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Green

Green Ideas is a consulting firm that provides a unique perspective on performance driven building design, construction and operations that is unparalleled in the industry.

High-Performance Building Consultants

By analyzing your project requirements and through the use of cutting-edge technologies, we assist in the creation of a high-performance building. We identify and implement the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible building-science strategies.

Energy Analysis

Our energy efficiency mantra is simple…what is measured can be managed and improved. By benchmarking your energy consumption, we can help improve your bottom line.

Corporate Services

We are a client-centric organization committed to enhancing your image, position, and visibility in the transforming marketplace.

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MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT!

Green Ideas’ building science approach to improving the lifecycle performance of our client’s projects reverses the negative trends commonly associated with the design, construction and operation of buildings.

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News

Green Ideas has been a leader in the green building science community since our president Charlie Popeck founded the Arizona Chapter of the USGBC in 2002. Our commitment to high-performance building design, construction and operations practices has been recognized globally. Stay up to date with our current events:

Another Innovative Step at Novus – Rio Yards Parcel 4F Building Update

May 25, 2023
The unique and forward-thinking Novus Innovation Corridor development in Tempe, Arizona is taking another important step forward. Wentworth Property Company has nearly completed Parcel 4F at Novus (aka: Rio Yards). The project has been designed to create a dynamic atmosphere that attracts blue-chip and high-tech tenants seeking distinctive office space within the highly innovative, technology-focused setting of Novus. Upon completion, the 25-acre site will consist of 480,000 to 560,000 square feet of creative office space in addition to three parking structures and a central, pedestrian-focused amenity area. Having been at the forefront of building science, green building, and LEED certifications for over 20 years, Green Ideas is proud of its integral role at the Novus Innovation Corridor. This development, true to its name, demonstrates leadership and innovation in many ways. In addition to aggressive green building and sustainability goals, Novus is a place where the private sector can interact with ASU’s knowledge assets and create opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate with business. The initial phase of the Parcel 4F development has been built on a speculative basis with subsequent phases to follow.  Phase I is a 4-story, 157,000 square foot office building that includes associated access drives, surface and structured parking, landscape improvements, entry features, and hardscape with amenity areas.  Phases 2 and 3 will consist of two additional buildings of approximately 150,000-200,000 square feet each with related improvements.  The buildings are thoughtfully designed from a sustainability perspective to maximize the user experience on the site, capitalize on solar orientation, utilize shading techniques, and reflect a material palette appropriate to the Sonoran Desert. The project was designed to encourage pedestrian connectivity and density both within the parcel and within the overall context of the Novus Innovation Corridor.  The design intentionally routes auto circulation to the perimeter of the site to create a seamless connection between buildings and future phases of the greater creative office district.  A central, outdoor amenity space and drop-off area will act as a cohesive centerpiece to serve all buildings and anchor the development with the flexibility to host a number of outdoor events.  Shading devices will reduce the urban heat island effect and promote activity in the outdoor areas for an extended portion of the year and encourage use of proposed amenities including barbeque grills, bocce ball courts, a putting green, seating areas and lush desert landscaping.  The building orientation and native landscape design provides a meaningful connection to outdoor spaces for end users and visitors.  Landscape and hardscape applications include trees along major pedestrian corridors, landscape buffers and hardscape transitions between areas of respite and seating adjacent to circulation routes, a variety of seating options and flexible spaces, and a central open space for a variety of functions and uses. The proposed landscaping also promotes low water-use plant material and appropriate trees for shade, wayfinding, and continuous aesthetics throughout the site. These high-performance building strategies will save thousands of gallons of water every year. The Rio Yards project is targeting Leadership in Energy

Green Ideas at 20 Years: Remembering the Institute of Ecotourism

May 11, 2023
Download the project profile Wow! It seems impossible that we’ve been following our passion for sustainability, building science, and high-performance building design and construction for over 20 years! When we revisit our progress, it’s with a little nostalgia and a lot of pride in the projects Green Ideas has completed and the positive impact we’ve made. A recent stroll down memory lane brought us to The Institute of Ecotourism in Sedona, Arizona. It was one of the first LEED projects that Green Ideas certified for ILX Resorts and it was the first LEED Gold level certified building in the State of Arizona. As another reminder of how far we’ve come, the project was certified using the LEED 2.1 rating system! The mission of the IET is to promote the experience of environmentally conscious tourism, sustainable community development, and place-based environmental education. Located in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, the project utilizes drought resistant landscaping to reflect the indigenous landscapes native to the region, while reducing water use for irrigation. Mechanical systems have been installed which significantly exceed ASHRAE requirements and daylighting is enhanced in the main gallery building by the presence of three tubular skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Green Power is used exclusively to power the facility where visitors can explore topics of natural history, indigenous cultures and resource conservation with several state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and ongoing video presentations. As our 20th anniversary year progresses, we’ll continue to reflect on Green Ideas’ substantial portfolio of high-performance projects and other cool moments from our history. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Green Ideas Supports Construction of New High-Performance Military Healthcare Facility

