FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, YOUR HOME and green design

Here’s a compendium of questions and answers from René Clawson’s blog posts

GREEN DESIGN: AN OLD IDEA WITH NEW PUBLIC AWARENESS

The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Mary René Clawson, AIA, CID, LEED AP, is overseeing Clawson Architects’ commitment to their clients and the environment as just part of what we have always been called to do as Architects.

Many clients inquire about an emerging category called “Green Design.” At Clawson Architects; we do not view sustainability as a new idea, or as separate from good design in general. As members of the American Institute of Architects and the National Green Building Council, the Clawson Architects Team:

  • Works with you and your budget to meet and exceed where possible the ever increasing energy, materials and clean air standards being adopted by many of our municipalities as part of our communities’ commitment to being Green.

  • Helps you create a sustainable home by taking advantage of all the “green” opportunities your site location offers and explores more sophisticated mechanical systems and ideas if your budget allows.

  • Helps and guides you to avoid “green washing”, i.e., false claims of being environmentally correct.


USEFUL LINKS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS BUILDING

Keeping abreast of the latest innovations in technology, practices and materials that are smarter and yield a more sustainable future is at the core of Clawson Architects Green commitment. Besides that, Sustainable Design is a Mandatory Continuing Education Requirement for AIA Membership. PLEASE NOTE: Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy of the data links listed on this page. However, a listing on this page should not be construed to be a recommendation or endorsement by Clawson Architects.

U.S. Green Building Council
American Institute of Architects
ReGreen - the ASID and USGBC Residential Remodeling Guidelines
NJ Green Home Remodeling Guidelines (pdf)
Greenguard Environmental Institute
Greenguard Environmental Institute Product Guide

Renovate Right (pdf) - EPA Lead Hazard Information
National Association of Home Builders on Lead Paint
LA Times on Lead Paint rules
Eartheasy - Information & Sources for Nontoxic Paints

Green Building Product Certification & Labeling (pdf)

Appliance Energy Calculator - How much does it cost to run your appliances