BNIM Awarded National Research Grant

BNIM Awarded National Research Grant from U.S. Green Building Council
BNIM to Lead Study on Best Management Practices (BMPs) for On-site Stormwater Management
Kansas City (September 22, 2008)—With finite supply and increasing global demand for fresh water, the management and reuse of stormwater has become one of the most critical environmental concerns in the building design industry. Last week, the U.S. Green Building Council announced the recipients of its 2008 Green Building Research Fund Grants, the first grants of its kind in the green building industry. BNIM’s research proposal, which focuses on managing stormwater around building sites, was among the handful of research proposals selected to share the $2 million grant fund.
“The importance of cleaning and capturing stormwater for reuse cannot be underestimated. This project is exciting because it has the potential to influence building and site design as well as development policy and standards, facility operations and maintenance standards,” said Jim Schuessler, Landscape Architect at BNIM. “Research such as this aligns with BNIM’s goal to shape the national and global agenda for responsible architecture by defining the standards for healthier, more livable communities and neighborhoods.”
The research conducted through this grant will impact all facets of building, construction, design and policy to protect water as a precious resource. The study will focus on removing pollutants from surface runoff, development of infiltration basins and raingardens, porous pavement systems, daylit streams, constructed wetlands, and green roofs. BNIM will serve as Principal Investigator for a multi-disciplinary team, which includes individuals from Kansas State University, URS Corporation, Johnson County Public Works and Mid-America Regional Council.
The U.S. Green Building Council selected BNIM’s proposal from among 250 proposals spanning a broad range of topics. The grants address the USGBC’s commitment to understanding how we can improve the relationship between the environment and the built environment. More information can be found at the following link: http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/News/GBRF%20grant%20press%20release_0808.pdf

About BNIM
With 38 years of experience as a multidisciplinary architectural firm, Berkebile, Nelson, Immenschuh, McDowell Architects has built a reputation for thoughtful and responsive design thorough technical competence and conscientious service. With offices in Kansas City, Missouri, Houston, Texas, Des Moines, Iowa, San Diego, California and Los Angeles, California, BNIM has completed many significant public and private projects at both local and national levels. The firm’s areas of expertise include sustainable design and community redevelopment, urban planning and design, stormwater management, educational facilities,
campus master planning, and residential and corporate office spaces. BNIM is committed to restorative design, which aims to maximize human potential, productivity, and health while increasing the vitality of natural systems. For more information, call Kathy Achelpohl at 816.783.1500 or visit www.bnim.com.

Media Contact: Erin Gehle
Phone: 816-783-1582
E-mail: egehle@bnim.com