Environmentally Sound Business Practices are Feasible

by Brett Gordon

As consumer awareness of environmental issues and energy conservation continues to grow, the market for “green” is rapidly escalating in the built industry. But how do owners of construction companies initiate change or implement sustainable standards in a practical way?

 

We are all managers of the world’s resources, butit’s how we choose to manage them that matters most. Companies must be passionate about ensuring a more livable, sustainable world and put sustainable practices into everyday practices. This begins with education and awareness, starting with a leader ship commitment from the company executives.

Green standards within a company are only successful with buy-in, supportand dedication from the top, where it then filters down through the rest ofthe team members allowing the firm to execute the best initiatives for their needs. Every associate, with support from executives, must believe in environmental responsibility for the change to truly make a difference.

 

Construction Firms Can Feasibly Initiate Green

Contractors need to commit to “Go Green” as builders, and take the necessary steps to commit as a business by changing practices in the office. Develop a formalized internal committee to focus on supporting green initiatives. With a collaborative team of both office and field associates, they work together to implement and educate the entire staff about sustainable practices. The main goal of the committee should be to provide the associates with the best management of resources and to work toward bettering the community.

Recycle all possible products in the office and onall job sites, which highly reduces the carbon foot-print. In addition to recycling, an internal “Go Green” program can be executed. The program developsfrom an internal analysis of the company’s annual carbon footprint.

When we conducted that analysis at McCownGordon, it prompted us to change light bulb types and install motion-sensor lighting. We installed low-flow urinals, eliminated use of paper by electronically distributing plans and drawings, and removed all useof paper products, aluminum cans and plastic waterbottles, replacing with glassware. We purchased two hybrid vehicles and two bicycles that are available to the staff for transportation around the city.

The company’s Greensburg, Kan., team will utilize the hybrid vehicles to make the trip back and forth while the firm builds that tornado-ravaged community’s K-12 school. Also, we are in progress of replacing our entire fleet, and now offer bus passes to the staff for use.

 

Change Makes a Difference

Transforming the way we used to do business makes a huge difference. Although the benefits may not be clear to you at first, our results are proof that it can work in your office, too.

•By recycling paper in the office, McCownGordon reduces energy cost by 10 percent annually.

•With the transformation from a 10 mpg truck to a 16 mpg truck, energy is reduced 50 to 60 percent annually.

•We save at least 40,000 gallons of water per year with the installation of low-flow urinals.

It’s relatively pain-free to practice sustainability and strive to build a globally green world. Support an environmental commitment with action. At McCownGordon, along with our numerous green initiatives, more than 60 percent of our operations and estimating team are LEED-accredited professionals, allowing us to offer the leadership and expertise that is vital to the creation of a sustainable community.

The key to making it work is to fully embrace the commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. Constantly strive to learn more efficient waysof doing things and strive to educate ourselves on sustainable practices.

Brett Gordon is president of McCownGordon Construction.
P     |     816.877.0632
E     |     bgordon@mccowngordon.com

Return to Ingram's August 2008