Create sustainably.
Our Planetary Principle
For decades, A&E Design has endeavored to create impact with innovative architecture and design while reducing the associated environmental consequences. We know the potential risks to our planet and natural resources that come with the built environment. With each project, we feel the weight of responsibility to recognize, control, and minimize those risks while transforming the world around us.
As one of our firm’s values, the planet is a primary consideration in every A&E Design deliverable. We integrate viable strategies, and educate our clients, partners, and peers on the importance of sustainability. Our commitment is evidenced by our history—from completing the first LEED-certified project in a national park to our most recent LEED Platinum facility at Montana State University. With every structure we create, we explore ways to advance our industry while perpetuating the health of our planet and people.
sustainability & our design process.
Programming
In collaboration with the owner, a basis of design is created that guides the work towards building performance and other sustainability goals.
Schematic Design
The design team explores sustainable design opportunities internally and with design consultants. Energy and daylight modeling software is used to preliminarily measure energy performance and identify natural daylighting strategies.
Design Development
During design development, the goals set forth during programming are integrated into the building design, assemblies and system.
Construction Documents
Standard specifications are written into every project that establish a baseline for material quality and construction management activities that reinforce the project sustainability goals.
Construction Administration
Most often during projects that are going through a formal certification process, sustainability goals continue to be monitored.
our 2022 goals.
The story of our sustainability success starts with the practices we put in place today to minimize our environmental impact. For 2022 we set internal small goals that keep our offices and our practice moving in the positive direction of conscious design and business management.
01
Utilize COVE tool to analyze daylight and energy performance for 35 projects.
02
Monthly material awareness challenge that documents hazardous materials and educates the firm.
03
Encourage employees to clear the air and reduce CO2 emissions via mass transit, carpooling, or human powered travel.
04
Efficiency of web-based projects to reduce energy usage and minimize our digital footprint.
Best Footprint Forward
As we look to the future, we are collectively driven to shape our communities with responsible and ethical design. Setting the precedent among our peers means we must integrate sustainable practices into all internal processes and across every service. Although this framework serves as a foundation for the work ahead, we will annually review our progress and assess goals, continuously striving to improve our efforts and our world.