Facts and Data = Power of Persuasion

“Prove it!” That’s not an unreasonable request from someone who is spending millions of dollars on a project and wants to know that any time or money invested in sustainable solutions will be well spent. That’s why designers, suppliers, and manufacturers must know their facts, stay sharp, and gather case studies and insights from others in the field.

Here’s how some of our experts use data to make their case and track project success.

"Energy savings data comes from local utilities such as DWP and SCE and through energy modeling of the building design by our MEP engineers. Through multiple iterations where we vary the orientation, fenestration, and materials of our buildings, we find solutions that are affordable and energy-efficient, providing long-term operating savings.”

Richard Berliner, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Berliner Architects

"Obtaining ongoing utility spend data from property owners following project completion. Note that this data provision is voluntary, not mandatory.”

Peter Grabell, Senior Vice President, Dividend Finance Inc.

"Having good, objective data and then making it actionable is crucial. Buildings have a lot of ways to give you data. Many buildings have equipment installed that has the ability to give you data, and you can put things like sensors in, etc. We want to acquire good data then extrapolate keen insights from that data. Oftentimes, the problem is not a lack of data, it's a lack of actionable data. It is hard to bring data into a single user interface where you can create insights and inferences.”

Brad Dockser, CEO and Co-Founder, GreenGen

"We engage on a case-by-case basis. Each project is unique. Since we design and fabricate for the end-user, homes, or boutique hotels, it provides a greater opportunity for us to respond to the project. As it should be.”

Gerald Olesker, CEO, ADG Lighting

"Our data comes from the work we do, providing waste audit data and ongoing waste data via our metrics tracking system. We conduct hundreds of waste audits for businesses around the world each year, and the data we've collected over three decades has given us valuable insight into what businesses worldwide generate and divert from their waste streams. We have found that, on average, 77% of the commercial office trash stream is not trash at all.”

Anna Dengler, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Great Forest

"Our data comes from internal experience, working with consultants dedicated to sustainable design initiatives and staying on top of information and statistics available through green building publications.”

Vince Myers, AIA, LEED AP, President, DIGroup Architecture LLC

"I believe that the most important habit to develop is continuous learning. Even after practicing architecture for over 25 years, I must continue to learn within my discipline-- especially as it pertains to green building. I often enlighten myself through reading, observation, and traveling (pre-pandemic)...When it comes to observation, I think that being able to genuinely understand and perceive your surroundings is an essential skill. Being conscious of everything, from the smallest details to the largest factors, will allow you to have a stronger grasp of reality.”

Keng-Fu Lo, managing director of the Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute

"Mostly online, from trusted resources such as USGBC, and company leaders in the field such as Gensler and Perkins+Will, and the larger companies such as Apple for a broader look at climate change issues. Reports from think tanks and consultancies such as McKinsey, and environmental journalists from noted media companies are other sources.”

Ganesh Nayak, Principal, Metier Inc.

"Our engineering partners supply energy-modeling data as a standard project requirement. Each building design includes extensive performance specifications.”

Jenna Knudsen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Managing Principal, CO Architects

"Many resources of data for green building are now available — from new technologies and materials to operational costs. It can be overwhelming at times to sort through it all. The most important data to build a case for green building, for us, comes from our clients. We work with many repeat clients. Because of that, we have the benefit of knowing their operational needs in occupying a building and their approach to construction costs versus maintenance budgets. This data allows us to make informed decisions on our architecture, as well as bring that shared knowledge to another similar project. Conversing with developers, operators, and contractors — the people on the ground — is the richest source of practical and deployable data.”

Scott Sullivan, AIA, NCARB, Principal, Relativity Architects