David A. Markham

Green Building for Estate Builder starts In-House

The green movement has two distinct implications for this estate home builder. Obviously, constructing buildings that are environmentally friendly, built from sustainable materials and comfortable to the user is the goal. However, employing green methods and systems in running a business that constructs these buildings is an important consideration as well. C.M. Peletz Co. has changed its ways over the years to become a more environmentally responsible company.

All of our project managers drive company-owned hybrid vehicles which has become our fleet of Toyota Prius. This absolutely makes sense as project managers generally do not carry large amounts of material but do visit jobsites constantly and are always on the go. Our field management personnel drive low-mpg company-owned small pickups. The money savings for fuel is well worth the change. Large material deliveries are left to vendors who generally make multiple stops. Employing fuel efficient vehicles also sends a message to the public that we care about the effect driving has on the environment. One of the largest personal and commercial energy consumers is transportation.

In terms of office working methods, we have a policy to print less and view more data on our computer systems from plans to contract documents. All materials disposed of from the office (mostly paper) are recycled. We even store food scraps (mostly coffee grounds) from our office kitchen in a sealed tote so the company president can transport to his home composting system.

We have recently remodeled our main office in order to create a more efficient work space while reducing our energy consumption. Highlights include changing lighting to LED from drop-in fluorescent, raising ceiling heights for cooler summer room temperatures, upgrading ducting for more efficient air delivery and increasing insulation sections to retain heat and cool air. In constructing the office remodel, all demolished materials were taken to certified recyclers. All wood materials for doors and trim have been acquired from reclaimed lumber stock. Paint is all low VOC. Plumbing fittings are all low-flow and appliances are energy efficient.

In addition to our office, we are in the process of adding a solar generation/shade structure to our building thereby reducing our dependence on the local utility and allowing shaded parking spaces for building tenants. This endeavor includes financial benefits from the state and federal governments that make it impossible to ignore.

We encourage and enable our clients to employ as many green systems and materials as possible to reduce the effect their new estate homes will have on the environment. At the same time, C.M. Peletz Co. “walks the walk” when it comes to the operation of the business that builds those environmentally green buildings.

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