The Green Option - When Does It Make Sense?
By:  Cathleen DeFrances, Claris Construction

On September 22nd, the Tribury Chamber of Commerce hosted an educational luncheon on "The Green Option - When Does it Make Sense? (and what is it?)." Led by Philip Clark, Commercial Architect and President of Claris Construction of Newtown and Bridgeport, the presentation was made at the Waterbury-Oxford Airport in one of their state-of-the art hangars. Noting that the "green buzz" is everywhere, Mr. Clark suggested a number of probable reasons why a building owner would consider making environmentally impacting changes. Day-lighting has been shown to dramatically increase both retail sales and office productivity. Studies show an 11% increase in sales in stores with skylights; Wal-Mart now includes skylight designs in their new store plans.

Other studies have shown that office productivity can increase up to $10,000 per employee when they have a window in their office. Financially, increased efficiency makes good business sense. Energy costs in Connecticut have increased an average of 8% per year since 2000, and our current dependence on foreign energy leaves us vulnerable to cost fluctuations. Finally, a building that is energy efficient has a competitive edge in a struggling real estate market.

There are immediate actions that building owners can take to affect positive change:

• Add energy efficient windows;
• Upgrade mechanical/electrical systems;
• Switch to sustainable cleaning supplies;
• Maintain a consistent repair schedule on building systems;
• Add/replace energy efficient appliances and lighting.

United Illuminating and Connecticut Light & Power have programs specifically for building owners such as the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (www.ctenergyinfo.com) and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (www.ctcleanenergy.com).

Some programs offer no-interest loans to businesses and energy audits are free. The pending Stimulus Package includes 127 million dollars earmarked toward Connecticut's energy issues. New construction can have a dramatic environmental impact. For example, together with Keystone Aviation, Claris Construction is about to break ground on a LEED Gold certified airport hangar and office building. The 256,000 square foot hangar will not only be the largest hangar in Connecticut, but it will have the latest solar panel array capable of producing 100% of its energy needs. For more information on "greening" your building, please contact Phil Clark at Claris Construction - 203.257.7447.

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