More From the World of Green HR
Environmentally friendly construction a new top industry in SE Michigan
“Green” construction is apparently on the rise as a Michigan industry. Metromode, a southeast Michigan-based Web publication, has put together a list of growing industries in the region. One of the growth areas listed, not surprisingly, is alternative energy. What I was surprised to read on the list was green building, which is getting huge.
The scoop, according to Metromode: “Surprise! Michigan is ranked in the top 13 states for energy-efficient buildings and Detroit is the stand-out when it comes to larger construction. The list of organizations, foundations and educational institutions promoting a greener Mitten State seems to grow by the day.” Construction, it would appear, is the industry to get into. And if you can learn the way of the green, you’ll be ahead of the game. The US Green Building Council (USGBC) would be the first place to look, in order to seek out a green building education. It would behoove construction workers who are looking for an edge in the industry to seek professional accreditation through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program (read about LEED accreditation and building certification on the USGBC Web site).
Developers are beginning to realize that going green is accessible for even low- to moderate-income housing. The cost to build a sustainable house may be higher, but the savings in energy costs more than make up the difference. Metromode has a whole section devoted to green building in southeast Michigan, including the following examples, with my summary:
· Farmington Hills plans to build new, environmentally friendly city hall,
By: Jon Zemke, 10/23/2008
Farmington Hills is completely renovating their city hall with the intention of obtaining gold-level LEED certification. According to Zemke, tentative plans include “geothermal heating, solar panels and a green roof.” The city will begin building this spring and aim for completion by the end of 2010.
· Habitat for Humanity aims for platinum LEED certification for newest house
By: Jon Zemke, 10/23/2008
Community do-gooders Habitat for Humanity are doing good for the environment, too. Habitat recently completed a house in Pontiac with platinum LEED certification. The interest in sustainable houses isn’t for the trendy green factor so much as for the savings factor. According to Zemke, “The 1,200-square-foot ranch house … cost about 15 percent more than the average Habitat for Humanity home. However, it will create about 30 percent energy savings for its residents annually. That can mean about $1,000 saved each year.”
· Ground breaks for new Greenleaf Trust building in downtown Birmingham
By: Jon Zemke, 10/23/2008
The Greenleaf Trust building in Birmingham, currently in construction, will have five stories; residential, commercial and retail spaces; and save-the-planet features. According to Zemke, “The Greenleaf Trust building is going to silver LEED certification with a variety of environmentally friendly features, such as a 1,500-square-foot green roof, natural lighting and numerous water- and energy-efficiency fixtures.” The project is aimed for completion in mid-2010.
· Mind, Body & Spirits: A Green Brew Pub
By: Melinda Clynes, 7/17/2008
Local brewery owner (of Rochester Mills Beer Co. and Inspired Treats) Mike Plesz has built a new restaurant in downtown Rochester, scheduled to open this week. It will be the first completely sustainable restaurant in the country. His plan, according to Clynes: “To build a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, alternative-powered, eco-conscious restaurant serving only local and organic food and beverages.”
· GREEN SPACE: An A2 ranch goes zero-carbon
By: Kelli B. Kavanaugh, 10/23/2008
An Ann Arbor house is being remodeled to generate enough solar and geothermal energy to equal the net energy used, so no other sources will be needed. According to Kavanaugh, “The home will be Platinum LEED-certified as a remodel; the sixth in the nation and second in Michigan to be so recognized.”
Green building is on the rise and only going to keep rising. Sustainable living isn’t a passing trend; the savings in energy costs make green construction ideal. It’s profitable for the construction industry and beneficial for the consumer. If you’re looking for a way to get ahead, as a builder or construction company owner, this is the way to do it. Get LEED-accredited now to move your career or company into the future.
Diversified Industrial Staffing is a recruiting / staffing firm based in Troy, Michigan. Our job is to match ideal candidates to open manufacturing, construction and logistics jobs in Detroit and southeastern Michigan. We find and place CNC machine programmers & operators, manual lathe & mill operators, welders, pipe fitters, general labor, skilled trades professionals, machine repair personnel, truck drivers, hi-lo drivers, carpenters, painters and drywall repair people in addition to other positions. Our homepage is www.diversifiedindustrialstaffing.com