As a general contractor passionate about building a greener future, I’m thrilled to share my insights on the exciting world of sustainable construction. Join me on a journey as we explore how Reading General Contractor is leading the charge in constructing eco-friendly spaces that not only reduce our environmental impact but also enhance the well-being of the communities we serve.
Embracing the Circular Economy
In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, one thing has become abundantly clear: the traditional linear “take-make-waste” model is no longer sustainable. That’s why, at Reading General Contractor, we’ve wholeheartedly embraced the principles of the circular economy.
As highlighted by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), their recently launched “Circular Design & Construction Guidelines” provide an essential roadmap for reducing waste and embodied carbon in the built environment. And you better believe we’re taking note!
Our team has been actively collaborating with suppliers and recyclers to execute the logistics for routing viable debris into effective building material resources. It’s all about closing the loop and shifting away from the wasteful practices of the past. By embracing circular construction methods, we’re proud to announce that our upcoming SPARC Kips Bay project will reduce a staggering 26,400 metric tons of carbon emissions – the equivalent of removing nearly 5,800 cars from the road!
“Circular construction and the prioritization of reuse of building products and materials can have an incredibly positive influence on the embodied carbon impact of our buildings and spaces,” shares Daniel Kietzer, Director of Sustainability at Rheaply. “We’re excited about the positive ripple effects this will have across the city’s thriving circular economy.”
Elevating Sustainable Materials
But the circular economy is just one piece of the puzzle. At Reading General Contractor, we’re also laser-focused on elevating the use of sustainable materials in our projects. And the star of the show? Mass timber.
As part of the NYC Mass Timber Studio program, we’re proud to be collaborating with a diverse group of design and development teams to explore the incredible potential of this renewable and low-carbon building material. From community centers to multifamily residential developments, our projects span the five boroughs, with a special focus on environmental justice communities.
“Cities built from bio-based materials like timber can help turn cities from carbon emitters into carbon sinks,” enthuses Simon Hyoun, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Softwood Lumber Board. “We’re pleased to assist the work of the Studio awardees in proving that premise again.”
As an architect, I can’t help but get giddy at the thought of designing with mass timber. With recent changes to the NYC building code that expand its use, the Mass Timber Studio is providing invaluable early-stage design assistance to help us navigate the unique challenges of incorporating this sustainable material into our projects.
Prioritizing Community and Equity
But sustainable design isn’t just about the materials – it’s also about the people. At Reading General Contractor, we firmly believe that eco-friendly spaces should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or background.
That’s why we’re thrilled to see that six out of the seven Mass Timber Studio awardees are located within environmental justice communities. By focusing on diverse building typologies and scales, we’re ensuring that the benefits of sustainable construction reach the neighborhoods that need it most.
“As we embark on a journey toward a more sustainable future for our city, the advancement of the NYC Mass Timber Studio marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable construction practices,” shares Jimmy Oddo, Commissioner of the Department of Buildings. “NYCEDC is not only helping reduce our carbon footprint but also paving the way for a more resilient and vibrant built environment.”
Fostering Innovation and Partnerships
Of course, we can’t take all the credit for this sustainable revolution. At Reading General Contractor, we’re proud to be part of a broader ecosystem of innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders who are collectively driving the push for a greener future.
Take the Green Building Initiative (GBI), for example. As a global provider of the Green Globes and Guiding Principles Compliance certification programs, GBI is paving the way for more environmentally sustainable, healthy, and resilient buildings. And we’re honored to be one of the many organizations committed to their mission.
“GBI members have taken a tangible next step toward reducing climate impacts related to building and the built environment,” the organization proudly proclaims. “Membership benefits include playing an important role in making buildings more environmentally sustainable, healthy, and resilient places to live and work.”
But the real game-changers, in my opinion, are the partnerships we’ve forged with organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and their transformative LEED certification program. By aligning our projects with LEED’s rigorous standards, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint but also creating healthier, more equitable spaces that enhance the well-being of the communities we serve.
A Brighter, Greener Future
As I reflect on the incredible strides we’ve made in sustainable construction, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism and excitement for the future. At Reading General Contractor, we’re not just building structures – we’re crafting legacies that will shape the way future generations live, work, and thrive.
By embracing the circular economy, elevating sustainable materials, and prioritizing community and equity, we’re not only transforming the built environment but also paving the way for a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable world. And you better believe we’re just getting started.
So, if you’re ready to join us on this journey towards a greener, more vibrant future, I invite you to explore the Reading General Contractor website and see how we can collaborate to bring your eco-friendly vision to life. Together, let’s construct a legacy that will inspire and uplift for generations to come.
