As the Chief Executive Officer of governmental non-profit corporation Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA), Guy Rankin is one busy guy, overseeing a number of programs such as the Senior Housing Development Program, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, Homeownership Program, and Assisted Housing Program. The HCHA has been recognised as the region’s best performing housing authority for seven consecutive years. With all these achievements and responsibilities, Rankin has not neglected the importance in green and eco-friendly living solutions, even for the poor and elderly.
As part of the HCHA Assisted Housing Program, Guy Rankin oversaw the building of the first green housing solution for seniors that is LEED Platinum certified. Sustainable features of this complex include solar panels, saltwater pools, rainwater collection for landscaping, renewable wood use and walkways made of recycled concrete. Building an eco-friendly building may be more expensive initially, but savings in the building’s operation are later noted with its lower water and electric bills. In the long run, this justifies the initial expenditure, making the structure both economically and environmentally friendly.
This example shows how Guy Rankin’s investment in green solutions is ultimately beneficial to both the pocket and to the sustainability of our environment. You can use similar techniques in your home to make it a more ecological living environment. As natural resources are slowly depleted, it is our duty to come up with green solutions that will make our living conditions more ecologically friendly. So how can you make small differences and environmentally conscious decisions to make your home more sustainable?
The good news is like solutions like those employed by Guy Rankin in his Assisted Housing Program are accessible to the general public. Here are some examples to get you going green:
• When buying wooden shutters and other wooden products for your home, look for those that have the Forest Stewardship Council (FRC) mark. This council encourages the use of wood from sustainable sources.
• Make sure that you recycle your trash, sorting glass, plastic, paper, cans and other materials that can be recycled.
• Use energy-saving lightbulbs both at home and at work.
• If you live in a sunny area, install solar panels to provide an alternative and sustainable energy source.
These are just a few of the many ways you can make a change in your living conditions, making them more environmentally friendly and investing in sustainable decisions.