by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Once a luxury or nice environmental gesture, green building and the industry associated with it have become more of the norm — and it appears here to stay.
With rising energy costs causing residential and commercial consumers to look for alternative sources and available tax incentives, the changing culture has permeated the business world.
“It’s the future of business, the future of entrepreneurship,” said Kevin Songer of Jacksonville-based ACF Environmental. “The marketplace demands green, small businesses are getting on board and I think for the future that’s where the money will be made.”
One could call Songer a plant advocate (“It’s what I’m all about”) as he focuses on the use of plants in urban environments — concrete jungles — for things such as erosion prevention, stormwater cleanness and energy efficiency.
“They have so many benefits,” he said. “It really is amazing.”
One of the things Songer specializes in is creating a “vegetated roof,” effectively using plants on residential and commercial building rooftops that can bring as much as a 60 degree temperature difference. That difference can save on energy costs as well as keep stormwater cleaner.
The area hasn’t always been the strongest green advocates, but within the last five years Songer believes a core group of business leaders has stepped up to bring Northeast Florida to the forefront in green.
“I think we’re now the leaders in the state thanks to some true pioneers,” said Songer.
Mary Tappouni, founder of Breaking Ground Contracting and Florida’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2009, has seen the change the last several years and is one of the pioneers Songer praised. From builders and architects to product manufacturers, she agrees the movement has really begun to establish itself locally.
“Jacksonville was pretty far behind,” she said. “but we’ve taken a huge leap the last year-and-a-half ... we’re catching up.”
With politics the way they are going, she said, it isn’t going to be a fad as some critics suggest. Stimulus dollars, tax incentives and federal tax credits for U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification have caused a slight shift in the way people think.
It’s paid off for some companies, like SunWorks Solar and its president, David Smith, who bought the local company in 2001. The company offers a wide range of solar products for electricity, water heaters, pool heaters, attic fans and lighting. But it’s only been the last couple years people began branching out.
“Four-to-five years ago, most of our work was with solar pool heating,” said Smith. “It was rare for solar electricity and the like ... but today with incentives, green awareness and energy efficiency on people’s minds, we’re getting more and more business.”
It’s become more cost effective for people to invest in other solar products, he said, and it’s resulted in his business more than doubling over the last three years.
“There’s just so many ways to save with solar,” said Smith. “More businesses are finding that out and getting a return on their investment.”
Jacksonville serves as SunWorks’ headquarters, but the company does business locally and around Florida, including an upcoming $12 million large two megawatt solar farm project in Central Florida.
The expanding green business has brought additional competition, too, said Smith. He’s seen more people — especially those in the sagging construction industry — jumping into the solar product and installation business, but believes it could fall off as the economy begins to adjust.
“It’s here to stay, though,” said Smith. “People can capitalize on tax credits for systems that’ll pay for itself in a year ... there’s just so many ways to save now.”
Derek Igou knows it, too.
The City’s deputy director of Environmental and Compliance and Sustainability, Igou recently submitted a draft strategy plan to the Department of Energy on how to spend $7.8 million in energy conservation means over three years. Igou should hear back from the Department within 120 days.
“It’s a multifaceted approach,” said Igou, “that includes retrofitting City buildings, hybrid cars, solar meters, using recycled materials and more ... we’re looking to get the biggest bang for our buck.”
The goals, according to the draft strategy, include providing energy job-related opportunities, reducing Northeast Florida’s regional environmental footprint and deploying renewable energy technologies.
Igou is optimistic on achieving those for the City, and like those in the private industries, believes the energy efficient and greener ways of doing business are here to stay.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I believe it will be there because of cost savings.”
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