writing articles, presenting papers, and lecturing on sustainability issues and trends.

As a firm we constantly look for more ways to conduct our business sustainably, from double-sided printing (when printing is necessary), to recycling, to use of the company bicycle for local trips.

Staff's expertise is refreshed through SMMA's green reference library, weekly on-line "Green Tips," and participation in regional seminars and workshops such as NESEA's Building Energy. The firm's application of new knowledge to projects is facilitated through such tools as energy modeling and daylight analysis software, as well as historic SMMA data. As a result, design solutions reflect specific project issues, as in the following examples from several current projects:

• A new 200,000 SF high school, certified as one of only 10 Massachusetts Green Schools, has 34 kW photovoltaic roof array, which, with other high-efficiency design elements, will contribute to 25% annual energy savings.
• Two Massachusetts Technology Collaborative early stage feasibility studies focus on renewable energy systems and energy efficiency criteria.
• An HVAC system design features heat recovery of exhaust air, 100% fresh air supply, CO2 sensoring, high-efficiency chillers and boilers, and energy management systems.
• Lighting design systems include multiple switching, daylighting sensors, and occupancy sensors shut-down lighting in vacated spaces.
• Water-conserving plumbing and toilet fixtures, grey water systems, and an ice storage system save resources and lower costs.
• Stormwater management systems are designed to incorporate best management practices and Low Impact Development techniques where possible.