5 Ways to Green Your Construction Project

As I mentioned in a recent post, trends show that more and more people are demanding green options in their landscape construction projects. Here are a few simple, low cost ways to help make your construction project more environmentally friendly.

1. Use recycled materials- Use reclaimed bricks or blocks to help cut down and waste. You may even get a discount for saving on costs of materials.

2. Think Permeable- Use permeable pavers or concrete when hardscaping to prevent runoff and erosion.

3. Use Native Plants- If you are incorporating plants into your construction project use native plants to cut back on watering and fertilizer needs.

4. Use Lighter Colors- Using colors that have a high SRI (solar reflectance index) will help reduce the heat island effect which can affect our climate. To do this choose lighter colors when installing hardscaping and roofs.

5. Replace Tree- If your project requires the removal of trees, consider replacing the trees with native one planted at a safe distance from your house and other hard structures.

If you need other tips don't hesitate to set up a consultation with us by calling 301-603-1080 or emailing info@greenfutureus.com

Retaining Walls: What material should you choose?

Often times when we schedule a retaining wall estimate, we will ask if the home owner has a material in mind. You see, there are lots of different types of material retaining walls can be built from. Today I wanted to go over a few types of materials and discuss their pros and cons to help demystify the selection process:

1. Wood- Wood is usually the cheapest option. So if budget is the most important aspect this may be a good choice for you. However, wood is more susceptible to rot, weather and insect damages. It's lifespan will be about 10-15 years. If you plan on staying at your property for a long time, this might negate any cost savings.

2. Segmental Blocks- Segmental blocks are interlocking concrete blocks that fit together like a puzzle. Most segmental retaining walls come with a lifetime guarantee on the material. Segmental walls are also durable and can last a lifetime if installed correctly. The downside is that they are slightly more expensive than a wood retaining wall.

3. Cinder Block Wall with Veneer- Cinder blocks are more durable than wood but slightly less durable than the interlocking system. It rarely comes with a lifetime warranty and may cost more than segmental blocks. This type of wall usually requires a good design and engineer to ensure stability. However, the wall is versatile and you to put your personal touch on it by choosing virtually any finish.

4. Natural Stone Stacked- Using natural stones is the most natural solution as it uses materials directly harvested from the earth. These walls can be very costly because of the number of stones required to make the wall. It is also difficult to create curves in this type of wall.

5. Green Wall- Green alternative to regular retaining walls, incorporates plants into hardscape. Self irrigating and low maintenance. Can be more expensive due to materials and labor costs.

While there are more types of materials these are the basics. I hope we have helped to clear up any confusion regarding retaining walls. Good luck on your project. Feel free to give us a call if you'd like to set up a consultation 301-603-1080

5 Potted Plants for Valentine's Day

Looking for a way to sweep your sweetie off his or her feet this Valentine's day?

Instead of traditional bouquets, check out these potted plants that will brighten your home for years to come!

1. Chrysanthemum- Mums are popular in the fall. They come back yearly and provide a pop of color in cooler weather!

2. Flowering Kale and Cabbage- For your health nut, Colorful, flowering versions of their favorite veggies.

3. Heuchera- Colorful leaves that stay bright through the winter. They come in a variety of colors so you can choose his or her favorites.

4. Orchid- The elegant orchid makes a great gift.

5. Bonsai- For a true tree lover a bonsai makes a great gift. These miniature arbor sculptures also look beautiful.

Paver Installation

One of our most popular projects is pavers-- and for good reason! Pavers often come with a a lifetime warranty, they are durable and when installed correctly can last for a very long time. When we install pavers, we follow ICPI standards and this is the process we use:

PLANNING Determine the area to be paved. Measure for square footage and sketch a diagram of the shape & pattern of paving stone desired.

PREPARING / EXCAVATING Before beginning excavation, make sure there are no utility lines within the area to be paved. Excavate area to the proper depth depending on the type of traffic. Refer to cross section diagram.

ALLOW FOR DRAINAGE  Establish the finish grade and slope or pitch of pavement to allow for drainage. Lay out the lines and corners with string line and stakes. Compact sub-base with mechanical compactor.

