Carol Lloyd recently wrote an article for SFGate, the San Fransisco Chronicle's online news source, and she presented some really good points on how to 'green up' your residence without spending a fortune. I was especially interested to read her take on environmental contractors, further confirming my own thoughts on the importance of working with a contractor that understands your goals:
For most of us, our homes (not our cars) are where we use the most energy and therefore create the biggest carbon footprint. If we want to avert climate crisis, our society must mainstream eco-friendly building materials, solar and other alternative energies, and highly efficient prefab construction.
But most of us are renting and buying homes that were built by developers who probably didn't have global warming in mind when they broke ground. And even for those planning a remodel or shopping for a new house today, embracing cutting-edge green building isn't always affordable. Of course, you can choose bamboo over wood, Energy Star appliances and an on-demand water heater, but unless you have a contractor who knows the green building world, you may find yourself working against decades of "we have always done it this way" objections.
If you can afford an environmental contractor, by all means do it. Or, if you have the time, do your own research.
But many contractors still don't know much about green building products and methods, and if you choose to go this route and something goes awry, you will pay the piper. (After salvaging doors and windows and appliances off Craigslist and pushing for green everything on a recent remodel, I finally broke down and bought cheap kitchen cabinets and countertops shipped from China because the costs were pushing double the contractor's estimate.) Basically, anything contractors aren't familiar with is a risk, and most homeowners can afford only so many risks before they run out of money.
She is so right. And, it goes for commercial contracting as well as residential contracting. As I've said before, when your contractor is passionate, your project is successful.
I'm not saying that it can't be done, and I would be thrilled to see more traditional contractors that have stumbled into green building stay for the joy of it. I'm just saying that it's easier. And probably more cost-effective.
Carol Lloyd's saying it. Many clients are saying it. I have a feeling the future is going to be filled with questions like, "Are you green?" You'll be able to tell the difference between those that are, and those that aren't.
Environmental contractors will jump up with excitement and say, "Yes! Yes!". Those that aren't will wonder if they look like they've had a rough night. Until they catch up with the rest of the us, they'll have more than a few rough nights.... wondering why the phone isn't ringing anymore.
2 comments:
it's funny, right now the contractors who are green are probably the "purest." Soon we'll see some that come over the green side because they view it as an economic advantage, and then we will see some come over because they will have no choice if they want to stay in business. So it will become more difficult over time to tell who's doing it for what reasons. By then, however, the best ones will have established reputations, track records, referrals, which should help. - maxmsf
Hi Max,
That's a really good point. With the "greenwashing" that we hear about so often, it can be difficult to discern ethical green from dollar-sign green.
We've found that companies that incorporate sustainability into their business plan, philosophy, and corporate culture are usually a good fit for us.
Companies that make the investment in educating their people on green building and ensuring they receive LEED accrediation.... Companies that develop internal recycling plans... Companies that invest in sustainable design and construction in their locations...
Any time you see a company putting their money where their mouth is... Any time you hear about a company that is walking the walk along with talking the talk.
That's good green. :-) Those will be the ones that rise above the rest.
Thanks for your insight.
Ellen
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