Green Design Practices

Butler, Fairman, and Seufert is dedicated to providing sustainable design practices for its clients. In addition to the many “green” design practices that the company already provides, we have a Green Council with a member from each department to research new techniques. Below is a list of current applications.

HYDROLOGY

  • Use of Rain Gardens and Infiltration Swales to Treat Water Runoff
  • Use of Permeable Pavements (reduce flooding, groundwater recharge)
  • Stream Restoration/Mitigation (less silt in waterways)
  • Avoidance of Existing Wetlands; Design of Constructed or Expanded Wetlands
  • 3 Sided Structures
  • Detention Basins With Vegetated Edges
  • Use of Weathering Steel to Avoid Paint Pollutants

SOILS
  • Limited Disturbance of Existing Vegetation
  • Use of “High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats” instead of Riprap
  • Phase I, II, and III Hazardous Materials Studies and Safety Plans
  • Conduct MS4 Reviews For Municipalities

VEGETATION
  • Use of Native Plant Species (less watering, less invasive, less soil amendment)
  • Retaining Walls to Avoid Woodland Areas

MATERIALS AND ENERGY
  • Use of Reflective Pavements to Minimize Urban Heat Island
  • Use of Recycled Plastics in Site Furnishings and Parking Stops
  • Use of Recycled Wood Composites for Park Deck Systems
  • Specification of Local Products (Reduction of Energy During Shipping)
  • Helped to Facilitate the Design of an All Electric (alternative fuel) Canal Boat and Boat House for a Historic Transportation Museum
  • Use of Biomass and Biogas to Reduce Energy for Waste Water Plant
  • Use of Bigger Pipes in Force Main Design Reduces the Need for Larger Motors
  • Use of Solar Powered Flashing Lights on Signage
  • Use of Sacrificial Anodes to Extend the Life of Existing Bridge Reinforcing Steel
  • Use of High Performance Concrete and High Strength Steel to Save Materials
  • Will Recommend Bridge Rehabilitation Instead of Replacement Where Warranted
  • Use of Non-Jointed Bridges to Save Materials and Maintenance

HUMAN WELL-BEING
  • Use of Bicycle Racks (promotes alternative forms of transportation)
  • Department Dedicated to the Design of Greenways and Trails Since 1994
  • Park Design (promotes activity, promotes socialization, promotes mental health)
  • Noise Analysis for Noise Abatement
  • Historic Preservation and Mitigation, Recommend Re-using Historic Bridges
  • Endangered Species Protection Through Avoidance and Mitigation
  • Brochures to Educate Local Businesses On How to Reduce Storm Water Pollutants
  • Streetscapes (creates aesthetic urban environment)
  • Turned a Rehabilitated Historic Bridge into an Urban Plaza


Company Adopted Business Practices

  • Evolution of Paperless Project Files
  • Paper Recycling
  • Aluminum Can Recycling
  • Use of Digital Cameras with Rechargeable Batteries vs. Film Cameras
  • Reuse of Cups and Bowls vs. Paper cups and Styrofoam
  • Adjacent to the Monon Trail; Encourages Employees to Bike to Work, Walk to Shopping, Walk to Lunch
  • Adjacent to the YMCA and Corporate Discounts Encourage Physical Activity and Fitness

Click below to review key contact personnel.


Key Contacts