GOING GREEN: The Latest in Green Urban Living
by Diane Hancock, AIA, LEED AP
Diane Hancock Designs Inc.
While the buzz word in the building industry is green, many of us are still in the
dark about what defines a green home environment.
Diane states, “Designing green is about selecting the right elements to suit your
lifestyle while ensuring that the products are manufactured in the best way possible
for the environment. Whether you want a modern acrylic chair, an antique from Paris or a stump from the forest – when selected properly, all of these items are green.”
“It’s not easy being green! Diane has been labeled “A tree-hugger with an affinity for finer things."
When you think green, you don’t have to think of “natural wood” or an “unfinished”, raw look. Being “natural” is not enough for a product to be considered “green.” Too often, materials are wasted
or harvested improperly or are very rare. Green or LEED is actually sophisticated – a sleek,
comfortable lifestyle. Green fits every lifestyle. It is not just natural, or raw elements.
 There are many ways to create sophisticated spaces that
can be both pleasing to the environment and still suit your
personal style. When choosing materials Diane suggests
looking for the following:
• Rapidly Renewable Materials
• No Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC):
Paints, Stains, Glues or Adhesives
• Recyclable Content: Both Pre and Post
Consumer Content
• Small Carbon Footprint:
- Made, Manufactured or Harvested within
500 Miles
- Harvested Responsibly
- Products that have a “Buy Back” Program or
are recyclable
- Materials that don’t “Off Gas”
- Antiques or used furnishings
• Energy-Star rated appliances including
Televisions, Computers, Printers or any “Plug-In” Appliances
• “GREEN-Guard” Certified Products
• Materials with Longevity
 “It is really about what you are throwing out
just as much as what you are putting in!”
While Diane has been involved with many
GREEN home construction projects her latest
is The Lofts in Birmingham, designed by Victor Saroki & Associates, constructed by Mosher Dolan, Cataldo & Kelly in the
emerging Triangle District. The three story,
mixed-use structure will house retail, office
and residential space.
The Lofts rooms will be staged and open for
tours from March 6 through early May, 2009. They
are located at 735 Forest Street in Birmingham,
Michigan, for more information visit www.735forest.com.
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