BASE INSTALLATION Spread aggregate base uniformly throughout the entire excavated area and 8 in. beyond perimeter lines. Base aggregate material should be processed 3/4” minus gravel or crushed concrete blend.

BASE COMPACTION Compact the base aggregate evenly throughout the area with a mechanical plate compactor. Do not compact the base aggregate in more than 4” layers. The compacted base should conform to the contour of the finished paved area. The grade of the base aggregate should be 3” to 4” below the finished paving stone surface depending on the thickness of the paver.

SAND SCREEDING Spread 1” of concrete sand evenly over the compacted base. Screed the bedding sand to a level, smooth surface using a screed board.  For areas wider than the width of the screed board, use 1” conduit pipe as screed guides 4’ apart. Screed sand, remove screed rails & fill in depressions with fresh sand. You should end up with a complete layer of smooth sand.  Do not disturb sand bed after it has been screeded.

EDGE RESTRAINTS Install edge restraints as required. Pavers butting against curbs or foundations will not need an edge restraint. Various types of edging materials can be used. Nicolock recommends a Snap Edge edge restraint system since it is easy to install and will not rot or decay.

PAVER PLACEMENT.
Begin placing paving stones on the screeded sand bed in the desired pattern. Hand place the paving stones with a hand tight joint.  Work from the paving stone side of the installation as they are set. To achieve the best mixture of colors and blends, remove pavers from delivered bundles section by section, not layer by layer, and work from several bundles at a time. Cut pieces as needed to fill in the pattern.

FINISHING.
When all pavers are placed, sweep surface clean. Spread a fine jointing sand over the entire surface and broom sweep to fill all joints.  Leaving excess sand on the paving stone surface, tamp the paving stones into the setting bed with the mechanical plate compactor with a rubber pad. Broom sweep more sand to fill any open joints.  Backfill over the top edge restraint and grade. Your installation is complete and ready for use.

Note: Concrete dust created by saw cutting pavers can stain the surface. Be sure to cut pavers away from your installation. The use of an approved safety mask is recommended when cutting any concrete products.

Source: http://www.nicolock.com/homeowner-tools/installation/paving-stone-installation

What New Home Buyers miss that could cost big.

I have been watching a lot of HGTV lately. If you are not familiar with the network it is sort of like the home improvement channel. A lot of the shows focus on home buyers finding the perfect homes or home owners renovating their property. Watching the shows I started picking up on things first time home buyers look for (things I could totally relate to when we were looking to buy our first home) and things they miss (things that I wish I had thought about when we were looking to buy our first home.)

Most first time home buyers go in looking at aesthetics. Are there granite counter tops? Stainless Steel appliances? Walk-in closets? However, the more important details that can have a big impact on living in the house, are often over looked. Here is my list of big items that you should consider when purchasing a home.

1. HVAC- I once rented in a small house where the heating bill for one month was $1000. I have also lived in a small house that used diesel heating, which cost about $600/month for heating. That's a lot of money to burn during winter months that many home buyers overlook. Check out a home's HVAC system before you buy. Is it new? Is it central air, diesel or gas?  It can make a big difference in the comfort of your home and the price you pay through the lifetime of the house.

2. Roofing- Roofs are another big ticket item. Replacing a roof usually takes at least $5000 and that is for a small home. Check to see if the roof is in good condition, or have the inspector check. Its never fun to shell out a few thousand big ones for home improvement a few years after you purchase the house.

3. Landscaping- Curb appeal is a big factor in real estate and while many want a nice big back yard, few first timers think about the work it will take to maintain the yard. Regular, mowing, trimming, and weeding is the bare minimum for a landscaped backyard. In general hardscaping, gravel and artificial turf are easier to take care of. Make sure you budget to hire a landscaper or budget time to do it yourself. Also check for drainage issues which can be very costly over time, especially if it results in flooding.

