• It is time for the construction industry to evolve.

For that matter it is time for every industry and business to adopt sustainable practices. We have been building with sticks and stones too long.
My name is Paul Wellman founder of GES, LCA. I have been building energy efficient and resource friendly homes for over thirty years. Click here to see

• In my mind building that can be labeled sustainable can paradoxically not be labeled organic.

We are finding that a truly sustainable fuel is not going to come from organic materials. Look at ethanol - bought any corn lately? OUCH!

Sustainable building materials are also not going to be from organic sources.

I consider building a straw bale home “building from the heart not the head”. It may sound cool but it is not a solution to any of the worlds housing problems. There are way better uses for straw.

BUT if you love the idea - go for it...

There is never to much art in the world!

	Building With Sticks & Stones I am very proud of my history of dabbling in Art As Construction. Part of the process leading me to my current understanding was done using VERY organic materials. To visit MountainWood Memories Click here

• My dream is a building system variably suitable for housing in third world countries, for middle income and upscale housing as well as commercial structures.

Construction at any budget level should not be a drain on our, planet wide, energy and natural resources and should be affordable, strong, long lasting and healthy.

• Materials selected can also NOT be pie in the sky technology.

A history of successful use is necessary.
I don't have the resources or desire to prove long term feasibility of using construction materials under all conditions encountered world wide.

• The system I am currently looking at exceeds anything I could have imagined until only recently.

• My ongoing research has led me to materials that are made primarily from recycled waste products.

• These materials simultaneously build extremely energy efficient, healthy, sustainable buildings while removing vast amounts of waste from entering landfills and/or causing environmental damage.

• These materials can be used in remodels and well as new construction.

• I am not pulling your leg.

• Materials and techniques should also be used to build sustainable things like
Four Season Greenhouses that use less energy to help produce food for the worlds growing population.

  Four Season Greenhouse Idea

Part of What I've Learned Is That To Be Most Effective Your Building Design Should Integrate:

• Walls and roofs that are constructed using materials that are super energy efficient, long lasting and sustainable

• Environmentally friendly HVAC systems using advanced air filtration with air to air heat exchangers and uv lights
Check out these Daikin Variable Refrigerant Rate (VRV) HVAC systems. Heating and cooling from the same system in different zones at the same time. Whoa!
• The HVAC system must also incorporate the best passive ventilation system suitable for where you are building

MainStream Corporation  http://mainstreamcorporation.com/ is into passive heating and cooling design. Please check out their website for great ideas to make your new construction or remodel project state of the art.

• Advanced lighting including passive lighting design, LED and low voltage fixtures
• Passive/active solar design, photovoltaic, solar water heating systems
• Water harvesting (water is the next oil)
• Enviromentally Sustainable Landscaping
• Energy efficient appliances, windows and doors

This all should be included in your design whether you are doing new construction or upgrading an existing structure.