Building GREEN is Economical for all Budgets

Two Trails, Inc.- Green Building Consulting has completed the certification for the newest site addition for The Florida Center for Child and Family Development in North Port, FL. Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) October 15, 2010

Two Trails, Inc.- Green Building Consulting has completed the certification for the newest site addition for The Florida Center for Child and Family Development in North Port, FL.

The Florida Center for Child and Family Development is similar to other non-profit organizations by depending on charitable funds for operation. Monetary budget limitations were considered for building the facility including cost savings in the maintenance of the facility for years to come. The general public perception of building Green is the cost is more than a non-Green building. Two Trails believes building Green is achievable on all budgets, being specifically design for affordable housing and buildings. The building will benefit in the immediate reduced operational costs and benefit from the renewable energy saving features for future years. A perfect example that building Green is economical for all budgets is The Florida Center for Child and Family Development, which is a 10,000 square foot building.

The Florida Center for Child and Family Development is an active organization in the community and provides services for young children and their families facing challenging situations. The most important goals to the center was correlating environmental and human wellness. LEED building goals for the facility included areas in Environmental and Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Indoor Environmental Quality.

"It is rewarding to see a building that is such a keystone to the community achieve its LEED Certification. The reduced operation and maintenance cost allows The Florida Center to direct that funding back in to their passion for helping families. This is a prime example of why building to a green standard is so important." stated Drew Smith, LEED AP and President of Two Trails, Inc. - Green Building Consulting.

The building earned total of 26 points for a “Certification” status on the nationally recognized LEED Certification program.

Sustainable sites points were completed for: Site Selection, Alternative Transportation, Storm water Management, Heat Island Effect.

Water Efficiency points were completed for: Water Efficient Landscaping & Water Use Reduction.

Energy & Atmosphere points were completed for: Optimize Energy Performance & Green Power.

Materials & Resources points were completed for: Construction Waste, Recycled Content & Regional Materials.

Indoor Environmental Quality points were completed for: Low Emitting Materials: Adhesives & Sealants, Low Emitting Materials: Composite Wood & Agrifiber & Daylighting 75% of Spaces.

Innovative & Design Process points were completed for: Innovation in Design & LEED Accredited Professional.

About Two Trails, Inc. Two Trails, Inc. is a Green Building Consulting firm established in 2001. We provide green consulting services nationwide for commercial, residential, remodeling, and developments looking to obtain LEED (US Green Building Council) NAHB Green Home Standard, Energy Star, FGBC (Florida Green Building Coalition) certifications.

Our President, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

About The Florida Center for Child and Family Development. The Florida Center for Child and Family Development is a nationally accredited community-based agency that provides quality programs and services dedicated to the development of young children, their families, and the communities. The services the center provides involve assistance and therapy for children and their families facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges that cannot be overcome alone.

Lending Institutions are Banking on LEED. Two Florida Banks are in the Green and Saving Money

Real world statistics on cost per square foot for LEED Bank verses traditional bank building! Two Trails, Inc. - Green Building Consultants, certified two banks through the USGBC LEED certification program. City National Bank in Orlando, FL, achieved LEED Gold certification and Gateway Bank in Sarasota, FL, obtained their LEED Certification. Orlando, FL (PRWEB) May 7, 2010

Watching the bottom-line took on a completely new dimension when Two Trails, Inc. - Green Building Consultants became responsible for making sure not one but two banks can count on some extra money in their budget for years to come. Sustainability was the key to success both banks wanted to see reduced spending on utilities for the long haul.

"Reducing their monthly bottom-line was a motivator to achieve their LEED certification, but the quality of the indoor environment for both their employees and patrons was a key concern," stated Drew Smith, President of Two Trails.

The City National Bank Building at 355 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando is the first renovation in Central Florida to receive a gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The decision to build green is made long before the first shovel of dirt is moved, before the pen is put to paper and designs are drawn. Sound building practices are passed down from one trade to another, skills are learned and techniques are modified as new products become available. In the case of City National Bank in Orlando, they had two unique structures built in 1945 and 1958 that exceeded quality construction for their time and well into the future.

"City National Bank achieved some really good statisitcs." stated Joshua Marinov, Vice President of Lamm and Company Partners, the contractor of record. "We estimate that the real world cost impact of LEED components were no more than 5% of the total cost of the project. We were then able to compare it to an earlier bank project and obtained some interesting numbers."

City National Bank LEED Gold -Construction Costs $200 psf.

