Sustainable Design Strategies

Energy efficiency starts with an air-tight and well insulated envelope. Guidon ensured this through a combination of spray foam and batt insulation. These +R19 walls introduce continuous insulation that seals the perimeter and keep costs low.

Our designers evaluated energy models early-on to select an HVAC systems. A key goal of the project was a very low 28 EUI (energy use intensity) goal. An air cooled Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system was selected, balancing efficiency with first cost. This highly efficient system paired with an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) works to reuse all available heating/cooling in the building. Our office building performs 85% better than an average office building and 50% above ASHARE 90.1 2010.

We found financial opportunity by rejuvenating a building that had been abandoned for 40 years. Original building elements such as structure and walls were saved and reused to preserve raw materials. Over 50% of the original exterior building surface (exterior brick) was reused. Over 75% of the existing structure was reused and the original 1962 terrazzo stair was restored at a fraction of the cost of a new stair.

All the materials in the building were carefully selected based on the amount of recycled content, regional content, availability of a product life-cycle analysis, availability of a health product declaration, and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The design demonstrates how to make the most of a challenging project. Early in the design, daylighting was identified as a key project goal. A lightwell with a vegetated roof turned the ugliest portion of the building into the area with the best light and views. Solatubes (high tech skylights) were used to provide daylight in interior offices. Each of these steps is paired with daylight sensors and dimming to harvest daylight and reduce the overall electric use in the building.

The Guidon staff took close study of the opportunities presented at the site. These included maximizing park-like views of the President Benjamin Harrison Site’s lawn. Additionally, the litewell provided building occupants an opportunity to directly engage with nature and invites people to step outside and take a breath of fresh air.

Biophilic Design was integrated into the design by connecting users to the community through place. Each meeting space is named after a different neighborhood in Indianapolis. These create gathering points that celebrate our urban culture.

We support our employees in an active lifestyle by providing shower and changing rooms. Employees can freshen up after biking to work or after a midday exercise break. The building is located with close proximity to local amenities including the cultural trail and canal walk.

Water reduction is good design. As such Guidon ensured that our building has ultra-low flow toilets (1.1 gpf), faucet aerators (0.35 gpm), and shower heads (1.5 gpm). That results in a total savings of nearly 52,000 gallons per year.

The products used in the building are carefully selected and monitored to ensure the best possible indoor environment for building occupants. Adhesives, sealants, paints and interior finishes have low or low to no emitted chemicals improves the indoor air quality and reduces occupant irritation and allergies. Over 75% of these products meet strict regulatory requirements.

At Guidon, we walk the-walk by recycling significantly more than we throw away. This includes composting food waste, recycling, and quarterly durable electronic recycling drives to properly recycle products.

We provided bicycle storage both inside and outside the building. Providing secure bicycle storage encourages our employees to incorporate alternative transportation options into their personal lifestyle.

A key project goal was to reduce the overall energy use of the building. This is significantly improved with the inclusion of renewable energy through photovoltaic panels. Our photovoltaic system includes 92 panels that provides 32 kW of power. This provides 40% of the buildings projected energy use.

An electric vehicle charging station is available to charge an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles have zero emissions and do not rely on fossil fuels to keep us moving.