You can’t track what you don’t measure.

Continue reading if you are curious about how to integrate high performance design strategies into your projects and firm practices.

Focus Areas

Every firm has its own identity and approach, requiring a customized strategy for integrating sustainability. These three key focus areas provide a strong foundation to begin the process:

    • Thermal comfort through natural insulations appropriate for the project location.

    • Indoor air quality through vetted finish materials that don’t off-gas toxic chemicals.

    • Improved cognition with reduced CO2 levels through sufficient filtered air.

    • Biophilic connection to nature through capturing views and testing daylight levels.

    • High performance windows and doors, reducing drafts and heat loss.

    • Reduce the energy demand of the building first, then focus on offsetting the rest with renewable energy.

    • New construction projects focus on orientation, massing, and shading to maximize the passive potential of the site.

    • All-electric mechanical system designed for the project’s location.

    • Energy modeling to verify design and mechanical decisions.

    • Air-tight construction means you get the most out of your insulation and heating equipment.

    • Start by reducing the high embodied carbon items first: concrete, steel, and foam insulations.

    • When a finish is high in embodied carbon, it takes a lot of energy to either extract the raw materials and/or to manufacture the product. Sometimes, this can be an indicator of more chemicals and toxic components that you don’t want in your home.

    • Perform a life cycle analysis to determine the global warming potential of the project. This can be broken down by component: structure, enclosure, and interiors.

Sustainability Consulting

  • Project-Specific

    Work with project teams from concept through construction to set, track, and present high-performance targets.

    Presentations to clients discussing the value to their health and comfort for selected high-performance options.

    Connect teams with talented engineers and consultants who can deliver on the project goals.

    Targeted consultant coordination to ensure project success.

    Contractor engagement as early as possible to review the project ahead of pricing.

  • Firm Standards

    Work with firm leaders to develop tailored sustainability targets based on the firm’s typical project type and location.

    Establish project and practice metrics, goals, and a plan to measure and track these.

    Areas of focus include operational carbon, embodied carbon, healthy materials, building products and assemblies, sustainable programs overview, and facilities management to name a few.

Sustainability Services Brochure

Building on years of creating and managing a firm’s sustainability initiatives and high-performance projects, Marisol brings a unique knowledge set appropriate for residential projects.  

If you are curious about learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out for an introductory consultation.

Testimonials

  • “She [Marisol] has played an active role in educating our team and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the firm. Her efforts have contributed to meaningful improvements in our sustainability practices through thoughtful goal setting and implementation. Marisol’s commitment to her work, collaborative approach, and passion for sustainability make her a valuable asset to any team.”

    Sarah Broughton, Founding Principal of Rowland+Broughton

  • “You [Marisol] are such an incredible asset to the architecture world, and the world overall! You are truly a light…”

    Jami McMannes, Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE)