LEED Home Breaks Ground

The LEED home is approximately 3,200 square feet and will include 4 bedrooms and a two-car garage.  The house will be framed with FSC Certified lumber and will incorporate Cold Climate framing techniques as taught by Joseph Lstiburek, Ph.D., P.Eng. 

More features include Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and Warmboard which is a one step application for the radiant flooring system.  The drywall is recycled and we will use low VOC paints and adhesives and a cellulose insulation.  The tile is made from recycled glass and doors from strawboard.  Our Millwork Division will be making the kitchen and trim.  I can't wait to see what interesting products they use!

Currently, the road is being made to the site and foundation work will begin next week.  Construction is expected to be complete by September 2006.  My plan is to keep a running progress report of this project.  Visit this site often!

Shaping the LEED Standards

Wright-Ryan will be participating in the USGBC's National LEED for Homes Pilot Program.  This means once the project is complete we will have the opportunity to share our thoughts and feedback to help shape the final national program! 

The design of the home is traditional with a contemporary flare.  Additionally, the features in the home will make it more efficient than an Energy Star home.  The jobsite is off of Wolf's Neck Road in Freeport and groundbreaking is scheduled for next week.  Soon there will be a 3-D "walk through" of the home that I will post for your enjoyment.  Don't forget to check back frequently for progress reports.

Meeting with the DEP

Yesterday was our first time meeting with the Maine DEP and other participants of the STEP-UP Program.  We had signed our contract with the Governor last December but began our record keeping the first day of January 2006. 

Luckily we only had to give an introduction to our company and the environmental commitments we made in our contract.  The other companies have made real significant progress in going beyond environmental regulations.  I will say that when our time comes to give our report, I think we will shine because we are doing some exciting, progressive, and innovative things in the industry of construction and how it relates to the world. 

Incorporating these sustainability commitments into our culture makes working for WR that much more meaningful.  I think the best way to clarify this statement is to quote Ray Anderson from his book Mid-Course Correction.  "Abraham Maslow, describing the hierarchy of human needs, says a higher cause is important, and I agree.  After compensation to meet their needs, according to Maslow, people want the opportunity to develop and grow personally and professionally.  When compensation is sufficient and growth opportunity is satisfied, people want to work for a company that makes a difference, that serves a higher cause."

Stay tuned for our public STEP-UP progress reports! 

Trip To Build Boston A Success!

Just made it back from the second annual Build Boston- Residential Design.  What a show!  Our Millwork Division was exhibiting some of their cabinets and furniture trying to expand awareness of their services in the region.  I counted almost 800 other exhibitors.  I think I talked to each one of them and I heard there were at least 8,000 attendees. 

After waiting almost 4 hours in the cold just to be let in to set up, we finally made it indoors.  The work days were long- until 8pm each night.  On the upside, I always have a great time telling the history of projects and the stories behind them.  Overall, I think it was well worth the time and effort spent attending and exhibiting although I never had the chance to make it to any seminars.  Maybe next year.