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  • COVID-19 Mechanical Systems Article 1 | FGM Architects

    COVID-19 DESIGN RESPONSE + CONSIDERATIONS Mechanical Systems Download File RANGE OF GUIDELINES STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN AIR QUALITY SHORT-TERM CONSIDERATIONS LONG-TERM CONSIDERATIONS ​ CONSIDERATIONS Improving air quality is a fundamental strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in school facilities. This guide offers both short and long-term considerations for adapting building Mechanical Systems. Information summarized is from ASHRAE and industry experts. Airborne transmission is a key driver of COVID-19 spread which raises the air quality of school facilities to an urgent level. While the risk of airborne exposure can’t be eliminated, there are a range of strategies that school leaders can pursue to mitigate its danger inside school facilities. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) is leading a national discussion about the practical challenges communities face in strengthening indoor air quality as they prepare for schools to reopen. ASHRAE’s position regarding the relationship of indoor air quality to the spread of COVID-19 is summarized in this statement: “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures…. Ventilation and filtration provided by (HVAC) systems can reduce the airborne concentration…and thus the risk of transmission through the air.” ASHRAE’s COVID-19 Epidemic Task Force has released a comprehensive report which includes checklists and other useful tools. FGMA is working closely with industry leaders and local school district partners to share information, offer guidance and provide connections to “best practice” resources and tools that will help schools be as prepared as possible when they reopen their doors. Anchor 1 THE RANGE OF GUIDELINES Key terms: Essential, Guidance and for Consideration At this time, local school districts, college/university leaders, elected/appointed officials, facilities managers, and design professionals are reviewing broad guidelines and roadmap recommendations from a variety of sources. It is important to note that many of the recommendations are not mandatory. However, there are a range of recommended strategies that school systems may choose to implement both to protect staff and students and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Typically, recommendations fall into three categories: ESSENTIAL Either required by law, policy, or governmental order, OR a critical practice. GUIDANCE Best practices gleaned from research and long-term experience, highly recommended for implementation when feasible. FOR CONSIDERATION Additional best practices informed by emerging research, recent studies, and practical experience to be considered for implementation when feasible. Decision-makers should recognize that recommended guidance may not be feasible in all settings. Education leaders and facility managers should consult local health departments, engineering professionals, and facilities engineers. Some considerations should be based on the needs of each school system, school, and campus as appropriate. STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN AIR QUALITY Anchor 2 Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air quality within and around buildings and structures. IAQ is known to affect the health, comfort, and well-being of facility occupants. Poor IAQ has recently been linked to sick building syndrome, impacted productivity, and impaired learning. Most discussions of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in schools focus on social distancing. The more people in a given area, the closer they are together and the longer they stay, the greater the risk of infection. Improving air quality for people in the building is just as important. The four key strategies that are most prominent today revolve around these themes: Dilution, Filtration, Disinfection. STRATEGY ONE Building Operation Changes Above all, ensure that HVAC systems are properly maintained and filtrated – particularly in buildings that have been closed for a period of time. Without these basic practices, systems will build up mold and particulates that spread respiratory disease. A well-trod maxim is “the solution to pollution is dilution.” Outside air can dilute toxins circulating in interior spaces. To the extent possible, increase outside air ventilation whether through mechanical or natural means with operable windows. Unless outdoor temperatures are too warm, school buildings