The last Branch Bank New building Lamm and Company Partners built in 2009 was $300 psf and was not certified green. Subtract approx $60.00 psf for Sitework (Sitework was not required at City National) and that leaves an apples to apples comparison of $240 psf. City National was actually $40 psf less expensive.

By deciding to meld the new green building science with the design of the two existing structures, the road to a new building became a reality. In affect reusing, recycling and renewing what was the cornerstone for the new updated design. They chose five areas of improvement to focus on during their certification process and succeeded in reducing; electrical, water, natural resource conservation, and construction waste. They also improved the indoor air quality by utilizing all low VOC (volatile organic compounds or off-gassing) paints, furnishings, and floor covering.

35% Reduced Electrical Usage

50% Reduced Water Consumption

70% Purchased Green Power

90% Construction waste was diverted from landfills

90% Natural sunlight for interior lighting

Gateway Bank at 6201 North Lockwood Ridge Rd. in Sarasota, FL, wanted to make a statement that they were concerned about the community and the environment by not only using an existing structure as a base instead of totally new construction, but through the LEED certification showing that all that was done was 3rd party verified. From a financial aspect, it is expected to substantially reduce operating costs. Utility usage is projected to be reduced by more than 30.44%.

Overall, the project reduced property maintenance cost by properly choosing materials, HVAC systems and low flow fixtures that will reduce water consumption. The former bank building was converted to a new modern bank located in a very busy commercial shopping center outparcel. By taking the existing building built in 1996 and combining it with new construction techniques, they saved thousands in construction costs. The old structure was in impeccable condition this project emphasized the fact that you don't necessarily need to tear down a building to get a clean modern look and feel. Furthermore, it provides a healthy indoor air quality environment for the employees, reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity. Highlighted below are some of the key features of Gateway Bank:

30.44% Reduced Electrical Usage

50% Reduced water consumption

90% Natural sunlight for interior lighting

Achieving a green certification means having a finely tuned building working at its optimum level of performance. All USGBC green certified buildings incorporate: Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Site Considerations, Healthy Indoor Environment, and Natural Resources.

Green More Than A Color: Perfecting the Science Behind Green Building Construction

Two Trails Team walks away with 35 Aurora Awards. 11 Grand Aurora Awards, 1 Best in State (NC), and 23 Aurora Awards in Green Building, Energy, and Water Efficiency. Drew Smith, president Two Trails, named Florida Green Building Coalition Certifying Agent of the Year for the highest number of certified homes in the state of Florida. Drew Smith, president Two Trails and the First Appointed Green Building Commissioner for the state of Florida, was awarded the Sustainable Leadership Award by Sustainable Florida Best Practice Awards.

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) August 6, 2009 -- SEBC (South East Builders Conference) prestigious Aurora Awards was once again the stage for setting a new standard of home building. Green Building has arrived in full force, with the Two Trails Team taking the awards by storm. Two Trails, Inc. Green Building Consulting and their clients swept up the awards in Green Construction, Energy Efficiency, Waterwise and Natural Gas totaling 11 Grand Aurora's, 1 Best in State and 23 Aurora Awards.

"I'm so proud of our clients and the commitment they have shown to promoting Green Building in their businesses," stated Drew Smith, President of Two Trails.

The atmosphere during the awards was buzzing with excitement as the Two Trails Team received one award after another. The recognition for a job well done, brought tears to many an eye. It has been a tough year for many of the winners, but they put their trust in the belief that science of Green Building would allow them to rise above traditional built homes and success beyond their expectations.

For Two Trails, it was the tipping point for over a decade of hard work. "It is hard to describe the feeling you get when your clients come up to you with such joy on their faces thanking you for helping them achieve their goals," stated Debbie Smith, Vice President of Two Trails. "We have worked so hard to build the company and have always acknowledged our clients as our biggest promoters, but nothing could have prepared us for the number of awards that would be achieved this year. We have always joked that the Two Trails Team was like a storm brewing, but we never would have predicted this!"

"Homebuyers are looking for quality and price, we hear it every day, and I just gave them what they wanted. I showed the homebuyers how they would save money with my design from day one and into the future. They didn't come in looking for a "green" home, they came looking to save money and they will!" stated Josh Wynne, President of Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Mr. Wynne's Codding Cottage was the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum v.1 home in the state of Florida. The Codding Cottage Carriage House holds the title of the highest scoring Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) home. With a score of 267 out of 300 this amazing home easily surpassed the previous record of 234 by a large margin.

