Green Building Is "Good"

From The Chief Engineer:

Three major trends are pushing green building to the forefront of the construction industry’s consciousness: 1) an unprecedented level of government initiatives; 2) heightened residential demand for green construction; and 3) improvements in sustainable materials.

• Government Initiatives. As the largest owner and operator of buildings, the U.S. government has the ability to exert tremendous influence over the construction industry and to put in place policies, rules and regulations designed to drive private sector investment in construction toward a predetermined end. In the first five months of 2007, over 100 green building bills were introduced at the state level. Many states have adopted sustainability requirements for all of their new government-funded construction projects. Governments have also implemented economic incentives in the form of tax rebates and credits, density bonuses and other policies such as expedited permitting and approval for green projects.

• Residential Demand. The heightened level of interest in sustainability within the residential construction sector has contributed to green construction’s movement into the mainstream. While demand for traditional residential construction is slowing down, the green housing and materials markets are expanding. Homeowners are increasing their investment in sustainable housing due to improved economic paybacks resulting from high energy prices and their growing sensitivity to environmental concerns. According to the Overview, the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Conference in April 2007 revealed that green building and remodeling is experiencing a level of demand that exceeds the current supply of qualified firms.

• Green materials. Green materials and building products are becoming more popular due to the upward trend in the green construction market. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about their health and the environment and are now questioning the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their carpet, paint and wood. They are making a conscious effort to identify what building materials are healthier, more energy efficient and economically sensible. As the demand grows for green products and materials, the cost is mitigated. Today, many manufacturers are making green products, which leads to more competition and better pricing. In addition, distribution outlets for green materials are improving.

Complete article here.

Green can be affordable and mainstream!

From Cherokee Investment Partners the largest private equity fund in the world that specializes in the acquisition, remediation and sustainable re-development of contaminated real estate, or "brownfields."

Project Introduces Unique Eco-Friendly Cabinets to Mainstream

...“Our research team scoured the industry and concluded that Koch is the only manufacturer in America that successfully produces high quality, environmentally friendly cabinetry that is traditionally styled to meet the demand of the average homeowner,” said Cherokee Senior Director Jonathan Philips. “Koch and Potters Mill epitomize the concept of ‘mainstream green.’ The cabinets have an attractive and traditional, raised panel finish yet they still are constructed with renewable materials and in a way to provide beautiful finishes without toxic offgassing.”...

Full Press Release Text here

Kitchen Village selected supplier for Chicago premier Green Home development project - Solar Verde.

Kitchen Village Contractor Sales division won the cabinet contract for the esteemed Solar Verde Green Home project located in South Chicago. Kitchen Village will be providing Koch GREEN cabinetry with Beech Door and Drawer fronts for the 20 unit development currently underway with expected completion in 2008.

Solar Verde is a Net Zero Energy Green Home and Community. Koch's GREEN series cabinet are a natural fit for the Green criteria Schmidt and Associates have dictated for the project. Koch's wheat board construction is formaldehyde free and the finishes are also low VOC for improved personal comfort and safety of the end user providing a healthier indoor environment. Furthermore, the wheatboard casework is a superb application of sustainable and rapidly renewable construction components. The wheatboard utilizes the waste and chaff leftover from wheat harvesting - an annually renewable source traditionally left to rot.


For additional information on Kitchen Village go here.
For additional information on Koch GREEN Cabinetry you can email me.
For additional information on the Solar Verde development go here.

Kitchen Village is now Green!

Kitchen Village now offers GREEN cabinetry! Our Koch Cabinets brand now offers a formaldehyde-free, sustainable source construction. Utilizing rapidly renewable wheatboard for the case construction and certified managed forests' Beech hardwood for doors and drawer fronts the Koch product follows all specifications as set forth by Leed Certification!

Why we’re GREEN!

Wheat Board Box – Instead of using particle board to construct our cabinets a wheat board core is used.

Formaldehyde Free – All of the wood products and wheat board used are formaldehyde free.

Non VOC Adhesives - The adhesives used are non VOC (volatile organic compounds) adhesives and are formaldehyde free.

Low VOC Finish – The finish used is low VOC and formaldehyde free.

Certified Hardwood – Rustic and clear German beech are PEFC certified.

Wood Species – Other wood species available include: red oak, hickory, rustic hickory, maple, cherry, knotty alder, clear alder, and ash. While these species are not FSC or PEFC certified, they are drawn from domestic forests utilizing sound forestry practices.

Leed Certified – All specifications set forth by Leed Certification are followed.