About Us - Sustainability

Sustainable design is a core value at Vanderweil Engineers. We recognize the global imperative presented by greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural resources, and the critical role that engineers play towards a solution to these challenges and prosperous future for all.

We believe that high performance green buildings result from proper application of engineering fundamentals combined with innovation and an effective delivery process. Our approach is characterized by:

AIA 2030 Commitment: Vanderweil is one of the first MEP firms to sign the AIA 2030 Challenge and Commitment. In keeping with our sustainable design priority, we recognize that a collaborative effort with architects is required for successful sustainable building design.
Integrated design standards: A baseline series of proven sustainable strategies are uniformly incorporated that create value for all projects and serve as a foundation for those seeking exceptional levels of performance.
Modeling expertise: An array of performance simulation tools are used to model energy, fluid, and thermal behavior and to account for greenhouse gas emissions for stakeholder reporting.
Technology: Our work represents a complete portfolio of systems that utilize both natural resources and advanced green technologies. This includes chilled beams, radiant cooling, active double facades, reclaimed water systems, vegetated roofs, displacement and natural ventilation, geothermal and renewable energy systems, and a wide range of system controls.
Rating systems: Vanderweil has completed over fifty LEED-certified projects and is currently working on over eighty projects to be registered for future LEED certification. Our work includes Energy Star, Green Globes, Labs 21, and Green Guide for Health Care projects.
Performance optimization: We lead our clients through commissioning, retro-commissioning, auditing, and benchmarking activities as proven strategies for optimizing building performance and informing design.
BIM Delivery: Revit/BIM technology and processes represent the future of our industry and building integration. We actively use Revit to design our projects and support collaboration and innovation in this area.
Learning: Buildings are dynamic. Actual operation and use vary widely, yet directly impact energy used, water consumed and greenhouse gasses emitted. Vanderweil is committed to learn from our operational buildings to inform our analyses and designs for continuous improvement.

For more information about Vanderweil’s Sustainable Design & Performance Practice, click here.