Wednesday, October 31, 2012

New Architectural Concept Revolves Around ‘Sustainable Design’ to Aid Environment




GEICO Parking Garage, Downtown Orlando, FL
ORLANDO, FL – For most people, the environmental impact of buildings is startling. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in the United States, commercial and residential buildings consume close to 40% of our total energy, 70% of our electricity, 40% of our raw materials, and 12% of fresh water supplies.

That observation comes from C.T. Hsu + Associates, P.A. of Orlando


They also account for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions and generate 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste.

 In the recent past, architects and engineers have designed buildings with an increased awareness of these environmental concerns. These efforts have grown into a field within the building design community called sustainable design.

Designing a sustainable building requires close cooperation between the design team, the architects, the engineers, and the client throughout all stages of a project.

Although new technologies are emerging to complement current practices in creating more sustainable structures, the common objective is to design buildings to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by efficiently using energy, water, and other resources; protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity; and reducing waste, pollution, and environmental degradation.  

Osceola High School, Osceola, FL
 In June 2012, C.T. Hsu + Associates (CTH+A) was recognized by The International Parking Institute (IPI) with the Award of Excellence in Architectural Achievement for the Geico Garage in downtown Orlando. Along with the neighboring Amway Center, the Geico Parking Garage has become part of the southern gateway to downtown Orlando from Interstate 4 due to its magnitude, presence, and function.

Kristine Kurek Melanson
CTH+A has been working with the School District of Osceola County (SDOC) since 2003 on this $24,000,000, multi-year, multi-phased renovation and expansion project for Osceola High School, which is the one of eight high schools in Osceola County.   Osceola High School serves nearly 2,400 students and provides over 2,350 student stations. It is known as the Home of the Kowboys, and as the home of the distinguished "Double AA Scholar's Program".

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Kristine Kurek Melanson,
Senior Marketing Manager

C.T. Hsu + Associates, P.A.
820 Irma Avenue ·
Orlando, FL 32803 ·
407 423 0098 ·
 Fax 407 423 4793


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