Sustainable practices are fast becoming the benchmark of successful projects and will remain so as we progress into the future. We are committed to sustainable design and to leading a company that models this philosophy. Our investment in volunteerism, education, and corporate responsibility allows us to serve as advocates, integrating sustainable principles into everything we do. We are proud to be listed as one of Engineering News-Record’s “Top 100 Green Design Firms”—an honor earned though the combination of LEED® projects completed (or in progress) and the expertise of our LEED Accredited Professionals.

LS3P is actively involved in defining the design guidelines for High Performance Buildings, and is committed to the integration of sustainable building systems. We have maintained hands-on involvement with the Triangle J Council of City Governments in developing the Guidelines for Sustainable Public Facility Design and Development. This document was developed with input from local architects, contractors, planners and government officials in an attempt to create a set of basic design guidelines in order to introduce sustainable building practices to the Research Triangle Area. As part of the development team, LS3P was involved in reviewing the national LEED Document (upon which the local Guidelines are based), and making modifications and alterations to customize it for local implementation.

As a member of the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), LS3P is proud to announce over 110 employees have earned their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation, bringing the firm’s total to over 75% of the design staff!




ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS PAY OFF: 179D
Congress has recently passed legislation that provides significant tax deductions to owners of energy efficient commercial property, commonly known as the IRS 179D program. Government building owners such as school districts, colleges and universities, and municipalities do not pay taxes; they can allocate the tax deduction to the designer of the energy efficient buildings. The initial intent of the legislation was to reduce energy consumption. Though energy reduction is still an important aim, subsequent related legislation is clearly intended to stabilize the construction economy by making it easier for owners to meet debt obligations and allowing design firms to retain jobs.

An overview of 179D can be found by clicking here as a public service to owners and designers of energy efficient commercial properties so they can learn enough about the IRS 179D program to determine if follow-up with legal and accounting advisors makes sense. We remain available to provide additional information and guidance as requested.