How can you measure the sustainability of a commercial space?

2 Why is sustainability important for commercial design?

Sustainability is important for commercial design for several reasons. First, it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, water consumption, and resource depletion that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. Second, it can help improve the indoor environmental quality, comfort, productivity, and health of the occupants and users of the space, as well as the surrounding community. Third, it can help lower the operational and maintenance costs, increase the asset value, and enhance the marketability and competitiveness of the space. Fourth, it can help demonstrate corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

3 How can you measure sustainability in commercial design?

When assessing the sustainability of a commercial design project, there are various methods and tools to consider. Rating systems such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and Green Star are standardized frameworks for evaluating and certifying a space's sustainability performance. Life cycle assessment tools like Athena Impact Estimator, eToolLCD, and GaBi analyze the environmental impacts of a space throughout its life cycle. Carbon footprint tools like One Click LCA, CarbonBuzz, and Ecotect measure the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with a space. Additionally, energy simulation tools such as EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder, and IES VE can model and predict the energy performance of a space in order to optimize its energy efficiency.

4 How can you improve sustainability in commercial design?

Measuring sustainability in commercial design is not enough; you must also implement strategies and solutions that can improve sustainability in your projects. A holistic and integrated approach should be taken, considering the interrelationships and trade-offs between the environmental, social, and economic aspects of your design, and involving all stakeholders and disciplines from the early stages of the project. Additionally, prioritize the minimization of resource consumption and waste generation, the extension of the life span and functionality of the space and its components, and the recovery and reprocessing of materials and products. Sustainable materials and products should be chosen, with low environmental impact, high durability and quality, low toxicity and emissions, high recyclability and biodegradability, as well as ethical and social responsibility. Natural ventilation and daylighting should be optimized to take advantage of natural air flow and sunlight; passive and active strategies can be used to control temperature, humidity, and lighting levels. Incorporate green elements such as vegetation, water, green roofs, walls, facades, rainwater harvesting, stormwater management into the space. Finally, install sensors, meters, monitors, controllers that measure energy consumption, water usage, indoor environmental quality of the space; use renewable energy sources such as solar wind or geothermal.

5 How can you communicate sustainability in commercial design?

Communicating sustainability in commercial design is essential to raise awareness, educate, and engage the occupants, users, and stakeholders of the space. It can also help showcase your achievements and benefits, and inspire others to follow your example. To do this, you can display certificates and labels from rating systems or other organizations that verify and recognize your sustainability performance. Additionally, signage and information should be provided to explain the sustainability features and benefits of your space, as well as how the occupants and users can interact with them and contribute to them. Moreover, stories and narratives should be created to highlight the vision, values, and goals of your sustainability project. Furthermore, visual and interactive media such as photos, videos, graphics, animations, games, and apps can illustrate and demonstrate the sustainability aspects and outcomes of your space.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?