What is Green Architecture?
Trillium architects is a green architecture firm. We have been involved in building green buildings since 1992. Since that time, we have been steadily learning and growing our knowledge of how to build energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. We have been directly exposed to and have hands on experience with the plethora of green products and practices that have been evolving during this green movement.
Over the years we have seen interest in green building grow from almost non-existent in this part if the country to very popular -if not at least politically correct. In 1994 approximately 10% of our clients asked for a ‘green home’. By 2007, 98% of our clients come to us requesting their project be at least some shade of green. Now we are known as one of the most experienced green architecture firms in Fairfield County.
What do we mean by ‘shade of green’? Well, some things are greener than others. ‘Shades of green’ is a term often used in the green movement to designate the level of energy efficiency or environmental friendliness that a product or building method represents. Many factors go into this designation: Is a product recyclable? If put in a land fill will it deteriorate quickly and with out adding harmful chemicals to the soil? How much energy did it require for production? How much energy does it require during its life time? How much energy does it require to demolish or remove? Can it have a ‘second life’ (be re-used as something else later?) How far was it shipped from factory to site? Is it made of something endangered? Will some animal habitat be ruined because it has been removed? All of these things are considered in determining the ‘green-ness’ of a product.
Building green can be a complicated endeavor. The products and methods are constantly changing as we become more and more aware of how the environment is affected by each of our actions. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming- as if every thing one does has a negative affect on the earth. Also it is often difficult to find people who have the knowledge of green building to design and build your project in the ‘right way’. At Trillium we have years of experience as well as knowledge of resources, suppliers, and builders that are necessary to get your project built in a quality, efficient and environmentally efficient way.
We are confident that the green building practices that seem extreme or untried today will soon become normal building practices. Already most building departments are adapting their codes to accept or – in many cases- demand the energy efficient alternative building practices.