should be “flushed out” for two hours before and after a building is occupied daily. STRATEGY TWO Manage Relative Humidity Dry air (below 40% relative humidity) can reduce healthy immune system function; potentially increase the transmission of airborne viruses; increase the survival rate of pathogens; and diminish effectiveness of hand hygiene and surface cleaning. For optimum air quality, relative humidity inside schools should be maintained at levels between 40-60%. Extensive humidification is both energy intensive, costly, and difficult to retrofit in existing facilities. Experts advise concentrating efforts in select spaces such as areas where groups congregate (corridors, gyms, cafeterias) or spaces that may be especially critical such as Nurse’s Stations and Isolation Rooms. STRATEGY THREE Capture Airborne Virus Particles The fraction of particles removed from air passing through a filter is termed “filter efficiency” and is provided by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value known as MERV. The higher the MERV rating (on a scale of 1-16), the greater the efficiency. MERV filters with a rating of 13+ are efficient at capturing airborne viruses with MERV 14 filters preferred. Even better, are HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters which are more effective than MERV 16 filters and can be 99.97% efficient at filtering airborne particulates. STRATEGY FOUR Environmental Disinfection There are two primary purification technologies to remove COVID-19 virus particles from the air: Ultraviolet Energy (UV-C) Bipolar Ionization (BPI) Anchor 3 SHORT-TERM CONSIDERATIONS There are a range of options for quickly adapting building mechanical systems to improve air quality. Beyond good engineering and maintenance practices to reduce the virus’ spread, an additional benefit that may ease people’s concerns are integrating practices that broadly improve occupant health. As building operators prepare to re-opening facilities, they can consider these actions: Conduct a thorough asset inventory of the mechanical system ranging from fans to boilers to pumps Consider reviewing service calls on existing HVAC equipment from the past 6 months. Check building automation systems for alarms, overridden points, or locked points. Consider reviewing troublesome pieces of mechanical equipment. Test and balance existing ventilation systems to help determine if maintenance is needed to maintain code-compliant air supply rates Review HVAC Programming and consider flushing sequences or modes to operate the HVAC system with maximum outside airflows Further open minimum outdoor air dampers, as high as 100%, thus increasing the dilution of the return air stream. Consider monitoring systems response to increase of outside airflows. Note that this might impact thermal comfort or humidity and becomes more difficult in extreme weather. Many engineers recommend flushing sequences two hours before and after daily occupancies. Consider reviewing humidity levels in spaces Studies show that spaces with a relative humidity (RH) between 40% and 60% can cut the airborne travel distance of viral droplets and reduce the risk of infections. Consider providing local humidification in select spaces for higher risk areas and critical populations. Consider conducting night purges for dehumidification. Review possible impacts of increased humidity (local and holistically to the facility) to existing finishes in spaces, building envelope elements, and the possible increase in energy consumption. Consider eliminating demand control ventilation (DCV) Demand controlled ventilation (DCV) is an automatic adjustment of ventilation equipment according to occupant choice. DCV is a control method that modulates the volume exchange of fresh or outside air into an enclosed space by mechanical air conditioning equipment. Review and consider, if needed, changing existing filters to MERV 13 or better. Consider adjusting existing filter racks to accommodate change in filters. This possibly allows additional outside air into spaces. Monitoring is required to ensure that this strategy will not cause relative humidity problems. Review possible impacts difference in pressure drop between existing and new filters. Monitor and be prepared as filters may require more frequent replacement to maintain design airflow. Test and balance existing ventilation systems to help determine if maintenance is needed to maintain code-compliant air supply rates Take into account existing systems and mechanical units in spaces to determine what Environmental Disinfection