I remember becoming very excited about the possibility of being included in the MN GreenStar pilot program. Sustainability along with energy, water and resource conservation have always been a high priority for me and my family. My background includes growing up on a farm in Southwestern Minnesota. Learning how to best use natures resources was a high priority of my Dads. I remember being proud of him when he was featured in a local farm paper for his soil conservation/preservation practices i.e. contour terraces to keep the soil from being washed into the local watershed. Looking back he was well ahead of the EPA’s storm water programs.
My interest in science led me to St Cloud State University to study for a triple (comprehensive) major in biology, chemistry and physics. Prior to working in the home building and remodeling business I taught chemistry, biology and physics. While teaching I built my 2nd home utilizing advanced insulation techniques, one of the first 82% efficient furnaces along with one of the highest rated air conditioners being controlled by a set back thermos stat.
In 1982 I began my career as a new home salesperson with Lumber One Cold Spring. Since then I have helped nearly 600 families build their dream homes. From starter homes to executive homes to homes where families can age in place utilizing universal building techniques.
Working with everyone at MN GreenStar through out the planning, building and inspection and certification phases has been seamless. I finished my home just in time for the Central Minnesota Spring Tour of Homes in the spring of 2008. Since then I have had it open for the fall tour of 2008 and spring tour of 2009. I have had approximately 3000 people thru the home. When folks enter the home, I say welcome to my green built home. I get two responses, that is why I am here or what do you mean? A perfect opportunity to explain the complete process. When asked how much the “green” features added, the universal response was wow, that is less than I expected.
Thanks again for the opportunity of working with MN GreenStar on my 3rd party certified home. I look forward to utilizing as many of these concepts I can in all of my future custom built homes.
By Jim Green, Lumber One Cold Spring
For more information on this project visit www.lumber-one.com. |
