Sustainable Design

Environmental stewardship has long been a priority at OZ Architecture, and responsible design is a critical part of our mission. We believe that a quality design is not only aesthetically sophisticated, but also works elegantly with its natural environment, and minimizes its consumption of energy and other resources. We approach the field of sustainability aggressively, with a philosophy that is grounded in practical experience, cost-effectiveness and constructability. We strive to provide our clients with sustainable design that is progressive, responsible, and not only affordable initially, but ultimately, cost saving over the life of the facility. We understand that sustainability has to fit be integrated within all of the other parameters of a project, and endeavor to optimize the building performance within those parameters.

OZ Architecture has established itself as a leader in sustainable development, having championed environmentally responsible designs well before LEED™ guidelines were in place. Today, the firm is a member of the USGBC, and we have over 30 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff. In addition, we have a Sustainable Design Committee, which provides in house education programs, and sustainability consulting on all of our projects. The committee also promotes sustainable practices in the way our office operates. In addition to encouraging our clients to make environmentally responsible decisions, we strive to maximize our own sustainability. From our use of recycled paper for printing, to pursuing LEED certification for our new office at 29th street, sustainability is a regular part of our office culture.

OZ has a number of sustainable designed projects ranging from energy efficient employee housing designs for the National Parks Service to the LEED silver certified Boulder Community Hospital. Our number of LEED certified projects is rapidly growing. Whether or not your project is specifically seeking a LEED certification we can help you address issues that are critical to sustainability, life cycle costs, and impact on our shared environment.

FEATURED EXAMPLES

Boulder Community Foothills Hospital
City and County of Denver Detention Center
Corporate Express Corporate Headquarters
Department of Transportation
Gateway Environmental Education Center
Grand Canyon South Rim Village Employee Housing
Hulme Residence
Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge Eco-Center
Lincoln Terrace
Monache at Mammoth
National Outdoor Leadership School
Northstar Village Retail
NRRC D Agricultural Research Service Center
Rio Tinto Minerals
Silverthorne Elementary School
Stapleton South Fire Station #26
The Walnut
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Prairie Learning Center
U.S. Forest Service National Design Guidelines
U.S. Geological Survey Ecological Sciences Center
U.S.D.A. Regional Animal & Plant Inspection Building
U.S.D.A. Wildlife Disease Research Building
USDA Arapaho & Roosevelt Pawnee Building
Visual Arts Complex - University of Colorado
Vitamin Cottage Prototype
Yosemite National Park Employee Housing