A quick update on green living

Whether you are a professional seeking LEED certification on a current project or a homeowner looking to live a "greener" life in your home, there are several simple and easy methods to employ that take little effort but have a big overall impact.

• Replace light bulbs.  This is not news and if you live in California you are already aware of the differences in light bulbs.  But replacing those old incandescent bulbs with the more energy efficient CFL's  and LED's, that use up to 80% less energy than the incandescents, will make a difference in both your energy savings and your pocketbook.
• It is important to utilize as much natural light as possible in the design of any building. This is not only aesthetically pleasing but will help reduce the need for electricity, heating and other forms of energy
• Use self-replenishing natural items such as bamboo for flooring, cabinetry and even personal household items like bath towels and bed linens.
• Live plants improve air quality and add a touch of life to any room
• Solar and battery operated lighting for both the interior and exterior is a great energy saver.
• Buy locally.  This not only supports local business in your community but saves energy by reducing the amount of fuel needed for transportation and reduced the amount of pollutants emitted during transportation.

We make every attempt to keep our manufacturing process as "green" as possible with careful attention paid to the disposal of paints and other waste, recycling etc.

The old mantra of repurpose, recycle and reuse is still a simple rule to live by.  And you can look forward to celebrating the 45th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2015.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Green design trends for 2014

Architects, designers and builders all have a responsibility to their clients to create an environment that is healthy and safe, all the while preserving natural resources, air quality and the surrounding community.  The design community has done a good job of following the three "R's" of the "movement" --renew, reuse, recycle, as well as attempting to use local suppliers and reducing the use of toxic materials, all with an eye on preserving Mother Earth.

However, while the "green" movement is hardly new, it is a topic that is ever-changing and should be discussed on a regular basis as we have done in posts here and here.  Currently, global warming and changing weather patterns have many developers and designers trying to find ways to harness the'earth's natural resources in an efficient manner without depleting the diminishing supply.  On the horizon:

• Automated systems that result in energy efficiency.  The future will see many "cloud based" systems for the ultimate in energy and cost savings.
• Solar power will continue to gain popularity in both commercial and residential buildings.  Tax breaks, grants and other funding will make these systems more attainable for small builders and homeowners.
• Zero net energy is the new buzz word.  Simply put, it means a building uses as much energy as it creates through on-site renewable resources.  While usually still dependent on the electrical grid, these buildings harvest solar and wind power and reduce usage of the electrical grid through highly efficient HVAC systems, for example.
• We can dim the lights and design automobiles that use less gasoline but we cannot live without fresh water and those resources are certainly being affected by the changing weather patterns.  Engineers and scientists have their plates full as they try to come up with ways to reduce the damage to the atmosphere that has resulted in the change in weather, along with methods that eliminate waste and are more efficient.
• LEED consideration will extend to the "greening" of existing buildings.  Owners will be charged with the removal of dangerous products but also required to disclose any dangerous chemicals and products on site, along with any green methods put into place to correct the problem(s).

A combination of carefully considered design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is safe for occupants and visitors in public buildings, considerate of special needs of those who might be physically challenged as well as an aging population and is sensitive to the need to conserve energy and preserve natural resources will result in buildings and rooms that will leave a positive mark on the community.

We do our best to recycle products, dispose of waste and conserve whenever possible.  To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom furniture, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

What better time to talk about green design than on St. Patrick's Day

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner we are reminded that green is important, certainly when it comes to the color of your beer and the color of your shamrock but it also gives us the opportunity to segue into a discussion on "green" design, in particular--off-gassing.  We all need a reminder now and then that eco-friendly design is important as we discussed in this post from 2012.

I  have noticed that there seems to be a lot of discussion lately on the topic of off-gassing, due in part to the attention it is garnering from celebrities.  Have you ever noticed that once a celebrity jumps on a bandwagon a topic receives a lot of attention?  But I  also wondered if the general public is even aware of this issue and how it affects them.  Here is our little tutorial on the subject of off-gassing:

Definition:  Off-gassing is defined as "the emission of especially noxious gases.." (courtesy of merriam-webster.)

Sources:  Off-gassing can be produced from pretty much any item in your home including carpeting, flooring, paints and varnishes, household cleaners, packing materials, even your dry cleaning.  

Solutions:  There are several ways you can reduce the amount of off-gassing produced in your home, hotel, retail store or place of business.  And just a quick note, according to the EPA, indoor air quality is important and care should be given to keeping the air as healthy as possible to avoid health problems for some members of your family or for visitors to your place of business.  For more detailed information, visit the EPA website.   To help insure a clean interior follow these suggestions:            

•   Choose low VOC paints and cleaners 
•   Open windows and air out rooms with newly applied paint or floor coverings.        This may be necessary even when new furniture is delivered to eliminate the varnish fumes.
•  Properly dispose of any open containers of paints, varnishes, strippers, cleaners.

Maintaining a clean air work or home environment will offer both short term and long term benefits to all who enter.