by Alicia M. Dewey

Breaking ground on June 19, 2009, the Pleasant Night Inn, Inc. will undoubtedly meet many needs in the North Country. Principally owned by Jeffrey S. Shambo, Brantingham, the new hotel will be located at 28 North Broad Street, West Carthage, New York.

Set immediately adjacent to the Franklin Place Commons, the 40-room, two-story hotel, set to open in Spring 2010, will feature:

• interior corridors and entrances;
• double rooms with queen-size beds;
• handicapped accessibility;
• designed pet-friendly rooms;
• flat screen TVs;
• a fitness room;
• two conference rooms (one large, one small);
• free internet (Wi-Fi and wired);
• continental breakfast;
• a laundry room; and
• a covered portico/entranceway

The Vision: A Local Idea from a Local Man
Growing up in Copenhagen, Shambo realized the need for this type of facility in the North Country. “There are lots of people who work in and around Fort Drum, but there are not a lot of places to stay. There was a niche here for clean, efficient and green franchise,” he said. Shambo has been working closely with Michael E. Lundy, LUNCO Corporation Design/Builders. “I’m a home-town boy. This project has been needed for decades.

It’s great that a local guy had the vision to put it together,” said Lundy. The intent of the project is to provide an establishment to meet the needs of travelers, while stimulating the local economy. Offering comfortable, pet-friendly, handicapped-accessible accommodations, the new hotel will offer a continental breakfast, but no restaurant - and that should lead visitors to venture out into the community to other local eateries. “It is our goal to work with the local businesses in the community, to act as an anchor for economic development - not to compete,” said Shambo.

Chris Lorence, public relations consultant for the Pleasant Night Inn, pointed  out, “The Carthage area has not had accommodations for business people, families, etc. for many, many years. Before this hotel, they would stay in Watertown, and the spin-off economic impact went with it…as well as the convenience factor.”

The benefits that this project will bring to the local economy, both in jobs and money invested in the project, are not the only way that the Pleasant Night Inn plans to increase the “green” in Jefferson County. Shambo also recognized that people everywhere are becoming more and more environmentally-conscious and believes whole-heartedly that we need to “treat the environment properly.” In an effort to meet this objective, Shambo and LUNCO are working with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to become as “green” and energy-efficient as possible. In fact, the team is working toward earning an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the building.

What is LEED Certification?
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) describes LEED certification as “an internationally recognized certification system that measures how well a building or community performs across the metrics that matter most.” These performance objectives include:

• energy savings;
• water efficiency;
• CO2 emissions reduction;
• improved indoor environmental quality; and
• stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts

The LEED program puts forth a “framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.” This standard is undoubtedly the most recognized standard for building sustainability and attempting to meet this standard is becoming more and more mainstream. Indeed, according to Brad Tuttle, Travel Writer for CNN.com, “applications to the U.S. Green Building Council for the [LEED] award spiked by 550 percent between 2006 and 2008.

A Green Building: Starting from the Roots
Lundy owns the Butler building franchise for the North Country. Butler is a BlueScope Steel Company, “world leaders  in the development and manufacture of metal building systems.” Contrary to popular opinion, these buildings are not pre-fabricated, but pre-engineered. The

Butler buildings are constructed of metal, but it is quite difficult to tell due to their exterior appearance. In addition, this type of “systems construction” provides faster construction time, lower costs, reduced maintenance costs, and ease of expansion.

They also produce an energy-efficient building that can provide a greater return on investment.

As Lundy explained, Butler has become a driving force in developing building structures that are not just “green,” but energy-efficient. To him, there is a vast distinction between the two terms. “Environmentally- friendly or green is the feel good side of things; energy-efficiency is the bottom line of business,” claimed Lundy. In other words, it is beneficial if the building owner can see the financial benefits of making his/her building sustainable. In smart business, the options should “make or save them money”.

The Funding Process
NYSERDA offers a funding opportunity called the New Construction Program (NCP), which assists in incorporating energy-efficient measures into a building.

This program affords building operators an opportunity to lessen their electric demand and thereby, reduce operational costs to their business. Through the NCP, NYSERDA offers technical assistance in evaluating and implementing these energy- efficient building technologies, funding to offset the additional costs of incorporating these technologies into a building, and even support in acquiring information and services on solar and daylight technologies and “green building opportunities”.

Shambo understands that building an energy-efficient structure will cost more upfront. Lundy adds that they hope to receive a NYSERDA grant to help “offset the bulk of additional upfront costs.” But, the project team also realizes the overall benefits of a project of this type. The energy- efficiency will decrease the overall operational costs and make this investment easier to sustain over time.

The Design/Build Advantage
The Pleasant Night Inn project placed an application with NYSERDA for the New Construction Program and was assigned a consultant, Sustainable Performance Consultants, Inc., from Rochester, New York. This NYSERDA outreach consultant then met with Shambo and Lundy, along with others involved in the project, to review the LEED Certification points and the necessary requirements to meet the LEED standards for the project. Lundy explained, “Our base design was beyond the minimum threshold for certification. We were ahead of the curve

of what they were looking for in energy conservation.” In fact, Lundy asserted that Design/Build is a natural fit to LEED Certification because of the teamwork and communication inherent in this type of design. He explained that costs can be controlled because, when a device is chosen, there is knowledge of its payback and cost-effectiveness. He claimed, “Without the ‘Design/Build Advantage’ there is isolation between the players…there is no integration between the team members.”

