For years, there's been a huge global effort to recycle. From aluminum cans to cell phones, Americans are urged to consider recycling rather than just throwing things into the garbage and overloading landfills. But what's the point of all the recycling if there isn't an end use for all that material? That's the question posed by Sandra Leibowitz Earley, principal of Sustainable Design Consulting, a Richmond, Va.-based firm that specializes in green building.
Earley suggests that more multifamily developers and owners should consider using building materials with recycled content. “These days it's pretty easy to find building materials that aren't all ‘new,'” she says.
Plus, projects that are constructed with materials that have recycled content are one step closer to being recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, commonly known as LEED), the national system that rates building performance in five major areas: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
Materials with recycled content are available both for exterior and interior uses, Earley says. For example, steel has a high percentage of recycled content and is appropriate for a variety of structural uses. Additionally, roofing materials such as copper shingles not only use a high percentage of recycled materials, they also are low-maintenance and long-lasting.
Beyond the exterior, there are a lot of opportunities to use finish materials with recycled content, Earley says. “That's where it can be the most fun, because it's very noticeable.” She suggests using salvaged wood products for cabinets and countertops made of recycled glass and plastic. “These products are absolutely gorgeous and can add a lot of character to an apartment or condo,” she points out.
CLAIM GAME: Neil Kelly Cabinets is one of the few companies that offer an alternative to new wood cabinets. The company's Naturals Collection is made from 100 percent certified and recycled woods that have been reclaimed. The collection is influenced by Swedish country, Northwest, and Pacific Rim design and craftsmanship and also includes complimentary molding trims and wall paneling. The cabinetry comes in 12 wood species including maple, cherry, and pine and is available stained or in eight paint finishes. For more information, contact Neil Kelly Co. at 503-335-9207 or visit www.neilkellycabinets.com.
There are even more choices when it comes to flooring. From wood flooring manufactured with recycled wood chips to carpets made from old soda bottles and recycled fibers, Earley says there are options for every project.
“For multifamily developers and owners, there are enough products out there that can make green building mainstream,” Earley says. “Materials that are made of recycled content are not much more expensive than those that are made with completely new materials.”
Jennifer Popovec is a freelance writer in Fort Worth, Texas.
1 GLASS FROM THE PAST: IceStone surfaces offer an environmentally friendly alternative to natural stone and solid surface countertops. Made of concrete and recycled glass, IceStone is durable, heat-resistant, and stronger than marble, limestone, and some granite. IceStone can be used for LEED qualification. For more information, contact IceStone at 718-624-4900 or visit www.icestone.biz.
2 UNDERFOOT: Shaw Industries has expanded its Visions carpet line with the Inspired Spaces collection, which features designs ranging from traditional houndstooth and checkerboard designs to nature-inspired fern patterns and zebra skins. The collection contains post-consumer carpet fiber. For more information, contact Shaw Industries at 800-441-7429 or visit www.shawfloors.com.
3 TOP NOTCH: Copper shingles aren't just stylish; they're also environmentally friendly and more affordable than slate, tile, or cedar shingles. Made from recycled copper, Revere Copper's Bennington shingles can be used for new roofs, re-roofing projects, siding, or architectural accents such as overhangs, gazebos, or cupolas. The copper shingles are self-healing and fire resistant. For more information, contact Revere Copper at 800-448-1776 or visit www.reverecopper.com.
4 READ ALL ABOUT IT: The metro section of the local newspaper may end up as insulation in an apartment community. Applegate Insulation, a cellulose insulation system designed for use in wall cavities, attics, and between floors, is made with 100 percent recycled newsprint and could save on utility costs. For more information, contact Applegate Insulation at 800-627-7536 or visit www.applegateinsulation.com.
5 DECK DEFYING: There's no need to use real wood to enjoy a deck or gazebo. Tamko Building Products' Elements line has an extruded composite decking product made from a combination of recyled plastic and wood fibers. Available in three natural grain finishes, the material doesn't need staining and absorbs little moisture. For more information, contact Tamko Building Products at 800-405-0546 or visit www.elementsdecking.com.
How can apartment owners or developers work with large employers to generate leasing traffic?
Creating and maintaining a strong image with major employers and the surrounding community is essential to a property's long-term success. Offering a preferred employee program is one way to establish key relationships within the corporate sector.
Property managers work with a company's human resource department or relocation manager to promote the community during company meetings and other employee-centered functions. Property marketing materials can be distributed internally through company newsletters, orientation packets and the Intranet. Special incentives such as waiving application fees, reducing deposits or offering discounts on rent encourage participation.
Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool in the rental world. Resident referral programs can help drive traffic to your community. [Residents] promote the community to fellow employees, company vendors and business associates. Offering monetary rewards and other perks stimulate interest in the program.
COVER UP: Overpowering odor and the need for multiple coats are a thing of the past with Benjamin Moore's new paint line, Aura. The 100 percent acrylic interior paint was three years in the making and features new technology and a waterborne colorant system, which means there are no solvents in the color. The new technology, called ColorLock, makes it possible for Aura to cover most surfaces in a single coat. The paint also meets requirements for low-VOC emissions. It is available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes. For more information, contact Benjamin Moore at 800-344-0400 or visit www.benjaminmoore.com.