Sustainability: what does it mean to you? Before we officially begin our lessons on Materials and Estimating - let’s take a few moments to discuss sustainability – or ‘green design’ as it is referred to today. It will be part of the various assignments that you will be completing during this course – and future courses…..

What is sustainable anyway? When I say ‘sustainable’ or ‘green’, what does that mean to you? What might you do to promote this concept? I had the opportunity of attending a week-long training in Portland, OR, of the Sustainable Summer Institute – I was one of 30 faculty selected. ◦ Throughout my classes, I will try to share where appropriate – both materials and resources ◦ I encourage you to do the same – as you find anything to share – please let me know

Many terms are used, but do they mean the same? Sustainbable Green Environmentally-friendly Reuse, recycle, repurpose Regenerate? Is it really ‘green’ OR what we call ‘green-washing’?

What makes is sustainable? There are many companies that are excellent examples of promoting sustainability, both in manufacturing and in the products that they sell What are the questions to ask? How might you know that products and manufacturing are truly sustainble?

Where to start…… Two things that you can do to better understand the concepts…… Watch this video: ◦ ◦ This will give you a better understanding of the cycle of production and how often times, it is harmful to the environment. Complete this exercise: ◦ ◦ This will identify your personal eco footprint ◦ I’m not proud – based on my current life and work style, I take almost 5 planets to live – that is horrible! ◦ Now, I’m looking for ways to change……

Thoughts….. In the business of kitchen and bath design, we promote consumerism. Is there a way that perhaps wouldn’t be as harmful to the environment? There will be clients that won’t care – and that is OK for them….. As designers, it behooves us to educate our clients as best we can to make more education decisions about our homes…

Mini-exercise……. (you needn’t turn in) Taking any object about you – take a few moments to identify the following: ◦ Determine the life of that object going backwards? ◦ Where did you purchase? ◦ Where did they purchase from? ◦ Where is the manufacturer located? ◦ What method of transportation might have been used to get it from production to being sold on the shelf? ◦ What is it made of? Where is that material from? For example – I have a packet of Papermate Mechanical Pencils. They are distributed out of Illinois – but as I read the fine print – they were made in India –so what process and path did these pencils take before I purchased them at Walgreens?

Look around you – and what might you change? Another question would be - how much do you throw away that could be used again? Or what products might you use for a purpose that perhaps another product might be as suitable or better to use? I.e. Paper towels (love ‘em), but a cloth towel is probably better – use over and over and they are washable….. Or paper napkins – when clothe napkins are great! Or instead of paper plates – using china!

Reflections??? Granted, we can’t change everything or everybody, but could we begin to make some subtle changes or make some suggestions to our clients? After completing the exercises – I’d like you to reflect upon what you have learned so far……. – again, you don’t need to turn in – but if you like to me – that would be fine…..

10 Trends of Sustainability 1. Smart meter: connected to home Reads what is using how much…. 2. Energy (home label) performance score: mileage per gallon on home Possible to work with local energy company to determine how efficient your home is 3. Building information modeling: software – BIM Helps an architect determine the best placement of building and all windows and doors to capture the ventilation and lighting on a site 4. Green building buy-in by financial institutions Incentive programs that can be used to help finance more efficient furnace, A/C, water heaters, etc. 5. Right-sizing of home Is the home and space appropriate in size to the number of occupants?

10 Trends of Sustainability 6. Eco-district: collaborative energy source; Woodland, TX Community effort for sharing energy. 7. Water consumption: lakes are drying up Use of water saving fixtures and products – “Water-Sense” 8. Carbon collection (local label) life cycle assessment Determining what we use on a daily basis and it’s effect on the environment 9. Net zero buildings – ‘living building’ Reducing operating costs and thus, environmental impact 10. Sustainable education Educating yourself and others

For this class….. Within the Materials and Estimating – we will seek products that may be: ◦ More energy efficient ◦ Locally made – or made in the USA – or close to us wherever we live or our client live ◦ Made from products that won’t harm the environment in their production – renewable, etc. You will have clients that seek both solutions – it helps to have as great an understanding as Possible Your research (web search_) project will help you identify the many products that fit in many categories to better assist your clients; also, we will have field trips, Tours and guest speakers that will aid you in your decisions.

Let’s begin…. As we study materials and estimating for kitchens and bathrooms, we will identify the choices that can be presented to our client that will give them more options So, let’s begin with cabinetry – one of the largest components of materials within a kitchen……. ◦ Attached is an article from NKBA regarding ‘green choices” and also, a green glossary list (additional items can be found on the NKBA web site –