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Shingobee… EverGREEN
Shingobee’s construction professionals have experience and are prepared to work with our clients and design associates on energy-efficient solutions for buildings.
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Geo-Thermal Heating/Cooling Systems |
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Alternative heating/cooling systems can provide measurable return on investment. The heating/cooling system at this bank facility, constructed by Shingobee, was designed to take advantage of very forward-thinking, efficient, renewable underground geo-thermal systems. Forty-two wells were drilled under the parking lot and green areas, each 180-200 feet deep, to provide the underlying heating and cooling source for the entire facility. The additional installation expense would be recuperated within six to nine years, depending on the market price of fossil fuels, such as natural gas.
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Shingobee constructed a 30,000 square foot green roof at the Dakotah! Ice Center, using the latest technology in soil, irrigation, and plantings. The green roof will treat and reduce storm water runoff, ease energy costs and consumption, and add to the total green space for the Ice Center. |
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Solar Energy Applications |
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Solar panels and daylighting are effective ways to reduce energy consumption. Shingobee has experience with installation of solar panels, which collect energy to power building equipment, and skylights coupled with daylight harvesting sensors, which help reduce energy consumption by providing natural daylight to the building interior. When there is enough natural light coming in, the daylight sensors shut the lights off, thus saving energy. |
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Use of Recycled and Renewable Materials |
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Many building owners with whom Shingobee has worked are interested in cost-effective use of recycled and renewable materials in building construction and remodeling. On the Landscape Structures project, we utilized exterior building materials which were renewable (wood siding) or contained a high content of recycled material (metal siding); and interior building materials (gypsum wallboard, carpet, and vinyl flooring) which contained a high content of recycled products. In addition, all waste materials on our jobsites are sorted for recycling, thus reducing the amount of product being sent to the landfill. |
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Electrical Energy Savings |
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Shingobee has worked with many clients to utilize energy- and cost-saving programs offered by energy utilities. On a recent office project, lighting and controls, motor controls, glazing systems, etc. were designed to meet the recommendations of Xcel Energy's Energy Assets program. This included installation of daylight and motion sensing lighting controls, energy saving fluorescent light fixtures with electronic ballasts, use of energy saving compact fluorescent lights in lieu of incandescent downlights to define circulation areas, and LED lamps in all exit lights. |
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Heating Systems That Recycle Waste Products |
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There are numerous methods available to make use of waste products to fuel heating systems, resulting in energy consumption savings.
At a recently-constructed vehicle care facility, Shingobee installed a state of the art mechanical system which utilizes waste oil for the heating system.
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A sophisticated heat recovery system installed at the Dakotah! Ice Center utilizes the heat from the compressor system by installing a heat exchanger to take the waste heat from the ice-making equipment and redirect it through the bleachers, to heat the concrete in the floor of the seating area. |
And More…
- Electronically monitored HVAC systems to conserve energy usage
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures to conserve water usage
- Use of low-E insulated and solar tinted glass to reduce heat gain
- Rain gardens / water retention ponds
- Recycled and/or permeable materials for exterior hardscaping
- Use of native plant materials in landscaping
Green Initiatives
Our approach is to help you apply Green Initiatives in ways that make sense for your facility and your business. We evaluate cost, return on investment, and other factors that affect your decision to implement energy-conscious features. There are a variety of guidelines and certifications available for consideration:
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LEED |
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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Shingobee has several LEED Accredited Professionals on staff. We can help to evaluate the value of pursuing certification for your building, and implementation of sustainable green building and development practices. |
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Minnesota Sustainable Guidelines |
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The State of Minnesota's sustainable building design guidelines are designed to be compatible with national guidelines such as LEED while maintaining regional values, priorities and requirements. |
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Green Globes |
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This system delivers an online assessment protocol, rating system and guidance for green building design, operation and management. |
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Energy Star |
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A program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, it provides an innovative energy performance rating system and energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings, and rewarding improvements. EPA also recognizes top performing buildings with the ENERGY STAR. |
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Energy and Utility Companies |
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Xcel Energy, Minnegasco, and other utility companies have programs in place to assist and recognize companies that incorporate energy efficient systems into their buildings. |
Shingobee has the experience to apply “common sense green” to new construction or renovation projects. Contact us for more information on how we can help with your efforts to apply greater energy efficiency and sustainability to your facilities.
Green begins at home
To demonstrate our commitment to energy efficient building practices, we have completed an energy audit of our Loretto and St. Cloud office buildings, and implemented changes to lighting, heating, plumbing, and other areas to reduce our energy consumption. Both offices participate in recycling programs, and telecommuting is encouraged for personnel whose jobs don't require being in the office every day. We will continue to seek and evaluate energy efficient practices for our buildings, and we encourage our associates to incorporate green practices in their daily lives at home.
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