4. Environmental factor- Ever looked at a home with solar panels? How about a home with a charging station for electric cars. As our world changes, I think choosing a more environmentally friendly home will make a big difference. A lot of "green" home factors also tend to save you money which can be a huge plus. Even something as small as environmentally friendly windows and insulation can make a big difference in the overall cost of your home.

5. LOCATION, location, location- Any realtor will tell you that you can change just about anything about your house except for the location. That is why location is such a big deal. Do you want a home close to work, close to the city, in a good school district? Are homes in the area selling for more or less money than the house you are buying? Make sure you know what area you are getting into before you buy.

These are some key points to look into when considering buying a home. Can you think of anything I missed? Anything that you thought of AFTER you bought your home that ended up costing big?

How to save money on your Construction or Landscape Project

Who doesn't love a good deal? Landscape and construction projects can have a great return on investment when it comes to resale of your home, but they also can cost a lot of money to get the job done right. That's why I came up with a few tips to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Here are 5 simple tips you can use to save big on your next project:

1. Set a budget:
If you know how much you would like to spend, let the contractor know. Most legitimate contractors will do what they can to work within your budget and may even throw in some extras to sweeten the deal.

2. Ask for contractor selection: Sometimes contractors can get a great deal on a particular plant or already have a certain variety of material in stock. Because of this they are able to discount a certain material by as much as 50%. If the contractor has surplus material from another project, they may be able to offer it to you on a discount as long as you are not picky about the color or type.

3. Seasonal pricing specials: For contractors, winter is the slow season. That is why construction prices drop significantly in the colder months. From November to March ask your contractor if they are willing to offer a discount for the winter season.

4. Look for Coupons: Many contractors offer coupons online or in local papers. You can also get discounts by signing up for a monthly newsletter. Search around so you are sure to get the best price.

5. Bundle Projects: If you have several projects you would like to get done, ask the contractor if they are willing to give you a discount for packaging the projects together. Many will!

I hope these tips help you save money on your next project. Feel free to give us a call 301-603-1080 or visit us online to set up an estimate.

Focus on Concrete

So you are interested in installing a new walkway, driveway, retaining wall or patio and you are looking into concrete. Concrete is one of the most affordable and frequently used building material out there.

First, let's talk about what concrete is. concrete is a mixture of six different components: Cement, Coarse Aggregate, Fine Aggregate, Water, Fly Ash, and Chemical Admixtures. Concrete can be made into different types depending on the mix ratios and properties of the concrete. For example, a lower water to cement ratio is generally better because it gives the concrete less permeability and is better resistant to the elements. The PSI (strength) of the concrete can also be manipulated. In general we recommend at least 4000 PSI for a driveway and at least 3500 for structures like walkways that will not sustain a lot of force. The chemical admixtures can also be changed to extend or limit setting time and to increase freeze/thaw durability.

You don't have to settle with boring old white sidewalk concrete either. Concrete can be stamped, stained and sculpted to resemble more expensive building materials like pavers and natural stone. Concrete can also be made permeable for a greener option.

While concrete is a relatively strong and durable material, one of its downfalls is that is does tend to crack over time and with changes in the weather. Although the mixture and number of joints can be altered to help prevent cracks, even well installed concrete may crack over the years. However, the versatility and relative low cost of concrete may outweigh this con for many looking to install hardscaping.

If you are interested in installing a concrete structure, give us a call to set up an estimate and discuss your options. 301-603-1080.

Spotlight on Green Roofing.

Ever seen a house that looked like it was sporting a toupee of grass? While there are varying degrees of green roofing, from partially covered to fully covered green roofing is a sustainable trend that has been on the rise in recent years.

Green roofs can be installed in place of or in complement to traditional roofing. The vegetation typically weighs more than traditional roofing so a structural engineer may be needed to verify that the building can support the weight. In addition, the plants may require a drainage or irrigation system and additional care must be taking to waterproof the area below the plants to prevent leaks that may damage the structure of the building.

Although the structure of the green roof is more complex, there are many benefits that come along with it. In addition to absorbing rainfall and helping to prevent runoff, green roofs also provide additional insulation which helps reduce heating and cooling costs. Green roofing also helps to reduce the heat island effect, filters pollutants and provides habitats for wildlife.

