James Stuckey, the CEO of Verdant Properties, LLC®, sat down with Blogger Venue recently and explained that Green and Sustainable development is more than just what type of materials are used in construction.
Blogger Venue: Good morning, Mr. Stuckey. We appreciate you being here today.
James Stuckey: I am glad to be here.
Blogger Venue: First, can you tell us what exactly is Green Development?
James Stuckey: Basically it means to build in a way that affects the environment positively.
Blogger Venue: Such as with natural materials?
James Stuckey: Yes, natural and renewable materials, but there is so much more to it than that.
Blogger Venue: Can you give us some examples?
James Stuckey: To really be considered “green,” a development must have a number of features. The building plan must focus on water efficiency, waste reduction, and indoor air quality.
Blogger Venue: Let’s talk about water efficiency; why is it important to build with that in mind?
James Stuckey: Not only does using less water save the average consumer money, but also since it takes so much energy to treat the water that people use every day, reducing personal water consumption has a far-reaching positive effect.
Blogger Venue: But, isn’t water a resource that will renew naturally anyway?
James Stuckey: Yes, but when people use less water there is more available for lakes, streams, and wildlife consumption.
Blogger Venue: When you mentioned that green development focuses on reducing waste, what exactly do you mean?
James Stuckey: Construction and demolition materials are large and can take up a great deal of space in our nation’s landfills. When we recycle, eliminate waste, or repurpose these materials, it creates a smaller effect in the environment.
Blogger Venue: And this will equal fewer facilities devoted to disposing of these materials?
James Stuckey: Yes, that’s right, and also it will lead to a reduced need to rely on virgin resources, which can be saved for later generations.
Blogger Venue: What can be done with salvage materials?
James Stuckey: They can be used for a diverse range of applications. One popular option is to donate the materials to nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for low-income families.
Blogger Venue: You also mention that indoor air quality is a critical component in sustainable development. Can you explain that in more detail?
James Stuckey: A structure’s air quality is important because not only does it help the occupants remain healthy and provides for their comfort, but it also can increase the longevity and durability of the materials used to build the structure.
Blogger Venue: Looking away from just the building, is the landscape plan important to green development?
James Stuckey: Yes, definitely. It’s important to use landscape materials that work with the environment and wildlife in an area.
Blogger Venue: What about technology?
James Stuckey: Technology is an extremely important ingredient in sustainable development.
Blogger Venue: Why is that? Technology doesn’t seem related to nature.
James Stuckey: Think about this: more and more buildings now are computer controlled, regulating air conditioning flow, turning lights on and off, and reducing power when not needed.
Blogger Venue: That makes perfect sense.
James Stuckey: Also, since the population of the United States is growing at an exponential rate, it’s very important that those of us who develop the buildings that people use on a daily basis ensure they are built responsibly so that future generations will be able to enjoy the Earth as much as we do now.
Blogger Venue: Very well said.
James Stuckey: I’m glad to say that there is an increasing trend for architects and construction professionals to create structures that mimic nature closely, producing visual appeal in an environmentally friendly way. An entire filed has been created called biomimetics.
Blogger Venue: Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today. We really appreciate you taking this time with us.
James Stuckey: It’s absolutely my pleasure; anytime.
James Stuckey is a New York native who believes that responsible building practices are the key to encouraging positive economic growth across the globe. James Stuckey owns Verdant Properties, LLC®, where he specializes in public/private developments that maintain a harmonious balance of environmental responsibility and community need.