Many of the Two Trails Team are first time winners like Josh Wynne (Josh Wynne Construction), Ian McCook (Nvision Development), R.J. Doerrfeld (Nuline Building Systems), Michael Voigt (Voigt Building and Design), Josh Rosenbaum (Stajo Construction), and Thomas Panaseny (Newland Communities). They do not consider themselves competitors since each has developed their own unique list of green features that they build standard into their homes. This allow for their potential homebuyers to add additional green options while always knowing that their base home meets or exceeds the green standard they have chosen for their certification.

"We took what Two Trails told us to do to heart. We implemented their education ideas and developed tools for our potential homebuyers to learn what the green features and benefits were here, while they walked the home. At the Sage it's not just a color it's a way of living. We show people how they can live healthier and save money at the same time!" stated Ian McCook, Principle for Nvision Development.

Veterans of the Two Trails Team like Grant Castilow (MyGreenBuildings), Habitat for Humanity, Mark Dyer (DCI Homes), John Cannon Homes, Sam Rodgers Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes have established themselves in the field of green building. They continue to build to a third party certified standard providing proof that green building done consistently over time provides a means to develop a niche for the builder.

"I learn so much coming to this event. It really makes us feel like a team and not clients competing against each other. We are able to exchange ideas and walk away with a better understanding of how others are building green homes. I was amazed by the cistern system Bud Swindell incorporated into his home. I am definitely going to have to try some of these new techniques in my next home," stated Mark Dyer, President of DCI Homes in North Carolina, who also won Best-in-State.

The entire Two Trails Team raised a glass to honor Drew Smith for his outstanding contribution to Green Building having recently been awarded Sustainable Florida Best Practice Leadership Award, and was named FGBC Certifying Agent of the year for the highest number of homes certified in the state of Florida.

It was clear that all of those that were involved with Two Trails were delighted to be recipients of their Aurora Awards and the shouts of joy became even louder when the Grand Aurora Awards began. However, there were individuals present that did not receive any awards. They were not builders but admirers of what has been accomplished. "Oh, no we wouldn't have missed this for the world," stated Robin Bowman, a green fabric collage artist. "We have watched this grow from an idea to a well established business. We are proud of them." Dr. Donald Bowman, State College of Florida VP Student Development Enrollment Services. When asked why building green was important a shout from back in the crowd answered, "It's either Green or it's not Green! Hey, it's Two Trails!"

Two Trails Team Winners SEBC 2009!

35 Aurora Awards Total

11 Grand Aurora Awards

1 Best in State

Contact for the complete list by emailing twotrails (at) twotrails (dot) net

The LEEDing Edge of Green Certifications

First LEED Platinum Home in the State of Florida (LEED for Homes Platinum v.1 certification from the USGBC) Second in the entire US. and highest Scoring FGBC (Florida Green Building Coalition) Certified Green Home In the State.

(PRWEB) March 13, 2009 -- The Grand Opening of Codding Cottage was spectacular, not only were people flowing in the door but also they were buying! Josh Wynne, president of Josh Wynne Construction, is inundated with contracts for new homes. The word is out that if you build it green they will come and being the first in the state of Florida to achieve the prestigious LEED for Homes Platinum v.1 certification from US. Green Building Council is a huge accomplishment for any builder.

Furthermore, it is the second LEED for Homes Platinum v.1 certification in the United States! Mr. Wynne is quick to give recognition to all his subcontractors stating, "I couldn't have done it without my green team!" Nevertheless, the certifications did not stop here; the carriage house located on the property is the new highest scoring home ever scored by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). With a score of 267 out of 300 this amazing home easily surpassed the previous record of 234. The main house received an FGBC score of 237 out of 300 making the Codding Cottage and its carriage house the number one and number two highest scoring homes in the state. This incredible home is also certified by Energy Star, FPL's Build Smart program, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Landscape, and the National Wildlife Federation.

"This home really does set the standard for Certified Green Homes not only here but around the nation!" stated Drew Smith, LEED AP and Certifying Agent on the home from Two Trails, Inc. - Green Building Consulting. "Our company has experience in taking residential and commercial builders like Josh to the level of certification they would like to obtain easily. We make the entire process turnkey."

"Home buyers are looking for quality and price, we hear it every day, and I just gave them what they wanted. I showed the homebuyers how they would save money with my design from day one and into the future. They didn't come in looking for a "green" home, they came looking to save money and they will!" stated Mr. Wynne.

