Highlights from our 2030 Commitment Reporting
Annual reporting to the AIA 2030 Commitment allows us to track and measure firmwide progress in meeting the goals established in the 2030 Challenge. By evaluating the impact our design decisions have on the energy performance of a wide range of projects, we continue to improve our process, reinforced by a data-driven approach. We recently completed our fifth year of reporting all-practice portfolio data to the AIA 2030 Commitment. In 2020, energy performance was modeled for nearly half of the total GSF reported.
Highlights from the 2020 reporting year include two fire stations for the city of Bellevue, Washington, both of which reported noteworthy progress. Bellevue Fire Station 10, which will serve residents in the Northwest Bellevue, downtown and BelRed neighborhoods, is on track to exceed the predicted energy reduction target of 80% established in the 2030 Challenge.
Working with the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Fire to identify sustainable design goals and strategies at the outset of the design process has enabled us to design an ambitious project targeting LEEDv4.1 Gold. The fire station is carefully sited to preserve an existing wetland and mature trees and take into consideration solar and wind patterns. Site orientation and building massing responds to surrounding context, locating operational functions to the south of the site to provide a buffer between the nearby residential neighborhood to the north and west. Working with the site, the project design maintains a lower profile, which together with the addition of welcoming public outdoor space along its eastern edge, help it feel both human-scaled and accessible within the neighborhood context.
The Fire Station 10 design incorporates several sustainable features like solar panels, a vegetated green roof, rainwater collection for irrigation, and a geothermal heating system for enhanced thermal comfort, supporting occupant wellbeing through the creation of an airy, light-filled environment. Material selection, including ample use of wood, steel and vision glass, reinforces the goal of providing a healthy working environment. Expansive use of glass at the apparatus bay creates a sense of transparency and features the engines within, establishing an engaging street-front presence. We’ll share more about the project as construction begins later this year.
By engaging clients in sustainable design strategies early on, strengthening knowledge sharing within our practice, and running early energy models to better inform the big levers that will impact energy use and renewable energy opportunities on a range of projects, we’re continually improving processes to ensure we advance our sustainability goals firmwide. The 2030 Commitment is a way to hold ourselves accountable as we elevate our practice and work to combat the effects of the climate crisis.
Further Reading
The 2030 Commitment and Our Work
An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Design at ANSYS Hall
New Conceptions: Sustainable Organic Architecture
