WSP Q&A: Josh Radoff  

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Q: The company indirectly works in some biophilic design aspects into the projects, what are some examples of ways you have done this?

 

A: In some of their sustainable green building projects, WSP has incorporated biophilic design in to their projects using green roofs, solar panels, green walls and water features, as well as incorporating daylighting and the use of natural light in buildings to reduce energy consumption and cost. On the ground floor of the Colorado Health Foundation Headquarters, they incorporated a large water feature which uses rainwater collected on the roof of the building to create a tranquil and peaceful environment. This building also provides access to outdoor spaces providing a more enjoyable and work environment for employees. Learn more here.

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Q: What are some current approaches WSP is taking to better sustainable building?

 

A: Some current approaches WSP is taking to better sustainable building includes meeting LEED Gold and Well Gold certifications by designing features to support the certification principles. An example of a unique feature WSP used for a project was tunable LED lighting systems controlled to change color temperature in certain spaces to mimic daylight and help regulate the circadian rhythm of the occupants. Another current approach example is air quality monitors they installed to ensure a healthy indoor environment. WSP would also incorporate heat pumps into a project for efficient heating and cooling. In some buildings, the company integrated the design of outdoor spaces to provide occupants options for outdoor engagement which can improve human physical and mental health.

In an interview with Vice President of WSP, Josh Radoff talked about a project the company worked on in south Florida for storm water control. The project is designed to capture 65% of the average annual storm water runoff in the basin. The ultimate goal of the project is to improve water quality and reduce the flow being released so that damage to the ecosystem is significantly reduced during storms. Learn more here. 

In response to Covid19, the company works to improve air circulation, and incorporate extra sanitizing areas throughout the building to ensure the safety of all occupants.

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Q: Are there certain ways WSP is helping to educate the community in which you work? Are there certain teaching methods or ways you go about helping educate newcomers from the firm about green building and the importance of biophilic design?

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A: WSP encourages certification in green building such as LEED and WELL. They are involved with industry groups such as USGBC. The company also provides training for employees as needed. WSP communicates with the people in the community in which they are building to get feedback and see how they feel about the projects. Learn more here. 

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Q: What do you see as a problem or issue at the local Denver level for sustainable green building and biophilic design? Why do you think people are reluctant to incorporate these concepts into new builds?

 

A: Some of the biggest barriers to green initiatives in today's market stem from the existing built environment. It can often be a complex task to renovate existing structures with sustainable technology. However, there is also the aspect of creating broader performance standards on all new construction. This leads into Denver's initiative of becoming net-zero and all new-builds by 2035. The timeline below shows that many of the local issues did not start getting addressed until 2016. Since that time, Denver is paving the way to see biophilic initiatives implemented throughout the next several years. Learn more here. 

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Q: How would you describe the history of the lack of sustainable building and design?

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A: The Denver green building ordinance really changed things locally. It started with green roof ordinance. Looking back, the theme used to be totally market-driven and the responsibility fell purely onto developers wanting to achieve these initiatives themselves. However, outside of Denver this still isn't much not a priority. The overall process still requires the developer and investors to be on board with green building/sustainability.

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Q: Who would you say are the major stakeholders for the projects you have worked on?

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A: For private projects, the major stakeholders are developer driven. At WSP, these types of projects often include city and local governments and neighborhood groups. For public projects there are a lot of the same players involved but taxpayers also play a big role to make sure the development fits the needs and values of the neighborhood and gets done responsibly. Throughout the variety of sectors WSP is involved with, the primary goal for stakeholders is involvement throughout the project to minimize risk and achieve the best results.

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Q: What are some innovative solutions that you all have taken in your building process for sustainable design and building?

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A: One interesting and innovative solution that is being implemented in Denver is the Green Building Ordinance. This really changed development locally and was implemented in November 2018 - all starting with the green roof initiative. Prior to this ordinance being put into place, sustainable building was market driven and fell onto developers wanting to achieve these initiatives. The overall goals of the Green Building Ordinance look to achieve holistic development that incorporates green space, energy conservation, and renewable energy. Another initiative that Denver is planning for is net zero by 2035. Under this program the city is aiming to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 and all new buildings will achieve net zero energy by 2035. One aspect the program is looking to implement is solar panel "gardens" across existing buildings and parking lots throughout the city.

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Q: Is there anything that WSP is working on now to implement next steps for sustainable building?

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A: Future Ready is an in-house program that looks through a lens considering trends in climate change, technology, society and resources.  It acknowledges and seeks solutions for such issues as the current building codes, which are not set for what the future needs.  The program aims to help clients imagine projects in a future that includes severe weather, worldwide use of renewables, increasing loneliness and flexible-use buildings.  Advising on changing infrastructure and monetary savings, Future Ready is working to connect clients, communities and cities.

The program poses questions and provides answers to:

• "Can we plan infrastructure to cope with climate change"

• "Can we build communities to respond to isolation?"

• "Can we design communities and roads to be ready for electric and self-driving cars"

Learn more here.

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Suggested next steps for implementation: 

 

As a team we have come to realize that there is much more to be done to implement biophilia into the built environment. Based off our research gathered from interviews, articles, and web searches we have decided that education is key. As it was a struggle to find local companies incorporating biophilic design into their projects we found that there was just a general lack of understanding of how important it is for regenerative development. We found that although LEED has a point system for green building there is way more that can be done to encourage building and planning professionals to incorporate biophilia into projects. Our suggested next step is to meet with government officials to create tax incentives for companies implementing this type of design in their buildings. For more on our plan Click Here. 

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