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delicate balance to strike , as producing solar energy can generate carbon emissions , and the infrastructure for gas water heating was already present . After conducting a life cycle analysis , we determined that utilizing a small amount of natural gas for hot water was the most suitable option for the building ,” he says .
Brendan sheds more light on the various elements Gristmill Builders takes into consideration to lower the environmental impact of its projects . “ Our operating philosophy is to maintain a local economy by trading with local businesses . This way , we reduce travel distances and minimize the resources used for our work , except for wood sourcing and metal workers , as there are no steel mills in Vermont . Still , building
materials and methods can cause a lot of harm to the environment . To address this , we strive to approach construction in the most conscientious way by ensuring the building
Whatever your project , we ’ ve got the experience .
Contact us today peakelectricvt . com 802-233-4990 envelope ’ s efficiency , sourcing materials locally , and understanding the impact of our choices . By educating ourselves and others about the consequences of material selection , processing , and transportation , we create buildings with a reduced carbon footprint . Even solar panels have a carbon footprint and life cycle , which is why we truly emphasize sustainability in every single aspect of our projects ,” he informs .
Balanced philosophy
There are several projects exemplifying Gristmill Builder ’ s focus on locally sourced materials , one of which Brendan tells us more about . “ Recently , we completed a house in the mountains where we used locally sourced or reclaimed materials for the exterior siding , even though it was a very expensive home . While there were limited reclaimed materials available for the project , we still prioritized constructing the building envelope in an energy efficient manner . We made a conscious effort to incorporate some of the same materials inside the home as well . Despite it being fairly large , the home has a relatively low energy footprint , comparable to smaller homes with efficient energy usage .”
By staying true to his background in ecology and incorporating sustainable elements into his homes , Brendan has established a thriving business model poised for continued success . He reveals the combination of factors that have contributed to the longevity of Gristmill Builders . “ It took a lot of hard work , persistence , diligence , and creativity . As a business , we need to remain profitable , and not all clients are willing to pay for sustainable practices . Thus , balancing our philosophy against client preferences and assessing how far we can push sustainability without losing a project or customer is crucial . Additionally , embracing a specific niche has been vital to our success , as our projects stand out with a uniqueness that other companies lack . An example of how
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