With the continuing discussion of green certification in homes, how are green building standards actually measured? One company based in Richmond, VA, is promoting more than higher energy efficiency in homes. EarthCraft Virginia works with other green certification groups, mainly LEED and EnergyStar, and helps give more credibility and accountability to the green building movement.
Recently, I contacted Paigh Bumgarner, the residential green building associate with EarthCraft Virginia here in Richmond, VA. By answering the following series of questions, she helped shed more light on what EarthCraft Virginia does.
Question and Answer
1) In a nutshell, what is the primary mission of EarthCraft Virginia and how and when was the company established?
The program was launched in 1999 and brought to Virginia in 2006. Our mission is to advance sustainable, affordable, resource and energy efficient construction through education and technical support.
2) What is your role in the company and how long have you been employed there?
My title is “Residential Green Building Associate.” What I do is manage the EarthCraft single family program and technical advisors throughout the state of Virginia. I have been on staff for just over two years and have found great satisfaction working with such a great team.
3) What percentage of your projects are residential versus commercial?
I primarily work on the residential side of the organization. Our light commercial program has recently emerged from its pilot stage. However, I know that we have a great deal of interest from developers and look forward to rapid growth in this program.
4) How does your company coordinate with LEED certification on a residential project, and how do your responsibilities differ and/or overlap?
We have a LEED QAD , LEED green rater and LEED green associates on staff. It’s also important to note that most of our LEED projects opt for the dual certification (LEED and EarthCraft Certification).
5) How many people work on the residential side of your company versus the commercial side?
There are a number of people who work on both sides due to our emphasis as an organization on cross-training. It’s hard to give an exact number.
6) What aspects of your company do you appreciate most?
I find value in my work. In my experience I’ve noticed that much of our lives are dedicated to work. With EarthCraft, I know my time is well spent in supporting environmentally conscious ideals and sustainable building.
Below are two photos (Before on the left---After on the right) of a historic renovation by MDA Homes – 1628 Matthews Street Richmond Virginia. MDA Homes showcases that any home can be an EarthCraft Home. The Matthews Street Project was originally constructed in 1879 using balloon framing; popular in the 19th century due to the abundance of long lumber. MDA Homes completed a "gut rehab" of the federalist style home with "mirrored" entrances. The project incorporated a complete lead abatement, complete re-framing and new mechanical systems. Exterior walls were plumbed, sheathed, house wrapped and insulated to R19 resulting in a final HERS score of 73!
7) How did you get started with your company?
I worked for a technical advisor for EarthCraft who introduced me to the organization.
8) What educational training did you need to get hired?
Prior to being hired, I had a Bachelor’s degree with a focus on Environmental Construction and Non-Profit Management. I also had construction experience.
9) How often do you coordinate with other Green certification entities like LEED in a residential project?
Often, projects go for dual certification. This is a relatively common thing.
10) What other Green home certification programs work along with yours?
We work with the following programs: EarthCraft, Energy Star, and LEED. These are the top three I typically engage with.
11) Does EarthCraft do any actual construction work on residential projects? Please explain.
No – our mission is to provide technical support and consulting.
12) What is the current total number of EarthCraft homes in Virginia and also in Greater Richmond?
We are approaching over 2,000 certified single family homes and 10,000 multi-family units in Virginia alone.
13) How has EarthCraft been growing, evolving and changing with improvements in technology since the company started?
The construction industry is always changing. We work hard to stay ahead of the new technologies and building science principles.
14) What's the initial investment for an EarthCraft Certified home?
The base cost is $975 for homes under 3,000 square feet.
15)How do homeowners hear about EarthCraft, and what are some of the reasons they choose your company?
We have a Marketing Director who does a great job. An example of something we have coming up in Spring 2014 is an Earth Day 5k we’re doing as part of the Earth Day festival at the 17th Street Farmer’s Market.
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