WYOMING — Those attending the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability’s open house Wednesday were introduced to some of the basics of green building and had the chance to view a miniature solar house and wind generator, a two-speed toilet and assorted green building materials.
The nonprofit’s mission is to educate the public and building industry professionals about environmentally sustainable green building, energy efficiency and “healthy” construction that promotes indoor air quality.
A group of local green-minded builders formed the
They founded the
Founding members include Holcomb; Vice President Dave Thacker, owner of MACS Builders; Treasurer Guy Bazzani, owner of Bazzani Associates Inc.; and Gayle DeBruyn, owner of Lake Affect Design Studio.
“Our interest was in providing a place where builders and consumers could go and look at displays of actual products in use without being pressured to buy a particular product, and be able to compare products to find out what works for them and fits into their budgets,” Holcomb explained.
It’s the
Its headquarters at
in
The
“We can help people find the information they need on toxic chemicals in their home or whatever issue they may have,” noted Executive Director Jeannine Reynolds.
The
Most requests are for presentations and seminars on green building concepts and principles, Holcomb noted. Mold seems to be another area of interest. He is a regular guest on National Public Radio, where he speaks once a month on green building issues.
The group’s largest seminar, which 250 people attended, was held in March at
. It holds smaller classes at its headquarters, at
Additionally, the organization has trained students from
“You need to teach high school kids because they don’t have all the bad habits that a builder that’s been building for 20 years has,” Holcomb remarked.
The center’s staff is all volunteer at this point because the
“We’re also working on special projects that generate a little revenue,” Holcomb said. “We’re testing products from
The