strategies can be used. Ultraviolet Energy (UV-C) Ultraviolet Energy inactivates viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms so they are unable to replicate. While the entire UV spectrum can inactivate microorganisms, UV-C energy is the most effective. The main types of HVAC systems that use UV-C energy include in-duct air disinfection; up-repair disinfection; in-duct surface disinfection; and portable room decontaminators. While UV light (specifically UV-C) has been well studied in infection reduction, no definitive science is available regarding its effect on COVID-19 when applying to an operating mechanical system. There is a good deal of standardization regarding its use with reliable testing methods. The downside is that people can’t occupy a room when it’s being used. Treatments must be scheduled when school buildings are unoccupied. Bipolar Ionization (BPI) BPI is a recent technology and there are not yet established standards to guide its use. The technology uses an electronic charge to create a plasma field filled with a high concentration of Positive and Negative ions. Together, the ions work to agglomerate fine particles so they can be captured in filters. BPI can be used in occupied spaces at both the system and local level. To date, it’s been primarily used at the system level where it can mitigate biologic growth in cooler systems. In comparison to UV-C which requires a “line of sight” to attack virus particles, BPI ions disperse and find their way within a given space. Anchor 4 LONG-TERM CONSIDERATIONS A beneficial outcome of the COVID-19 crisis may be that communities will assess the operational policies and maintenance procedures of schools through a more human-focused lens. This could speed the adoption of facilities practices that promote health and well-being. In the future, it seems likely that school and community leaders will have a better understanding of the facilities practices that help ensure the health, safety and well-being of students and school staff. It could be that the WELL Building Standard (WELL) approaches are more readily adopted and integrated into long-term strategies to facilitate a healthy and safe workplace or facility for all. Some of the WELL Building Standards strategies that will guide future facilities designs, policies, and procedures: INCREASED VENTILATION Recommends that spaces exceed ASHRAE 62.1-2010 air supply rates by 30-60%. INCREASED AIR FILTRATION Recommends increase in media filters are used in the ventilation system to filter outdoor air supplied to occupiable spaces. INCREASED MICROBE AND MOLD CONTROL Recommends implementing Ultraviolet air treatment and Condensation management. CLOSING The built environment has an important role to play in building a healthier, more sustainable communities. This is becoming even more apparent as communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing health, energy efficiency, and resilience will deliver better buildings that in turn will yield healthier occupants, greater productivity, and more vibrant communities. Key messages this guide endorses are: Decreasing the risk of airborne COVID-19 transmission begins with assessing critical HVAC systems, adapting them wherever possible and beginning to prepare for more long-term strategic decisions that will help school districts, facility managers, and building engineers be better prepared in the future. RESOURCES ASHRAE Issues Statements on Relationship Between COVID-19 and HVAC in Buildings ASHRAE April 2020 Journal www.ashrae.org https://www.ashrae.org/about/news/2020/ashrae-issues-statements-on-relationship-between-covid-19-and-hvac-in-buildings Guidance for Building Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic ASHRAE May 2020 Journal www.ashrae.org https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/ashrae%20journal/2020journaldocuments/72-74_ieq_schoen.pdf ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force www.ashrae.org https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/ashrae-building-readiness.pdf Reopening of Schools and Universities www.ashrae.org https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/reopening-of-schools-and-universities ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FGMA expresses appreciation and gratitude to the following individuals who have contributed to this document and its research. Dean Manasses, FGMA Caroline Brogan, FGMA Haley Kell, FGMA Joshua Lawrence, FGMA Kelly McCaffrey, FGMA Sheila Murphy, FGMA Brittany Peterson, FGMA Carol Stolt, FGMA David Swain, FGMA Contact Us

