Seven Principles of Sustainable Design

To guide the design process, we feel it is important to articulate performance objectives of sustainability.

Building projects should strive to be conceived, designed and constructed to achieve the following:

1. Minimize energy requirements and utilize renewable energy sources for their construction and operation;

2. Use local materials which are extracted such that ecosystem viability is not compromised;

3. Increase habitat for biodiversity and build bioregional integrity;

4. Eliminate air and water pollutant discharges;

5. Enhance water quality and promote the natural hydrology;

6. Provide healthful and accessible environments for occupants;

7. Embody a vision of positive human participation in our living planet.