CHEESSE BUILT: AN OVERVIEW

I have come to understand that in today’s world, designing spaces has long prioritized cost, speed, and aesthetics, often at the expense of occupant health and safety. The environments where we live, work, and learn must prioritize our well-being, minimize environmental impact, appreciate in value, and be built to last. CHEESSE meets all of these needs. At its core, it embodies a thoughtful partnership between people and the environment in which buildings are constructed.

Let’s break it down.

C-reate

It starts with intention. In CHEESSE, create means every environment is constructed with purpose, from the ground up. Whether it's a home, a school, or a commercial space, we’re not just erecting walls—we’re creating environments that enhance the quality of life and reduce operating costs.

H-ealthy

A healthy building isn’t just clean—it actively supports the health of those inside. Indoor air quality is often a low priority in the construction process. Since we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, improving indoor air quality is essential. Using non-toxic materials, avoiding harmful chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and selecting mold-resistant and low-emitting construction products are just a few key steps to creating a healthy environment. A CHEESSE built product protects lungs, skin, and minds—especially important for children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory issues.

E-nergy

E-fficient

Energy efficiency isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. A CHEESSE building reduces energy waste, cuts utility costs, and shrinks its carbon footprint with innovative building designs, insulation, high-performance windows, geothermal heating and cooling, LED lighting, and ENERGY STAR® appliances, to name a few. The goal is to do more with less—less electricity, less heating and cooling, and less strain on the environment.

S-afe

Safety in CHEESSE goes far beyond structural integrity. Yes, buildings must meet or exceed code. Still, safety also means using fire-resistant materials, slip-resistant surfaces, non-toxic materials, proper ventilation, and even things like natural lighting to reduce eye strain and improve mood. From construction materials to floor plans, everything is designed to minimize hazards and maximize well-being.

Additionally, unlike traditional construction, which often treats Health and Safety as mere regulatory requirements, CHEESSE prioritizes Health and Safety in every phase of a project—from design to completion and beyond. Buildings are constructed without cutting corners, using best practices and cutting-edge systems and materials to protect both workers and future occupants. CHEESSE significantly prioritizes indoor air quality, ergonomic construction practices, and structural integrity to ensure that each environment supports both physical and mental well-being, not only during the build but throughout the space's lifetime.

S-ustainable

A sustainable building considers the broader perspective. It’s built with renewable or recycled materials, minimizes waste, and is designed to last. Sustainability also means considering the long-term impact of a building, from its effect on the occupants' well-being to its carbon footprint and adaptability for future uses.

E-nvironments

At its core, CHEESSE is about creating environments, not merely constructing buildings. These are the spaces where people rest, dream, nurture families, launch ideas, and cultivate community. Each environment must be functional, inspiring, and in harmony with the land.

In short, the current construction paradigm tends to emphasize short-term gains. Low-cost materials, rapid timelines, and cutting corners often overshadow the long-term health and safety considerations for occupants and the environment. The challenge for developers, builders, rehabbers, and property owners is understanding that CHEESSE is responsible construction, which delivers a financial win-win for them and the end user. Think beyond short-term gains and instead create spaces that are healthy to live in, safe to move through, efficient to operate, and gentle on the Earth.

CHEESSE built projects represent a holistic evolution in construction, recognizing that buildings are more than just structures—they are environments that shape our health, safety, and future.

Want to learn more or find out how to certify your project as CHEESSE BUILT?

Email info@sterlingmanchester.com