Our Mission: Solve the energy problem with structures.

Did you know that the construction and operation of buildings contributes 40-50% of carbon emissions? And, cars contribute 25-35%?

Green Building and Global Warming seem to be at the tip of everyone’s tongue lately. The construction industry has a lot to contribute to the solution, and yes, Global Warming is a huge problem. However, we also believe that there’s more to the story, more to “green” than meets the eye.

Sustainable construction must also provide a return on investment. When leveraging technologies and products that are currently more expensive than the conventional alternatives, a project must pay back. We have to show how solar can REALLY pay back. How a home must TRULY improve energy efficiencies. Only when we find the financial payback that makes sense will “green building” explode on the scene. Much of this payback can come through better, more efficient use of energy in the home, and production of renewable energy on top of the home.

Robert Knowles Construction is developing that financial case for Custom Sustainable Building.

We’re also actively seeking new, more efficient ways to build, and do business. Here’s how:

• Reuse & recycle—whenever possible when remodeling, we like to try to re-use what we pull out of a house.
• Reduce distances materials must travel—The Northwest is blessed with many natural resources and materials that can be applied in green building. Getting local helps reduce the fossil fuel required to get materials to a project site.
• Select FSC and other earth friendly materials whenever budget allows—It is currently more expensive, but it’s preferable to use wood products that are sustainably harvested.
• Improve efficient business practices—through the use of technology, cellular communications, fuel efficient/alternative fuel vehicles and so on.
• Leverage the sun—Whenever the sun shines, we have energy! So why not? Solar may seem expensive up-front, but you have to look at it on a lifetime cost basis. Solar will return much more value than it’s initial upfront cost.