If you are interested in installing a green roof but worried about the cost, check out this cool cost estimator, which compares the cost of a green roof, a traditional asphalt roof and a white roof over time.

Fire pits 101

The best part of camping is the campfire: roasting marshmallows, telling stories around it, watching the flames burst and wane. Want to bring that feeling of sitting around a campfire home? By installing a firepit you can do that, safely and beautifully.

What is a Firepit?
A firepit is an enclosure made of fire proof materials used for building a containing a fire.

What does a firepit look like?
There are many types of firepits you can install from metal ones that are moveable to ones that are made of concrete blocks and fixed in the landscape. In general a fire pit is a circular enclosure with a lower set center where you can build a fire.

Why install a firepit?
Installing a firepit can add a centerpiece to your yard that can transform it into an outdoor oasis. You bring the campfire feeling to your home and create a focal point to build memories around. Imagine roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories in your own backyard!

Which type is right for me?
If you have a limited budget, you can get a movable metal firepit for a few hundred dollars. If you are looking for a more upscale feel and would like to have a permanent structure incorporated into your patio or deck, a concrete block or natural stone firepit is a better choice. It is more durable and can be built to match your other outdoor features.

We install firepits and would be happy to help you explore options and make a decision. Call us for a free consultation 301-603-1080.

Earth Month

A lot of people make New Years resolutions but what about making a "green resolution" for Earth Day? In honor of Earth Day, which is this month, I thought it would be nice to try to find ways to incorporate a little more "green" into our lives. I got inspiration from another blog to cut down on using paper towels, which we seem to use like water at our house. For the company, my goal is to encourage our employees to be more energy efficient in their operations.

If you are looking for simple ways to be a little more environmentally friendly in honor of Earth Day here are some ideas:

1. Turn out the lights and turn off/ unplug appliances when not in use
2. Walk, bike or take public transportation instead of driving
3. Recycle!
4. Donate old clothes or electronics instead of throwing them away.
5. Program your thermostat to use less energy when you are asleep or away from home.

Here are some ideas on how to be greener in your yard:

1. Use native plants
2. Solve drainage problems to prevent run-off and erosion
3. Use permeable pavers and concrete for hardscaped surfaces.
4. Mulch to help prevent run-off and erosion
5. Use materials with a high SRI (lighter color) to prevent the heat island effect.

I hope that these ideas can inspire you to change something this month!

Green New Year

Happy New Year!

Have you made any resolutions for 2013? While most people's resolutions involve losing weight or getting organized, being good to the environment is a noble goal that is often over looked.

That's why, this year I have decided to go a little bit greener with green future.

First, I've added a line at the bottom of our signature in e-mails to help remind readers to consider the environment before printing the e-mail out. Did you know that more than 50% of papers printed out are never used? You can get your own paper-saving signature here: http://thinkbeforeprinting.org/.

Next, I've been working really hard to get a co-mingled recycling plan going at our office. Studies show that people are more likely to participate in a recycling program if its all inclusive, because it is less complicated. Unfortunately, the waste removal company I have been working with has been really slow about getting us quotes and information on the recycling plan. Although it has been a frustrating process, I intend to persevere. If your office does not have a recycling program, encourage them to do the same, even if it means someone takes the recyclables home with them.

Third, I've been trying to find ways to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This means buying and wasting less materials, which will hopefully help us save money, which we can then pass on as more savings for our clients. It also means using responsibly sourced materials, such as FSC certified wood.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I want to focus on being a ONE STOP SHOP. This is our new tag line and it is surprisingly a great way to be more environmentally friendly. Think about it, by offering all services in house, we save lots of driving time, which helps prevent harmful carbon emissions. By using our company you eliminate the need for several contractors to come to the site thus preventing the excessive use of gas for transportation.

So my questions to you are what are your New Years Resolutions and will you incorporate any new behaviors to "Stay green?"

My Patio Story

The shoemaker's kids may have to go barefoot, but the landscaper's family WILL have a beautifully landscaped yard.

