Going Green

Living Green

Ivey Planning Group purchased our new office at 1349 South International Parkway in Lake Mary in February of 2006.  At the time of purchase, it was concrete slab with external walls and windows.  In working with our designer/architect and contractor we emphasized our desire to implement efficiency and green technologies.  Features include:

  • Natural Lighting.  Except for restrooms, the office receives sufficient sunlight to avoid overhead lighting until 5 p.m.
  • Zone Lighting.  Our lighting is work station-oriented vs. large zone.
  • Bamboo flooring.  We wanted to have a hardwood look in some of the office space and selected renewable bamboo.
  • Low water demand toilets.
  • Employee shower to promote alternative forms of commuting and exercise.
  • Recycling bins for all aluminum, glass, and plastic products as well as newsprint.

In addition, by moving to our current location we reduced the total daily commuting distance of our employees from 183 miles per day to 61 miles per day.

IPG office

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Creating Green

IPG is on the forefront of the movement to implement Smart Growth practices including Green Development practices.  The firm is a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition as well as the Florida Forestry Association.

We also have spearheaded a volunteer effort in Volusia County, Florida, to draft its first Green Development Ordinance.  This effort, involving consultants, developers, the legal profession, and government employees, has resulted in a draft ordinance to be considered for adoption by Volusia County in the third or fourth quarter of 2008.  Joel Ivey has served as the Chairman of this committee. 

IPG has also been involved in the creation of a conservation subdivision ordinance for Volusia County and its municipalities.

Finally, IPG was substantially involved in the creation of the Smart Growth initiative in Volusia County.  This effort resulted in the creation of a concept known as the “Ecological Conservation Overlay” (ECO) which is being proposed as a new land use overlay in the County.  The concept involves identifying the “must save” lands and then establishing incentives, plans, and policies to acquire them or to encourage the minimization impacts.

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Partnering

IPG has committed to making a difference.  We have donated hundreds of volunteer hours to seek creative solutions to complex land use issues.  Joel Ivey, President of Ivey Planning Group, was recently appointed to the Volusia County “Green Ribbon” Committee that will be charged with establishing County standards for the implementation of Green related ordinances.

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