Whenever I interview with a new client, I like to tell them that going green doesn't have to be expensive, sacrifice luxury, or result in a home that says "70's hippie lives here". I also tell them that I won't force anything on them, but I will present the options that include sustainable choices and let them decide from a place of information. Eco-friendly materials and products have changed so much in the last 5 years that often you would never know one just to look at it. As more homeowners request and install recycled glass countertops or dual flush toilets, the industry is getting the message loud and clear - and they are responding by creating more interesting, unique, and beautiful materials for us to choose from.
Choosing locally sourced products and materials for projects is often a popular choice with the homeowners because it saves shipping costs, and helps to integrate the home with the site. It is nice as a small business owner to support local craftsmen and other small businesses. In the case of custom cabinetry, it is much easier and faster to work with a local shop that can measure, install and follow up on the project.
Choosing locally sourced products and materials for projects is often a popular choice with the homeowners because it saves shipping costs, and helps to integrate the home with the site. It is nice as a small business owner to support local craftsmen and other small businesses. In the case of custom cabinetry, it is much easier and faster to work with a local shop that can measure, install and follow up on the project.
One of my favorite green products, which we used in this remodel in Scottsdale, Arizona, are recycled content glass mosaic tiles from Oceanside Glasstile. They are a very environmentally conscious, as well as socially responsible, company located in San Diego. This project also features a custom powder room countertop with integrated sink cast from recycled fly ash concrete, and manufactured locally by CONCRETE INTERIORS. The water-feature/faucet is a sensor-activated automatic faucet that was retrofitted and customized to create ribbons of water. This not only saves water but also creates a "Zen-like" atmosphere in the space. We upgraded all the appliances to more efficient Energy-Star models, and used low-VOC paint throughout. The clients loved that there was no "new paint smell" immediately. While the eco-friendly changes we made in this project were minor, they also were cost effective and will contribute to future cost savings on utility bills.
While there are many details to be aware of and document in the process of building a green home which is intended to be certified through a third-party system such as LEED, the process is made much easier by including a team member who has experience and knowledge of the process. It can be quite rewarding, and enjoyable, for the entire team and the owners if green design decisions are addressed in the beginning rather than as an afterthought.
