ICON architect Mike Kuntz made clear the meaning of ‘Going Green’ in a presentation to real estate brokers at the Urban Plains Center early Tuesday morning. Contrary to popular belief ‘Going Green’ does not mean that John Deere is taking over the development, rather it describes a movement towards sustainability and conservation of resources.
The Urban Plains development is familiar with terms like geothermal heating and sustainability, however there are even more items within the designs that contribute to its green state. The Urban Plains Center is utilizing natural light sources to minimize the amount of energy used during the day. The Center has also installed recycled seating and counter spaces throughout the building which supports the intent to ‘Go Green’. Water conservation is one of the most important aspects that ICON has incorporated into the architectural design. The Urban Plains Center is the first project in North Dakota to utilize waterless urinals. This element on its own will save two million gallons of water per year.
Another element that Urban Plains already has in place is that of the pond. Located within Brandt Park in the center of the development, the pond takes in 2/3 of the water that accumulates on the three hundred acre property. The water is recycled by being naturally filtered and aerated before being collected in the pond. This recycling process occurs twice a month and ensures that the water in the pond is approved for recreation.
The water runoff from the pond and the acreage around it can also be controlled. The rate at which it is ultimately deposited into the river can be slowed to nothing. This option is helpful during times of flooding when the river crests are high and dikes are being exhausted.
When terms like ‘Going Green’ and geothermal heating are concerned, potential buyers tend to shy away thinking that it will be costly. Kuntz says otherwise. He explains that while the initial cost to build may be pricey, the advantages of having a sustainable building are well worth it. A building that costs sixty thousand dollars to build would require around ten thousand dollars a year to heat with natural gas. Take that same building and equip it with geothermal heating technology and it will pay for itself within four years. After the initial four years the building will be heated and cooled essentially for free. Because of the technology available to designers and builders it is now possible to upkeep a building for minimal costs. Now is the time to ‘Go Green’: it is easy, it is responsible and it is thought provoking. Challenge your designers and engineers and Go Green with us at Urban Plains.
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