Sustainable design

At Schemmer, sustainability is not an add-on — it’s a fundamental design principle. As a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and construction field services firm, we are committed to creating high-performance environments that minimize ecological impact while maximizing long-term value for our clients and communities.

We integrate sustainable practices into every phase of our projects — from early site planning, facility assessments, and materials selection to energy modeling and lifecycle analysis. Our team leverages innovative technologies and industry best practices to design buildings and infrastructure that are energy-efficient, water-wise, and resilient to environmental change.

Whether pursuing any sustainability goals, we collaborate closely with clients to align sustainable solutions with project objectives, budgets, and operational needs. Our holistic approach emphasizes:

Energy efficiency and renewable systems
Low-impact site development and stormwater management
Healthy indoor environments and occupant well-being
Responsible material sourcing and waste reduction
Adaptive reuse and long-term durability

Sustainable Design

We believe it’s our responsibility, and our duty to serve clients with sustainability in mind. Whether it’s energy savings through advanced heating and air conditioning systems or low-impact landscaping, we design solutions that provide maximum return on investment for our clients and the lowest possible impact on the environment.

Schemmer’s philosophy is to approach the design of every project with sustainability at the forefront. Our team has the ability to employ energy analysis modeling in REVIT during the conceptual design phase of a project. The Conceptual Energy Analysis tools allow comparison of the performance of early alternative design strategies. This allows for quick feedback on the expected energy use of the proposed designs and compares the effectiveness of building form, orientation, and envelope design options.

We’re driven by knowledge and are committed to studying and implementing improved technology, best practices, and proven solutions that provide the greatest benefit to the industries we serve. One example of our commitment is the 17 LEED-certified professionals who are part of the Schemmer team. At the leading edge of sustainable architectural and engineering design, these experts have helped design several LEED-certified projects.

our Sustainable services

Schemmer offers a comprehensive range of services that incorporate sustainable practices:

Architecture: From conceptual design to construction administration, we prioritize energy efficiency, material sustainability, and occupant well-being not only from the exterior side of things, but the interior as well.
Interior Design: Utilizing renewable, recycled, and/or responsibly sourced materials while focusing on functionality and incorporating well-being.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineering: Designing systems that optimize energy use and reduce environmental impact by including natural lighting and controls.
Site/Civil Engineering: Implementing low-impact development strategies and sustainable stormwater management.
Structural Engineering: Utilizing materials and designs that minimize embodied carbon and enhance building performance.
Transportation Engineering: Planning and designing sustainable and alternative transportation solutions that reduce emissions and promote mobility, including bike lanes and trails.
Water/Wastewater Engineering: Developing systems that conserve water resources and ensure efficient treatment processes.
Geotechnical and Surveying Services: Providing data-driven insights to inform sustainable site development and construction practices.

How sustainable design helps our clients

Lower Operating Costs
Energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials reduce utility bills and maintenance costs. For example, our MEP designs optimize HVAC performance and lighting to significantly lower energy use over the life of the building.

Access to Incentives & Funding
Many sustainable building projects qualify for federal, state, and local incentives, such as tax credits, grants, and rebates. Our team can help navigate and maximize these opportunities.

Enhanced Occupant Comfort & Health
Through improved indoor air quality, natural lighting, and thermal comfort, sustainable buildings contribute to healthier, more productive environments, especially important in workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Increased Property Value & Market Appeal
Green buildings have been shown to have higher resale values and greater tenant demand. Sustainability adds measurable value and future-proofs the investment.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Reduction
Our expertise ensures clients meet (or exceed) evolving environmental codes and standards, reducing compliance risks and future retrofit costs.

Positive Brand and Public Image
Clients demonstrate leadership and environmental responsibility through green building initiatives, enhancing their brand reputation with employees, stakeholders, and the public.

Resilience Against Climate and Market Changes
We design with resilience in mind — from stormwater management and passive heating/cooling to durable material selection — helping buildings perform better in the face of climate challenges and material volatility.

Streamlined Certification Support
If clients are pursuing LEED, WELL, or other certifications, our experienced professionals streamline the process, helping projects stay on track and achieve targeted sustainability goals with minimal stress.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Schemmer is dedicated to advancing sustainable design through:

SE 2050 Initiative: Actively participating in the SE 2050 Initiative to reduce embodied carbon in structural engineering practices.
Energy Modeling and Analysis: Utilizing tools to assess energy performance early in the design process, enabling informed decisions on building form, orientation, and envelope design.
Community Engagement: We collaborate with clients and communities to create spaces that are not only sustainable but also enhance quality of life.

Let's Build a Better Future

We partner with clients who are ready to lead by example. Whether you’re aiming for LEED, resilience, or just a smarter use of resources, our team brings passion, precision, and purpose to every sustainable design challenge.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE.