Sustainability | Building Better by Design

Sustainability isn’t a feature. It’s a foundation. From LEED and WELL certifications to geothermal systems and prefabrication, smart design drives performance, health and long-term value.

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Collage featuring Secura Insurance Headquarters interior and basketball court with WELL and LEED Gold certifications highlighting sustainable construction in Wisconsin.

Sustainable Construction at
Every Scale | TL;DR

Every project is a chance to build better. Sustainability at C.D. Smith means creating spaces that perform efficiently, last longer and make life better for the people who use them.

  • LEED and WELL certified projects across industries
  • Geothermal, prefabrication, solar and stormwater systems designed for performance
  • Mass timber expertise shaped by real project experience
  • Lifecycle savings through early alignment and smart design

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What Sustainability Means in Construction

Sustainability is about more than checklists or certifications. It is a mindset that guides how buildings are designed, built and used every day. It starts long before construction begins and extends long after turnover.

Sustainable construction means better buildings for the people who depend on them. Energy use drops. Indoor air quality improves. Water is conserved. Materials last longer. Every decision matters because every detail adds up to performance, comfort and value.

A Living Example of OUR SUSTAINABILITY

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Aerial view of the C.D. Smith Corporate Office in Fond du Lac Wisconsin featuring rooftop solar panels and modern glass design built for energy efficiency and sustainability.

 


 

Sustainability by System

Sustainability takes many forms. From energy-efficient systems to renewable materials and modular construction, every project uses a mix of solutions to meet performance goals. These examples show how smart design choices make a measurable difference in how buildings operate and how people experience them.

 

LEED + WELL Certification

Projects that pursue LEED or WELL certification start with a shared goal: to create spaces that work better for people and the planet. From the C.D. Smith Corporate Office to Secura Insurance Headquarters to Baird Center, sustainable design is part of everyday operations. The City of Madison Nakoosa Trail Fleet Facility stands as another example of efficiency and wellness working together.

LEED and WELL | Secura Insurance Headquarters | Nakoosa Trail Fleet Facility | C.D. Smith Corporate Office | Baird Center

Geothermal Systems

Geothermal technology captures natural energy beneath the ground to heat and cool buildings efficiently. At Nature’s Way this system drives year-round performance with minimal energy waste. The Reedsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant uses a similar approach to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Nature’s Way | Reedsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant | Riverheath Evergreen | Schneider National: The Grove Innovation Center

Water Conservation + Stormwater Management

Water is one of our most valuable resources. Projects like the Baird Center and Waukesha Water Utility Booster Station show how infrastructure can manage water responsibly while serving communities. The Global Water Center continues that commitment by turning sustainable water management into everyday practice.

Baird Center | Waukesha Water Utility | Global Water Center | Sheboygan Water Utility: Raw Water Pump Station

Prefabrication + Modular Efficiency

Prefabrication improves quality and schedule control while reducing waste in the field. C.D. Smith integrates prefabricated systems where they create value, from mechanical and electrical assemblies to modular headwalls and bathroom pods built off-site for safer and faster installation. Healthcare projects, like SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, show how prefabrication supports precision, safety, and continuity of care during construction.

Prefabricated Building Materials | SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital

Mass Timber (Experience + Innovation)

Mass timber is reshaping how buildings are designed and built. It combines strength, sustainability and design flexibility while reducing a project’s carbon footprint. Projects like Ascent MKE, Poplar Hall and Fastenal showcase how this renewable material brings warmth, performance and efficiency to every structure.

Mass Timber Construction | Ascent MKE | The Rise of Mass Timber in Wisconsin | Poplar Hall | Fastenal

 

Sustainability in Action

Every project tells a story of collaboration and innovation. These are a few examples of how sustainability shows up across markets and project types.

 

Why It Matters

Sustainability isn’t just good practice. It’s good business. Smarter systems, better materials and efficient design all lead to stronger performance and healthier spaces.

From daylighting that improves focus to HVAC systems that reduce energy use, every sustainable choice builds long-term value for clients and communities. It’s how C.D. Smith delivers buildings that last—and relationships that do too.

Exterior view of the C.D. Smith Corporate Office in Fond du Lac Wisconsin featuring cantilevered design with warm wood accents and glass balcony, showcasing sustainable architecture and LEED Gold workplace design.

 

Let’s Build Smarter Together

From industrial innovation to community wellness, sustainability starts in the planning room. Whether you are improving efficiency, reducing carbon impact or designing for future growth, our team is ready to help you build better.

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Design for Performance. Build for Longevity.

High-performance buildings start with smart design. Through early collaboration and preconstruction planning, each system works together for efficiency, comfort and lasting value. It’s about making every decision count—from materials and daylighting to air quality and energy use.

The result is a building that runs better, costs less to operate and supports the people inside. That’s the real measure of performance.

Enhance Environmental Effects

Enhance and Protect biodiversity and ecosystems

Improve air and water quality

Reduce waste streams

Conserve and restore natural resources

Optimize Economic Impact

Reduce operating costs

Improve occupant productivity

Enhance asset value and profit

Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Positive Societal Influences

Enhance occupant health and comfort

Improve indoor air quality

Minimize strain on local utility infrastructure

Improve overall quality of life

Last updated: October 2025

 


Get in Touch

Corporate Headquarters
125 Camelot Drive
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Milwaukee Office
8325 W. Tower Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53223

Madison Office
316 West Washington Avenue
Suite 900 
Madison, WI 53703

La Crosse Office
333 Front Street North
Suite 701 
La Crosse, WI 54601

Ready to build community and get connected with commercial construction expertise? Use the below form to submit questions or request information. We look forward to learning more and discovering how we can make YOUR PROJECT. OUR PRIORITY.®.