Shades of Green
How to jumpstart your green remodeling program
There is certainly a lot to pay attention to but once you are aware of green possibilities through education and a little experience, it will all become a part of your routine approach to a job.
Even without all the technical expertise, its possible to start thinking and doing like a green professional right away. Whenever you come across new information or updates on what you already knew, educate your staff. Make this an ongoing process throughout the year. If you make this a habit, your knowledge will grow exponentially and your company will move closer to becoming a full partner in the green building process. Another quick way to get started is to recycle, if you aren’t already doing so. Begin with the paper and cardboard in your office and move towards recycling 75 to 80 percent of what comes out of your demolition. On the job, you can use low VOC glues and paints as well as formaldehyde free materials (insulation). Looking for more ways? How about making sure to air seal everything, seal ducts, encourage the purchase and use of Energy Star appliances, use advanced framing concepts and with this, sustainable harvested wood whenever possible. If you’re feeling really adventurous, then why not expand into the plumbing phase of your project by using low flow and water saving plumbing devices. You could also install sealed combustion gas fired units whenever possible to add to your green builder’s arsenal.
In the NARI program, a Green Remodeling professional is described as: “A remodeling professional who considers sustainability and maximizing nature’s resources and energy in an efficient and responsible manner in the conduct of their business.” The goal of the program is to be inclusive of the entire construction process, from the design to the construction to the final finishing phase of the job. Another part of the process that is acknowledged with this statement is the important aspect that you are all businessmen and women. You need to charge a fair price and run your firms like the businesses they are, not non-profits. Your motivation to be greener might be to gain more business or it might be to positively affect the local and global community.
Whatever reasons you choose in the end, it is important to look at the big picture. Incorporating green building materials and practices has the potential to be beneficial for your business and the environment at the same time. It is somewhat rare to find those two intertwined in such a way; why not see what benefits green building can have for you?
Green Building Products:
- CertainTeed’s DryRight Fiber Glass Insulation
- Heat Transfer Products’ Phoenix Water Heater
- Ainsworth’s 0.8E Durastrand OSL Rimboard
- Sto Corporation’s Powerwall Stucco
- Watt Stopper/Legrand’s Light Sensors
- HB&G’s PermaWrap PVC Columns
- Moen’s ChoiceFlo Water Filtration System
- YOLO Colorhouse Paints
- IceStone’s Recycled Glass Concrete Countertop
- Marvin Windows and Doors’ All Ultrex Series
