My company is expanding and we'll be building another warehouse this year. I'm interested in any and all advice about building green from start to finish.

The business is located in NW Arkansas so resistance to mold is a consideration in this humid climate.

The methods and materials of green building are a new topic for me. Thank you for any advice and guidance you'd care to provide.

Several different construction methods are applicable to large commerical construction. The actual 'best' method would depend on your particular needs. The size, shape, height, insulation requirements, usage, etc. would all need to be considered. More information would be helpful.

J Kimrate;

if the warehouse is unconditioned, an all steel building is your best bet fo cost.

On the other hand, if it needs to be conditioned there are many sips available in long lengths capable of being left expose for warehouse type applications. Theya re mold resistant too

Kimrate,

Ideally, you should have an architect or structural engineer assisting you with the plans for a commercial building.  In coded areas it is usually required.

Do you plan to heat and cool this warehouse? If so, relatively high insulation values and resistance to air movement will go a long way in reducing your energy consumption.

Sherwood Engineering in Clarksville, AR has built several warehouses in the area using Lite-Form insulated concrete forms for the walls. Combine this with the structural insulated panels for the roof and you would have a very energy efficient structure. But it likely wouldn't have as low of an initial cost as an all steel structure.

If you have plenty of room be sure and design the structure to take advantage of the sun, if not for now for down the road when the cost or payback or cap and trade or etc. will call for a PV (PhotoVoltaic) system on the roof.  Also lay it out for as much daylighting as possible.  Ditto on the architect (I am an architect but it still makes sense!)

Hi All,

I must agreed with all of your posts, firstly we have to keep in mind what we need exactly, like shape, size , location, climate of their and many more. consult with your architect.

Thanks & Keep All this in mind!