Holistic Building Renovations
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Our office is interested in learning about what other universities are doing as far as holistic building renovations go. Many times when small renovations are done within a building (i.e. transforming a conference room into cubicles), they are piecemeal, don't take into account the entire building, and don't look at the potential of larger problems. Just hoping someone in the AASHE community had some insight as to how to include holistic renovations in university building construction.
Thanks so much!
Ellen Orabone
North Carolina State University Sustainability Office
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Ellen;
I can understand your dilema. These kind of renovations happen fast and furious. One recommondation would to have an "interior design master plan". This would include a list of products that meet indoor air quality standards, re-use, rapidly renewable, post-consumer standards so you don't have to re-invent the wheel every time. It might include a pallette of lighting fixtures, furniture, paint, surfaces, flooring, low flow plumbing fixtures, etc. It could also include construction expectations such as adequat ventilation and a "flush out" period to allow toxins to air out.
As far as tying these renovations into a greater buidling strategy for sustainability, that might be very difficult in trying to make a difference with energy or water consumption, unless you are working on a restroom.