Jim Simcoe on Being Green and Energy Policy

OurBlook interview with Jim Simcoe, founder and president of EcoLife Consulting of Encinitas, Calif.

What do you see as the strong points of the American Clean Energy and Security Act?

JS: This act is a great step in the right direction.  It addresses some key areas of sustainability and sets targets that are realistic. The aid to retrofitting existing residential buildings is a great part of this program.

What do you see as the weak points?

JS: There need to be more incentives and programs for small businesses that are not green. They’ve addressed residential properties and green businesses but have not addressed the majority of for-profit small businesses in the U.S.  To affect real change with these issues, there needs to be something made available to all small business owners.

You are noted for being an authority on green retrofits for existing buildings. What are the most effective techniques you see in this field, and can you give us a few success stories of projects that have been done?

JS: One of the single most effective areas we’ve enjoyed success with is in water conservation.  Water is a finite resource and as a society we’ve long discounted the conservation of water

On a recent project on an apartment complex, we’ve calculated that we’ll save the client seven million gallons of water annually through our water conservation strategies. That’s equivalent to 14 Olympic-size pools a year. We used intelligent irrigation design and energy efficient fixtures (sprinkler heads, smart controllers, high efficiency toilets, etc.) to create a property that doesn’t waste water.  It’s a win/win for all.  The client saves approx $30k a year, their 265 tenants see their water bills go down and over seven million gallons of water isn’t wasted.

Do you see green retrofits as a nice-to-have but minor factor in energy usage or can they make a major contribution to this nation's energy conservation needs?

JS: They can make a major contribution to our energy conservation needs.  The construction and operation of buildings (commercial or residential) is the arguably the largest contribution factor to our planet's carbon footprint.  Any reductions in that area have far-reaching positive effects.

Is there anything else you'd like to say about current environmental and energy issues?

JS: Incorporating a sustainable business strategy or greening up a building can and should be profitable.  People are largely driven by self-interest, so the crux of green value proposition should be:

-- Green lowers costs and increases profits.
-- Green creates a healthier environment for you and your family.
-- Green is good for the planet.

Without all three elements, it is challenging to sway people to change their behavior.

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