  • COVID-19 Resources | FGM Architects

    COVID-19 RESOURCES TItle Description TItle Description TItle Description TItle Description TItle Description COVID-19 RESOURCES The New Normal Creating safe, secure, and supportive environments for learning, work, play and worship in unprecedented times. COVID-19 RESOURCES The New Normal Creating safe, secure, and supportive environments for learning, work, play and worship in unprecedented times. Staff working remotely, full- or part-time, will be fully engaged in the work, operations, and culture of the firm. HOW DO WE GET THERE? Organizations must first develop policies and implement procedures that ensure safety for everyone. The FGM Architects Resilient Communities experts can assist with finding resources for your organization for these first two steps. ADAPT THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Once policies and procedures are in place, our Resilient Communities experts can assist with the modification of your physical environments to support your goals.

  • RECREATION | FGM Architects

    RECREATION Expertise Recreational users have growing sports, fitness, wellness and leisure appetites with a desire to remain fit and have fun through to old age. All the while, the recreation market is continually evolving; competition grows and budgets tighten. Learn More Recreation Projects Recreation Centers Aquatic Golf - Daily Fee Clubs Golf - Private Clubs

  • LEWA Faith Based | FGM Architects

    STRONGER TOGETHER FAITH BASED The design of churches and other religious buildings is more than a core part of our practice; it is a calling to which we respond with energy and dedication. With over 40 years of experience between LEWA and FGMA, we pride ourselves on our ability to understand and identify influencing factors that shape each congregation’s specific needs and create each church’s unique identity. The design of churches and other religious buildings is more than a core part of our practice at FGMA; it is a calling to which we respond with energy and dedication. With over 25 years of experience, we pride ourselves on our ability to understand and identify influencing factors that shape each congregation’s specific needs and create each church’s unique identity. We believe that our role as church architects demands this understanding, leading to buildings that are not only inspiring and beautiful, but collaborative, functional ministry facilities meeting each congregation’s mission and ministry needs for years to come. 350+ CHURCHES 15 RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS 100+ CLIENTS FAITH BASED DESIGN Every house of worship is different because each church community is gifted with a unique calling. We tailor our services to fit your precise needs. ​ At once empirical and artful, we consider skillful programming an essential first step toward ensuring that a new building or addition meets a church’s ministry needs. Our ability to listen, elicit and translate our client’s mission and ministry needs into a building program with appropriate ministry areas and capacities distinguishes us from other less-experienced church architects. The result is a building program that meets a church’s needs on move-in day while allowing future program growth and flexibility. ​ FAITH BASED DESIGN EXPERIENCE FAITH BASED LEADERSHIP Bobby Celio, AIA Senior Associate Bob Galloway, AIA, CSI Principal Christopher Kehde, AIA Principal, Managing Director David Polkinghorn, AIA Principal Neal Roseberry, AIA, NCARB Principal

  • University of Illinois System | FGM Architects

    UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SYSTEM University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Bousfield Residence Hall University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Bousfield Residence Hall University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Bousfield Residence Hall University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Bousfield Residence Hall 1/9 University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Wassaja Residence Hall University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Wassaja Residence Hall University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Wassaja Residence Hall University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ikenberry Commons Wassaja Residence Hall 1/12 LEED UIUC Bousfield University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fire Service Institute Addition & Renovation University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fire Service Institute Addition & Renovation University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fire Service Institute Addition & Renovation 1/8 University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Chicago Learning Science Research Institute Renovation University of Illinois at Chicago Learning Science Research Institute Renovation University of Illinois at Chicago Learning Science Research Institute Renovation University of Illinois System University of Illinois at Chicago Learning Science Research Institute Renovation 1/4 Higher Education University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Law Building Renovation Higher Education University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Law Building Renovation 1/1 Contact our Higher Education experts to learn more about our higher education projects. Contact Our Higher Education Team RETURN TO HIGHER EDUCATION HOME

  • DESIGN PHILOSOPHY | FGM Architects

    Heading 5 SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY CAPS TITLE Sustainability Sustainability Text Text SUSTAINABILITY Heading 5 01 This is a title. Click here to edit. 02 This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text. 03 This is a title. Click here to edit and add your own text. 04 This is an extra long title. Click here to edit and add your own text. It's easy.

  • CULTURE | FGM Architects

    CULTURE WE BUILD COMMUNITY This core purpose expressly defines why we practice and implies how we practice. We strive to produce architecture that adds positively to a community. We do so through collaboration and continuous exploration and education. ​ FGMA projects are central to communities. Sometimes our employees and their families benefit directly from the buildings we have designed, but we always feel an obligation to do our best. We design every school as if our children were learning there, every police and fire facility as if they supported the first responders who protect our families and every village hall as if it were the symbol of the civic life we share with our own neighbors. We are proud to support the many FGM Architects employees who volunteer their time and expertise to many worthwhile endeavors. Our Culture is One of Involvement: ​ Involvement in creating buildings Involvement with activities that happen in and around them Involvement with each other AWESOME PEOPLE. POWERFUL TEAMS. Our people are our most valuable resource! Meet Our People Our People ​ Our people are our most valuable resource; their varied backgrounds broaden our vision. We balance experience with energy and expertise with enthusiasm to continually educate each other in trends and techniques. FGMA is an employee-owned firm, and our people—each and every one—are highly invested in making FGMA the best it can be. ​ ​ Collaboration ​ Collaboration takes place with our clients and among our staff at all levels. We collaborate with our clients to learn their goals and parameters, so we may deliver a project that works for them. We collaborate, too, within FGMA to find project solutions and to shape the firm from a shared vision. ​ ​