It's been over a year since we bought our house, but we are just beginning to tackle the outdoor projects that we had intended to from the start. I wanted to share our experiences with you because I think a lot of people buy a home and then get overwhelmed with all the expenses and unexpected projects that pop up.

For us, the main issue was mold in the basement. We had the mold remediation done before we closed on the house and shortly thereafter, we replaced the drywall and the carpeting. 3 months later, the mold was back. Although, the realtor had described our basement as "the best man cave ever," in the ad, the mold issue made it seem more like a regular old cave, complete with crickets and cobwebs.

Our experience told us that if the mold came back we probably had a drainage issue in our yard and most likely a crack in our foundation. The solution? Waterproofing.

Waterproofing is a process where we excavate the dirt by the side of the house about 8 ft. or to the bottom of the foundation. Any cracks or holes in the foundation are patched and then we apply hydrostatic tar and rubber membrane. You can also install a drainage system to make the waterproofing more effective. It's also important to compact the soil on top of the waterproofed area, since excavated soil will sink over time. Just as we had expected we found several holes in our foundation once we excavated.

Unfortunately, in our case, the side of the house with the mold was also the side that had a deck right above it so in order to waterproof, we would have to completely remove the deck. The deck itself was tinted green from built up algae with peeling paint and rotting wood. So- not a huge loss, but it did leave us without and outdoor space to enjoy.

Our next step was to build a patio. We decided on a paver patio because the pavers have a lifetime warranty and are very durable compared to a wood deck or a slab of concrete. They also have a sophisticated look. Although we didn't use permeable pavers because of the larger price tag, (even though we are in the business, we still have to pay for materials!) we did use recycled pavers. We also installed a French drain, to help prevent erosion, run-off and water pooling (we live at the bottom of a hill).

You may have read my post about how to "pimp your patio," well we took my advice. We installed a sitting wall, covered our grill in stone, put in a fire pit.

While we still need to fix the interior. I can tell you the outside portion of our home looks a lot better and it makes me feel so much better to finally eradicate the cause of the mold.

The other cool thing about this process is that I get to be the customer for once. It definitely gives me a different perspective of our company. But I will say, that unlike other customers, I didn't have to shop around or worry whether or not the workers would do a good job. I am completely confident in our crew. I know that this is what we do and we do it well. I hope you can take confidence in our company too.

If you have any questions about what the process is like, what to expect etc. feel free to ask me. It is always a big decision to have work done on your home, but if it is done right, you will feel so much better about where you live.

It's not easy being Green

It's nice to have ideals, it's nice to have values, it's nice to stick to them 100% of the time but sometimes it's not always realistic.

Take "going green," for example. There are some people that go to extremes: buying only organic produce, walking or biking everywhere, using "green" toilet bowl cleaner (I mean really?). It's these type of people that have turned "going green" into a dogma that must be strictly followed. I mean, god forbid you should throw away that banana peel instead of composting it.

When I got pregnant, I had lofty ideas of cleaning up my act and being more "green." I bought cloth diapers, switched to organic produce and even bought a few "green" cleaning products. The reality is that now that my baby is here, cloth diapers lead to 50% shorter naps (he wakes up when he's wet), organic produce is not always affordable, and I still haven't found the time to clean.

But I've made compromises. I try to use cloth diapers a couple of times a day (not before naps!), I eat organic when I can, and, ok, I still haven't found much time to clean green or not green.

The same applies to your yard. You don't have to choose the "sustainable choice" 100% of the time, but making a conscious effort to be more environmentally friendly when you can does have an impact (however small it may be).

Lawn: The trade off: You want a green lawn but you know its not sustainable to water your yard. Solution:
Cut back on watering. A 10' x 10' area requires 62.3 gallons a water a week to water the recommended amount of 1" of water but many people use more. You can also adjust your sprinklers to make sure they aren't watering your driveway or the sidewalk. Also, make sure you are watering your grass early in the morning or in the evening to prevent rapid evaporation. Installing rain barrels or cisterns are also a good option to cut back on water use.

