Design Firm Turns Earth-friendly Theory into Practice

Boulder Associates Inc., a 50-person architecture and interior design firm specializing in health-care and senior-living facilities, hopes to set new standards for sustainability with its staffing, designs and corporate policies. The firm has taken a three-pronged approach to its sustainabiliy efforts. Sunstainability is the concept in which architectural design supports environmental responsibility through profitability, social proactivity and innovation. Among the company's most recent sustainability efforts:

• In February, Kristi Ennis was named Boulder Associates' first sustainable design director. Ennis - one of six LEED-certified staffers - has completed a semester immersion program in "green" design at the Ecosa Institute. She will be responsible for ensuring that project teams have timely and accurate information about opportunities for energy and resource efficiency and healthy building practices.
• Ennis speaks to clients, design professionals and the general public about the benefits of sustainable design. She is also active with the Colorado chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
• The firm recently completed the country's first LEED-certified health care project, Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, a women's and children's facility designed to provide a nurturing environment for giving birth and recovering from illness.
  Sustainable elements within the hospital include recycled, low-emitting and locally harvested materials, as well as ample day lighting and numerous energy-efficient systems.
  
• Boulder Associates has also committed itself to sustainable business practices. Its two offices have purchased green power from solar and wind sources, supporting the development of clean, renewable energy.
  
• The company recycles everything possible and is dedicated to environmentally preferable purchasing. Whenever possible, teleconferencing and videoconferencing are used rather than travel, and each member of its Boulder staff receives a public transportation pass valid across the Boulder and Denver metro area.

About the Firm

Boulder Associates has offices in Boulder and Sacramento. For more information, go to www.boulderassociates.com.

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