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Green buildings are harmonious with the environment and the surrounding community
Buildings can have a big impact on the environment.
They generate heat and waste. They absorb, retain,
and radiate the sun's heat (the heat-island effect ).
CNT worked to design a building that makes a positive
contribution to the surrounding community.
1. Building reuse
We reused an existing building in Chicago, rather than constructing a new one and contributing to urban sprawl and waste.
2. Cooling gardens
The native garden we developed in our adjacent lot adds cooling greenery to the community, and soaks up stormwater. Trees shading the building also reduce our cooling costs.
3. Transportation options
Limited parking, as well as bike racks and a shower, encourage visitors and staff to leave their cars at home. People can easily come and go, do errands, or eat lunch by walking or using public transportation.4. Reflective roof
A light-colored surface reflects the sun's heat instead of absorbing it. Less absorbed heat helps cool the overall temperature of the neighborhood, reducing the city's heat-island effect.Did you know...
- CNT provides enough bike storage space for 38% of our staff to safely park a bike at work.
- Trees and other plants can reduce air temperatures in urban areas by up to 5 ° F.
- Buildings in the U.S. account for 30% of our country’s waste output.