Sustainability

Central to JDD Studio’s practice is a respect for and defense of the natural environment. We recognize that the decisions we make in how we build today will impact future generations. We work with our clients and industry leaders to design projects which are at once highly sustainable, functional, cost effective, and beautiful. The following are examples from some of our projects illustrating sustainable practices we regularly employ.

Green Roofs JDD has used vegetative roofs in our projects for nearly two decades on building roofs and as public plazas over underground structures. Green roofs substantially improve stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, reduce urban heat island effect, improve air quality, increase building insulation and mechanical system efficiency, and promote natural habitats. — **Green Roofs**
JDD has used vegetative roofs in our projects for nearly two decades on building roofs and as public plazas over underground structures. Green roofs substantially improve stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, reduce urban heat island effect, improve air quality, increase building insulation and mechanical system efficiency, and promote natural habitats.

Rain Gardens Similar to green roofs, rain gardens greatly reduce stormwater runoff, naturally filter pollutants, and promote natural habitat, all critically important in urban environments. We have employed rain gardens on both commercial and reside… — **Rain Gardens**
Similar to green roofs, rain gardens greatly reduce stormwater runoff, naturally filter pollutants, and promote natural habitat, all critically important in urban environments. We have employed rain gardens on both commercial and residential projects, often directing 100% of the rainwater from roofs to rain gardens for relatively modest effort and cost.

Stormwater Reuse The 28,000 gallon stormwater reuse system at Westminster Presbyterian Church collects rainwater for irrigation, a fountain, and for flushing interior plumbing fixtures. A first of its kind installation in Minneapolis, this system re… — **Stormwater Reuse**
The 28,000 gallon stormwater reuse system at Westminster Presbyterian Church collects rainwater for irrigation, a fountain, and for flushing interior plumbing fixtures. A first of its kind installation in Minneapolis, this system re-uses over 123,000 gallons of water annually, greatly reducing stormwater runoff, pollutants, and demand for potable water.

Pervious Sites Whether accomplished with landscape plantings, permeable paving, rain gardens, or a combination of these, creating highly pervious sites is critical to water resource management. This is especially true in urban environments. In the e… — **Pervious Sites**
Whether accomplished with landscape plantings, permeable paving, rain gardens, or a combination of these, creating highly pervious sites is critical to water resource management. This is especially true in urban environments. In the example above, JDD’s design inverted the previously existing impervious site to be one almost completely pervious.

Building Envelope Modeling JDD uses computer modeling to help us design highly energy efficient building envelopes. We use best in practice building details, material research, and thermal performance modeling of the building envelope to inform our … — **Building Envelope Modeling**
JDD uses computer modeling to help us design highly energy efficient building envelopes. We use best in practice building details, material research, and thermal performance modeling of the building envelope to inform our designs as they are being developed.

Energy Performance Modeling Building energy performance modeling informs the design of mechanical and electrical systems, lighting, and building infrastructure to optimize energy efficiency. Energy modeling also allows us to identify utility rebates… — **Energy Performance Modeling**
Building energy performance modeling informs the design of mechanical and electrical systems, lighting, and building infrastructure to optimize energy efficiency. Energy modeling also allows us to identify utility rebates and calculate anticipated energy usage and costs.

Open Space Outdoor spaces can serve programmatic needs while invigorating the human experience surrounding buildings. They may introduce plantings, landscaping, site amenities such as seating and art. They reduce heat island effect while also helpin… — **Open Space**
Outdoor spaces can serve programmatic needs while invigorating the human experience surrounding buildings. They may introduce plantings, landscaping, site amenities such as seating and art. They reduce heat island effect while also helping manage stormwater.

Habitat Native and adaptive plantings are used in our projects to attract and support birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. These plantings also naturally filter and help to manage stormwater runoff. These plantings require far less maintena… — **Habitat**
Native and adaptive plantings are used in our projects to attract and support birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. These plantings also naturally filter and help to manage stormwater runoff. These plantings require far less maintenance than non-native plantings.

Materials and Resources Life cycle assessment of building materials, use of regional and certified materials, reuse of on-site soils, construction and demolition waste management, and high quality, lasting construction are all critical sustainable p… — **Materials and Resources**
Life cycle assessment of building materials, use of regional and certified materials, reuse of on-site soils, construction and demolition waste management, and high quality, lasting construction are all critical sustainable practices we pursue in all of our projects.

Indoor Environmental Quality Good air quality, use of low-emitting materials, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort are some of the ways we design to create healthier indoo… — **Indoor Environmental Quality**
Good air quality, use of low-emitting materials, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort are some of the ways we design to create healthier indoor environments.

Innovation One example of our approach to sustainability through innovative design are first of their kind long span concrete trusses. Durable and lasting, we designed these to greatly reduce construction time, energy, material, and waste, while low… — **Innovation**
One example of our approach to sustainability through innovative design are first of their kind long span concrete trusses. Durable and lasting, we designed these to greatly reduce construction time, energy, material, and waste, while lowering cost and optimizing floor area.

Alternative Transportation Indoor and outdoor bicycle racks, bicycle repair stations, showers for cycling commuters, electric car charging stations, priority carpool parking, and welcoming entries facing public transportation are some of the ways JD… — **Alternative Transportation**
Indoor and outdoor bicycle racks, bicycle repair stations, showers for cycling commuters, electric car charging stations, priority carpool parking, and welcoming entries facing public transportation are some of the ways JDD promotes alternative transportation.