At Bruss Construction, building green is about making conscious environmental choices throughout the design and construction process. Selecting a company with experience in the construction of high-performance buildings is critical to the success of a sustainable project. As the leader in sustainably designed and constructed buildings in New Hampshire, Bruss expertly manages the green building process. We work together with the owner, architect and the members of the construction team to discuss the project's sustainability goals from the outset, allowing everyone involved to participate in the building decisions that minimize environmental impact.
Compare Green Building to Traditional Building
Efficient by Design
Building green involves much more than using recycled materials and energy-efficient systems. A green building is sized appropriately for its use and situated to impact the site as little as possible, including surrounding wetlands, forests, and wildlife. Sustainable design and construction creates a healthy, eco-friendly building that reduces operational costs for the owner while it enhances productivity and minimally impacts the environment.
Site Selection
Situating a building to take advantage of solar gain and minimize exposure to harsh winds helps to achieve lower energy usage. Careful consideration is given to how the building's design impacts its electrical and mechanical needs. We give special attention to 'treading lightly' on the worksite to protect the natural environment and lessen clean- up and property landscaping costs.
Tightly Wrapped Construction
A tight, high-performing building envelope saves energy, reduces the size of the mechanical systems, and is more economical over the long term. Walls, windows, doors, roof, and foundation are designed to minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Sustainable Interior Finishes
Green-build design choices are carried inside from floor to ceiling to create healthy, inviting, living and work spaces. Floors and woodwork constructed of locally or site-harvested lumber are welcome, natural choices. Sheetrock, ceramic tile, and carpeting made of recycled materials are eco- and occupant-friendly, as are low-VOC paint and wood finishes with little or no off-gassing.
All Systems Go Green
Selecting appropriately-sized systems is key to their efficient operation and the long-term health of a building. High-efficiency boilers and furnaces reduce fuel consumption, while ventilation systems can help replace summer's warm, daytime air with cool, nighttime air. Cordwood, wood pellets, wood chips, and photovoltaic panels are renewable heat sources.
A low-impact plumbing system uses little water and recycles the site's grey water for irrigation. Smart controls sense where people are working and direct fresh air to these areas. Motion-sensitive lighting systems automatically adjust artificial light levels and turn off lights in unoccupied areas.
Cost-Effective Sustainability
Choosing to build green is not only more energy efficient and environmentally responsible, but operating efficiencies and the extended life-span of building materials and systems are more cost-effective over the life of a building.
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