Sustainable Design

When Sustainability Matters, Our Architecture Firm Exceeds Expectations

Sustainable design reduces energy loss, capital and operation costs, and the emission of greenhouse gasses, and lowers fuel consumption.

Developers who invest in energy-efficient architecture see savings on heating and cooling, electricity, and appliances, plus lowered maintenance requirements and enhanced property value.

Our sustainable design team meets a growing demand for more energy-efficient homes and offices by identifying and improving clients’ Home Energy Rating Score (HERS) through testing, analysis, and planning. We also help clients develop and implement the requirements for ENERGY STAR® and LEED certification.

NSPJ Architects Design Buildings That Earn Sustainable Design Certifications

As part of our commitment to the growth and longevity of the communities we serve, our experienced commercial and residential architects near you design with energy efficiency in mind and pursue certification to fulfill our clients’ desires. Start an energy-efficient home or commercial architecture project with our architecture firm.

NSPJ is certified in HERS index score testing. We use a two-part solution to help our clients achieve optimal energy efficiency and a lower HERS score.

The first environmental efficiency test is a visual inspection conducted during the rough stage of construction, after insulation is in place and prior to any drywall installation. This allows us to ensure that the proper insulation rating (R factor) has been installed in your ceilings and walls.


The second stage of environmental efficiency testing is conducted at project completion. During this testing, we use specialized tools to determine the amount of air leakage in the building and ductwork.

Our software produces the HERS score after testing is complete. The score allows us to make precise recommendations to improve energy efficiency.

Some Kansas and Missouri municipalities require a certain HERS score before issuing a residential building permit. NSPJ Architects can work with builders and contractors to meet local building permit requirements and identify rebates associated with energy-efficient improvements.

NSPJ Energy Services can recommend the most effective upgrades to increase a building’s thermal performance. Our knowledge and approach maximizes your return on investment while maintaining a simplified construction process.

NSPJ is ENERGY STAR® certified. ENERGY STAR® certified buildings must meet strict federal standards set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

NSPJ Architects help our clients achieve ENERGY STAR® certification through the use of greener development processes, ENERGY STAR® appliances, and other approaches to reduce the overall carbon footprint.

Achieving ENERGY STAR® certification for a home or business involves more than reducing your HERS index score. We can customize solutions to help achieve your energy efficiency goals.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental design is the most widely-used green building rating system in the world for nearly every building type. Individual residential and commercial architects on our team have earned LEED credentials.

LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings and is a globally-recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. Being “built to LEED” or “LEED equivalency” is never a substitute for true LEED certification.

For homeowners, a home energy audit can reduce utility bills, provide a more comfortable living space, and increase marketability for resale.

Depending on the city and state, homeowners may also qualify for federal and state tax credits and local utility rebates. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency provides information on the credits available in each state and how to obtain them. Most often, a certified home audit will be the first step. Our architecture firm can help in the process.

Talk to NSPJ’s Sustainable Design Team

For more information about architectural energy efficiency or to schedule a consultation, contact NSPJ today. 

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