Sustainable Building: Interrelationships Between Building Components and Systems

By USGBC Communications

Keith Construction is a service business that focuses their expertise in housing reconstruction and new development, through a collaborative building effort. The firm's projects fall inside four market segments defined as:

• historic preservation;
• sustainable building;
• rental housing; and
• new development. 

The firm takes pride in construction that is 'built to last' and endeavors to understand the interrelationships different building components and systems have on the whole building. More than building green or using the most environmental friendly products, this concept works to create the most value from construction through design collaboration, product availability and cost, and understanding owner needs. This results in a more efficient, cost-effective building, with lower operating costs and significantly less impact on the surrounding environment. 

One example is Olympia Oaks in Amherst, MA that is a newly constructed, affordable, energy efficient neighborhood. The project includes 2- and 3-bedroom townhouses, common green, gardening area and playground. The neighborhood was designed to include energy efficiency, affordability, accessibility, and create a sense of community connection. The community is surrounded by beautiful town conservation woodlands and nature trails.