A Massachusetts entrepreneur, Thomas “Tom” E. Tate owns and operates Tate Builders Inc., located on Martha’s Vineyard. In his work with clients, Thomas Tate leverages information-rich models that support sustainable design.

1. By Thomas Tate
Sustainable Design Begins with
Planning

2. Introduction
 A Massachusetts entrepreneur, Thomas “Tom” E. Tate
owns and operates Tate Builders Inc., located on
Martha’s Vineyard. In his work with clients, Thomas
Tate leverages information-rich models that support
sustainable design.
Residential and commercial buildings consume 10
percent of the energy used in the United States each
year. The process of constructing these
infrastructures also accounts for nearly half of
greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of sustainable
design is to limit or avoid environmental degradation
over the lifetime of an infrastructure, create livable
spaces, and eliminate depletion of natural resources
such as water and energy.
To achieve these goals, construction companies can
use a whole-house systems approach to increase a

3. Sustainable Design
 The method starts with planning. A design-and-
building team determine how a range of factors,
including site conditions and space heating and
cooling, impact energy usage. Working with the
homeowner, the contractor can then offer efficient
solutions for insulating a home and integrating
windows and skylights that give provide natural
lighting. Appliances and electronics are also
discussed during the planning stage. Picking the
right products can result in increased comfort and
a safer environment as well as reduced utility
expenditures.