April 28, 2023
Green Ideas is proud to be part of the team building a new high-performance 52,000 SF Dental Clinic on the island of Guam for members of the US military and their families. The project has targeted LEED Silver certification, ensuring a facility that is cost-effective to operate while serving the health and well-being of its occupants and patients. We have been part of the project from the beginning, supporting Caddell-NAN JV with their LEED certification efforts for the APRA Medical/Dental Clinic which requires 50 points for LEED Silver level certification within the LEED for New Construction rating system. Green Ideas created the mandated Sustainability Action Plan that details requirements for meeting High-Performance and Sustainable Building (HPSB) Guiding Principles and the LEED credits required to achieve LEED Silver certification for the Clinic. Caddell-NAN JV is implementing the requirements onsite to ensure implementation of the federal government’s high-performance building targets. Some of the sustainability goals for the APRA Medical/Dental Clinic include: Our project team is thrilled to help Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command’s (NAVFAC) exceed its expectations for providing a high-performance, sustainable facility that is consistent with its commitment to providing exceptional services to the Nation’s Armed Services. Green Ideas President Charlie Popeck stated “I’ve been honored to work with such a dedicated project team over the last few years and its good to know that Green Ideas is helping to achieve high-performance building results around the globe”.  The project will be receiving the coveted LEED Silver level certification later this year.

Charlie Popeck Explores Cement Performance and Sustainability with Architecture Students

April 13, 2023
As part of his ongoing mission to educate the industry about high-performance construction materials and methods, Green Ideas President Charlie Popeck recently brought a group of his School of Architecture students on an eye-opening tour of Salt River Materials Group’s (SRMG) Clarkdale Cement Plant. Charlie’s “Principles of Sustainability” students learned about the history of the Clarkdale, Arizona plant, saw the on-site sourcing of raw materials, the manufacturing process, and heard about the strict quality control methods being applied to SRMG’s cement products. Given the students’ coursework, Scott Palmer, SRMG’s Market Development Manager and Brett Lindsay, the Senior Director of Cement Operations and Environmental, focused on the sustainability and performance aspects of products from the plant. They provided detailed explanations about the recyclability of concrete products and how fly ash contributes to a sustainable High Volume Fly Ash (HVFA) concrete mix design. As in years past, the students were impressed with the attention to detail SRMG applies to their manufacturing process and their creativity was piqued by the many sustainable elements concrete products can provide to their future design projects. Charlie typically includes this tour as part of his popular “Principles of Sustainability” and “Applied Sustainable Construction” curriculum at The School of Architecture. Contact Charlie directly at Charlie@Egreenideas.com or 602-635-7925 to talk about how a sustainable concrete mix design can add to the sustainability of your projects or to learn about his experience in building science and high-performance building.

GBCI to Increase Pricing For LEED Registration & Certification Fees

April 4, 2023
GBCI recently announced that LEED registration and certification fees will increase overall by about 12% starting May 1, 2023. Fortunately, Green Ideas can help with project registrations for your current or future projects. Some fees can be paid in advance to avoid the incease and we can assist you through the process! Fees for the following LEED rating systems will increase Building Design and Construction (BD+C)-Includes Core and Shell Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Neighborhood Development (ND) If you would like assistance navigating your options or if you have any questions about these increases, please contact us at info@Egreenideas.com or 602-635-7925.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal to Receive LEED Silver certification

December 22, 2022
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is wrapping up the eighth and final concourse at Terminal 4 with a coveted LEED Silver certification. Green Ideas is proud of their role supporting McCarthy Building Companies with their LEED Certification responsibilities on this high-profile project. Designed by Smith Group JJR and Corgan Architects, the T4S1 project is the eighth and final concourse at Sky Harbor International Airport Terminal 4. The 129,636 SF project is a 3-level concourse with a basement, apron, and passenger levels, and will also include connector and transfer bridges, an expanded security checkpoint, eight new gates, an expansion of the ticketing area, baggage handling upgrades, concessions and retail facilities. The CMAR construction contract was awarded to McCarthy who requested Green Ideas’ assistance with the General Contractor required LEED documentation. Green Ideas has a reputation for supporting General Contractors on innovative building projects, helping them achieve the highest levels of LEED certification for their clients. After 20 years in business we continue to find inspiration in every new project.

