SpawGlass is dedicated to building a greener tomorrow by incorporating eco-friendlybusiness practices into our day-to day operations and into every project we construct. We show sustainable stewardship through recycling, waste prevention, purchasing recycled content products and energy and water conservation.

Our dedication to sustainability was recognized in 2011 when SpawGlass became a Certified Green Contractor through Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). This certification was awarded to us from ABC’s National Green Building Committee only after we had met stringent application requirements, including conducting sustainability training for our team members.

With many LEED Accredited Professionals, the SpawGlass team is well-versed on the ins and outs of earning points to achieve LEED certification on our projects. In fact, in some instances, our team members have been able to identify opportunities to earn additional points to surpass the certification level designated for projects. In the past few months, three SpawGlass projects, originally slated for LEED Silver Certification, have been awarded LEED Gold Certification:

• GVEC Western Operations Center – Seguin, TX
• Texas State Technical College Harlingen University Center – Harlingen, TX
• The University of Texas at Austin Student Activity Center/Liberal Arts Building Phase I – Austin, TX

In addition to incorporating “green” practices at our regional offices and jobsites, SpawGlass has gone a step further by promoting sustainable building components, whether we are the prime or specialty contractor on a project. Joe Clepper, a 25-year veteran of SpawGlass, and David Reynolds, who has spent the past 15 years identifying and implementing ecofriendly construction practices, are leading the charge for SpawGlass’s newest division – Sustainable Construction Solutions (SCS).

The goal of SCS is to address the economic and environmental factors affecting the construction industry. One of the methods SCS will promote to architects in the design stage of projects is the use of insulated concrete forms (ICF). ICFs offer many benefits to our clients, including lower energy costs, safety assurance in areas where strong winds are prevalent and mold resistance.

“ICFs are only one of the systems we are pursuing,” said Joe Clepper. “David and I are meeting with architects, distributors and contractors about the sustainable construction systems available and what the short-term and long-term benefits are to our clients.”

SCS recently began its first project, a net-zero control building for the SpawGlass design/build George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Central Plant Phase II and III project. After witnessing the advantages of ICF construction first-hand on the Vidor City Hall project, especially from a sustainability standpoint, Project Executive Brian Emerson promoted the use of ICF on the IAH project as a method of achieving LEED Platinum certification.

One thing is certain – adopting sustainable practices ultimately benefits our entire community. If we think, build and live green, the benefits will be enjoyed for generations to come.