SUSTAINABILITY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
IT'S UP TO YOU!
Historically some of the obstacles hindering the progress of sustainable construction have been education, habit (along with possibly some apathy), high costs and zoning codes. Education of sustainability is an important issue. It is important not only to educate the people about sustainability, but also more experts and professionals that are educated to promote sustainable construction. Our own habits have also caused a slower transition to sustainability. It is easier to continue doing as we always have than to make a change. It may not necessarily be apathy, but we think that if doesn’t work as well or as quickly, it’s not worth changing. Alternative energy systems have been out of reach for the typical middle class consumer, limiting them financially from changing to a sustainable structure. Another obstacle has been zoning codes, but more recently counties and cities have begun to change the codes to allow a more sustainable existence.
Willis A. Smith Construction has shown with their headquarter building that there are many things that can make a difference and don’t cost a lot of money, but just require some planning, Setting aside grass parking spaces or specially located spaces for eco-friendly vehicles didn’t cost much. Choosing a light colored heat reflective metal roof as part of the design rather than a dark color did not add any cost to the project. Aligning the offices around the exterior of the building so they receive natural light during the day is another design element that does not add cost to the project, but cuts down electricity usage. The design of the building shows, in a very tangible way, that you do not need to spend a lot of money to make a difference. And if you have some money you’re willing to invest, then you can really make a difference. Willis A Smith expects to have saved enough to recoup the cost of the cistern, solar panels, and other green initiatives within 5 years. And the cost savings, which they expect to be about 30%, won’t end when the initial investment is paid off, they will continue for years to come, while being better for the environment.
In order to overcome these obstacles we need to get more people involved, more voices making noise and more people willing to educate themselves and others about sustainability. As technology advances, the cost of alternative energy systems is decreasing and as more and more systems are on the market, the price will become more competitive. When the voices are many and are strong, people will stop to listen. Our elected officials aren’t going to bother with a small interest group, but as the group grows, their voice becomes powerful.
We would like to wholeheartedly thank the staff of Willis A. Smith Construction for taking time to speak with us, for providing access to their building and information about their project.
Willis A. Smith Construction has shown with their headquarter building that there are many things that can make a difference and don’t cost a lot of money, but just require some planning, Setting aside grass parking spaces or specially located spaces for eco-friendly vehicles didn’t cost much. Choosing a light colored heat reflective metal roof as part of the design rather than a dark color did not add any cost to the project. Aligning the offices around the exterior of the building so they receive natural light during the day is another design element that does not add cost to the project, but cuts down electricity usage. The design of the building shows, in a very tangible way, that you do not need to spend a lot of money to make a difference. And if you have some money you’re willing to invest, then you can really make a difference. Willis A Smith expects to have saved enough to recoup the cost of the cistern, solar panels, and other green initiatives within 5 years. And the cost savings, which they expect to be about 30%, won’t end when the initial investment is paid off, they will continue for years to come, while being better for the environment.
In order to overcome these obstacles we need to get more people involved, more voices making noise and more people willing to educate themselves and others about sustainability. As technology advances, the cost of alternative energy systems is decreasing and as more and more systems are on the market, the price will become more competitive. When the voices are many and are strong, people will stop to listen. Our elected officials aren’t going to bother with a small interest group, but as the group grows, their voice becomes powerful.
We would like to wholeheartedly thank the staff of Willis A. Smith Construction for taking time to speak with us, for providing access to their building and information about their project.
SOURCES AND LINKS
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification: http://www.usgbc.org/
Florida Friendly yards and Xeriscaping: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/FYN/fyn.shtml
Butler pre-engineered metal building components can be found at http://www.butlermfg.com/
Forest Stewardship Council certifications: https://us.fsc.org/certification.194.htm
Low E Window info visit: http://www.nachi.org/low-e-windows.htm
ICF Styrofoam walls visit: http://www.smartblock.com/
Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label Plus Program:
http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/green-building-and-the-environment/index.cfm
Sherwin Williams Harmony paint line: http://www.sherwin-williams.com/
American Evergreen solar panels: http://www.evergreensolar.com/en/index.html
To learn about Puron R-410a, the environmentally sound replacement for Freon, visit: http://www.puron.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability#Definition
https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/pv/public_systems/xCG9128072
http://www.scf.edu/CampusLife/sustainability/Initatives/default.asp
http://www.willissmith.com/