Building Green

We import close to 90% of our fossil fuels to generate our power utility sources, and, as a result, we pay the highest utility bills in the United States!

Hawaii Clean Energy Initiatives seek to bring Hawaii to 70% renewable by 2030. Although presently Hawaii Island is at 30% renewable, this initiative will not equate to lowering consumer utility bills.

How we build and retrofit our homes is truly the answer to subsequently lowering utility costs!

When talking Green or Alternative Energy, one must consider two areas: Active and Passive.  Active refers to anything mechanical including photovoltaic, HVAC, energy monitoring systems and wind systems.  Solar thermal (hot water systems), which are now required on all newly constructed homes in Hawaii, are also considered active.

Passive considerations depend on the physical location of the home, i.e., Kohala Coast versus say the wetter parts of Hilo, 
Passive building focuses on the many factors most are unfamiliar with, but when designed properly, there is actually less energy and expense on the Active side!! This is where we focus our approach to Smart design.

Hawaiians historically were smart builders and very adept at using natural resources wisely!  As this sun drenched and pastoral environment gives way to development, we are proud to know our Program and it’s growth is rooted in traditional homage to nature and her many gifts.