I am emphatic about improving energy efficiency in new homes and existing homes. For me personally the driving force is simple. Less energy usage equals less energy demand. Less demand equals less power generated. Less power generated means less global warming and less mountaintop coal removal. Here’s the problem. I often have clients who put as much stock in global warming as I do reality television. I used to get real upset about that and blow up like a bullfrog. Make no mistake I still feel like I am on the right side of the argument; however I have come to a realization. There is more than one way to achieve a goal. We show them without question an Energy Star / Green Certified Home saves them money every month by lower utilities, less maintenance, and increased durability. So instead of saving the planet because it’s the right thing to do, some clients do it because it keeps money in their pocket. Even in energy retrofits we do for existing homes improvements such as better windows, increased insulation, cooler attics, climate controlled crawlspaces, better HVAC equipment, and superior workmanship make a tremendous difference in bills and quality of indoor air quality. The same principle applies to the large corporations of the world. If we want cap and trade accepted, make it profitable. If we want to stop using chemicals that poison our earth and water, make ones that don’t cheaper. If we want China and India do what’s right to ensure global energy, food, and water, supply, let’s show them how to do it cheaper than the wrong ways. Right now we don’t have all the “better and cheaper” answers. Let’s keep working hard to find them and make it profitable for everyone to what’s right.
Chad Ray aka “That Green Builder Guy”
Olde Heritage Builders and Energy Savers of NC
