Info

SOLARC Architecture and Engineering provides specialty consulting to developers and other architecture and engineering firms who wish to develop sustainable and energy efficient projects. We bring extensive practical design and planning expertise to the developer's project team to create better buildings, featuring more harmonious work places and living environments, lower operating and maintenance costs, reduced health risks, reduced environmental impact, increased comfort, and greater long-terms profits. Services include: Targeted HVAC and lighting design: SOLARC provides integrated HVAC and lighting design. Our experience is based in technical expertise with the development of building systems that integrate renewable energy sources -water, wind, earth and sun- in their design. Specifically, this experience includes the intelligent application of natural ventilation, passive heating, night-flush cooling, and daylight utilization in buildings and spaces. (Further described later). Energy efficiency modeling: Using DOE2 energy modeling software, we have the ability to create real-time energy simulation models of a building or project, as it is being designed. This information is used by the design team to develop buildings that meet the identified energy efficiency performance goals and take full advantage of available utility incentives and tax credits. Facilitation of LEED Certification: SOLARC's team includes one LEED-accredited principal who specializes in leading sustainability workshops and presentations and assembling documentation for LEED certification of development projects. ((link) Further described below). Commissioning: We provide whole building commissioning to verify that actual performance of the lighting, HVAC and control systems match the design team's project performance goals. ((link) Further described below). Facilitation of sustainability and energy efficiency design: SOLARC is highly experienced in leading sustainability and energy efficiency design charrettes (brainstorming sessions) during the programming phase of a project, assisting the design team in identifying the project's sustainability goals and their impact on the overall project. Climate-responsive design assistance: All sustainable designs must respond to the local microclimate. We provide in-depth site analysis describing the wind, rain and sun conditions that will impact the building layout and design for a given site. Specifications writing for sustainable building materials and methods: Using the "GreenSpec" as a guideline, SOLARC has generated a materials matrix that lists the sustainability features of most important building products. Materials are evaluated and categorized based on their environmental impact and potential to promote good indoor air quality. Assistance in securing tax credits, utility incentives, and federal and state economic credits and incentives: SOLARC assists its clients in obtaining the financial incentives that are available for their energy efficient building or project. Ongoing energy use in buildings represents one of the most significant environmental impacts of human infrastructure development. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has created a nationally recognized certification process for evaluating sustainable and high performance buildings, a program called "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design", commonly known by its acronym "LEED." Council members work together to develop the resources, policy guidance, and educational and marketing tools that support the adoption of sustainable building. The certification process bestows awards based on the level of sustainability achieved in a building. In our integrated design process, the SOLARC design team uses the LEED compliance chart as a guide and as a checklist toward designing a sustainable project.