  • MAP-FGMA-FORT WORTH | FGM Architects

    FGMA Fort Worth 300 Throckmorton Street Suite 580 Fort Worth, TX 76102 817.900.6026 phone Jaime Palomo AIA Senior Associate & Managing Director Contact Me> Return To Contact >

  • Aquatic | FGM Architects

    AQUATIC Deerfield Park District Mitchell Pool Deerfield Park District Mitchell Pool Deerfield Park District Mitchell Pool Deerfield Park District Mitchell Pool 1/9 Northbrook PD Sports Center Pool Northbrook PD Sports Center Pool Northbrook PD Sports Center Pool Northbrook PD Sports Center Pool 1/27 Edwardsville Spray and Play Edwardsville Spray and Play Edwardsville Spray and Play Edwardsville Spray and Play 1/10 Rockford PD Magic Waters Reno Rockford PD Magic Waters Reno Rockford PD Magic Waters Reno Rockford PD Magic Waters Reno 1/18 Farmington Aquatic Renovation Farmington Aquatic Renovation Farmington Aquatic Renovation Farmington Aquatic Renovation 1/5 Glendale Heights Pool Renovation & Addition Glendale Heights Pool Renovation & Addition Glendale Heights Pool Renovation & Addition 1/2 Gurnee Park District FitNation Renovation Gurnee Park District FitNation Renovation Gurnee Park District FitNation Renovation Gurnee Park District FitNation Renovation 1/8 Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo 1/23 Lombard Park District Paradise Bay Aquatic Center Lombard Park District Paradise Bay Aquatic Center Lombard Park District Paradise Bay Aquatic Center Lombard Park District Paradise Bay Aquatic Center 1/22 Salem Aquatic Center Salem Aquatic Center Salem Aquatic Center Salem Aquatic Center 1/9 Wheeling Park District Family Aquatic Center Wheeling Park District Family Aquatic Center Wheeling Park District Family Aquatic Center Wheeling Park District Family Aquatic Center 1/11 Contact our Recreation experts to see more projects. ​ Contact Our Recreation Team

  • MULTIFAMILY/MIXED-USE EXPERTISE | FGM Architects

    MULTIFAMILY/MIXED-USE EXPERTISE Overview ​With a practice comprising hundreds of building projects, FGMA also offers strengths in contextual, site-sensitive design, enabling us to create residences and work places that embrace and enhance the natural and built environment while optimizing the outdoor setting. We believe that design plays a vital role in shaping the character and appeal of neighborhoods whether urban or suburban, contemporary or traditional. ​ Each project we undertake is distinct, and our work embraces many different architectural styles and materials. The inspiration for our designs is varied, and comes from sources that include the project context, program requirements, and our client’s vision. Understanding the economic viability and meeting the financial objectives of the development community are key to the success of their projects. Whether our clients are embarking on a venture to develop a new site or considering new additions and/or renovations to an existing facility, our ability to draw from an extensive knowledge base of project experience provides a valuable resource in considering the financial opportunities that may be realized. The combination of this experience along with our recognition of the importance to fully understand our clients’ goals has uniquely positioned FGMA to serve as trusted advisors to our development clients. Our ability to listen, understand and anticipate serve as building blocks for design solutions that are formulated through a collaborative and creative process. ​ Our clients’ confidence is paramount—we strive to respond to each project with energy and resourcefulness, and to streamline the delivery process while providing inspired results that surpass our clients’ expectations. 15k+ APARTMENTS (Market Rate and Affordable Housing 100+ CLIENTS

