Texas Contemporary?? Monthly: The Sustainability Issue

Designing for Future Generations

As we navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world, the importance of resilient design cannot be overlooked. At LEVY DYKEMA, we embrace these challenges to ensure the spaces we design are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, forward-thinking, and people-focused.?

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our work. Texas Contemporary?? designs are rooted in their sites, using local materials and local vernacular. Our focus on energy use, solar heat gain, and daylighting has short- and long-term impacts throughout the life of a building. Our approach is based on functional outcomes, not ratings, and demonstrates our dedication to building a more sustainable future that can endure for generations.

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Sustainability

Sustainability in buildings is an incredibly broad area, and the rating agencies for sustainably designed spaces and buildings ask us to look broadly at the sustainability spectrum.? However, the most important aspect impacting the future of our planet is carbon emissions and the climate crisis which those emissions have caused. In the U.S., residential and commercial buildings are currently responsible for producing more than one-third of the greenhouse gasses (GHG).

In April, the Department of Energy?as part of its initiative, “Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050,”?released a “National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector.” The Blueprint identifies strategies for achieving the goals of reducing GHG emissions from U.S. building by 65% by 2035 and by 90% by 2050, as compared to a 2005 baseline.

Within the plan’s five categories of technical solutions for building decarbonization, the two in which architects and interior designers can have the most influence are, 1) by reducing the energy required in the buildings we design, and?2) by reducing the embodied energy and GHG of our buildings - how much was used and created in their making.?

The plan recognizes that for the vital GHG reductions in buildings to be achieved, technical advances are needed to bring decarbonized electricity to our buildings. Our work is one (large) piece of systemic changes that are to come. This is exciting and important work; with our clients and consultants we are ready to meet this challenge together.

READ MORE: Department of Energy Article

The LEVY DYKEMA Austin studio team enjoyed volunteering with Urban Roots, the only farm-based youth leadership organization in Austin?that has been working with youth leaders and nourishing our community for 15 years. The mission of Urban Roots is to develop a thriving food system that is sustainable, equitable?and just. Great job?team for volunteering to harvest potatoes!

Transformative Times for the Good of All

I am proud this month's newsletter is dedicated to the important topic of sustainability for several reasons. First, to provide a better understanding of sustainability and second, to promote the importance of adopting and integrating sustainability practices.? Sustainable architecture is a holistic approach that considers the entire life cycle of a building.?It takes into account everything from the building’s location on the site to material selection, air quality, daylighting, and building operation and maintenance. By looking at this bigger picture, we help our clients achieve their project goals while also acting as stewards for the future of our communities.

Sustainable design is always evolving and LEVY DYKEMA is always learning more about how we can contribute. The addition of Juan Cotera, FAIA, Phil Reed, FAIA?and Matt Catterall add?to our leadership in the practice of sustainable design. Finally, I would like to ask all our end-user clients in all sectors to embrace sustainability's value and importance. We are excited to talk with you about how we incorporate these ideas into your next project.

Stephen V. Levy