Green Building Attainable for Everyone?

Is it possible?

I would argue that it is... but only if your contractor is passionate about sustainability.

Passionate. Not just "versed" in it. But passionate about it.

Your contractor has to believe in it because it's the right thing to do. Your project manager has to look at every bit of construction debris as something that can be redirected and recycled. They don't cut corners; they don't throw trash on the ground when no one's looking. Your contractor has to be the one that calls you first thing in the morning because she found a paint that's an even lower VOC than the one you'd chosen. Everyone on her team knows that those drains nearby lead right to the river and there's no way they're letting any pollutant near it.

Every day, we see something in the news about a Green Building. The Bank of America Building in New York is getting a great deal of airtime right now because of the magnitude of this project.

It's HUGE. It has state-of-the-art Green Technology. Its innovation in design is newsworthy.

It's not gonna happen in my little office. You're probably thinking the same thing, especially if you're a small business owner.

But, with the right team focused on your sustainability goals, you can earn a LEED Certification. What if your goal is water conservation? We focus on low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, aerated faucets, xeriscaping, draught-resistant local foliage. Many of these items can be found at nearly the same prices as good-quality traditional alternatives.

What if your goal is energy efficiency? Let's outfit the place with CFL's (that are rarely replaced! Mine are still running after 4 years). Let's open the blinds and let in some daylight. How about investing in a high-performance HVAC system and then do a life-cycle analysis to see what you're going to save on your electric bill over the next 5 years?

Maybe you want to recycle, reduce, and reuse? Set a goal for 90% construction debris recycled on your renovation project. We'll reuse those flourescent light fixtures, paint those doors instead of purchasing new ones, and use the money we save to purchase FSC wood book cases.

What if you wanted a little of each? A passionate, educated contractor will make it happen for you. Another contractor might tell you what you want to hear to get the job. Do you really want to be out on the site every day checking up to ensure your recycling isn't ending up in the landfill? or do you want to trust your contractor to do what's right because you know she's as passionate as you are?

I want passion. And I want sustainability.

I challenge that you can't have one without the other.