GBBN's experience with sustainable design dates back to our 1993 design for the renovation of the Alms & Doepke Building which was evacuated due to causing respiratory problems among inhabitants and later labeled a "Sick Building".  Through creative solutions, GBBN was able to save the historical building, improve dangerously poor indoor air quality, introduce daylighting concepts, and improve energy efficiency.  Since Alms & Doepke's successful rehabilitation, GBBN has undertaken a steadily increasing number of projects for which sustainable design was a primary project goal.

Collaboration
Our experience has taught us that sustainable design is an integral part of the collaboration between the owner, the design team, and the contractors. We believe the Team must have experience with green design, but more importantly must maintain the passion to pursue it. We also know that the most successful sustainable designs require a holistic design process that explores all the relevant environmental and economic factors as early as possible.

Commitment to Continued Education
Committed to continued education, we have developed a comprehensive internal training program on sustainable design and the LEED rating system. GBBN is a corporate member of the USGBC and many of our staff members have received or are in the process of receiving their LEED accreditation.  Alan Warner, our Principal in Charge of Sustainability, founded and chairs the AIA Ohio Committee on the Environment (COTE).  In addition, three of our staff have chaired AIA Cincinnati's Committee on the Environment (COTE) and two currently sit on the board of the USGBC's Cincinnati Regional Chapter.