Green Design

I have written before about the green aspects of terrazzo floors. Today I am going to expand on this critically important topic. In all aspects of home maintenance, repair and design we must all be thinking green. Terrazzo floors, when restored by Colonial Floor Care’s no toxic chemicals method, are an important part of your green home.

In The New York Times on Thursday, August 20,2009, and article was published entitled “Architects Return to Class As Green Design Advances”. The article notes that:

It seems like only yesterday that environmentally conscious building practices began making thier way into the architectural profession.

How times have changed.

This year, the American Institute of Architects implemented a policy of requiring all members to take four hours of continuing education courses in sustainable design every year.

The requirement, which extends through 2012, represents a response to a rapidly changing field and a recognition that architects must continue to refresh their knowledge of sustainable construction methods and building materials.

“This should be part of what an architect knows about” said Frederick M. Bel, the executive director of the New York chapter of The American Institue of Architects. “Education doesn’t stop at achitecture school. How do you ensure people stay abreast of changes in the profession?”

On its Web site, the A.I.A. explains the thinking behind the new continuing education requirement. “The issue of climate change and the impact of buildings on carbon emissions created a new expectation among clients and the public to look to the expertise of architects for solutions that can help them leave a greener footprint.” It says, ” The A.I.A. is responding to this growing demand for our members to assume greater leadership in addressing the challenges facing our planet.”

Wheras archtects typically walk away from their projects after they are completed, perhaps visiting occassionally- now there is more emphasis on following the life of a building after it is occupied, studying how tenants use the structure and how its sustainable aspects hold up over time.

The article notes that “Private developers, leasing agents, they’re beginning to understand that a highly sustainable building is good business and could be used to attract tenants.”

Remember that green is a good investment- restoring your terrazzo floors helps the environment and increases the value of your home. Call us at Colonial Floor Care for a free estimate today at 954-566-4555, or visit our website.