When you walk into the cracker style home, located in the National Historic Neighborhood of Laurel Park in downtown Sarasota, you "feel" something is different. The house emits warmth found not only in the design, but also in the aged materials that have been recycled and reused in a manner that "fits" like a glove with the new construction. The pantry doors become a conversation piece, the flooring is stunning and the attention to the smallest details start to pop out to any prospective homebuyer.

Codding Cottage designed and built for its owner Phil Carey, whose interest in planes gave Mr. Wynne the inspiration for the rails on the steps. "I like to bring the personality of the owner into my homes, it gives them ownership and the homeowner knows it is a one of a kind home built for them."

Mr. Wynne was proud of his accomplishment, and we as Floridians get to share in that pride for each home that is built in this manner helps save our natural resources. When asked if it was hard to do, Mr. Wynne replied, "It was a learning curve, but I have always been environmentally conscious, so it wasn't a big leap in theory for me to know this was the right way to build a home."

Members of the "green team" were Dale Parks of Siebert Architects prepared the architectural concept. Drew Smith of Two Trails, Inc. was the LEED AP and FGBC accrediting agent (residential, commercial offices in FL, NC and GA). Dennis Stroer of Calcs-Plus was the Energy Rater and prepared the Energy Star certification as well as the Builder's Challenge entry. All green system designs and specifications were done by Josh Wynne of Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. More information about this home and other upcoming exciting green homes can be viewed at Two Trails, Inc.- Green Building Consulting (http://www.twotrails.net) or www.joshwynneconstruction.com.

Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/U3VtbS1IYWxmLUxvdmUtUHJvZi1TaW5nLUNvdXAtWmVybw==

Green or Not Green: Which ‘Trail’ Did you Choose? Two Trails, Inc. Celebrates 8 Years of Green Building Consulting

Two Trails, Inc. was pushing the construction industry forward into a new realm before the term "green" was commonplace. Today, it is a widely accepted term for environmentally sustainable construction practices. However, 8 years ago it was only through perseverance that a company focused on Green Building techniques could remain in business. In fact, there was no demand for it in the marketplace.

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- When Drew and Debbie Smith dedicated themselves to a little known cause called "Green Building", the term "Green" was just a color in the crayon box. Today, it stands for saving natural resources, energy efficiency and saving money. Two Trails, Inc. -- Green Building Consulting was a dream that needed to become a reality, now 8 years later the trail to success is lush. Two Trails, Inc. has become one of the leaders in the Green Building Industry, by developing programs that help a builder or developer take their projects green through a turnkey process. For more information on Two Trails visit our website at http://www.twotrails.net.

The slowing of residential building allowed builders and developers the time to explore innovations in their industry. Green Building incorporates new technologies within the building process. Two Trails initial focus was to work with supporting industries to help them understand how changing their products can start a domino effect of change within an entire industry. Two Trails developed systems of support for the life cycle of a project.

Some consultants take a piece-meal approach when it comes to greening a project. Two Trails looks at a project as a sustainable entity that will outlast the current generation, it is like taking a step back in time and developing a system for creating an heirloom. The project becomes more than just a residential or commercial project. Residential properties become affordable, durable homes, better built to withstand the elements and use or reuse natural resources. Commercial projects become healthy work or learning environments. Developments incorporate new urbanism designs, creating green lifestyle communities that benefit those who chose to work or live within the project.

Green Solutions:

An example of one such project is University Town Center in Sarasota, FL by Benderson Development Corporation; this development will redefine what is considered "green" in the development world. Alternative fuel vehicles, parks within parking areas, residential homes mixed with commercial space, mass transportation areas to move people seamlessly are some strategies being incorporated. It is a new urbanism approach but taken to a new level of environmental awareness.

"Working on a LEED high-rise twin towers project in Miami has been exciting," stated Drew Smith, President of Two Trails, Inc. "We have done high-rise residential projects before but this project has pushed our team to really think outside of our knowledge base to discover new innovations. The world of green building is ever changing; it is our job to find those new solutions."

Two Trails clientele is impressive, but the projects themselves are innovative in the field of Green Building. In Florida, Two Trails, Inc. is considered a household name in Green Building. Drew Smith, the founding president of the Florida Green Building Coalition, played a key role in the development of many of the recognized green standards used to certify projects. As Two Trails grew, it gave him the opportunity to find those projects, which push the envelope in design, technologies and innovation.

