FCA’s Green Office
As we celebrate over 25 years in business, we have expanded to a new office space encompassing the “Green” products and practices that we promote in our design projects as well as in our technical consulting services.
The office at 737 St. Johns Avenue in Highland Park, Illinois features materials chosen not only for their beauty and durability, but also for their sustainable characteristics such as recycled content, Cradle-to-Cradle products, and low energy use. Interior finish products were selected for their ability to promote healthy indoor air quality. Plumbing fixtures all have water saving features and all electrical appliances are Energy Star rated. We made architectural modifications to promote natural light and air circulation throughout the office. In the true spirit of sustainability, the space was designed as efficiently and economically as possible, salvaging as much of the existing space as was prudent.
We are inspired to have a studio space that shows our clients and community our design capabilities while demonstrating how well a “Green” approach works. We are proud to “walk the walk” of sustainable design.
Green Links
City of Chicago: Green Building – Chicago’s Department of Environment provides summaries of and links to sustainable resources online. The site also shares news of some of Chicago’s green initiatives.
Green Building Source – A web site dedicated to sustainable and energy efficient construction, Green Building News, Product Database, Product Gallery, Energy Source Builder Newsletter, and more.
U.S. Department of Energy – A consumer’s guide to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
U.S. Green Building Council – A guide to green building for consumers and professionals.
U.S. Green Building Council (LEED) – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System.
ReGreen – A web site dedicated to a collaborative effort by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC); to develop best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable residential improvement projects. Includes case studies, green product checklists, and public testimonies.
Energy Star: Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency – Homeowner Federal Incentive for Energy Efficiency
Energy Star: Energy Efficiency and Home Improvements – a source of tools to evaluate the efficiency levels of your home and products that can help to increase energy efficiency.
Commonwealth Edison (ComED) – An electricity energy provider committed to helping their customers use less energy so as to create a positive effect on the environment.
U.S. E.P.A.: Environmental Protection – Environmental public record resource including air, water, soil, and industrial studies. Also includes sections on environmental law and regulations.
U.S. E.P.A.: Green Building – Explaining the sustainable approach toward Green Building
Green Tools
DSIRE® – A database of incentives for use of renewable materials and energy efficiency, including federal, state, and local initiatives.
Commonwealth Edison (ComED) Home Savings – Includes energy analyzer, tips and guides, home makeovers, programs and incentives, and other resources.
U.S. Department of Energy
Consumer Energy Tax Incentives
Tax Breaks for Businesses, Utilities, and Governments
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits
Energy Calculators and Software for the Home