At MVE, we view sustainability as a return to the building blocks of design. We look at every project as an opportunity to go back to the basics to create the highest quality, most advanced sustainable solutions for our clients and the community.
A transit-oriented development (TOD) is a mixed-use residential and/or commercial project designed to maximize access to mass public transportation, which reduces environmental impacts associated with sprawl, and dependence on the automobile.
The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating Systems provide an independent, third-party, measurement of the sustainable performance of building projects. Projects are eligible for four certification levels (certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) based on performance in the following five categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Materials & Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality.
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools criteria provides an independent, third-party, system to measure the sustainable performance of K-12 modernization and new construction projects. Projects can elect self-certification using the CHPS Designed path, or pursue the CHPS Verified option which provides a rigorous third-party verification of project performance.
The Green Point Rated system, administered by Build It Green, is an independent, third-party, system that measures the sustainable performance of single and multi-family residential projects. Projects are evaluated and inspected by independent, certified, third-party raters who evaluate and provide verification of a project's sustainable performance.
Urban infill projects serve to breathe new life into existing urban areas by creating new community hubs and focal points that integrate multi-family housing, retail, and commercial functions into existing developed areas. By taking advantage of existing, developed sites, urban sprawl and the need for new and expanded infrastructure is reduced.
Sustainable planning projects embody multiple principles to create more sustainable, liveable communities. These principles include: compact, pedestrian friendly design; incorporation of mixed-use facilities; encourage diversity of socio-economic classes by providing a variety of housing types; development of vibrant public spaces; provision of multiple transportation options, and design of sustainable landscape systems.
Walkability is the cornerstone and key to an urban area's efficient ground transportation network. Walking remains the most economical form of transport for all people, and the construction of a walkable community provides the most affordable transportation system any community can plan, design, construct and maintain. Walkable communities also relieve stress on local infrastructure, as well as, significantly reduce many environmental impacts.
Adaptive reuse repurposes existing building stock for new functions and uses. This type of development minimizes impacts on landfill associated with demolition and reduces the demand for virgin materials for building shell construction. Adaptive reuse often works hand in hand with urban infill and redevelopment work.