Sustainable Design

RLPS works with our clients to integrate cost-efficient, sustainable design strategies into every project, balancing the design principals of “high performance” with the maintainability, cost control and practicality of high quality design.

• Member of the U.S. Green Building Council
• 17 LEED Accredited Professionals
• 2 WELL Accredited Professionals

When it comes to sustainable design, our goal is to help you maximize building potential and create the most value for your investment.

The RLPS team collaborates with our engineering and building envelope consultants to provide you with viable considerations for energy efficiency and stewardship initiatives even if formal certification is not the final goal. Sustainable architecture strategies and associated results vary based on stewardship objectives, site parameters, budget realities and individual project goals.

A LEED Gold expansion and renovation project at Pennswood Village in Newtown used daylight harvesting and a geothermal mechanical system to improve energy performance. The client reported post-occupancy results of roughly $150,000 in electrical cost savings and $40,000 in natural gas savings per year. In addition, water use reduction measures saved the organization $13,000 annually. The energy and water use savings goals were verified by the owner’s monthly energy and utility bills.

Certified Sustainable Design Project Examples

RLPS works with every client to define sustainable design goals and then evaluate opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings, including potential energy credits. We have been involved in the following LEED Certified projects:

Coburg Village—LEED for Homes Gold

Elizabeth R. Martin Elementary School—LEED Silver

Kirkland Village—LEED for Homes Silver

Landis Homes—LEED Silver

Lingle Avenue Elementary—LEED Silver

Longwood at Oakmont—LEED Silver

Pennswood Village—LEED Gold

Southeast Middle School—LEED Gold

Recently, we worked with West Shore School District on the conceptual planning for their new Environmental Center, a net-zero energy center showcasing environmental sustainability.

Featured Projects