HPmag | Magazine | Spring 2008 | Guest Editorial

GUEST Editorial

Hurricane Protection ... Green?
It seems inevitable.

by Scott D. Kuntz
When we hear the word green, we might think of lush tropical landscapes; thickly wooded forests; or cold, hard cash. Recently, green has turned into a buzzword that pertains to something that is environmentally friendly—friendly in terms of energy efficiency, air quality, water conservation and recycling.

In case you didn’t know, the Green Revolution is well underway. Green building was expected to surpass $12 billion in 2007, according to McGraw-Hill Construction Analytics. Building green involves environmental and economic stewardship with the priority being energy conservation, water management and operating costs.

With more information coming in that confirms global warming is no longer a myth but a reality, it looks like many people are taking unprecedented measures to make a difference. Recently, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed three executive orders mandating energy efficiency.

Going green may not be the answer to all of our environmental woes, but it may be a good start. Many are jumping on the bandwagon including major corporations, state and local governments and even individual homeowners. Have you ever heard of Energy Star? New programs are on the increase with many more coming soon!

Tax breaks are available for those who build green, recycling is done everywhere with involvement between local jurisdictions and homeowners, and now consumers can have choices as to what they purchase and how it affects the environment.

We have come along way since the ad campaign that featured a Native American who shed a tear as he viewed our polluted landscape, or the “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” campaign.

SHOWING SIGNS OF GOING GREEN
What does all of this mean to us? There is a new paradigm encouraging a concerted effort by Americans to leave a minimal footprint on the environment. It is already firmly entrenched within the home building and new construction markets. As we in the hurricane storm protection industry know, there are building codes in place that mandate the use of impact-resistant products. This is especially important in Florida, where new construction in coastal areas has created an active market for hurricane shutter companies.

Most coastal states have now adopted the I-Codes, which means that as the codes are implemented and enforced, a situation similar to what has already taken place in Florida will become more widespread: the mandatory inclusion of impact resistant shutters or windows.

As time moves on, hazard mitigation, in the form of hurricane protection, will start to show aspects of being green. It will become an increased responsibility for the contractor.

Even the Southeast Builders Conference (SEBC) in Orlando, FL, (July 30 to August 2) will have a section devoted to green building called, “Green Trends 2008,” in which green exhibitors will be highlighted. The conference also will have a Showcase Home called, “The New Southern Home,” which is certified green in most every aspect. Hurricane protection might soon become a focal point.

Yes, hurricane protection can go green! Many of our products are able to reduce energy consumption because they can provide shade. Your business practices may be integral. How do you recycle your leftover parts and pieces? How does your company manage waste and production by-products? Do you have choices from your various suppliers that allow you a green option?

Do you know how your supplier acquires its raw material and what processes are involved in the production of its products? How do these products affect your end-users, i.e. homeowners? You may not know most of these answers now, but you probably will in the near future. You might even find the federal government stepping in and helping to make some of your choices by offering incentives or possibly penalizing you for making the wrong choices. Think about it.

GETTING INVOLVED
The push for going green has significant momentum. Greenbuild, the largest green building conference and expo in the United States, is presented annually by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, D.C. Now in its sixth year, the conference will attract more than 20,000 attendees and have a noteworthy guest speaker, former president Bill Clinton. The USGBC is a nonprofit organization comprising more than 12,000 organizations. Since its founding in 1993, USGBC has been at the forefront of green building as it introduced the nationally used Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This is a green building rating system that started in 2000.

In Florida, we have the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), which has adapted to Florida’s needs by including an extensive section on disaster mitigation.

As builders across the country move in the green direction, it appears that every aspect of construction will be affected—including hurricane protection!

We can look at global influences as well, as these affect us regionally and locally. Raw materials usually are obtained by mining or drilling. Some of these methods, such as strip mining, are very detrimental to the environment and where permanent damage is usually the result. Current mining practices in South America are quickly eradicating our rain forests. Drilling for petroleum products can result in spills that adversely affect intricate ecosystems. Most of us receive components that are already finished goods and only require basic assembly. How much do we know about how these products are made?

How do we who are involved in storm protection related companies get involved? Proper disposal of waste and recycling where possible! See what your suppliers are up to as well—are they eco-friendly? Do your products offer homeowners any green options?

Finding answers and solutions may allow you to save money. Find green products that can be added to your product line and see what kind of green help you can offer consumers on retro-fit jobs. The Green Revolution goes above and beyond just new construction!

As we move forward, the message will continue to gain momentum: Go green!

Your customers may begin to ask for environmentally friendly shutters, and even if they don’t it may still be a good idea to do your part in making a difference. You might even see the International Hurricane Protection Association give out green awards one day—the trend is undeniable. If you go out of your way to be green, you should publicize it, it might result in your company making more green (the cold, hard cash kind).

Scott D. Kuntz is national sales manager for Transparent Protection Systems, Inc., West Palm Beach, FL.