Green Happenings!

by Lester Gammon, Contractor Sales

In This Article: Hingham Lumber Eco-friendly products

• Green credibility
• Hingham Lumber offers eco-friendly products

Green Happenings at Hingham Lumber

Marketers from every phase of the business world have begun to promote their ‘green’ products. The building industry is now fully involved in green marketing as well. And why not? Construction effects our environment profoundly. Building products are mostly derived from natural resources. Construction alters the environment. As a result, many of us in the building industry are finding ourselves inundated with green information and advertising. Often the overload of information leaves us confused or wary of green and overstated claims of green. At Hingham Lumber we have been carefully following the growth of the green market, learning about green building programs and trying to sort them all out.

The first question that occurred to us was what is green, and according to whom? We all have had to learn to be wary of misleading claims in advertising. There is no single, official government stamp-of-approval to clearly say, yes, this product is credible. Green credibility translates to a product that was created in an environmentally responsible manner, meets specific criteria during its lifetime, and can be re-used or remanufactured when it is no longer desired or useful. Fortunately, we have discovered there are independent agencies who attempt to scientifically and realistically determine how green a product is. Done properly, the assessment is a lengthy process, but then again, the environment is a complex web. Whether is it lumber, paint and sundries, roofing or even nails, the certifying agencies, who work transparently can, assure us that a product is environmentally preferable.

Based upon the use of certified products, there are green building programs both commercial and residential that can certify a building was built in a green manner following a specific protocol. The final result is intended to give the end user a safer, more comfortable structure that is more economical to heat/cool and maintain. The programs envelop the whole project; not just the building of the structure. Water, land use and the effect on its immediate environment are all considered to certify the project as green.

At the lumberyard we have access to many green certified products from trusted sources. And the list grows monthly. Paint, panels, shingles and siding are all coming on board as viable green products. Some farsighted manufacturers have led the way to green early-on. You probably have been purchasing some green products for years whether you were aware of their green aspect or not. Happily, as green materials become more commonplace, costs have typically come in line with traditional products. At this time however, we are not able to offer a green substitute for all of our inventoried stock

Just as a green building project is more than buying certified materials, the ‘greening’ of Hingham Lumber is more than offering eco-friendly products. Our lumberyard has scrutinized its own policies and procedures and responded to the need for some changes. Energy efficient lighting has been installed in the warehouse. Recycling paper, cardboard and plastic has become part of the HLC culture and it has really opened our eyes what a difference a small effort can make.

Green building is not a fad. We’ve all been transitioning for decades; we insulate, use insulated glass and install finger jointed stock. Now we are at the next level. Sustainable forestry and building practices must be utilized for this industry to carry on.
Clean air, water and other natural resources are in finite supply. The lumber industry holds the greatest carbon exchangers on earth, the great forests, and they will be sustained for the good of all. Meanwhile, here is a link for something for you to look at
for some simple changes you might consider for your jobsite. You may even save some money!

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

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See all Spring 2009 The Sounding Board Articles