Sustainability

Philosophy

Environmentally responsive design is a process of making informed choices to create healthy, comfortable buildings that are in harmony with the environment and ourselves. Utilizing a sustainable design philosophy encourages decisions at each phase of the design process that will reduce negative impacts on the environment and the health of the occupants, without compromising the bottom line. Such an integrated approach positively influences all phases of a building’s life-cycle, including design, construction, and operation.

Charles Cunniffe Architects is dedicated to a humanistic, socially responsible and technologically sophisticated vision of design. Every project, whether residential, commercial, municipal or a resort, is thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on reduced energy consumption, project footprint and sustainability.

By designing structures with the environmentally friendly building materials accessible in today’s market, green building is not only essential to our environment but is easily attainable. The result is an optimal balance of cost, environmental and societal benefits, while meeting the mission and function of the intended facility. Building design through environmental response, functionalism, cost effectiveness and a commitment to LEED have remained critical issues in developing sustainable buildings. Charles Cunniffe Architects brings this commitment to your project.

Green Office Methods

With a historic office in downtown Aspen, we do our best to reduce our consumption and carbon footprint.  CCA’s Green Office Methods include: Free bus passes, shared office car and bike to encourage bus and carpooling; Recycled paper used for all stationery, copy paper, envelopes, brochures, business cards; Stationery package printed with soy-based inks; Recycled toilet paper and paper towels; Rigorous office-wide recycling and composting program; Energy Star printers; New and efficient furnaces and boilers; On-demand water faucet and dual flush toilet; Donation and recycling program for office equipment; “Green” cleaning supplies; Passive ventilation, etc.

Recent Recognized Sustainably Designed Projects:
  • Elk Peak Ranch – LEED Gold for Homes
  • Aspen Police Department – LEED Gold
  • APD Affordable Housing – LEED Gold
  • Aspen Park, designed to achieve LEED For Homes
  • Aspen City Hall designed to achieve LEED Gold