Going “Green” Provides Dual Benefits for Organizations and Staff According to Commercial Architects at OTJ

A new report by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) shows the Mid-Atlantic region ranks at the top for LEED design in 2013. Regardless of whether or not an organization pursues LEED Certification, the commercial architects and design professionals at OTJ Architects have seen elements of sustainable office design improve workplace operating efficiency, while also becoming great talking points and morale boosters to share with staff and clients.

The important thing is to align a company’s vision with promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 06, 2014

The skilled professionals at OTJ Architects have seen LEED design, the world’s most widely used “green” building rating system, flourish in the past few years. Sustainable and environmentally friendly workplaces have been adopted across the country by those in both the public and private sectors, but most notably in the Mid-Atlantic region. In a report recently released by the USGBC of its ranking of the Top 10 States for LEED, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, all top the list.

LEED-certified spaces lower operating costs, conserve resources and reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. Another positive result comes in the form of improved productivity and staff morale. These spaces show employees that companies are willing to go the extra mile to provide a more efficient and effective workplace.

“This list reinforces the fact that employers today are truly vested in creating healthier, high-performing office spaces that are more conducive to the environment as well as employees and visitors,” said Lance Jaccard, Partner at OTJ Architects.

According to the report, Maryland ranked second with 119 projects certified in 2013 (2.20 per-capita square footage) and Virginia ranked third with 160 projects certified in 2013 (2.11 per-capita square footage). Washington, DC, was not formally ranked, as it is a federal district, but it had 106 project certified in 2013 (32.45 per-capita square footage).

Headquartered in DC, OTJ is committed to promoting sustainability and cost-effective designs wherever possible to help clients achieve efficient facilities that better serve the environment and their employees. Each studio at OTJ has LEED Accredited Professionals who can guide clients – including American Wind Energy Association, National Parks Conservation Association and Winrock International – through the sustainable design process. OTJ also designed the Global DC showroom and office space that officially achieved LEED-ID+C Retail Silver in 2013, becoming one of only six LEED ID+ C Retail Certified projects in Washington, DC.

Many of OTJ’s sustainable design strategies, such as reusing doors, hardware, lighting fixtures and ceilings when appropriate, arose out of creative ways to address schedule, budget and logistics concerns while minimizing waste. Capitalizing on existing conditions, such as natural light and interesting architectural features, helps to produce a beautiful and energizing space while reducing demolition and streamlining the schedule. Strategies to reuse or adapt existing features of a space often represent significant material and labor cost savings.

“The important thing is to align a company’s vision with promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact,” Jaccard said. “We feel LEED design will only continue to grow as more and more companies are now realizing the benefits that environmentally friendly workplaces provide to their staffs, while also supporting business needs through reduced waste and long-term utility costs.”

Contact OTJ Architects to discuss your architectural needs today.

About OTJ Architects
OTJ Architects is a well-respected national interior architecture design firm that has successfully completed thousands of projects throughout the country. Founded in 1990, OTJ is comprised of five studios headquartered in Washington, DC, with more than 60 architects and designers, many of whom are LEED Accredited Professionals. OTJ is registered in 37 states and is able to consult in all 50 states. The responsive interior architecture consultants create effective environments through listening, understanding and tailored design. These designs focus on helping clients enhance collaboration, company branding and employee recruitment and retention. OTJ’s design teams provide clients with personalized attention to create workplace solutions that reflect their unique, individual needs. For more information visit http://www.otj.com/.