from Scripps Howard News Service Florida homeowners will be able to get the know-how to build safer, healthier and more energy-efficient homes with the help of a $1 million learning center being planned for the Florida Gulf Coast University campus in Estero.
"Southwest Florida home buyers can build their new homes more energy-efficient, hurricane-resistant, healthy and environmently friendly than ever before, but not enough people know how," says Roy Bonnell Jr.
That's a problem the FGCU Green Building Project hopes to remedy. Bonnell, project manager for the new enterprise, said there are many new building products and insulation alternatives available that can cut energy costs significantly.
"What we need to do is educate the public, the builders, the architects and the subcontractors to the variety of energy-efficient materials in the marketplace," he said. "Then they can act as a team to deliver an energy-efficient home rather than work separately in ways that might not promote the highest level of efficiency."
The center will also tackle health issues, providing information on potential home hazards. For example, many people are unaware that carpet backing, drywall components or furniture glue could cause them to have allergic reactions Backers hope to raise about $500,000 by December, with the expectation of applying for matching funds from the state Legislature by July, said John Fitch, professor of environmental studies at FGCU, and project director.
Fitch said the university was eager to participate in a project that could have far-reaching community impact. "The center will be a place where industry professionals and the general public will experience an integrated approach to green building. Right now, there's a lot of confusion about the ways to maximize energy efficiency and air quality and safety in the home."
Resources Florida Gulf Coast University Green Building Project
Florida Gulf Coast University Green Center
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
URL:
www.fgcu.edu/greenbuilding/index.html
Guests Roy Bonnell, Jr.
FGCU Green Building Project Manager
3304 Santiago Way
Naples, FL 34105
Phone: 941-263-6819
Email:
roybon@aol.com
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