LEED / SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
At CDG we are always looking for different ways to deliver infrastructure projects that apply sustainable design principles. The LEED program was established to encourage green building techniques, and these environmental designs are becoming increasingly popular in public works and infrastructure improvement projects. Now considered Best Management Practices (BMPs), these sustainable designs effectively help with erosion control and general stormwater management. Examples of some more prevalent techniques for environmental design include the creation of rain garden forebays, bio swales and drainage swales to catch stormwater and the use of porous pavement to limit the amount of impervious surface on a given project.
Examples of materials that CDG recommends for use on trail projects requiring sustainable design techniques include:
- Inclusion of recycled materials in pavement such as glass, crushed aggregate or concrete, recycled asphalt and crushed concrete for sub-base.
- Porous pavers of asphalt and concrete pavement to limit impervious surfaces.
- Inclusion of native plant species in the design
Another way to enhance the environmental design of a project is to include sustainable site amenities. For example, trash receptacles, benches, bike racks, etc. can be selected with attention to their recycled content and durability. Finishes for site amenities, such as low VOC paints, are also an important consideration as part of the green building and design process.
But you don’t need to be undertaking a fully LEED certified project to make use of our two full time LEED AP certified professionals. At CDG we believe that all infrastructure projects should consider the environment and attempt to incorporate sustainable designs wherever possible. Before you finalize the plans for your project, we encourage you do an energy audit and learn more about what “green initiatives” are possible to include in your existing plan. Many of these sustainable designs require minimal upfront investment and can yield significant long term energy savings and environmental gain. Contact us today to learn more!