SKD: Green

We may not be greenhorns, but we sure can be green.  Well...maybe a green hue of  a different color value...more like "Platinum Green."

SKD is proud to announce that our project, "The Sustainable House" for Live Green, Live Smart™, has attained the first LEED Platinum certification for a residential remodel in the nation.

From a statement given by Live Green, Live Smart™:

"The Sustainable House received LEED Platinum certification for the ambitious remodeling of a 1948 rambler, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota.    According to Live Green, Live Smart™ founder and CEO, Peter Lytle 'This is not only the first LEED for Homes™ Platinum Certification for a home remodel – it is also the first LEED Platinum Certified home in any class in Minnesota.'

The house and landscape underwent major alterations focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, habitat protection, resource efficiency and healthy occupancy.  The landscape was restored more nearly pre-development condition, materials from the existing home were recycled into the remodel or another building, and renewable energy systems utilizing solar, geothermal, wind and innovative co-generation make the home close to zero-emission."

Looking at the rest of our site, you may have noticed that SKD has specialized in upper bracket architectural projects, both residential and commercial. Well, as with most service providers, we respond to our clients’ goals--with our own flair and expertise. This has meant that sustainability may not have been at the top of their priority list. But, as a company with 30 years of design and building experience, we include some methods and materials that contribute to sustainable architecture in all projects without drawing much attention to the fact that we were doing it.

Now, as our clients‘ collective awareness of “green” practices, products and technology continues to increase and move into the mainstream of our lives, it becomes easier for us to integrate them into our custom, highly detailed projects. SKD’s sensitivity to conserving our resources, concern for indoor air quality, knowledge of sustainable materials and technologies, and our look at durability and life cycle costing helps us all to better evaluate our choices and live a heathier life. We know this will become the normal way to design and build. We are just getting there sooner.

This is a movement--culturally, politically, and environmentally. To use a throwback term, client meetings can also count as “green” consciousness-raising sessions.

As demonstrated by our participation in the LEED® pilot residential renovation project “The Sustainable House” by Live Green, Live SmartTM, we at SKD can also undertake affordable rehabilitations of older homes or design for new green construction. We are well-versed in the construction of these homes. Our eyes aren’t fresh, we aren’t re-learning the methods of yore, but looking to old and new ways to be more efficient in construction. As such, we’ve got the experience to know how “green” can be implemented into the older homes to maximize their durability and sustainability, while minimizing their impact on the environment.

Referring to both the houses and ourselves, we’re old dogs...and we’re showing off our new tricks.

For photos, construction diary, resources, and other information specific to
The Sustainable House, please go to www.livegreenlivesmart.org.