Revitalizing Homes: Joe Thomas's Elemental Green Expertise in Atlanta

Joe Thomas, the proprietor of Elemental Green Homes, specializes in renovating homes and elevating older houses to surpass contemporary building standards. A long-time resident of the Atlanta area, Joe holds certifications from the Building Performance Institute as an EarthCraft Builder and Building Analyst. Additionally, he contributes to the board of directors for Lifecycle Building Center. Dive into his expertise and offerings!

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Transcript

  Show Notes: Common Sense for Better Construction - Episode with Joe Thomas, Owner of Elemental Green Homes  

 Intro: 

- Welcome to another episode of "Common Sense for Better Construction," bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world.

- Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful. Visit www.creativeinterface.design.

 Interview with Joe Thomas, Owner of Elemental Green Homes: 

- Joe Thomas, a passionate advocate for better building practices, certified by the Building Performance Institute as an Earth Craft Builder and Building Analyst.

- Serves on the board of directors for Life Cycle Building Center, a non-profit upcycling building materials to reduce environmental impact.

- Elemental Green Homes focuses on renovating older houses, exceeding current building standards, and preserving embodied energy.

 Background and Early Experience: 

- Joe's interest in construction began at a young age, working with his father.

- Early interest in sustainability led him to pursue solar energy and become BPI certified.

- Worked in home performance, conducted energy assessments, and participated in programs like Home Performance with Energy Star.

- Co-founded Renewal Systems Solutions, focusing on energy efficiency improvements during the Recovery Act funds period.

 Transition to Green Building: 

- Joe's interest in green building grew, leading him to become an Earth Craft Builder and purchase a house for Earth Craft renovation.

- Challenges faced in appraisals and the lack of recognition for green building features.

- The importance of durability, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and water efficiency in green building.

 Earth Craft Renovations: 

- Joe's model: Buy a house, renovate using Earth Craft standards, and resell.

- Challenges with appraisals and the need for education in the industry.

- Sandy Adamatis, with the Appraisal Institute, played a key role in driving green building standards in the appraisal industry.

 Affordable Housing and Sustainable Preservation: 

- Joe's work with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation on Earth Craft renovations for affordable housing.

- Collaboration with South Face to develop sustainable preservation standards.

- Addressing misconceptions about the cost of green building and the long-term benefits, including cost of ownership.

 Indoor Air Quality and Health Impacts: 

- Importance of controlling indoor air quality in homes.

- Joe shares experiences of identifying and addressing carbon monoxide issues during home performance assessments.

- Low-cost improvements for better indoor air quality, durability, and energy efficiency.

 Community Engagement and Resources: 

- Joe's involvement with the Life Cycle Building Center and their mission to promote reuse of building materials.

- Mention of quarterly workshops around home affordances.

- Resources for individuals interested in green building: South Face, Department of Energy, Atlanta Community Tool Bank.

 Green Building Certifications: 

- Joe recommends Earth Craft as a practical green building standard.

- Emphasizes South Face as a valuable resource for training and certification.

- The practicality and benefits of Earth Craft certification for builders and homeowners.

 Client Feedback and Impact: 

- Positive relationships with homeowners who appreciate Joe's approach to green building.

- Stories of emotional and technical feedback from clients, emphasizing energy efficiency and low utility bills.

- The impact of green building on homeownership stability, community stability, and long-term benefits.

 Closing Remarks: 

- The importance of education and making green building mainstream.

- Practicality as a driving force behind green building initiatives.

 Outro: 

- Thank you for joining another episode of "Common Sense for Better Construction."

- Sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, redefining the impact of great design. Visit www.creativeinterface.design.