Carbon Challenge
Providence Design Competition

“Best Curb Appeal”
Awarded By AIA Rhode Island and Habitat for Humanity.

“Outstanding design of a new Habitat home that displays exemplary exterior aesthetics.”

In a major change to Massachusetts environmental policy as of April 2007, private developers will now be required to estimate the greenhouse gases their large-scale projects will produce and reduce them with measures such as energy-efficient lighting, alternative fuels or commuter shuttles. Large housing developments, office projects and mixed-use development that combine retail, industrial and residential uses will be affected. The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act requires state agencies to use “all practicable means and measures to minimize damage to the environment” when considering development projects. Buildings worldwide account for more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation or utilities. Residential buildings account for approximately 21% of greenhouse gases.

As we move to a more carbon-constrained world, the submitted design solution will meet customers’ demands in a way that generates fewer carbon emissions.  The foundation and building approach to carbon management is to fully understand its exposure to carbon emissions including those linked to energy usage, transportations and logistics and our supply chain. The foundation system is constructed from concrete applied to polystyrene foundation forms from sustainably managed sources. Polystyrene is lightweight, weighing just 5-10% of the weight of typical concrete foundation walls, which means that it can be built soils with less bearing capacity or brown fields sites with contaminated conditions.

Our house design and foundation system is positioned to collaborate with designers, builders, developers and government authorities to affect sustainable with attention to: climate-adjusted design, style innovation, building integration and energy efficiency and energy avoidance. Benefits of a carbon management program can provide clients with a science-based carbon footprint rather than a lengthy, inconsistent, costly and onerous LEED certification process.