Sustainable Construction Practices

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The Landing

The Landing

The Landing

Erickson Diversified

Higher Ground St. Paul (HGSP)

Higher Ground St. Paul (HGSP)

Higher Ground St. Paul (HGSP)

Higher Ground St. Paul (HGSP)

Before “sustainability” and “green building” were buzz words, Watson-Forsberg was working on building in a way that was environmentally responsible and also resource-efficient. To this day, environmental stewardship for future generations is an important value at Watson-Forsberg.

While we view sustainable practices as a responsibility, they also provide an opportunity for Watson-Forsberg to distinguish itself in the market.

Our commitment to sustainability has been at the forefront of the construction industry.

Highlights of our experience include:

1980s: Watson-Forsberg partnered with West Bank Housing to super-insulate 207 housing units

1990s: In constructing the headquarters of Erickson Diversified, the design and construction team followed a protocol similar to today’s LEED guidelines.

2000s: LEED certification; geo-thermal heating and cooling systems; solar/alternative energy sources on-site; unique landscape strategies to reduce heat, control storm-water and preserve green spaces; natural rainwater filtration; incorporation of mass-transit, bicycle, and pedestrian paths.

Before seeking to recycle, at Watson-Forsberg we first strive to avoid waste in the first place (through reduced reliance on packaging and new materials) or through material re-use, where appropriate.

At times, however, waste is inevitably created during the construction process. When materials are used, we take pride in meeting and exceeding goals for re-cycling and re-use during construction.

Another important aspect is that we save our clients money in post-construction building operations through efficiencies that regularly exceed energy code requirements – another way we act as stewards of resources even after we are gone.