Feb 14 2008
A nationally recognized speaker on "building green" will discuss the fiscal and environmental advantages of the practice during an all-day seminar set for Feb. 28 at the Kent State University Stark campus.
Hosted by The Knoch Corporation, a North Canton-based builder, the event is open to the public as well as to builders, building owners, architects and developers.
Paul Shahriari, an expert on building green and a faculty member of the U.S. Green Building Council, will speak about eco-friendly building practices that have been proven to conserve natural resources, reduce operating costs, and boost employee productivity and satisfaction.
"As builders, we believe that 'going green,' either in new construction or when remodeling, is a vital strategy for the good of our environment, and we want to educate others about its importance," Knoch President James B. Fenske said.
Fenske noted that the Building Council's nationally recognized "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" certification program, which Shahriari will discuss, is surging in popularity. Over 8,000 commercial projects are now seeking LEED certification, more than twice as many as last year. LEED certification also is available for home builders.
Practicing what it preaches, Knoch's new headquarters is in a structure that was remodeled using green building principles. The company is now seeking to have the building designated as one of the first LEED-certified commercial interiors in the state.