Why design green? The answer is simple. An increasing number of corporate leaders and public officials have committed their companies and their communities to the principles of sustainability. They are adopting green practices and utilizing green technologies in their facilities and in their public works. At GBA we recognize the importance of promoting facilities that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. As a result, we recently formed GBA FocusGreen. FocusGreen represents our interest in pursuing the principles of sustainability in our designs and in our business.

FocusGreen is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited (LEED AP) team that assists owners in reaching their goals of sustainability. FocusGreen is represented by GBA's LEED AP professionals from each of the major building disciplines: architecture, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

As a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC), FocusGreen designs buildings that cost less for owners to operate, buildings that result in happier employees, with fewer employee sick days, and buildings that are constructed with recycled and recyclable materials. When completed, owners take possession of a facility that is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. GBA's Green Team consists of LEED Accredited architects, structural, mechanical/electrical engineers, providing:

• Green building consulting
• Green building design
• "Greening" existing facilities
• Green communities
• Green land planning
• Design-build green facilities