A few green remodeling tips from eco-consultant Jim Simcoe.
“Everybody wants to be green.”
It’s sexy, it’s cool, and it’s socially responsible being green. Unfortunately it can also be paradoxical and elusive. Is it green to lay down bamboo flooring that’s been shipped from China? Hmm…
Whether your project is a home remodel, redoing a city building or you are incorporating sustainable business practices into your 500 employee company there are some basic tenets for your sustainable green remodeling projects that apply.
Define green to you
Green can mean a multitude of things to different people. I’ve had clients define green as creating the healthiest environment possible. For them it meant no-VOC paint, no carpets, all organic cleaners, away from freeway pollution, etc. Green to a national financial company client meant they operated their entire firm with the least amount of energy and waste consumed.
There can be a multitude of ways to define ‘green’ such as:
· Using locally sourced materials
· Reducing waste
· Using recycled products
· Using renewable energy
· Creating a ultra-healthy environment with no toxins or harmful air Pollutants
· Using passive solar, grey water systems and solar heating
· So the key is to define what ‘green’ means to you. Only then can you move on to the next step, which is;
Get clear on your goals
What are your green goals and how do they align with your definition of green? Your goals set the stage for your initial plan. Most clients we work with find that once we’ve uncovered their true definition of ‘green’ and their goals, the planning and implementation process becomes much easier.
I met with clients recently who wanted their construction company to be green. After we defined green to them we took a look at their goals. We found that by uncovering their true goals we discovered several additional revenue streams they hadn’t thought of. Originally their goal was to create an emergency shelter product that could be built onsite within a few days. After working together on their goals we found that their true goal was to create a product that was completely off the grid. Subsequently we discovered several different applications for their product and entire other markets for them to explore.
Be realistic with your budget
Some of the most powerful things you can do to green up your surroundings can also be the least expensive. For many clients doing a home remodel, we help them determine a budget prior to any work being done. Their budget coupled with their goals allows us to create a plan that works best for them. From a budget standpoint we look for solutions that focus on resource and materials conservation and reduction of energy usage.
We also help clients combine solutions. For example, we might recommend more deciduous trees strategically placed near south facing windows with a rain water irrigation system. This provides summer shading, winter heating, reduced heating and cooling bills and reduced water bills. Combined solutions are great because there is only one expense for several solutions.
Do your due diligence
Once your goals have been defined be very thorough when you interview prospective contractors, architects, consultants, etc. who are going to do the work. You want to make sure that the person you’re hiring has incorporated green as an integral part of their business and not just some ‘one off’ solution for the random client.
For example there is one paint company in San Diego I recommend because they are the only ones I know of who use no-VOC paint almost exclusively. They also offset their carbon emissions from their trucks through TerraPass. Being green and operating green isn’t a small part of their business, it’s one of the biggest elements of their company.
So, in essence, being green whether in a home remodel or at work, can be easy as long as you incorporate a few simple steps into the process. We are happy to answer your questions or provide solutions for your specific case, just give us a call.
Jim Simcoe is a tree-hugging capitalist and green real estate expert who has been featured on Fox, NBC, SmartMoney, etc. Mr. Simcoe has been published in Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine, Bigger Pockets, EcoHome Magazine, etc. He is an EcoBroker, Certified Green Building Professional, Real Estate Broker and contract Chief Green Officer. He helps RE investors create thriving green businesses that are hugely successful. He can be reached directly at jim@ecorockstars.com or online at:www.EcoRockStars.com.
