For August, greenissexy caught up with LA-based architect Nellie Reid to learn more about green buildings, Sin City and why the glass is half full.

What led you to become a green architect?
It’s more about the green and less about the architecture for me. Most people become architects because they are drawn to the aesthetic side of it. I came into architecture to fix it. I was always amazed at the lack of consideration for environmental and health concerns related to the way we design buildings.

Who or what is your greenspiration?
The ocean, Rachel Carson and Al Gore.

You’re a LEED accredited professional and we know that’s good, but what is LEED exactly?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED Certification is a third-party validation of green building claims. The U.S. Green Building Council (a non-profit, non-governmental organization) created the LEED Green Building Rating System to avoid “green-washing” (unsubstantiated green building claims). A LEED Accredited Professional is someone who has passed the LEED Accreditation Exam and therefore understands what the LEED rating system is and how the certification process works.

You teach LEED courses at your firm. Would you say that becoming LEED accredited is a high priority for architects and designers today?
Yes. It is important because our clients see value in it (as they should). Studying for and passing the exam raises the awareness of our staff on sustainable design considerations.

You do a lot of work in Las Vegas, which isn’t exactly the greenest city in America….
Oh, it is full of opportunity then…lots of room for improvement! That’s exactly why it is so important that we do what we can to make it a better place.

You’ve worked on several airport projects. We know air travel takes a pretty big toll on the environment, can we assume the same about airport design?
The environmental impact of air travel is much greater that the environmental impact of the airport terminals themselves. The great thing about airport terminal design is that water and energy efficiency are pretty straightforward and common in this building type. Because airport terminals tend to be long, skinny buildings with windows along both long sides, they can be very well day lit, which reduces the need for indoor lighting (while the sun is up).

As an architect and an environmentalist, would you say today that you’re an optimist or a pessimist?
Optimist. If I were a pessimist, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing.

Some of us are in no position to build or renovate the spaces we inhabit. Any suggestions for renters?
Talk to your landlords! In many cases, just starting a conversation can cause significant change. What are the things you would want to change? Be prepared to give them a wish list. Do you wish your building had solar panels on the roof? Research it and give your landlord some suggestions. If you don’t ask…
Also, concentrate on the things you do have control over as a renter. Switch out all of your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents, only run your dishwasher when it’s full (if you have one), keep your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer (if you have a thermostat), wash your clothes in warm or cold water (not hot) and buy local produce!

5 things Nellie suggests investigating before building or renovating to improve eco-efficiency:

For renovations:
1. Check your hot water heater. Make sure it is only set at 120 degrees, not higher. If you are buying a new one, consider a tankless water heater.
2. Check your refrigerator. If it is more than 5 years old, it is likely an energy hog. Consider replacing it with a more efficient model.
3. Replace your plumbing fixtures (showers, toilets, sinks) with more efficient ones. For showers and sinks, you can sometimes just retrofit existing with an aerator / flow restrictor. In some cities, you can get a rebate for replacing your toilet with an ultra low-flow version.
4. Beware of VOCs! Volatile organic compounds are prevalent in carpet, paints, adhesives and sealants. VOCs are toxic and can cause headaches, nausea and sinus problems. Look for low VOC options…they are available, but you need to ask for them.
5. Make your garden water-wise. Give preference to native plants that can thrive without supplemental irrigation. If you need to irrigate, install a high-efficiency drip irrigation system (not sprinklers).

For new buildings:
1. All of the above, plus…
2. Orient your home and window placement to take advantage of ideal solar exposure. Northern exposure is great as it’s indirect sunlight all day. Southern and Western exposure will mean a lot of strong sunlight (and unwanted heat gain in the warmer months). Eastern exposure can be good for a kitchen (morning sun).
3. For lumber, use only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified wood. This validates the sustainability of the entire chain of custody of that wood product (from the forest to your home).
4. Make the most out of your roof! Look into incentive programs in your region for renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar water heaters. You may even be able to sell electricity back to the utility company through a process called net-metering. There are now roof systems that have the PV cells built directly into the roof panel.
5. And last but not least…be sure to properly insulate your home and seal around openings (such as doors and windows) to avoid heat loss in cold weather and heat gain in warm weather. This can be the most effective way to save energy in your home.