Landscape: The trade off: You want a beautifully landscaped yard, but know that things like using fertilizer and invasive species is not good for the earth. The solution: Plant native plants. They require less maintenance and fertilizer since they are already adapted to the climate. If you can't give up fertilizer, try using an organic brand. Use mulch from a recycled source.

Hardscapes: The trade off: You want to create an outdoor oasis with a patio or deck but you know that impermeable hardscapes cause erosion, run-off and limit the amount of green space. The solution: Permeable pavers and pervious concrete are a great option to help prevent erosion, while still providing the look and functionality of  a traditional hardscape. If you can't spring for these more expensive materials, try adding a separate drainage system that incorporates into the hardscape (generally less expensive). Use a low SRI material (lighter in color) to prevent the "heat island effect" and add plants or built-in planters to incorporate green space.

I hope these simple tips help you understand that even if you can't be 100% green, you can make a conscious effort to do what's right for the environment on a smaller scale. Every little thing helps!

Pimp my Patio

Summer is just around the corner so its time to start thinking about enjoying warm summer nights lounging outdoors in your yard. How can you create a spectacular outdoor space? Here are some tips:

Whether you have a DECK or PATIO use these techniques to enhance the look and enjoyment of your outdoor space

• Make a pattern: use different colored composite, wood stains or pavers to create a cool looking design on your deck or patio.
• Fire pit: Who doesn't like roasted marshmallows? Fire pits can be added to decks or patios to create a fun and functional centerpiece
• Outdoor Kitchen: Be the envy of your neighborhood with a built in outdoor kitchen. Granite counter tops and built in stone or concrete block storage will make your yard a luxurious extension of your house. Great for entertaining.
• Pergola: For that fantasy magic garden effect, a pergola can transform your patio or deck from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Built in Seating: A sitting wall or built in benches can be a great addition to any deck or patio. The extra seating is sure to come in handy for larger get togethers
• Lighting: Everyone knows that lighting is a great way to create a certain mood. Use built in lighting to make your patio or deck more romantic and easier to use at night.

With these simple features, you can create an outdoor space that is sure to impress. Contact us if you are interested in installing any of the features listed. 301-603-1080 eli@greenfutureus.com

How does your Garden grow?

Do you like vegetables?

As a kid I hated them. I vividly remember spitting them out into napkins, surreptitiously scooping them into the trash, or using any other number of tactics to avoid eating them.

As an adult, I have learned that there are some vegetables that are not so abominable, dare I say even delicious.

Recently I have been reading a lot of recipe blogs. One of the roles I have tried to take on as a new mom is making delicious and healthy meals and what could be healthier than home grown organic vegetables. (Sure, my baby hasn't started solids yet, but all this practice can't hurt.)

If you have ever thought about making a vegetable garden, we can help with that. We can even put a nifty concrete block border around it to give it a sophisticated look and help prevent the erosion of the soil.

And what should you plant?

The possibilities are endless. Tomatoes, herbs, squash, and peppers are all pretty easy to grow.

Once you've got your garden going try using the vegetables in some healthy recipes.

Here is one of my favorite: ZACUSCA

This is my healthier take on a traditional Romanian dish (which is usually loaded with oil):

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant

2 red peppers

1 large red onion

1 can of stewed tomatoes, drained (or tomato paste)

2 cloves of garlic

1tablespoon of oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Peel eggplant.

2. Chop all vegetables in to small cubes and place in a glass (9x13) pan.

3. Mince garlic and add it to the pan

4. Add stewed tomatoes and drizzle oil on top

5. Bake at 375 for 25 min. then stir

6. Bake at 375 for another 20-30 min.

7. Let cool, then blend in a food processor or blender (consistency should be chunky like salsa)

8. Add salt and pepper to taste

9. Enjoy!

You can use the zacusca as a spread, side dish and sometimes I even eat it as my main dish.

Try it and let me know if you enjoy it!

