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What Are Sustainable Buildings?

Efficient, sustainable buildings take their natural environment, resources, and energy into account. These buildings focus on this mindful framework when constructing, sourcing materials, and harvesting natural energy and resources.

This sustainability and efficiency model focuses on utilizing the natural environment throughout construction and is also mindful of the life of the building. Sustainable construction works to harvest and recycle its energy and water.

Seven Characteristics of Energy Efficient Buildings

1. Solar Tempering

Solar tempering is the idea of using the sun’s presence to control the temperature in your building. Properly solar tempering your building begins at conception. You’ll need to evaluate the land you are building on and determine the proper position of your building to maximize the sun’s rays in the colder months and lessen its heat in the warmer months.

Beyond proper positioning, another tempering component includes building design. Building design utilizes overhangs, window positioning, and the natural landscape to help effectively utilize or distort the sun’s rays.

2. Super-Seal and Super-Insulate the Building Envelope

The building envelope is the entire exterior of your building. The weak points in this envelope include doorways and windows that, when properly sealed, help to minimize airflow. Additionally, a dense and green insulation can further decrease airflow, making your construction more energy efficient. These two approaches can be the most cost-effective practices employed when building an energy efficient edifice.

3. Well Insulated Windows and Doors

Super sealing and insulating your building envelope, while effective, can be severely hindered by sub-par windows and doors. Highly efficient and well-insulated windows and doors are a necessary investment when seeking to build an energy efficient building.

4. Energy Efficient Fresh Air Supply

Once your building has been insulated and sealed, there will be minimal fresh airflow throughout the building. Indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor pollutants, and unless properly addressed with a high-quality and energy efficient air supply system, can be detrimental to your health.

5. Efficient HVAC System

Many traditional HVAC systems include central forced air or heat pump systems. These systems are often more expensive and use more energy. A more efficient and cost-effective system is a ductless heat pump, as they are smaller, more adaptable units and utilize a smaller amount of energy as they focus on heating/cooling smaller spaces.

6. Sustainable Water Heating

There are many sustainable water heating solutions. Among the most favorable and green include the heat pump water heater and also the tankless water heater. Both solutions use less energy and don’t rely as much on fossil fuels.

7. Use of Renewable Energy

There are many different forms of renewable energy that are effective when building an energy-efficient and sustainable building. Among the most common forms of energy that have been developed and adapted for widespread use include solar energy, wind power, and hydropower.

Depending on your local environment, you’ll be able to better assess which renewable energy is right for your needs. Often, a hybrid model is the most logical as it helps to ensure continual power.

Image of a worker installing solar panels on a commercial building.

Why is it Important to Make Sustainable Buildings?

Sustainable buildings are essential for making our environment and earth cleaner and capable of supporting life for years to come. With an estimated 8 billion people populating the earth, humans have the greatest impact on the health of the planet. Just like it’s essential to treat your body properly, we must also do the same for the earth.

  • Negative Impact: The negative impact humans have on the earth ranges from pollution to deforestation to the burning of fossil fuels. This mistreatment of our physical environment has led to climate change, soil erosion and soil nutrient depletion, undrinkable water, and poor air quality.
  • Positive Impact: Just like humans have the ability to impact the earth in a negative way, they also have the ability to impact it in a positive way. By making conscious decisions to utilize the natural resources that are already abundant and renewable, humans have the ability to prolong the health of the earth and potentially reverse the negative impact that centuries of ill-treatment have produced.

Incentivizing Building Energy Efficiency

To help incentivize the creation of energy efficient buildings, different programs and monetary rewards have been promised. The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 in the United States has cast a spotlight on these incentives, with promised rebates, tax credits, and savings programs.

Ways You Can Make Your Current Building More Sustainable

If your business is already occupying a building that hasn’t adopted measures of efficiency and sustainability, it’s not too late. There are many ways to start doing your part in caring for the earth. These measures range from simple and cost efficient to more extreme.

The more individuals that begin to take these green measures seriously and apply them, the greater the impact will be on our environment. Although you may just be one person or one business, progressing to better decisions for the environment leads to greater outcomes.

  1. Change to smart lighting with LED lights
  2. Change your building’s water consumption with slow flow faucets
  3. Do preventative maintenance to prolong assets and tools
  4. Use clean/green cleaning to cut down on pollution
  5. Use energy efficient electrical sockets to reduce energy consumption
  6. Install solar to harvest natural energy from the sun
  7. Harvest rainwater
  8. Recycle gray water

These solutions, when applied by multiple businesses and organizations, can begin to make a real change in our society and environment.

