ICYMI and are as conscientious about saving the environment as we are, you’ll be glad to know that PBC Design + Build’s own Dan Spann AKA Director of Construction, is not only the master of a good LOL, but he is also a LEED AP. Yep, PBC has a professional on staff with a very specific area of expertise, who is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Have you figured out what the acronym that follows Dan’s signature stands for yet?  Take your time, we’ll BRB…

While you’re thinking about it, let’s get back to that environmentally-conscious trait that we all possess inside of us somewhere.  Do you ever find yourself thinking about this great big, precious world and how you can preserve the future of it?  Are you building your own custom home, or hoping to one day, and wondering how you can do-so while not contributing as much to the planet’s daily waste, pollution, or overuse of energy?  We share your concern and know that it can seem completely overwhelming.   You don’t know where to begin, or how to find the time to research, or you are wondering how in the world you could budget for huge expensive solar equipment?  Not to worry, help is on the way!  Remodeling, redecorating, AND building new construction can ALL be eco-friendlier processes just by making a few simple changes… from re-purposing an old piece of furniture to installing a tankless water heater, you can do it!

• REPURPOSE, REPURPOSE, REPURPOSE!  Do you still have that dresser from 1983 that your spouse insists must go in your kiddo’s room because that thing was in their own room as a child and “if it was good enough for me well then, it’s good enough”?  No?  Us either ;).  But if we DID, we would use some cool Chalk Paint (try Annie Sloan– several non-toxic qualities) that everyone is talking about.  The kind that apparently covers any surface with no prep and leaves a nice, flat, seemingly even “aged” look?  Pick a color, grab some new hardware, and GO!  Chances are, that 30-something-year-old dresser has lasted this long because it is actually made out of real wood and that it is not only going to save you money but also possibly a baby tree’s life.  Win-win.
• Speaking of wood, re-claim that stuff!   Jump on the pallet craze.  Use a chunk of the tree trunk from the latest backyard weekend project as a night stand.  Or better yet, go visit our friends at Old Growth Riverwood in Castle Hayne, NC.  They use recovered wood that is harvested locally from the Cape Fear River as well as reclaimed wood from old barns and buildings. You can use the wood to create a unique space in your new home or get those cool people to build you a beautiful piece of furniture.  Whatever you choose to do with your reclaimed wood, there will definitely be a story to tell.   How awesome is that?!
• Take your concerns to your interior designer. Choosing your selections are one of the biggest hurdles during the design and build process.  You love something one day and doubt it the next.  There is one small way to make this process a little bit easier though, choose eco-friendly!  Can’t decide on countertops?  Skip the traditional and trendy options and go right for the ones that’ll make your insides warm and happy. Countertops can be made from all sorts of recycled materials including glass, paper, aluminum, copper, and acrylic.  Or go with trendy, because the manufacturing of quartz is actually eco-friendly.  We are sure our favorite people at Sellers Tile can help you out.  Flooring is another area where you can choose selections that are kinder to our Earth.  From Bamboo and Cork to recycled-plastic carpet, you can find options that suit your wants and fit your budget.  Cork is actually the outer bark of a Cork Oak Tree, it can be harvested from the tree which allows new bark to grow all while NOT DAMAGING OR KILLING SAID TREE!  And, you will be shocked to find out all of the amazing products you can find that are made from cork.  Our go-to flooring experts at Rug Runner can help you choose something that suits your taste.  The options are endless and bragging rights promised- go ahead, fill your home with a renewable resource!!
• Don’t forget appliances! From more energy-efficient ovens to installing a tankless water heater, the knowledgeable team of construction professionals that you have hired (ahem) and their all-knowing friends at Ferguson, can tell you all about your options.  Just ask.

• If you take the time to talk to your favorite design and build team member, I am sure they’d come up with a few easy outdoor selections that would be friendly to the environment.  ICF Construction, Cedar siding, a smaller footprint (go up), and leaving as many trees on the property as possible are all great ways to help avoid some of the everyday stressors on our Earth.

I bet you’re wondering how any of this is related to that curious signature at the end of every email from Daniel Spann, LEED AP?  You should know that Dan is neither a member of the Associated Press nor our Accounts Payable professional.  Instead that fancy label after his name means that Dan is super knowledgeable about GREEN BUILDING.  After studying sustainable construction and development at App State and starting his career in such, he took some extra classes, studied hard, and passed the exam given by the U.S. Green Building Council.   LEED AP stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional.  Mr. Spann isn’t only our Director of Construction here at PBC but also your go-to for all things eco-building-friendly!  And quite frankly if we ever find a spare five minutes, he’ll be getting that custom-made green cape that we all know he deserves.