Midlands Business Journal | Projects in Lincoln featuring sustainable methods are more commonly used
Pat Birch, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Schemmer architect Pat Birch, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, was quoted in the September 15 issue of Midlands Business Journal regarding Schemmer’s efforts to go green and work towards sustainability and energy savings for A/E clients. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) indicates there are 50 projects registered as LEED in Lincoln, Nebraska. Specifically, most of the elementary and middle schools have implemented sustainable elements such as geothermal heating and cooling systems that use the earth’s temperature as the exchange medium instead of the temperature of the outside air. There are also Lincoln area high schools that plan to convert over to this system, but they have yet to be completed. In fact, Lincoln Public Schools now requires projects to have sustainability incorporated into the building design. A/E clients are now seeing materials such as straw bales and other eco-friendly components utilized in the construction process.
“There has been a trend of reduced funding of our state-owned buildings but energy costs are rising and will continue to do so,” Birch said. “It’s critical that buildings are improved so that their demand for energy is lessened and operational costs are saved.” Schemmer is currently designing buildings and sites to require less water and energy use that reflect the specific climate and location of the job site. “Schemmer is active in analyzing existing buildings to determine energy usage and make recommendations for savings,” Birch said. Additionally, Birch recognized Mayor Chris Beutler for his efforts and leadership in going green. The mayor’s Cleaner Greener Lincoln initiatives, like the reEnergize program, offer energy analysis and improvements for commercial and residential buildings to reduce energy consumption.
To read the full article, please see the September 15, 2013 issue of the Midlands Business Journal. The article titled, Projects in Lincoln featuring sustainable methods more commonly used, can be found on page 20.