  • Enhance | FGM Architects

    ENHANCE WELL-BEING Resilient communities are places where people can thrive. Through a combination of design strategies, operational procedures and behavior modification, the health and well-being of building occupants can be positively and measurably impacted. Employing WELL Building Standard™ principles, we work with our clients to determine and design the most appropriate solutions for each project’s unique goals and objectives. WELL BUILDING STANDARD™ PRINCIPLES 7 WELL BUILDING STANDARD™ CONCEPTS AIR WATER NOURISHMENt LIGHT FITNESS COMFORT MIND WELL BEING PRINCIPLES Meet Our People Meet Our People Furniture and finish selections reduced amounts of volatile chemicals and improved indoor air quality. Prolonged sitting – an unhealthy habit - can be avoided with adjustable height desks in faculty offices. Workstations reduce eye strain by including low-glare and intentional brightness contrast features. Northwestern University Kresge Centennial Hall Renovation Communicating stair use improves cardiorespiratory fitness and encourages social interaction. Vibrant murals at major stair landings express culture and spirit, creating a positive impact on mood. Natural light is available in all learning and work spaces, improving mood, alertness, and overall health. Wheaton College Meyer Science Center Material and finish selections minimize exposure to known or suspected health hazards such as flame retardants and phthalates. Water bottle fillers located every 100 feet on each floor to encourage proper hydration. Building designed to meet accessibility standards and employs universal design principles in many of the labs. Triton College Health & Science Careers Communicating stair use improves cardiorespiratory fitness and encourages social interaction. Vibrant murals at major stair landings express culture and spirit, creating a positive impact on mood. Natural light is available in all learning and work spaces, improving mood, alertness, and overall health. Addison Police Consolidated Dispatch Center FIVE KEY STRATEGIES Provide filters on MEP systems to eliminate volatile substances and particulate matter. Air Quality Select low VOC finishes to enhance indoor air quality. Low VOC Finishes Add water filters to all drinking water to ensure quality drinking water. Quality Drinking Water Use passive and active acoustical strategies to improve aural comfort. Acoustical Strategies Select low-glare surfaces to alleviate eye strain. Alleviate Eye Strain Contact us for more information

  • Sustain | FGM Architects

    SUSTAIN THE ENVIRONMENT Resilient communities foster environmental stewardship. ​ Incorporating an effective and well-considered level of sustainable design in a project is a means to energy savings, increased occupant comfort, and stewardship of our natural resources. FGM Architects recommends an approach that is attuned to each project’s program, budget, and overall goals . River Trails School District Prairie Trails Early Learning Center First PK-12 Renovation Project in the U.S. to receive PHIUS Design Certification for Net Zero Building River Trails School District 26 | Prairie Trails Early Learning Center PHIUS + Certified Project View Project LEED PROJECTS 1 LEED PLATINUM 16 LEED SILVER projects 2 LEED PLATINUM project 8 LEED CERTIFIED projects 13 LEED GOLD projects 30 LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONALS FGM Architects LEED® Facts University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Bousfield Hall LEED Platinum 20% targets achieved for both Recycled Content and Regional Materials 30% Reduction in Water Usage Energy performance optimized with Heat Recovery Chiller View Project Southern Illinois University Carbondale TEC LEED Silver ​20% Recycled Content target achieved ​ 75% Construction Waste Diversion target achieved ​ Low-Emitting Materials utilized View Project Franklin Park Police LEED Gold Geothermal loops and an energy-efficient HVAC system Natural daylight and occupancy sensors reduce artificial lighting usage Tours offered to school and community groups to demonstrate sustainability strategies View Project Paris High School LEED Silver Geothermal system reduces energy costs ​ Water-efficient landscaping reduces water usage ​ Natural light integrated into learning environments View Project Triton College Science & Health Careers LEED Silver Indoor Air Quality Management during Construction and before Occupancy Over 75% of wood-based materials are certified by Forest Stewardship Council Energy Cost Savings estimated at 23% View Project Skokie Police LEED Gold Reused or recycled existing building Courtyard design promotes use of natural light Rainwater, gathered in cistern, used for irrigation View Project FIVE KEY STRATEGIES A building’s orientation and location on the site can provide passive benefits in terms of solar heat gain and energy consumption. Building Orientation Natural ventilation lowers cooling and ventilation costs and can add to the comfort of the building’s occupants. Natural Ventilation Access to daylighting provides user comfort and can save on energy costs Daylight Careful selection of systems and products can reduce maintenance costs and increase savings. Energy Efficiency Commissioning A requirement for all major energy codes, commissioning can lead to major reductions in operating costs. GRANT OPPORTUNITIES Grants ​ FGMA assists our clients in identifying grant funding sources that promote sustainable design strategies and can prepare applications and supporting materials for submission. Contact us for more information

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