With over 100+ homes at any given time in the certification process, it takes a highly trained team to track and evaluate each project. One of the unique projects is a LEED Platinum School, Learning Gate School, which will have existing buildings next to the new green certified structures. This will allow for a real-life comparison of healthy learning environments. The student body will also be kept separate to ensure accurate data can be obtained. Nevertheless, the part that sets this project apart is the fact that students are all learning about the features and benefits of the new classrooms! They are excited, enthusiastic learners that will carry this experience with them as they make choices in their living environment in the future.

Two Trails, Inc. tailored green building solutions, is a winning combination that has resulted in Two Trails working with a diverse client base including U.S. Government agencies, small and mid-sized businesses, schools and non-profit agencies.

Two Trails, Inc. is unique in their ability to assess needs, identify strengths, and design services that will enhance each client's unique circumstance. Their approach works in tandem to provide education for sales teams, marketing assistance and preventative maintenance solutions to ensure the sustainability of green features well into the future.

Green Building University:

Recognizing the need for continued education of sales teams and technical professionals Two Trails, Inc. added a new division to bring education of not only green building, but global environmental thinking of green lifestyles. Green Building University was created as a resource for green building content. All of our trainers and speakers have real life experience in the green construction world, commanding respect from their peers for their foresight and clarity to help propel green building to the forefront of an industry steeped in tradition. They each bring their own unique experiences to enhance educational presentations, seminars, conventions, keynote, and training programs. Courses are available on-line at http://www.greenbuildinguniversity.com or in person depending on the type of learning experience desired.

Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/U3F1YS1Mb3ZlLVRoaXItRmFsdS1aZXRhLVplcm8=

Uniquely Green University Town Center Benderson Development Creates an Innovative Approach to Green Building

University Town Center -- setting a new standard green building in the mainstream.

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) December 24, 2006 -- National Developer Benderson Development, in working with Moule & Polyzoides, urbanist architects and Two Trails, Inc., green consultants, is setting a new standard for Green Building with their unique approach for integrating stores, homes and offices. University Town Center will be the mixed-use development others will reference when looking to achieve working sustainable Lifestyle Center.

University Town Center will encompass 1.9 million square feet developed using the "new urbanism" approach. Included in the development will be an upscale shopping center, movie theatre, boutique stores and offices with living spaces above and affordable housing residences in a park like setting. The key to making this a Lifestyle Center is the use of "Green Spaces" strategically placed to create the overall atmosphere of stepping into a park like setting. The is over 60 plus acres of conservation area and miles of walking paths. Landscaping throughout the development will be installed in accordance to Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Guidelines.

A Lifestyle Center This is not a shopping mall, this is a destination created to provide a sense of interacting with nature while working, shopping or just relaxing. It all starts at the entrance to University Town Center, where roads have been designed to gently flow around lakes and through the natural setting. To provide monitored speed maintenance, a turn-about has been incorporated to keep traffic flowing at a manageable pace.

"Benderson Development is applying for the Florida Green Building Coalition, Green Development Certification and is exploring the possibility of LEED certification for the entire development," stated Drew Smith, Green Consultant for Two Trails, Inc. Some unusual aspects of the development will be the Trolley System, which will run using an alternative fuel and will reduce the need for shoppers to move their cars. Pedestrian walking paths and petite parks with benches and water views provide a serene setting. Shoppers and residences alike will be able to relax and take a break.

Serene Ambience Residence above shopping and offices will not be gazing on concrete roofs. Buildings will have "Green Roofs" providing additional space for gardening and relaxation. The staggered building layout adds to the diversity needed to create an interesting overall design that is pleasing while fitting into the surrounding natural environment.

Looking to the future, sustainability is the focus for all green developments. Benderson Development has added preferred parking for alternative fuel vehicles (hybrid cars) and carpooling, preferred bicycle parking areas at all buildings and showers provided in employee areas for those that choose to bike to work. The concept is that this development will easily fit into our changing environmentally conscious world. New forms of transportation can easily be adapted into the overall design of the development making this a forward thinking project developed to meet the needs not only of today but well into the future.

About Benderson Developmnet Benderson Development, one of the largest privately owned development companies in North America, has established itself as a leader in retail and power center development. Having more than doubled its size in the last 10 years, Benderson currently ranks as one of the largest strip center developers nationwide.

Website: http://www.benderson.com

About Two Trails, Inc. Two Trails, Inc. is a leader in providing Green Building Certifications. Providing LEED certifications nationwide and Florida Green Building Coalition certifications in the state of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting to make obtaining a green building certification easy.