The truth about Concrete

Yes, I'll admit it. We DO install regular concrete and we do a great job of it. We are even certified to install decorative stamped concrete. But in spite of all this, it is usually our last recommendation to clients. Why, you ask... well here are a list of pros and cons:

PROS:
Cost- one of the least expensive materials for hardscaping
Versatility- can be used for many different types of projects (walkways, retaining walls, driveways, flooring, etc.
Recyclable- Can be recylced

CONS:
Cracks!- Concrete is bound to crack within a few years of installation. Why? Concrete is porous and as a result small beads of water can infiltrate it and create cracks when frozen.  Also, since concrete is generally poured in large rigid sections, it does not accommodate changes in the earth and thus cracks more easily.
Non-sustainable- Concrete covers the earth not only reducing the square footage of green area, but also preventing proper drainage since it is impervious. This can lead to run-off and erosion
No Warranty- Regular concrete, the material, almost never comes with a warranty, because it will crack over time. Materials like pavers come with a lifetime warranty so overall they are a better value.
Aesthetics- Concrete tends to look cold, hard and unappealing. Use pavers or natural stone for a more upscale look.

So what do we recommend for things like patios, walkways, retaining walls? Interlocking blocks and permeable pavers if possible. Yes they are slightly more expensive, but in the long run they are a much better value. They come with a lifetime warranty, look more attractive and are better for the environment.

Find out more about our services at www.greenfutureus.com
or CALL US 301-603-1080

Does it make "cents" for businesses to go green?

Does it make sense for businesses to go green? It depends on who you ask and what you're talking about. I've posted before that going green seems to be synonymous with being expensive. People had to suck it up and take a hit financially in order to help protect the environment and practice sustainability. But the truth is, it will cost far more for future generations if we ignore the environment and continue with profit being our top priority.

It seems like the only option to help us move toward a greener future is to find solutions that both help the environment and save money. Lately the economy and job creation has become the main focus of the media. The "green collar jobs" that were supposed to be the darling of the economy ended up looking like more of a boon, since large solar companies that the government had invested in went bankrupt. But in reality, these companies that went under were only a few in a sea of many. Green jobs still have the potential to open new opportunities that create both a sustainable environment and a sustainable economy.

Our company, Green Future Construction, has a vision of this working in the future. Although only a small percentage of our clients are even interested in eco-friendly construction options, we try to educate them on what is available and how certain sustainable options may help save them money: now and over time. For example, using native plants may cost less and save you money on water usage over time, since they are built to survive in this environment without much maintenance.

For big businesses the results of small changes can add up fast. For example, reducing packaging saves companies money and reduces landfill waste at the same time. Little changes add up to big savings for large corporations.

In conclusion it is my belief that the future is making sustainable choices that also make sense economically. Without financial incentives many people and large businesses have no immediate reason to change their operating practices. By focusing on the environment we protect the earth for future generations without sacrificing profits today.

Montgomery County Maryland Green Building Requirements

Just in case you didn't know, Montgomery County requires all new County funded buildings to acheive at least a LEED Silver rating. Here is a quote from their website:

"Montgomery County, Division of Building Design and Construction is committed to providing leadership which will foster conservation, protection and improvement of the environment by planning, designing, constructing and maintaining buildings that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and resource-efficient.

Montgomery County Green Buildings Law

In April 25, 2006 a bill was introduced, enacted Nov. 28, 2006 and become effective March 1, 2007 that requires the following for County built or funded buildings:

• Achieve at least a LEED-certified rating, or the equivalent, if its design is initially funded in the capital budget in Fiscal Year 2008. If its design is initially funded in Fiscal Year 2009 or later, a County-built or -funded building must achieve a LEED-silver or equivalent rating.
• If a County-built or -funded building is not included in the capital budget, the building must achieve a LEED-silver rating or the equivalent if its building permit application is filed on or after either one year after the Council approves the implementing regulations; or  September 1, 2008, whichever occurs first. 
• To view the regulations, please visit the Department of Permitting Services.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System was developed by the United State Green Buildings Council (USGBC). It identifies criteria that positively impact the energy and environmental characteristics of a building, including sustainability of a site, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality."

