Building Green

“We want to be the leader in environmentally friendly building in southern Oregon,” says Stephen Miller, architect, seen here atop the company’s solar-panel covered roof, in an article by Greg
Stiles, Medford Mail Tribune.

Wedged into Jackson County’s industrial district, amid green chains, boilers and smokestacks, is a small office building that would do Ralph Nader proud. S&B James Construction Co. has overhauled its 40 year-old headquarters, equipping the 4,600 square foot building with the latest environmental trappings and topped it off with solar panels capable of producing 17.8 kilowatts of electricity. An Oregon Energy Trust rebate, state business income tax and federal credits helped make the project feasible.

“It’s a no-brainer,” says Tom Hall, the company’s executive vice-president. “We wanted to demonstrate that building green makes practical and economic sense and our our willingness to do it ourselves.”

The project is also in the application process for LEED Gold certification. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, created to establish standards for green building and to raise industry and consumer awareness of the benefits of sustainable design.

Recycled Redwood Restoration

Ashland Glass & Millwork, working with recycled redwood from an S&B James Construction project, has produced a variety of exquisite redwood doors, frames, trim, and specialty wood pieces to be used in the restoration of a century old California vineyard gatehouse.

“The architect wanted a finish look that matched the existing redwood that was nearly 100 years old. The recycled clear heart redwood from S&B James was perfect,” says Craig Wilson. “Wood like this is no longer available on the market.”

Recycled redwood is another example of S&B James commitment to building green. If you have an interest in recycled redwood, please contact us for more information.