Green Ideas Celebrates 20 Years of Building Science Success

October 24, 2022
Contact: Charles Popeck President, Green Ideas 480-220-4330 Charlie@Egreenideas.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Green Ideas Celebrates 20 Years of Building Science Success   Download Press Release Phoenix, AZ–(October 6, 2022)– October 2022 marks Green Ideas Building Science Consultants’ 20th year of helping businesses, universities and Architecture-Engineering-Construction professionals create resource-efficient projects with minimal environmental impact and maximum return on investment. Charlie Popeck, President of Green Ideas and one of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals in the United States, founded the Arizona Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2002, which was the second-ever chapter of the national non-profit organization. Charlie has personally trained more than 40,000 industry professionals to pass the LEED Professional Accreditation exams over the last twenty years. After two decades performing building science consultation, the company has completed over 150 high-performance building projects, including 110 LEED-certified projects throughout the country. From the iconic Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona (LEED Silver) to the BASF Near-Zero Energy Home in New Jersey (LEED Platinum), Green Ideas maintains its business approach to high-performance building design, construction, and operations. Other notable projects include the Intel Ocotillo Campus, one of the most complicated manufacturing facilities on earth, and the General Dynamics Roosevelt and Hayden facilities, the largest LEED-certified industrial projects in the U.S. at the time of its certification. A complete list of Green Ideas’ projects can be found here. Since its inception in 2002, Green Ideas has worked closely with many building owners and developers to save massive amounts of energy and water. Upon reaching the company’s 20th-year milestone, Charlie stated, “We’ve had some challenges transforming the commercial real estate market over the years but I’m proud of the energy and water savings we have achieved, as well as creating healthy indoor environments for building occupants…all while saving clients operating and maintenance costs.” About Green Ideas® Building Science ConsultantsGreen Ideas is a full-service building science consulting firm offering 3D energy and daylight modeling, building commissioning, and world-class LEED certification services. The firm is designated as a LEED Proven Provider by Green Business Certification Inc. and is a certified B Corporation. Its clients are building owners, architects, engineers, contractors, real estate developers, facility managers, and corporate entities wishing to establish business advantages through high-performance building practices. With a vision as bold as the results they achieve, Green Ideas is dedicated to transforming the market by promoting building science through a “triple bottom line” approach to business operations. Follow Green Ideas on Linkedin for more up-to-date information and latest projects.  

Green Ideas Achieves 100th LEED Certification

March 1, 2021
Contact: Charles Popeck President, Green Ideas 480-220-4330 Charlie@Egreenideas.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Green Ideas Achieves 100th LEED Certification   Download Press Release Phoenix, AZ–(December 1, 2020)–Green Ideas Building Science Consultants recently completed their 100th LEED Certified project for CVS/Aetna’s building located in the Cotton Center Business Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The newly constructed 80,000 square foot business center owned by Workspace Property Trust and occupied by Aetna Insurance achieved 50 LEED points and was awarded LEED Silver level certification by Green Business Certification, Inc. The certification was the 3rd facility certified by Aetna within Cotton Center. Developed by Workspace Property Trust, Vice President of Construction and Development Eric McHugh stated “Achieving LEED Certification for the new Cotton Center project is a high mark of building excellence for Workspace and our tenant, CVS/Aetna. We are laser-focused on efficient building operations and achievement of LEED certification for this project confirms that focus. Working with Green Ideas enabled us to achieve our intended results for this impressive project and we are honored to be Green Ideas’ 100th LEED certified project.” The project implemented a wide variety of sustainable strategies to achieve high percentages of energy savings. The building features energy efficient elements including occupancy sensors and lighting controls, as well as highly efficient HVAC systems that contribute towards the facility’s 45% energy savings as compared to a typical new building. All workspaces utilize daylighting to reduce the need for artificial lighting, while providing employees with excellent views to the outdoors and creating a pleasant indoor environment. Employee productivity was also a focus for the project. The space has been designed with several multi-function areas including a new concept called “collaboration stairs” which descend from the second floor to the café area, allowing approximately 75 people to gather for quick, informal meetings and also serves as a large gathering place for larger, “all-staff” events.  All workstations were ergonomically designed to include sit/stand workstations to reduce employee fatigue, but employees can work from various locations throughout the building in order to improve productivity and enhance well-being.  An outdoor patio seating area covered by sail shades encourages employees to enjoy the outdoors. CVS/Aetna’s overall sustainability mantra was a focus of the facility design. Water efficiency was maximized through specification of low-flow plumbing fixtures and limited landscaping, which resulted in more than a 78% reduction of potable water use. Additionally, the project strategy focused on the use of sustainable and low-emitting materials, including low VOC paints, adhesives, flooring, composite wood products and furniture systems to further improve the indoor environment. The project was a collaborative effort led by Workspace Property Trust, CVS/Aetna, Wespac Construction, Shive Hattery Architecture, Balmer Architecture, and Green Ideas Building Science Consultants. Green Ideas served as the High-Performance Building Strategist, Energy/Daylight Modeler, and LEED Consultant.  Green Ideas’ President Charlie Popeck has worked closely with many building owners and developers since founding the Arizona Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council in 2002 and has been the consultant for 100 LEED certified facilities throughout the United States.