(http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/DGS/DBDC/Index.asp)

Summer Savings

Ok, I know that at the beginning of summer you are probably thinking of your vacation not your taxes. But there are a lot of tax breaks available at the federal level to help you save money and go green at the same time. No is a great time to think about these tax benefits because it gives you enough time to plan and apply for the credits. Maybe you could use the extra green you save by spending a few extra days on the beach. Here are a few ways you can use these tax benefits to your advantage:

1. Start improving your home:

Energy saving air conditioning, insulation, new windows, can all qualify for a tax credit of up to $500, or 10% of the installation costs. There are a few stipulations, however, you can't claim the credit if you have claimed $500 or more in home energy credits in the past. The amount of credit the government offers has decreased over the years so make sure you take advantage of it before it is gone!

2. Electric Cars
Out with the hybrids in with the plug-ins! You can get a $7,500 tax credit if you purchase a new plug-in electric vehicle. The credit can only be used to reduce the taxes you pay and can not be refunded or carried forward.

3. Residential Charging Stations:
But how will you keep your new electric car ready to roll? You're in luck! There is a 2011 federal tax credit for installing a residential electric car charger. The credit is good for up to 30% off the installation costs up to $1000. This credit is only good until the end of 2011, so this is another one to take advantage of ASAP.

4.Car Conversion:
Not interested in buying a new car? Why not convert your gas-guzzler to a more efficient electric car. Install a conversion kit and you get a tax credit for 10% of the costs up to $4000. This is another credit set to expire at the end of 2011 so act fast.

5. Home Solar
Air conditioning on high blast making those electric bills soar? If you install solar panels, you get a tax credit of 30% off the total price. To make the deal even sweeter, the credit can be rolled over to apply to next years taxes if you can't use it all at once. The solar panel credit doesn't expire until 2016, but since installation is a long process, you might want to start thinking about it now.

I'd love to find more ways to go green, if you have some please share! 

Charity work in Guatamala

Last week, Eli, the owner of Green Future Construction went to Guatemala to do charity work and learn about the culture of many of our workers. Guatemala is a country in Central America that can be described as having a "developing economy" and huge disparities in income. Although a peace accord was signed in 1996 to end armed conflict, violent crime is still a main concern. Extreme poverty has made many Guatemalans turn to violence and drug trade out of desperation.

Eli traveled around the country with 4 body guards and a bullet proof car, to protect himself, since many Americans fall victim to kidnappings. He stayed with some wealthy locals and had a chance to visit places tourists don't typically get to go, including one of the poorest villages in the country. While he was there, he and a few other companies raised $10,000 for the village and brought truck loads of food, candies, and supplies. The villagers lined up, waiting excitedly as trucks full of rice, corn, beans and candy pulled up one by one. Their anticipation was palpable as children chatted and adults buzzed, looking longingly at the sweets.

It felt great to give the donation to the needy village, but it was also apparent to Eli that this offering wasn't enough. Soon the food supply would be depleted again and the villagers lacked something essential to get themselves back on their feet. The village had other problems: women as young as 11 had children of their own, babies were growing up malnourished so that a 5 year old, Nelson, looked like a two year old and could not walk or talk, and any crops that the village tried to plant to sustain themselves, immediately died. When Eli inquired about the crop failure, he was informed that the villagers had cut all there trees down and sold them to make money, now when they try to farm, the crops get washed away because there are no trees to prevent erosion. Aside from the obvious environmental and economic problems of this community, it was obvious to him that at the root of these problems was lack of education.

If the villagers were better educated, young women would wait to have children and would be more likely to develop skills or a career that could help them support their family. If they had been educated, they may have realized that cutting down the trees would result in crop failure. Education would also provide more opportunities for growth and jobs. The same is true here. Education is at the root of a changing future and it seems that more emphasis should be placed on the environment considering how it impacts almost all aspects of our daily lives.


We encourage all of our clients, friends, and families to do what they can to help people in need, but also to remember that the focus of the aide should ideally be on long term solutions including educational programs. Remember the old adage, give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for life.

www.greenfutureus.com
301-603-1080