Zero Envy was founded to fill a void in the space that lies between building owners, developers, architects, engineers, energy utilities and regulatory agencies. It’s clear that we’re all moving in a direction where the built environment must provide more to users, while consuming so much less. The problem is balancing the priorities of all of these stakeholders while still delivering a product that maintains its original value.
If it’s not clear yet, let’s look at an example…
We all know that energy efficiency is a good investment – not just environmentally, but economically. However, this is only true if it’s done right, with proper planning and consideration of return-on-investment. For example, designing a building using the business-as-usual model and then trying to throw an energy model together because the building department rejected your permit application. This will likely result in hasty last-minute decisions made to get the energy model to comply in whatever way possible. A better way to ensure the project’s money is well spent is to integrate energy modeling into the decision making process from the get-go. Include someone (ahem, that’s us) who can help the team understand the building department’s energy compliance requirements, help analyze and recommend design strategies that improve energy performance AND save the owner money.
“What’s another example?”, you ask…
You decided (or someone did) that a design-build delivery method was the most appropriate for your upcoming project. You also decided the project should be LEED-certified (or pursuing some other sustainability or energy target). You want to on-board your contractor or subcontractors, but you want to provide them with a preliminary set of design documents to get a tighter set of bids. You need to understand what systems and strategies are required for the project in order to meet the adopted goals, and work with the architect to make sure the building design can accommodate them. Our team can help identify sustainability targets, analyze different building systems and provide their impacts, and develop a basis of design that can be part of RFP documents for future partners.
Those are just a couple examples of how we can fit into your team to help your project be as successful as possible. There are a million other ways we can provide added value. Let us know what your needs are, and we’re happy to map out a strategy for you. Just ask!