Architects value Lean and green

Construction has traditionally been criticized as a wasteful industry. Builders use a tremendous amount of raw materials in the production of new buildings. They also do substantial damage to the environment, most notably in the form of rainwater runoff from all the dirt and mud on construction sites.

Architects are doing their part to help the industry become more eco-friendly, while at the same time improving efficiency. Matt King, principal of King Architectural Solutions, recently told Tulsa World that a number of firms are refocusing on going Lean and green (as defined in terms of sustainability, conservation, LEED and geothermal improvements) as a means of achieving this end goal.

“Today’s architects are designing buildings to be much more efficient relative to energy consumption and healthier relative to the impact they have on their occupants,” he told the news source.”The reuse of existing buildings is perhaps the best example of green, since it eliminates waste that would otherwise go to the landfill.”

Many businesses are investigating green initiatives as a way to get in the good graces of environment-conscious consumers.