Infill, yes. Landfill, not so much thank you….
A recent article in the Times Free Press Trends Issue, “Rising Costs Generating Interest in Green Energy,” ties together the many reasons we use sustainable building practices – and it’s not just about saving money. Ethan says, "…we want to approach the project from the beginning with the environment in mind and try to preserve as many materials and reuse and recycle as much as possible.”
So what is green energy and what does it have to do with sustainable building practices? Green energy can be thought of as systems and products that help provide energy with a significantly lesser environmental impact. Well, at Collier, we see green energy as part of a Whole Systems Approach that accounts for the entire construction process – including what we do with construction waste.
Whole Systems Approach
While geothermal heating and air systems, stormwater runoff systems and advanced framing techniques help reduce energy costs, they also help reduce waste – lumber, water and mined materials.
And that is why - when we use these systems in conjunction with one another - we call it a Whole Systems Approach. Because we are rethinking the entire process of building a home so that its various systems work together to reduce its environmental footprint.
Recycle cans, bottles, paper… and STORMWATER and HOMES
House recycling is apart of that process. When we build infill housing – utilizing existing lots to build new houses – we are reducing unnecessary development (more waste). But if we demolish an existing home only to truck it off to the landfill, we are perpetuating unsustainable waste management.
Instead, we recycle as much of the home as possible using the Packer 750 Grinder. Grinding and on-site reuse of wood, drywall, and inert materials such as roofing shingles, block, and brick is a sustainable alternative to traditional construction waste management. Along with techniques to reduce the amount of material being generated and techniques to reuse material on site, the grinder is a key part of a waste management plan.
And ultimately, house recycling helps us accomplish our goal - to promote the economic health and the well being of homeowners, the community and the environment.
For more:
Read the article
Or listen to the interview
And in case you're interested, here are some past articles about our Harper Street recycling project:
Chattanooga: crews recycling for green construction/
Chattanooga: An Inconvenient Roof - Green Contractor Recycles
Collier Construction Recycling And Mulching North Chattanooga Homes
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