8 Great Projects for Greening Operations

(This article originally appeared in the March 2011 issues of Merchant Magazine and Building Products Digest.)

Want to be leader in the green building arena? There’s no better way than to demonstrate your commitment and know how by actually implementing projects on your own facility. Anyone can stock certified merchandise. And it’s easy to put out a few green hang tags on the shelf or signage proclaiming your eco virtues, too. But to really set yourself apart from the “me too” crowd, build valuable relationships with other leaders in the industry, and save money in the process, you’ve got to walk the walk. These days, it’s a little easier than it used to be. Depending on the type of project there may be government incentives available or a relatively motivated local bank ready to finance something with a solid green profile.

1. Energy retrofit – Make your facility energy efficient with better lighting, insulation, and mechanical systems. Then add renewable energy generation, too. Undertaking this kind project will pay dividends for decades to come. In the short run, build valuable relationships with those firms doing the work. In the longer term, as energy prices continue to rise, enjoy predictably lower costs.
   
   
2. Living roof and/or living wall – Installing a living roof delivers multiple benefits, including saving energy and giving your team experience in a young, fast growing market segment. Combine with water recycling systems for additional “wow” factor.
    
3. Cool roof – If you’re not ready for solar panels or a living roof, think about this: if the roof isn’t white, you’re might be paying too much for air conditioning. Paint it white, save energy – it’s that easy.
    
4. Water recycling – At first glance, conventional financial models may not make the quantitative case for water efficiency projects – water prices are kept artificially low. But if you’re operating in a region with stressed water resources, taking steps to reduce your demand can set a powerful example for your community. There may even be rebates available. Install HET toilets, rainwater harvesting and gray water recycling systems, and gain valuable experience you can use to promote these green practices to your customers, too.
    
5. Recycling for batteries, fluorescent lights, paint, electronics, etc. – This may prove to be more difficult than it sounds, especially if there’s no local, infrastructure, but will be well worth it in the end. These products contain toxic heavy metals and other components that pollute ground water. There are a variety of programs available benefiting a range of non-profit activities.
    
6. Zero waste – Reducing the waste generated at your facility will engage both staff and customers, and may reduce your waste haulage bills, too. Remember the Three Rs will help you get there – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
    
7. Replace portion of parking lot with community vegetable garden and bicycle racks – Don’t discount this project as being impractical or too costly. There will be plenty of people in the community willing to lend a hand. Encouraging bicycling reduces the carbon footprint associated with your facility. Planting instead of parking does the same and can provide fresh vegetables for employees, customers, or members of the community in need.
    
8. Shorten supply chain – Sourcing product and materials closer to home reduces transport costs. Depending on where manufactured, imports may already carry a high carbon footprint because of inefficient coal-fired electricity generation. On the other hand, local products can earn LEED credits for local building projects and, generally, will appeal to a growing number of customers preferring products and materials made in the USA.

Systems Thinking, Green Roofs and Shelter

(This originally appeared in the June '10 edition of Merchant Magazine and Building Products Digest.)

Ultimately, the ways in which homes are designed and built influence the kinds of products and solutions that make their way into the “shelter supply chain.” The green building movement has blossomed over the last ten years, and the thinking at its core has, too. References to “systems thinking” occur more frequently in conversations concerning all aspects of building science and practice. Buckminster Fuller would be happy. But it’s early days and there is much more progress to be made. The carbon footprint of the building industry is still 2 or 3 times above where it will need to be in order to meet whatever carbon reduction target eventually becomes national policy.

The next waves of innovation are pushing forward more holistic solutions, creating new opportunities for the long term. Savvy dealers and distributors could do well to begin making moves in 2011 into green roofs and modular shelters.

A green roof is exactly what it sounds like – plants growing on the roof. The idea is old, but current approaches are based on the latest systems thinking. A good green roof system takes in the entire building ecology and watershed. Storm runoff is managed, perhaps rainwater is harvested and reused within the building. The plants effectively filter rainwater, provide habitat, and maybe even food for inhabitants. The building’s energy requirements for heating and cooling are reduced, as are heat island effects. Organic wastes are composted, loops are closed. The overall CO2 footprint is reduced. A green roof provides many services for the building, its occupants, and its neighbors, what a permaculture practitioner would call “stacking functions.”

The number of green roof installations is growing and there could soon be tax credits to keep it growing. Savvy dealers would do well to start learning about green roofs, visit local projects, and scout products. New product innovations are coming to market that are contributing to better systems with greener materials, built faster with easier maintenance, etc. Consider the whole system and how you might innovate within your own organization to grow this aspect of your business next year. Learn more at Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, (www.greenroofs.org,) an industry association. Most importantly, build relationships with local green roof designers and builders.

The other wave of opportunity is with modular shelters, a perfect example of holistic design that contributes to sustainability and self-reliance. This may not seem obvious, but at bottom, we are really in the business of providing shelter. Rather, the shelter is the continuing service that customers are getting from their building system, the components of which are sourced from various places and assembled by various workers. Why not provide shelter more holistically?

There has been growing interest in green prefabs and modular building for use on homesteads, back yards, and even roofs. New designs incorporate the greenest materials, are solar powered, collect rainwater and even come with a green roof. (For an example, see Tensen Eco Buildings, here www.tensenbuildings.co.uk.) It’s not hard to see the appeal. These products are much less expensive and more feasible than buying a bigger house or financing a room addition. Building permits may not even be necessary. As more people seek to become self-sufficient, growing their food, and simplifying their lives, these cool little shelters are even becoming preferred ways to live.

A hundred years ago, this supply chain sold goods to people with sod roofs and even sold homes. Thinking of your own dealer or distribution business as a member of the “shelter supply chain” will help position it for the inevitable low-carbon future to come.