As counties like Marin, Napa and Sonoma develop policies and programs to increase sustainability, businesses are realizing the benefits of greening their buildings. Green buildings are misers when it comes to energy use (which goes right to a company’s bottom line), but they’re also more comfortable to work in, with better air quality and more efficient water use. Ultimately, they create healthier, more livable communities.
We all need to reduce our carbon footprint, but we have busy lives, and it can be a challenge to find the time to shop for building products and materials. We spend valuable time (and gas) going from place to place to find flooring, cabinets and lighting. The investment of time and the challenge of culling information from multiple sources can be frustrating.
My architecture practice, Mahoney Architecture & Interiors, has been dedicated to designing energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings in the North Bay for more than 15 years. I know finding eco-friendly products and green professionals can be a daunting task for even a seasoned pro. Because of this, I launched Green by Design, which brings together many green solutions.
Green by Design’s Mill Valley design showroom and alliance of professionals from more than 20 companies can help consumers go green, from roof to foundation—even the garden. Each company is dedicated to green business practices and products. The owners aren’t only experts in their fields, they’re leaders in working with eco-friendly products and energy-efficient solutions. They’ve implemented these best practices and can speak from experience.
Among the businesses you’ll find at Green by Design are the architects and designers at Mahoney Architects & Interiors, where each team member is a certified green building professional, and contractors such as Kasten Builders or Caletti/Jungsten Construction, who’ve built green and worked using sustainable best practices.
Explore conserving water through a rainwater catchment system by Earthcraft Designs, or by letting David Shevick, PE, install a tankless water heater. Landscape architects Pedersen Associates and landscape installers Siteworks can help you reduce water use through drought-tolerant landscaping and indigenous plants.
Sun First! Solar can determine if your building or home is a good candidate for solar panels. Creative Energy can add energy-efficient spas and cleaner-burning fireplaces to the mix. Lasting Impressions in Concrete can design patios, pool terraces and concrete countertops with recycled content. Liberty Valley Doors manufactures locally, and Lavelle Millworks designs and installs cabinetry using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) woods that come from managed forests and renewable sources.
If you want to create a healthier home for your family, Kimberly Rider is an interior designer who can guide you through the process. You may want to use renewable materials, such as bamboo cabinetry by Altereco, or you may want to have IDG install formaldehyde-free cabinetry for improved air quality. MB Jessee Painting has many lines of no- or low-VOC paints, or you may want an earthen wall finish from Tobias Stucco or American Clay. These earthen finishes absorb CO2 and improve indoor air quality.
Haute Floors will walk you through the process of choosing a carpet made from natural fibers, from lines such as Shaw, Merida, Earthweave and Nature’s Carpet. Or, you may prefer an eco-friendly hard surface, such as those made by EcoTimber, Terragren and Carlisle, or Salida Cork and Forbo linoleum.
If you’re considering incorporating any of these ideas into your home or workplace, showroom manager Deborah Crosby will guide you through the selection process and assist you with ordering and installation. Incoming president of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and certified as a LEED AP through the U.S. Green Building Council, Crosby can also show you the options that meet LEED criteria and take your project to LEED status, if that’s your goal.
Green by Design provides a conference room, where you can consult with your designer or builder—roll up your sleeves and roll out your plans—surrounded by these beautiful and inspirational products. We have work portfolios and product samples available for all participating companies. If you’re interested in meeting with our professionals, we can make the appointment for you here, or, if you prefer, send our alliance businesses directly to your property.
The Green by Design businesses are all independently owned and operated, but they all share the desire to do more environmentally responsible work. Each is experienced, licensed and insured. We work collaboratively to get the word out about green products and services, because it’s important for consumers to know that “durable” and “eco-friendly” still translate to competitive pricing. Our goal is to make our services and products easy to access.
If you want to become more informed on this ever-evolving way of looking at design and building, come browse our binders and books to see and feel the products first-hand. Whatever your current need, you’ll likely find the most eco-friendly options currently available at Green by Design.
So, we challenge you to become more eco-literate. Ask questions about the resources you use and to what extent you can reduce your carbon footprint. We can all play a part in the big shift toward a sustainable, healthier future.
