by kevin, on November 25th, 2009
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sevenmorris/91905635/
Stories of Sustainability
At this year’s Greenbuild Expo, I decided to try something a little different. Instead of wandering the expo floor in search of interesting new materials, products, or services, I would plan ahead and arrange to meet with ten manufacturers of interest and spend dedicated time conducting an interview. What I was most interested in discovering were engaging back stories. Over the past three years, our hunt for compelling sustainable materials has not only uncovered some amazing products, but more interestingly, amazing stories. Behind some of the best new building products are fascinating human interest stories about people, their struggle, and eventual reward. More often than not, the people behind these products are more engrossing than the products are beautiful. And they are routinely ahead of the curve. These innovators arrived at the need for sustainable products long before the trend currently making them popular or bringing them notoriety. I’m constantly hearing how these unique businesses aren’t new start-ups, but instead have existed within the sustainable materials arena for years or decades.
Starting this week, and running through the weekend into next week, Aleida and I will post interesting facts about their history, compelling stories regarding their founding, and product information not usually mentioned in marketing material, all uncovered during our interview sessions. These posts will be called Stories of Sustainability and feature the following people/companies:
- Paul Burns, founder and chief ceramicist @ Fireclay Tile.
- Jeffrey Horn, president/owner @ Aged Woods.
- Pedro Hernandez, founder and CEO @ Alumillenium Tile.
- Jennifer Ryan, representative @ Coverings Etc.
- Teresa Cooney, representative @ Kirei USA.
- Amee Quiriconi, founder and CEO @ Tiger Mountain Innovations.
- Alexis Milbourn, sales and marketing coordinator @ Richlite.
- Miranda Magnini, co-founder and CEO @ IceStone.
- Roy Nott, founder and president @ PaperStone.
- Tim Whaley, founder and CEO @ enviroglas.
There’s something to be learned from each one of them. I hope you’ll come back to read each. These will also be the kick-off to a new regular blog series of the same title where we’ll profile newly discovered companies, products, or people doing good work worthy of praise and discussion. Please let us know of any you think we should check out.
Check out Harmonics Limited which has technology to reduce energy usage by 4-8% per year in power distribution systems with a concomitant reduction in carbon emissions. (www.harmonicslimited.com) I can supply you with lots of information if you wish including the names of many of its installations. Usually it has to be installed/ordered by either facilities managers for operating systems or design engineers for new ones.