Going Green

By Jonathan Moss

There is a common misperception that green building represents a backward step to more primitive technology. “Does ‘green’ mean something is built with sod?” is typical of the questions asked of us” reflects Megan Moss, CEO of Moss Construction Cost Management Inc., a professional construction consultancy based in Auburn, Indiana with offices in Washington DC. For the business minded, the questions tend not to be one of what it is, but of how much green construction will cost. Again, this represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of sustainable design and construction.

“Simply put, “green” construction means having as little negative impact on the Earth as possible. When people talk about increased costs, they are not really thinking about whole life costs” states Megan’s husband Jonathan, a LEED accredited professional and co-owner of the business. Drawing from his background in construction cost management, Jonathan is well placed to address such issues. “Sustainable solutions can be integrated into your project for minimal first cost. The energy savings over the life cycle of the building alone easily pay back many of the first cost increases.  When other benefits such as improved user environment and employee productivity are taken into account, there are really no good reasons for not going green.”

Some aspects of sustainable construction include: installing and designing landscaping that cause the least disturbance and requires little maintenance; orienting the building and its windows to best take advantage of the natural effects of the sun and wind for lighting, heating and cooling; high efficiency heating, cooling and electrical systems supplemented by solar or wind power generation; reduction of waste, both during the construction process and afterwards, through recycling and reuse, e.g. using gray water on gardens, building with recycled or easily renewable materials that are non-toxic, durable and more easily recycled.

With over 22 years experience in the industry, Jonathan has seen many things come and go. “The sustainable movement is anything but a fad. More and more owners, developers, and design and construction professionals are becoming green literate, and have started to think green as fundamental to the design as opposed to an optional tag on. This top down approach is leading to the design and implementation of newer better building techniques.”

“With all the exciting things going on in construction, not to mention rising energy costs” adds Megan “there’s never been a better time to make the decision to go green”.

Jonathan interjects a word of caution. “Making that decision is the first step – execution is everything. As with any construction decision, it’s easy to make bad choices early in the planning stage that have far reaching consequences for the finished project. Don’t leave things to chance - consulting with a suitably qualified and experienced professional is the safest way to ensure your project goals are achieved on time and in budget”.

For more information upon this or other construction related issues, call Megan or Jonathan at 260 925 3416 or email info@mosscost.com

The above article was originally published in the September 2006 Builder's Journal, Northeast Indiana Edition