News: Architectural Nexus Salt Lake City is Petal Certified!
In the high desert where water is a precious resource and air quality can be problematic, Architectural Nexus in Salt Lake City adapted its office building to respect the arid climate better. A time that might otherwise have been lost to a global pandemic was spent transforming the business locations’ sustainable design. Keeping in stride with their Living Certified Sacramento office, Arch Nexus SLC is now Petal Certified by the International Living Future Institute!
Meeting the rigorous requirements to claim Petal Certification involved planning and carrying out a remodel that regenerated the site to resemble its pre-development native ecosystems to improve local biodiversity. A sustainable urban agriculture garden was created, adapted to the local climate, and now enhances local food security through community partnerships. The project also participates in an off-site habitat exchange program.
Potable water use is significantly reduced by eliminating the two largest end uses of water in office buildings. By implementing greywater and rainwater systems for irrigation and toilet flushing, Arch Nexus has ensured sustainable operation during droughts and emergencies and conserved 89.9% of precious water resources. The building also achieves significant energy and carbon reductions through on-site photovoltaic systems and the specification of low-embodied carbon materials. As of June 2024, Arch Nexus SLC saves 90% of energy compared to a typical office in Salt Lake City.
Indoor air quality is enhanced by reducing pollutants, and a continuous monitoring system helps maintain high air quality and low VOC levels. The construction process avoided harmful materials by achieving Red List compliance and promoting healthier building materials. Materials for the upgrades were sourced responsibly, maximizing the use of salvaged and FSC-certified wood, and supporting the local economy by sourcing 20% of materials within 500 miles of the project location.
Waste has been minimized through extensive material reuse, recycling, and planning for future adaptability. In 2023 98% of Arch Nexus SLC waste was diverted from landfills.
Even though Arch Nexus SLC is an office building for a privately held commercial office, the company recognizes that all buildings are part of the larger community fabric. This project creates accessible and publicly beneficial amenities for the community, such as outdoor seating and bike racks. Additionally, community connections are promoted through donations to Green Urban Lunch Box
Through the regeneration of its Salt Lake City office, Architectural Nexus has created a design studio that is a part of the natural environment. It’s a continuous source of inspiration for designers and other professionals to influence their work throughout the Western United States. Read the full case study of Arch Nexus SLC here.
-
- default