Sustainable Design

ms consultants has LEED® accredited engineers and architects on staff in a range of discipline areas, with specialties in transportation and environmental planning and design. Our professionals are specialists in providing design solutions that are sustainable and cost-efficient.

When applying sustainable design practices to roadway systems, items to consider include:

• Minimizing Impervious Surfaces:By minimizing the use of impervious surfaces, it is possible to minimize the amount of storm water runoff generated within the project limits, which then also minimizes the amount of storm water infrastructure required to keep the roadway serviceable.
• Storm Water Bio-retention:Opportunities may exist to incorporate bio-retention into planted areas within the median or right-of-way. Successful bio-retention solutions could reduce the amount of storm pipe, storm structures and curbing.
• Plant Selection:The use of native and low maintenance plant materials reduces the need for additional water and unnecessary maintenance.
• Proprietary Curbside Filters:Several new proprietary products have emerged in recent years to combine vegetation and storm water management at the curbside.
• Surfaces With Light Colored Materials:Dark materials are known to absorb sunlight, increasing surrounding temperatures. Using light colored materials, defined by a high solar reflectance index (SRI), will reduce the amount of sunlight absorbed locally.
• Sealants With Low VOC Emissions:Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that participate in atmospheric photoreactions leading to air pollution.
• Using Recycled Content in Material:Many products, including some asphalt concrete mixes (CMS 401), allow the use of recycled materials in their content.
• Implementing Waste Management Restrictions:Similar to using recycled materials in construction, materials of an existing roadway section to be demolished may be able to be recycled for reuse by others.
• Regional Materials:Consider the use of materials and products that are extracted and manufactured within a certain distance from the project site.

Additionally, regional systems that integrate multiple modes of transportation (“multi modal”) are aiding in the reduction of vehicle emissions. Pedestrian and biking facilities become part of the overall design, allowing convenient access between community destinations and mass transit facilities.