Green Ideas Energy Modeling Services 2021

September 19, 2019
What is Energy Modeling? Energy Modeling is a necessary tool that progressive design teams utilize to implement a building science approach to the design, construction and operation of high-performance buildings.  However, Energy Modeling is often used incorrectly or at the wrong time, hindering the overall value of the tool. Our Approach Differentiates Design Teams! At Green Ideas, we utilize an Energy Model to better equip design teams with data for more informed decision making throughout the design process.  We engage an iterative methodology to Energy Modeling for comparative analysis, which provides a true building science design approach for project teams. Our process engages advanced visualization workflows so we can keep pace with stringent design timelines and budgets. Ultimately, Green Ideas will positively enhance the lifecycle operating costs for building owners (refer to Image 1 for sample energy cost data). Bringing Value to Design Teams through Advanced Energy Modeling. We utilize our proprietary Energy Modeling software and process to create Energy Models that work! Our experience with Energy Modeling and high-performance building design allows us to interact with design professionals and offer value-added recommendations that will improve the energy performance of your building.   Typical Energy Modeling Questions from Design Teams: Question 1: When should I perform an Energy Model? Answer: Our proprietary approach allows you to engage Energy Modeling and Building Science analysis from day one. While all projects differ, the earlier you engage energy conversations in the design process the better. We have provided value to design teams as early as the programming phase. Iterative peak load analysis during programming and space layout can often times reap great benefits down the line! In short, the earlier and more often you perform Energy Modeling, the better! Question 2: Can Green Ideas Energy Modeling software share information with my Revit model? Answer: Yes! Our approach to Energy Modeling integrates with existing Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows to enable expedited analysis and decision making. We can work with anything from a bar napkin sketch to a complex federated model (refer to Image 2 to see how an imported analysis model looks)! Question 3: How long does it take to get answers? What type of reporting can we expect? Answer: Our process for modeling and analysis has been created specifically to match the stringent nature and requirements of your design timeline. We aim to sync our deliverables with your project requirements in order to provide the most value. Our standard reporting method has been designed to help “tell the story” of design progression. We provide graphical results along with robust data reports so anyone on the team can understand the results (Image 3 is a sample of a schematic level summary report). Our goal is to seamlessly integrate with your project delivery approach to enhance your design services. Contact us to learn more! We always want to work with innovative and progressive design teams! Let’s transform the built environment together!

Current Project Updates

Green Ideas is excited to showcase current project happenings and highlight our successful integration with cutting-edge owners, design teams, engineering consultants and contractors!

Testimonials

“We found out that the best Green Building Consultant… the one that people recommended most was Green Ideas.”

Rich Bowen
Rich Bowen, Northern Arizona University

“The thing that we really like about Green Ideas are the people.”

Mike Gausden
Mike Gausden, Hunt Construction Group

“Green Ideas can help you in a whole variety of ways that you are probably not even thinking about.”

Adam Goodman
Adam Goodman, Goodmans Interior Structures

“We are a leader in the home storage organization industry as it relates to green building thanks to Green Ideas.”

Bob Lesueur
Bob Lesueur, Classy Closets

“Our experiences with Green Ideas have been fantastic! We have worked with them on several projects over the last decade, and one of the things that really sticks out is their spirit of collaboration.”

Bryan Dunn
Bryan Dunn, Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Learning is Key

Green Ideas conducts educational seminars throughout the year. Click here to view seminar dates and locations.

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