Sustainability Statement

For Our Clients

Great Lakes Design Collaborative believes in designing spaces which maximize our impact on the marketplace, while minimizing our impact on the environment. As a proud member of the USGBC, we are committed to helping our clients understand both the costs and rewards associated with "going green."

Green design is about return on investment. Green materials can actually be less expensive than their conventional counterparts. Newer electrical and HVAC systems are more efficient and therefore less costly to operate. In addition, green buildings and sites provide a more attractive space for both employees and clients. In turn, productivity can be signifigantly increased.

The average premium for building green is a mere 1 to 2 percent, and average payback is only 12 to 24 months. Green buildings can save 30 to 50 percent in energy, save 40 percent of water consumption, reduce carbon emissions by 35 percent and reduce solid waste by 70 percent. In addition, green buildings minimize the impact on finite global resources. To acheive these aims, we utilize the following ideals:

Use of low impact materials whenever possible. Low impact materials are components which are more sustainably produced, recycled, and/or less toxic in nature. In addition, we search for materials that are locally produced, renewable in nature and recyclable after use.
Maximize energy efficiency. Use systems that run cleaner and take less energy to operate.
Maximize indoor air and environmental quality while minimizing the harm on the greater environment.
Using materials that are longer lasting, thereby reducing replacement costs and impacts associated with prodution of replacements.

From material selection to innovative construction and design methods, Great Lakes Design Collaborative can aid a client in creating a better building, a more efficient and less costly space, and a healthier, longer lasting store. Through our membership in the USGBC, and with our LEED AP staff, we are able to streamline and coordinate the LEED certification process for clients who choose to pursue this course.

For Our Planet

Great Lakes Design Collaborative is committed to doing everything it can to reduce its impact on the earth. We are a near zero waste company, and our goal is to become completely zero waste. We have a carbon neutral goal by 2019. As a step toward that goal, this website's carbon footprint is offset by a program through Greenscroll. We are proud members of Entrepreneurs for Sustainability and are doing all we can to make Cleveland a Green City on a Blue Lake. We collaborate with other companies who maintain their own sustainability goals.