Usgbc

Milhaus

I joined my local chapter of the US Green Building Council today!! I plan on joining at the National level soon, and starting the process for LEED AP accreditation by summer. I'm thoroughly excited about it. I started 'pushing' it if you will this week. Talking with everyone that I can about it. I talked with an architect and designer this week about it. The sheetrock supply rep about today. It feels great to be passionate about WORK.

Here's a funny story about the role we all will play pushing this....I'm working on a small commercial project, and want to tie as many green things into as I can. I ask my concrete sub to find out what percentage of slag and flyash are in the concrete so I can show the customer when the project is finished. (Keep in mind, it's only a yard of crete). The crete co should have this pretty easily attainable I would think?

Sub talks with the concrete co, concrete guy gets pissed because I ordered a yard of crete and am needing him to look this info up and 'work more'. HAHAHAHA It requires a shift in mentality for people to grasp green building. I've been trying to step back and look at the big picture whenever I can. People don't like to do different things, as soon as you start asking for it - you get the heat.

I'm going to keep on asking for it. There's something to be said about BELIEVING in what you do. This is the best week I've had since I started this business.

mark

dougchips

Mark, call the guy back and ask them if their concrete truck runs on bio-diesel. Also insist that they send you a PDF of your invoice so are not taking part in killing any trees.

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AtlanticWBConst

That is good Forward thinking on your part.

Personally, Green building has not picked up as much in my area...yet. It is growing.

I know that as time goes on, as materials and "education of the population" continues to develop, there will be alot more clients, companies, businesses and people in general, that jump on the Build-Greening wagon (in my area).

When I see more of it, I may enroll in a certification program myself.

Thanks for telling us about that. It reminds us all to be forward thinking.

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- Build Well -

GreginAlaska

I was talking to an ICF supplier and he told me that if you build a "green" house, you can get thousands of dollars in federal tax breaks? Is that true? I think he meant the home owner gets the breaks?

Milhaus

Depends on where you live for the tax breaks.

Here's a start...http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/tools/funding.htm. Here's another ...http://www.dsireusa.org/

Check out the dsire one first...it's easier.

mark

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

Mark,
Good for you. I know many people give the green thing heat but I think it is THE way to go. Being passionate about your work will make you money so much faster and easier. Go get 'em.

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Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com

GreginAlaska

Thanks Milhaus!

LaurieC

Mark,

I found just the opposite when I called all of my subs for the clients that want to go green "ish". Most of the companies are interested in anything that will make them a few extra $$, even if it took a bit of research, and most see green as a great way to do that. Insulation company- got very excited to sale the Bonded Logic (blue jean material). Painter- easy, he's used no voc paint for clients with allergies and such. Electrician- already geared up b/c we have Title 24 out here in CA. etc... the only subs who weren't happy- granite and tile guy & framer. Framer- I think green hits them in a different way. Not only does he have to buy the right materials, but he has to find a way to reduce his waste on the site. One of the things I read said they need to use computerised precision saws to reduce the waste. That's not going to happen.

Malco- yes, it's the $$$ the compaines are interested in (big bosses). But when I talked to the individuals in the companies they were more interested in the environmental impacts.