Sustainable Practices in Nashville's Commercial Construction

Nashville, known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant culture, is also making a name for itself in the realm of sustainable construction practices. As the city continues to grow and evolve, there is an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable commercial construction. As a builder in the Greater Nashville area, we do everything we can to prioritize sustainable practices in commercial construction. Here are three methods we can use to make a sustainable impact on Nashville's skyline.

LEED-Certified Projects

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is a globally recognized rating system for green building and sustainable development. Nashville has seen a surge in LEED-certified projects, with more and more developers and architects adopting these guidelines to create environmentally responsible buildings.

One notable example is the Music City Center, Nashville's massive convention center, which achieved LEED Gold certification. The center incorporates features such as a green roof, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. This approach reduces the building's environmental footprint and lowers operational costs.

Energy-Efficient Designs

Energy efficiency is at the core of sustainable construction in Nashville. Local architects and builders are implementing innovative design strategies to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. Here are some key approaches:

• Passive Design

  Passive design principles are used to maximize natural lighting and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and HVAC systems.

• High-Performance Insulation

  Builders are using advanced insulation materials to create well-insulated building envelopes, reducing heating and cooling loads.

• Solar Power

  Nashville's abundant sunshine makes it an ideal location for solar power generation. Many commercial buildings are incorporating solar panels into their design to generate clean, renewable energy.

• Smart Building Systems

  The integration of intelligent building systems allows for real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption, optimizing building performance.

Eco-Friendly Materials

The choice of construction materials plays a significant role in the sustainability of commercial buildings. Nashville's construction industry is increasingly turning to eco-friendly materials with a lower environmental impact. Some popular choices include:

• Recycled Materials

  Recycled concrete, steel, and glass are commonly used in construction projects, reducing the demand for new resources and lowering the carbon footprint. 

• Sustainable Wood

  Builders are sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests or using alternatives like bamboo, which grows quickly and is highly renewable.

• Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and finishes can be harmful to indoor air quality. Low-VOC and zero-VOC options are preferred for healthier building interiors.

• Green Roofing

  Green roofing systems, which feature living vegetation, provide natural insulation, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance biodiversity.

Benefits of Sustainable Construction

The adoption of sustainable practices in Nashville's commercial construction sector offers numerous benefits:

• Environmental Impact

  Reduced carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion contribute to a healthier planet.

• Cost Savings

  Energy-efficient buildings typically have lower operating costs, saving businesses money in the long run.

• Health and Wellbeing

  Sustainable buildings often provide better indoor air quality and natural lighting, promoting the health and productivity of occupants.

• Reputation and Marketability

  Eco-friendly buildings can attract environmentally conscious tenants and customers, enhancing a company's reputation.

As Nashville continues to expand, sustainable construction practices are becoming essential to maintaining the city's unique character and quality of life. At Eshelman Construction, we incorporate sustainable practices into our Nashville builds whenever possible.

In one of our recent projects, 421 Union St., sustainability has been front of mind. This 1901 building is located in the Printer's Alley Art District and has been a shoe shop, bank, and sushi bar. Now, the space will be home to "a modernist loft boutique hotel, focusing on design and technology" (Music Row). With spacious, 20-foot ceilings, we knew we wanted to find a way to manage temperature efficiently.

To meet the challenge, we used an all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system for the HVAC. VRF is an extremely energy-efficient way to provide heating and cooling in large buildings without relying on fossil fuels. This all-electric system works “by cycling refrigerant between an outdoor unit and each zone’s . . . indoor units” (Mitsibusi Electric). Offering a small carbon footprint and greater sustainability for the years to come, the VRF HVAC is one way we are giving new life to 421 Union St.

By embracing these sustainable practices, Nashville's commercial construction industry is setting an inspiring example for cities across the country, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. If you’re ready to add your mark to the Nashville skyline in a way that serves the city for generations to come, contact us today.

Photo credit: EtaAm Ba