TPGreen part of revolution to change the way we build.

To discuss sustainable design with any of its practitioners is to hear one word mentioned above all others--education:

Educating co-workers on the latest products and processes, educating contractors on responsible demolition and recycling procedures, educating clients on the wide array of ecologically responsible design options available to help them realize their vision.

Architects committed to the practice of green design understand that education is the first step toward a 100% LEED[R] Certified, environmentally friendly built environment--a goal they see not as a luxury, but a necessity. Grasping the opportunity to establish a "Green Team" within the TPG practice, firm Principal Michael Hayes, and Project Architect Sharon Small spearheaded the formation of TPGreen.

Conceived to "develop an informal architectural team that promotes the philosophies, concepts, and practices of environmentally sustainable design and architecture," TPGreen conducts bi-monthly in-house meetings to educate their peers on sustainable design strategy, investigate methods of improving internal efficiency, and even host topical movie screenings.

Beyond supporting ecologically responsible design solutions for TPG clients, TPGreen reciprocates by applying the same precepts and practices to their own work environment, constantly evaluating and seeking to improve company policies. With a membership of like-minded individuals spanning all disciplines within the practice TPGreen is working to increase LEED[R] accreditation among firm staff and for TPG projects.

According to TPGreen founding members Hayes and Small, true green design requires a "holistic" rethinking of the design and construction process--every step must be analyzed for its potential impact on the environment, from demolition, to the specification of interior finishes, to a project's long-term energy efficiency.

Even architects themselves must re-examine the day to day procedures of their practice, endeavoring, for example, to limit the amount of paper wasted in the creation of construction documents.

It is this sensitivity to personal responsibility that led TPGreen to encourage the use of recycled materials and programmable lighting during the design and construction of TPG's new office.

Often, clients express a desire to create a "green" environment, but worry that the cost will be prohibitive.

Small believes that green designers can do a lot to assuage these concerns, educating their clientele on the long term financial benefits of building and maintaining a "healthy workplace"--reduced employee fatigue and illness, and increased productivity are quantifiable results that will continue to pay off over time.

In addition to the immediate health benefits, properly operated and maintained green building projects can garner up to a 20% annual energy savings for their tenants.

Further, Small believes that specifying environmentally responsible products and finishes is becoming easier, as manufacturers respond to growing demand from the design community for products that don't deplete or irreparably damage natural resources. She encourages designers to ask product sales reps about environmentally friendly options, and inquire about the sustainability of their building materials.

Hayes, Small and TPGreen see themselves as part of the groundwork being laid for a total paradigm shift within the industry--a shift that will revolutionize the way we think about our present and future built environment.