Green master planning is an essential aspect of sustainable development. In particular, any major development requires an understanding of how to keep carbon dioxide emissions as low as possible.
LEED for Neighbourhood Development (LEED-ND), is a US based rating system that integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into a national system for neighbourhood design. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development’s location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable development.
LEED-ND applies to new land development projects or redevelopment projects containing residential uses, non-residential uses, or a mix. Projects can be at any stage of the development process, from conceptual planning to construction.
BREEAM, or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology, is managed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK. Historically, BREEAM has been the preferred assessment method in the UK but is also being used more and more at international level. BREEAM Communities focusses on the masterplanning of whole communities. It is aimed at helping construction industry professionals to design places that people want to live and work in, are good for the environment and are economically successful.
Prodesign has some of the most extensive LEED BD+C, LEED-ND and BREEAM Communities project qualifications in Mauritius, and is the only local firm to focus on full-service LEED for Neighbourhood Development and sustainability implementation in large scale mixed use projects and smart cities.
Prodesign’s deep understanding of LEED-ND and its many applications comes from two main types of experience; developing and refining the rating system in the Mauritian context, and helping projects implement it.
Utilities planning
At Prodesign, we have extensive knowledge and expertise in the planning and implementation of sustainable utilities and systems. Our experience includes zero carbon emissions, zero waste, water management, the use of local and sustainable materials, and the integration of smart lighting and energy solutions. Our skills are particularly valuable in the development and planning of new smart cities and large-scale projects.
Climate and context
Based on climatic conditions, every sustainable design project needs to be integrated with biodiversity features, the local eco-system and the neighbourhood layout. We are able to exploit the opportunities presented by the topography and natural settings of new cities and advise on the positioning of buildings to regulate temperature, humidity, light, wind and noise. With extensive experience in sustainable design, our LEED consultants can bring valuable insight to urban planners in the development of cities which does not affect the eco-system and the micro-climate.
Renewable energy for zero carbon emissions
Our electrical engineers can advise on local power stations from renewable energy sources including solar PV, solar thermal, wind on-and-off-shore, biomass, geothermal power, mini-hydro energy and other new technologies.
Zero waste
At Prodesign, we have extensive knowledge and experience in waste management and control consultancy, which can help developers set up cities that produce no net waste, with all of it being recycled or re-used. Our environmental engineers can assist in zero-waste urban planning, including the manufacturing and recycling of metal, glass, plastics, and paper.
Water
Towns and cities can be used as a water catchment area. This involves educating inhabitants in water efficiency, promoting rainwater collection and using waste water recycling and storm-water harvesting techniques.
Local and sustainable materials with less embodied energy
We can advise on the selection of construction materials which can be sourced regionally, especially those with less embodied energy and higher environmental ratings. We can also advise on using indigenous plants in the construction supply chain cycle.
Passive design principles
Green master-planning enhances the design of green buildings and, as MEP and green buildings designers, we share our skills with urban planners on design strategies which make the most of passive design principles.
Smart lighting
We advise planners on integrating intelligent and energy efficient lighting systems through the adoption of LED lighting, smart controllers, embedded intelligence in light fittings and using IT to control lighting in public areas.
Smart energy
Prodesign specializes in designing and implementing sustainable energy solutions, including smart grid projects and self-sufficient clusters. We also offer smart metering strategies as part of our green city planning services to help our clients achieve greater energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy.