Website: http://www.twotrails.net

New Home Builder Achieves One of the Highest HERS Ratings Recorded for the State of Florida

Achieving a high HERS rating is one of the key elements to obtaining a Green Certification on any residential property.

(PRWEB) October 20, 2006 -- David Melville, President of David Melville Contracting Service, has set a new standard in the Green Building industry. Mr. Melville has been involved in the construction industry for a many years but it was not until 2006 that he decided to move to the next step and enter the market place as a homebuilder.

Mr. Melville is overjoyed with the success he is having with his first model home and first entry in the Parade of Homes in Lakeland, FL, “It is truly satisfying to see this home meet FGBC’s standards and then come in with one of the highest HERS ratings is just really exciting!”

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Standard is the accepted standard of the Florida Home Builders Association for Green Building. A home built according to the standard saves natural resources while reducing utility cost and has a higher overall building standard. During the building process, a builder typically will hire a third party consultant to inspect the home during various construction phases.

A consultant will keep the builder apprised of his progress, if there are areas of concern the consultant will discuss this with the builder and get it corrected. Typically, there is a learning curve for building a green home. It takes not only the builder wanting to build a better home but also the subcontractors all have to learn new ways of applying their trades. In the end, the one who really benefits from a Green Certified Home is the homebuyer since the home is more durable and saves them money right from the start, perhaps even qualifying them for a better mortgage based on the additional expendable income they will have to qualify.

Mr. Melville hired on Two Trails, Inc. as his Green Consultants, “I have known Drew Smith for a number of years and have always respected his opinions, and I knew he could help me reach the certification.” The innovative techniques applied to reduce energy costs and create durability intrigued Mr. Smith. He knew the home was going to rate high after his inspection, “I had a feeling this house was something special, but when the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating came in I was blown away!”

The 2006 Fall Parade of Homes begins on Saturday, October 21, 2006 and runs through Sunday, October, 29th Mr. Melville’s model home is located at 6490 Walkers Glen Ct. Lakeland, FL. Touring the model you will be made aware of the unique characteristics and innovative technologies that David Melville Contracting Services has designed into their precedent setting new model home.

Contact Information:

David Melville Contracting Services David Melville 3810 Drane Field Rd. Unit 9 Lakeland, FL 3381 863-521-1217

Drew Smith Two Trails, Inc. 15715 CR 675 Parrish, FL. 34219 941-776-8680

Corporate website: www.twotrails.net www.greenbuildingconsultant.com - third party consultants www.greenbuildinguniversity.com - online learning and courses

Kanaya Luxury Condos Aims to Become the FIRST FGBC Certified Condominium

Kanaya Luxury Condos will be the first multi-family, multi-story complex developed using Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Standards. By setting a higher standard for future condo projects to meet, Kanaya Condos will provide a healthier living environment, with energy and economic benefits for residents through better building techniques. Sarasota, Florida (PRWEB) September 5, 2005 -- Of the hundreds of building projects that have earned Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Certification, a coveted certification in the state of Florida which provides a statewide Green Building program with environmental, energy and economic benefits, not one has been a condominium. But the new Kanaya Condos in Sarasota, Florida will change all of that.

The 35 unit condominium complex which will open late in 2006, will contain a multitude of sustainable products and design elements. Kanaya, LLC managing member Dr. Harvey Kaltsas has hired Drew Smith, Green Building Consultant, from Two Trails, Inc. to oversee the entire process and help educate the architect, contractor and sub-contractors on the practice of building a project "Green" from the ground up.

Two Trails, Inc. was founded by Drew Smith to assist builders and developers in the techniques of green or sustainable buildings. Drew has received numerous awards for his dedication in building projects healthier and more resource-efficient. "In a world of rising gas prices and fresh water concerns it only makes sense that builders and developer need to adapt to the concerns for a healthier living and working environment."

Furthermore, Smith believes that the time has come for consumers to express their desire to live and work in a healthy environment. "People live healthier lifestyles, they want clean running cars, and they want their homes to be a healthy environment too." Dr. Kaltsas has taken a big step forward in providing an environment above and beyond what the residents are used to getting. He has taken the initiative to develop a project designed for the total well being of the residents. Together Harvey and Drew will bring a new dimension to what homebuyers will expect in their decision process for purchasing a new residence.

For more information on Kanaya Condos visit: http://www.kanayacondos.com

For more information of Green Building visit: http://www.twotrails.net or call 941-776-8680