Summer Is Here, well almost..

The spring semester is coming to an end, bringing with it the summer.  A career fair behind us, many of the students in the Rinker School of Construction at the University of Florida have found internships for the summer.  I am not one of those students.  I made the crucial error of not attending the career showcase.  In the past couple of weeks, I have been getting emails from our job placement coordinator with new openings.  In one of the more recent emails, I came across the company Ryan Homes that constructs highly energy efficient, residential communities.  They are 100 percent Energy Star certified and third-party verified to deliver savings. 

 Energy Star homes are quieter, save money, and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.  A typical Energy Star home is 20-30% more efficient than a standard home. Every home this company sells receives a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score.   They achieve efficiency through use of Energy Star appliances, an ICP air conditioning system, air ducts are sized specifically to each home to increase efficiency.  Insulation is added between living spaces and the attic, while insulated basements keep out moisture.  House wrap and silicone sealants protect against excess heat and cold and moisture.  

Kitchens are made by a company that is specially certified for environmental stewardship.  Carpeting is fully recycled and vinyl siding contains 30 percent recyclable material.  Interior and exterior paints are low in volatile organic compounds for better air quality.  Landscaping is done with native plants to reduce irrigation.  Quite frankly, I'm impressed with Ryan Homes'  dedication toward sustainability.   Nearly fifty companies came to the career fair this spring.  Some of them have projects that are sustainable.  Some also have sustainability listed as part of their commitments.  But not one company I have researched was solely committed to all sustainable construction like this residential builder. (Disclaimer: I have researched most, but not all of the companies listed on the attendance sheet)  In the future, companies will be forced to build completely green structures.  Federal and State laws are demanding less energy use from buildings.  Ryan Homes will have an advantage having built relationships with suppliers and subcontractors through the years that are already working toward sustainability.  

The career path I'd like to take includes both the residential and sustainability sides of the industry.  I've already started working the idea with my friends to either retrofit their homes or build new, net-zero energy homes!  I figure once I have some experience under my belt, they'll also be at timely point with their assets.  Hopefully, I will have also established relationships as Ryan Homes has with its suppliers and subcontractors.  Hollywood stars, meet your next green GC!