Building Design

• Orient building appropriately for topography and daylighting
• Use efficient space planning where possible
• Design for renewable energy use where practical
  

Site Design

• Protect trees and topsoil during sitework
• Filter storm water on site
• Employ sediment and erosion control techniques
• Incorporate permeable surfaces
• Use native plants and existing landscape where possible
  

Building Envelope

• Use optimum insulation values
• Install high performance windows
• Use air sealing construction techniques
  

Energy Efficiency

• Use high efficiency mechanical equipment
• Install high efficiency lights and appliances
• Provide appropriate overhangs and sun-shading devices

Materials and Resources

• Use local and regional sources where possible
• Incorporate durable, low maintenance materials
• Select low embodied energy materials such as stone and wood
• Minimize construction waste
• Use certified or reclaimed wood
• Use recycled and recyclable materials where available

Water Management

• Use water efficient fixtures and appliances
• Incorporate rain water collection
• Reuse graywater for irrigating landscaping

Indoor Environment

• Create a healthy indoor air quality
• Provide ventilation and fresh air supply
• Use least-toxic finishes and materials
• Incorporate natural light throughout the building

ORGANIZATIONS

US Green Building Council is a non-profit organization that administers the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. This certification program provides third-party verification that a building is environmentally responsible and a healthy place to live or work. Samsel Architects has several LEED Accredited Professionals on staff and is currently certifying a LEED Platinum building, the highest possible rating.

The WNC Green Buiding Council provides green building education to architects, builders, property owners and the greater community. The WNCGBC administers the NC HealhtyBuilt Homes Program for the western North Carolina region. Samsel Architects has been an integral part of the WNCGBC since it’s conception, with staff members serving as a founding member, on the executive board, and editor of the WNC Green Building Directory.

NC HealthyBuilt Homes is North Carolina’s state-wide green home certification program. The certification program offers third party verification, technical and marketing assistance, workshops, and field consultation services that enable builders to increase their green building expertise and marketability. Samsel Architects’ staff served on the Green Building Task Force that helped developed the program with the NC Solar Center.

The Energy Star homes program includes energy modeling and performance testing to ensure an energy efficient home. Some utility companies recognize the advantages of this program and offer a 5% discount on electricity bills for the life of the house. All homes designed by Samsel Architects are Energy Star qualified.

Appalachian Offsets is a local carbon offset program that takes offset contributions and funds local renewable energy projects. Samsel Architects has signed on as a carbon neutral business that offsets 100% of our operational carbon footprint.

Architecture 2030 Challenge is leading the building industry in responding to climate change and global warming. Samsel Architects is committed to reducing the energy use of our buildings and has adopted the Architecture 2030 Challenge to reduce the carbon impact of our buildings by 50% by the year 2010 and design carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030.

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

BUSINESSES

THERMACRAFT ENERGY SERVICES
www.thermacraft.com

HOME ENERGY PARTNERS
www.homeenergypartners.com

LAQUATRA BONCI ASSOCIATES
www.laquatrabonci.com

ALCHEMY DESIGN STUDIO
www.alchemy-interiors.com

EQUINOX ENVIRONMENTAL
www.equinoxenvironmental.com

VANDEMUSSER
www.vandemusser.com

FLS ENERGY
www.flsenergy.com

DESIGN WORKSHOP
www.designworkshop.com

ECOPANELS
www.eco-panels.com

GREEN R, INC.
www.greenrinc.com

SUPERIOR WALLS
www.superiorwalls.com

AMBIENT DESIGN GROUP
www.ambientdesigngroup.com