Furnish.

What is Green Stewardship?

Green Stewardship addresses both

environmental and economic resources from

a short-term and long-term perspective

BGW’s Green Stewardship approach offers an integrated solution that addresses stewardship of both environmental and economic resources from a short-term and long-term perspective.Through BGW Supply, we carefully select products that create life-long savings to benefit a ministry’s operational costs for years to come.  BGW signature buildings return ministry dollars to a church's annual budget with up to a 50% reduction in monthly utility expenses and as much as 60% savings on maintenance costs. There are 4 main areas that BGW has been able to show proven results with respect to Green Stewardship:

Architectural Considerations

BGW begins with early cost-effective design considerations, including site orientation, water reclamation, innovative landscaping and parking designs, natural light usage, and building envelope design. There are many benefits to incorporating green solutions early on in the planning and design phase and involving all parties (church leaders, architect, builders, engineers, and subcontractors).  

Many of these sustainable design practices can add value for the church without huge up-front costs. For example tree planting and preservation on the site helps replenish oxygen and provides added shade, prevents soil erosion and cleans water sources.  

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, over the course of 50 years, a single tree can provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.

Innovative Construction Materials

BGW's integration of innovative materials into the design plays a major role in reducing long-term operating expenses and maintenance costs. The exterior of a church facility is exposed to extreme heat and cold in many climates nationwide.  

Key considerations by BGW include roofing products that integrate with building systems to increase energy efficiencies, sustainable and mold-resistant exterior walls and Energy Star rated windows that are well-insulated.

Signature HVAC and MEP Systems

Once the building envelope is sealed up, the focus then turns to developing the most efficient design for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems that will achieve the lowest life-cycle costs.

In addition to high efficiency units (as high as 17 SEER), BGW uses ultraviolet light ION generator units mounted within our air handlers to treat the air being redistributed to the space. Treating the air in this manner results in our ability to reduce the amount of outside air being brought in, (in many cases outside air is more polluted than the air inside) resulting in a reduced heating/cooling load and ultimately smaller units.

Additionally, the UV light kills bacteria including influenza which equates to a healthier indoor environment. The most efficient designs take into account not only the local climate, but also current and long-term ministry needs, facility usage and site requirements.

Value engineering during this planning stage can allow for smaller HVAC units, reduce outside air exchange requirements, increase the rate of air delivery throughout the facility and provide high quality, efficient control networks.

Innovative Interior Products

Finally, the BGW architect’s specifications for products within the building have a major impact on costs – both up-front and long-term. Innovate BGW Supply products can extend the life of the building and bring on-going savings.  

Some examples of key product considerations include carpeting that is recyclable and impermeable to water, vinyl flooring made from recycled content, no-wax tile floors to reduce maintenance costs, and metered wash fountains to reduce water usage.