LEED Certification

Across the world, companies are implementing efficient and sustainable measures in their buildings to do their part for the environment. There’s a standard that has been established to highlight the buildings that are key leaders in adapting these green measures.

These buildings qualify for a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Buildings that are LEED certified are recognized globally for their sustainability efforts.

There are varying degrees of LEED certification that depend on how many measures have been taken to create a more sustainable building. When a building is LEED certified, they have created the groundwork to build healthy, efficient, and cost-saving buildings that benefit not only Earth, but humanity as well.

Hokanson Companies: Your Top Choice for Sustainable Buildings

Our planet has provided us with many resources. As a society, many have recognized that although many of the resources are abundant, many are not, and we must better prepare for the future. Another aspect that a conscientious society should consider includes finding renewable energy sources.

By utilizing the techniques and methods that have been developed to make our buildings more sustainable and environmentally conscious, we can build a better future together.

When you partner with Hokanson Companies, you can start to make a positive impact on our world. By working with us to design, build, construct, remodel, and implement these solutions, we can build sustainable projects together.

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Jay B. Gehl

Vice Chairman of the Board
jbg@hokansoninc.com

Jay Gehl serves as Vice Chairman of the Board for Hokanson Companies, Inc. With over thirty-two years of experience, Jay has been directing and managing his team in the areas of strategic planning, corporate advisory, build-to-suit assistance, tenant representation, financial analysis of leases, and brokerage. Attention to detail and unparalleled customer service has been the foundation of the relationships with the institutional customers served by Hokanson Companies, Inc.

Jay has been instrumental in assisting several major corporations in establishing or relocating their corporate headquarters, including Vectren Corporation, Fifth Third Bank of Indiana, and Firestone Building Products. In 2005 and again in 2013, Jay was honored receiving Firestone’s Inner Circle of Quality Award. The prestigious “Q” Award is presented annually to a provider that demonstrates excellence in service, commitment, and innovation.

Jay and his team are the leading experts of medical real estate services in Indiana. No other firm in Indiana has the depth and countless years of experience in healthcare services. Hospital Administration and Physicians alike attest to the outstanding assistance they receive with build-to-suits, transactions and various projects.

Jay’s team excels in Investment sales with multiple transactions each year ranking them annually as a top producing entity. These services have helped corporate client’s real estate needs in over twenty-seven states from coast to coast. He also served the international needs of his clients in six countries including a facility in Turrialba, Costa Rica with 230,000 square feet on 35 acres.

Stephen P. Hokanson

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, CRE, CPM, RPA
sph@hokansoninc.com

“We put our clients’ interests first… always.”

Steve Hokanson serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hokanson Companies, Inc. He began with HCI in 1971, and has been its President and CEO since 1983. When Steve joined the organization, Hokanson Companies was primarily focused on property management. Under Steve’s leadership, Hokanson Companies has grown to include four active divisions and five separate disciplines.

HCI currently manages over 6 Million square feet under its property management division, and has over $100 million in project management and development. Its sales and leasing division closes over $100 million in sales and leases annually, while they continue to be very active in construction management for its various clients and out-of-ground buildings.

In addition to his role at HCI, Steve has also fulfilled numerous civic and professional leadership roles locally, statewide, and nationally, including the International President of BOMA International 1991-1993. Steve’s other accomplishments include being selected for the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, the Eagle Scout Silver Beaver Award, the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, named in Outstanding Young Men in America, and the Sagamore of the Wabash award, which is the highest award given in the State of Indiana by our Governor.

Steve Hokanson graduated from Indiana University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration. Steve is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Indiana, and his designations include Counselor of Real Estate (CRE), Certified Property Manager (CPM), and Real Property Administrator (RPA).

Stephen J. Adams

Executive Vice President
sja@hokansoninc.com

“We strive to be accountable and responsible in always providing the best service to our customers.”

Stephen J. Adams graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. After gaining experience from an internship at a locally-based real estate investment company, Stephen joined Hokanson Companies, Inc. in January 2000 as a licensed associate in the Leasing and Brokerage Division. Specializing in office, medical and industrial sales, and leasing, Stephen continues to build his professional portfolio while working on investment transactions, development, and consulting, as well as various other real estate projects.

