For example, the ceiling height is higher than normal and finishing materials were kept to a minimum. Rather than install acoustical ceiling tiles everywhere, the drop ceiling and tiles were only installed where sound dampening was most needed. Elsewhere, perforated steel roof panels were left exposed with a layer of sound absorbing insulation above it to keep sound from echoing. A similar strategy could be used in operatories to only install acoustical ceiling tiles over the operatories and leave hallways and other areas open to the perforated roof panels.

The lighting along the exterior walls was installed with daylight sensors to dim the lights gradually based upon the amount of sunlight that was coming into the room. This keeps the volume of light steady throughout the day, but on a bright, sunny day, the electrical lights might be almost completely off – greatly reducing the energy usage. Even if this strategy isn’t used in the operatories, this is great in reception areas, consultation rooms, and staff lounges where the quality of the light isn’t quite as critical.

The parking lot was paved with semi-pervious pavers to allow rainwater to pass through and not all run off into the storm sewers. Parking spots were reserved close to the front entrance for those visitors driving alternative fuel vehicles. Both strategies can easily be employed by a dental office wishing to be more environmentally friendly.

Geothermal wells were drilled that direct air 300 feet down into the bedrock to either chill or warm it, depending upon the season, to heat and cool the building. Even in an urban environment this strategy was able to be employed. The building is totally self-contained for its heating and cooling needs, buying no energy from the local utility. Again, when planning a new dental office building, this is an approach that can be taken to save on utility costs for years to come.

My last example, again in the area of not using material where unnecessary, no carpeting or tile was installed in the hallways and other areas of high traffic. Instead, the concrete was stained with an attractive color and pattern. There are many areas in a dental office design that this approach can be employed.

Through these examples hopefully one can see how a dental office can incorporate green design principles and techniques to go beyond just the elimination of mercury from the practice to become more green. As there are more buildings achieving LEED certification all the time, there is probably a LEED building near you that you could tour to get even more ideas for your office. Typically, the owners of buildings that have achieved LEED status like to show them off.

James is a regular lecturer and writer on dental office design, green design, and interior branding and also serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the interior design department at The Art Institute of Indianapolis. With offices in Dallas, Indianapolis, New York, and Wisconsin, James is on the road regularly meeting with clients and speaking with dentists about their design needs. His work has been featured in Building Excellence in Design and Construction, Indianapolis Woman, Metropolis, Metropolitan Home, Home Décor Buyer, Elle Décor, Indianapolis Monthly, Indianapolis Home, Shelter, and The Columbian.

For more information go to: http://www.KusterDental.com

Author: James Kuester
Article Source: EzineArticles.com