The AERC Green Journey
In 2007, AERC began the journey into green building design. Being conservative and skeptical by nature, this was really more of an experiment to prove, or disprove, the validity and applicability of sustainable design in our Mid-South building market. The small, residential-scaled office building we purchased needed systems upgrades and finish updates anyway, so we decided to do the ‘Extreme Office Makeover” and go for the LEED Gold Certification. In short, I became a convert to the Green Design movement due to the results of this process: The cost to ‘go green’ was less than expected (and they have come down since), the design process was not difficult (once we did the initial research), online LEED documentation was not difficult (once we understood the process), the resulting indoor air quality & work environment is outstanding (the best I have experienced) and our utility costs are tracking 22% less than the previous Owner’s utility cost - (just as projected.)
Photo Gallery
Relive the journey with us by browsing through our photo gallery.
After
The finished building and interior spaces are beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly.
Click a thumbnail for a larger view. Navigate the slides by hovering the large image.
In-Progress
You can quickly get a sense of what was left to work with.
Click a thumbnail for a larger view. Navigate the slides by hovering the large image.
Before
The journey begins with a 1960's era residence in the heart of Hernando, Mississippi. Careful evaluation of the existing structure was necessary to determine what needed to go.
Click a thumbnail for a larger view. Navigate the slides by hovering the large image.
More Resources
Sidetracking on the journey
In The News
Our story was featured on Memphis' FOX 13 News and WMCTV 5 News
In Print
Desoto Discovery:
"For local architect, GREEN LEADS TO GOLD"
Mississippi Business Journal:
"LEED v3 - New Certificaiton System Offers Many Changes"
Desoto Commercial Appeal:
"Hernando Architect Reaps Dividends From Green Conversion Project"
The Light Chimney
Not only form but function as well.
An astounding feature in the AERC office, the light chimney is not only aesthetically intriguing but a functional element as well. As the indoor temperature rises during warmer months, baffles open to allow the excess heat inside to rise through the opening which draws a gentle breeze into the building space through open windows.
LEED Gold Certification
Our Office has achieved LEED Gold Certification.
Visit the U.S. Green Building Council for more info.