Throughout his eighteen years of experience in commercial real estate transactions Stephen has developed business relationships with Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Healthcare Realty, The Sanders Trust, Sun Life Financial, Vectren Corporation, Energy Systems Group, Fifth Third Bank, Bradford Schools, Inc., DuPont Commercial Flooring, Lake City Bank, Firestone Building Products, National Bank of Indianapolis, Lacy Diversified Industries, Barnes & Thornburg, Otolaryngology Associates, Charles Schwab, First Financial Bank, Old National Bank, and the Indiana Bar Foundation, among others.

Continuing the company’s history as the premier medical real estate provider in Indiana, Stephen has developed relationships with Indiana University Health, American Health Network, Urology of Indiana, Otolaryngology Associates, Midwest Fertility Group, OrthoIndy and Indiana Nephrology, and Internal Medicines. He has also completed transactions for the following list of medical clients: CENTA, Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Balance Point, Whisper Hearing Centers, Anesthesia Consultants of Indiana, Methodist Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Advanced Physical Therapy, Wishard Health, and Suburban Health Organization, among others.

Stephen devotes his time to various organizations including Fairbanks Indiana, Noble of Indiana, Penrod Arts Society, Youthlinks Indiana, the Hoosier Oncology Group, Junior Achievement, and the Governor’s Awards for Tomorrow’s Leaders. He is also a member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Class XXXVII.

Boyd R. Zoccola

Chief Development Officer
brz@hokansoninc.com

“Your ideas become reality through our combined efforts.”

Boyd R. Zoccola serves as Chief Development Officer of Hokanson Companies Inc. With over 25 years of experience, he focuses his expertise on development of office and medical space, and corporate consulting. Boyd has been actively involved in the development of nearly $600 million worth of real estate, including client partners like IU Health, Springleaf Financial, Vectren Corporation, and Old National Bank.

Boyd’s industry involvement with The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) is extensive beginning in 1994. He served as Chair and Chief Elected Officer of BOMA International, and has also served on the Executive, Finance, Medical, and Healthcare Facilities Committees. He also served and chaired numerous task forces along with being a panelist and/or speaker. Boyd’s BOMA Indianapolis experience includes positions as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and multiple committee chairs. In addition, Boyd served as a Board Member of the Real Estate Round Table from 2011-2012.

Boyd graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Biology and is a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series. Boyd has served the community through his involvement with Horizon House, Girls Inc., and the IYHA. He is a member of Second Presbyterian Church, Sigma Chi Alumni Association, Meridian Hills Country Club, and is an Indiana Real Estate Principal Broker.

Christopher M. Horsley

President and Chief Operating Officer
cmh@hokansoninc.com

“Working hard to make a difference to earn your business.”

Chris Horsley joined Hokanson Companies, Inc. in 1997 while completing his degree in Civil Engineering at Purdue University. Chris began his employment at Hokanson Companies in the construction area and in 2000 added Property Management to his responsibilities. Now as President and Chief Operating Officer, he focuses his efforts on construction, development, and property/facility management. Chris oversees a team of property and construction managers to provide management services to approximately 5M square feet in a 7-state geographical service area. Chris also works closely with multiple financial institutions to meet their bank branch real estate needs which includes a 140-branch system across a 3-state geographical area.

Chris graduated from Purdue University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He holds a Professional Indiana State License for an Engineer in Training (EIT) and an Indiana Real Estate Broker and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). Chis is also involved with The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and is currently serving on the International Executive Committee and is the Secretary/Treasurer for BOMA Indianapolis.

Chris enjoys spending time, working in the business, being outside, riding motorcycles, exercising, playing golf, and being with his family.

Tony R. Townsley

Chief Financial Officer, CPA
trt@hokansoninc.com

“A great company has great people who are passionate about what they do! I am proud to be a part of the Hokanson Team, where we demonstrate that passion every day in helping our customers solve their Real Estate challenges.”

Tony Townsley serves as Chief Financial Officer of Hokanson Companies, Inc. Tony began with HCI in 2001, bringing with him 25 years of accounting and operations management experience including four years with Arthur Anderson. This vast knowledge has contributed to his success overseeing the corporate financial reporting, cash management, budget coordination, and year-end audit and tax responsibilities at Hokanson.

Tony graduated from Indiana University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant, and was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Governor’s Council of Impaired and Dangerous Driving. Tony also served on the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers’ Board of Directors. Currently, he’s involved with the Merciful Help Center, and is an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.

Tony enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, camping, fishing, biking, and reading. Those same family values led him in publishing a children’s book titled “Three Cups”, which teaches children how to save, spend, and be charitable with their money. There are more than 50,000 copies of the book in distribution.