Innovation

Since 2014, Go Green Gable Contracting has been a staple sustainable construction company for their community-based in Teaneck, New Jersey. A year after their founding, they implemented structural insulated panels (SIPs) into their construction process. The SIPs are constructed by adding a foam core in between two layers of sheathing. With this upgraded construction of SIPs, they are about 50% more energy-efficient than the standard timber framing, and also produce healthier indoor air quality. The new design allows for contaminants and allergens to be filtered out before reaching the ventilation. Since the panels are designed off-site, they reduce costs for the construction company by reducing project management and labor costs. As the producer and consumer benefit from this improved innovation, both parties are satisfied with the finished product in the short- and long-term.

Inspiration

The inspiration to begin using the improved panels came from Adrian Lupu, the interviewee from Go Green Gable Contracting. The inspiration for this invention came from a wanting to create a sustainable and environmentally safe construction process. After working in construction for a long time, he saw a problem and desired to solve it. He says, “Construction has been my only career since I was a teenager, and there is a lot I have learned in the process, I just want to spread awareness of environmentally-safe construction and build relationships with customers.” While growing up in Romania, he experienced a lower quality of life because of his socioeconomic status. His experiences served as motivation to produce a product that is financially smart for homeowners but also is beneficial to their health.

Overall impact

The impact of the structural insulated panels is both physically and financially healthy. Since the SIPs are airtight, it blocks the air entering the house before it enters the ventilation system. This allows for cleaner air to be exposed to the house because unfiltered air will not seep through the walls before being ventilated. This means the cleanest air is being allowed into the house, therefore entering the lungs of the habitants.

Long-term exposure to clean air is vital to health, as it can lower the risk for many chronic diseases. The SIPs are also beneficial to financial health in the long run. While constructing a site, it is more costly to install SIPs into the build. However, over time, it is a great investment because the energy bills are significantly lower than those with traditional panels.

One of the high points of Lupu’s career is when he consulted to create an add-on for a growing family in his community. They were in a financial struggle but still wanted to incorporate the SIPs into their build. This occurred during his beginning stages of using these panels in their builds. He chose the best route of action for the family to take while considering the benefits of the panels. After finishing the home in the fall of 2019, he received a call from the family. They reported that their energy costs were substantially lower than in the past, and they were grateful.

Business benefit

Because this business has started introducing structural insulated panels, they have taken pride in improving the lives of the customers and community. The company attracts customers that are also environmentally conscious. They focus on customer satisfaction because word of mouth is essential in their model. They are aware that "when my customers are happy with our work, they recommend our company to other people, which grows our profit."

Social and environmental benefit

While specializing in Teaneck, New Jersey, Go Green Gable Contracting is constructing homes that are environmentally friendly. The construction process is harmful to the community because of the equipment and tools used. Instead, the community uses a customized approach to each remodel that considers the health of the homeowners and the environment. When remodeling homes, it is vital to consider the risks and health hazards due to lead, mold, and potentially, asbestos. When they remodel, they plan the work based on the safety, health, and schedules of the customers. Providing these accommodations limits homeowners' exposure to unhealthy air pollutants released during the renovation process.

Interview

Adrian Lupu, CEO