With this ‘Advantage’ everyone is working together toward the common goal.

In order to assist the team in meeting the LEED Certification requirements, Shambo and Lundy retained EYP, otherwise known as Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering, P.C., a firm from Albany, New York, that specializes in LEED design and energy work and employs over 100 LEED-accredited professionals.

The objective is for the firm to help meet the requirements of the NYSERDA NCP grant program. Lundy confesses that there is no guarantee, despite their best efforts, that the project will get its LEED Certification. Lundy said, “There is a lot of paperwork and the submissions must be approved…but we hope to get the certification.

Even if we don’t, the project will still be designed to green building standards.”

In addition to working with LUNCO, Shambo’s team of experts include William Thesier, licensed engineer, who is working along side Lundy on the design and build of the project; Northern Developers, LLC, owners of the property at Franklin Place; Aubertine & Currier Architects, Engineers, & Land Surveyors LLC, the licensed design professionals for the project; Christopher A. Lorence Public Relations and Marketing Services; Community Bank, N.A.; Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (JCJDC), Small Business Development Center of Watertown, and the Economic Development Corporation of Carthage (EDCC), among others.

Certification is what Mike Lundy calls a “unique thing.” He explained how contractors are pushed to be environmentally- conscious from the onset of a project.

And, this “consciousness” continues straight through to the actual operation of the building. During construction, separation of building materials and recycling is practiced on site. This limits the construction debris actually taken to the landfill.

Butler, in general, uses a high percentage of recycled steel in their buildings. The building is almost completely devoid of wood products. The frame is constructed from recycled light-gauge metal and the building will use non-combustible drywall.

Another example lies in the adhesives used for plumbing on the project. Only environmentally-friendly products are being utilized. Lundy explained that a few years ago these products were extremely difficult to find, but now “the entire industry has become attuned to this trend. It is making our job easier.” The building will be using a wall panel system that consists of a recycled steel framing and foam made from recycled materials. This is a solid panel, so there is no cavity - eliminating the chances of mold, lessening noise, and greatly increasing the insulation level of the building. Although these panels may be unfamiliar to many in the North

Country, Lundy said that this is the sixth project of its kind for LUNCO. The fact that this building will be modular also lends to its energy-efficiency. Because it will be quick to build, a  substantial reduction in construction costs will be realized. Even more, the ability to promptly enclose the building will lessen the energy necessary to heat the building.

The insulated wall panels will reduce energy consumption as well. Once constructed, the Pleasant Night Inn will be outfitted with copious energy-efficient technologies. Examples include LED bulbs installed throughout the building for lighting. Occupancy sensors will be mounted in rooms and bathrooms. Sensors will be outfitted in rooms to detect CO2 levels in order to regulate heating and air conditioning.

Putting It All Together
Overall, the Pleasant Night Inn.Inc.’s effect on the North Country is going to be multi-faceted. The project is investing much-needed money in the local economy, promoting patronage of other  local businesses in the area, creating much needed jobs in the region, and is helping to show us that making conscious choices to positively effect our environment is not an arduous task. “It’s not just about power consumption, but the use of the building, bike racks, recycling.

It’s not that difficult to become more green; it’s just common sense,” remarked Shambo. In fact, some might say that the Pleasant Night Inn is demonstrating that it IS easy being green.

by Andrea Pedrick

Green seems to be the word of  the day. You’ll find it printed on many products on many store shelves. It’s quickly becoming the most over-used word since Y2K, the shortcut term for the new millennium. But like Y2K, this is a significant time for our generation. The current economic conditions and the fall of big motor companies have homeowners and businesses alike looking at ways to cut energy costs and reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil. So, in these days of “green washing” - a term that is used to describe the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a product or service - who can you trust?

A family run hardware store in Alexandria Bay has held your trust for quality products and customer service since 1908. Now they can add to that reputation as a place people can turn to for environmentally friendly products and services that make a difference.

 “We can start in the flooring department,” said Craig S. Garlock. “We offer sustainable woods such as bamboo, which is harvested every six years. And cork which requires no harvesting since it is bark taken off the tree. We also promote local woods such as oak and cherry and not woods grown in the rain forest.”

Craig and his cousin David C. Garlock are co-owners who oversee the day-to-day operation of the store, located at 15 Washington Street in the Bay. They also sell carpet that is made of recycled plastics. “It’s very durable,” said David. “And virtually stain free. It’s really soft and feels great. Carpet is synthetic anyway so this works really well.”

Would you accept a tree in exchange for buying new kitchen cabinets? Candlelight Cabinetry, located in Lockport, NY, will give you a tree to plant or plant one in your honor in a national forest, simply for purchasing their cabinetry. “They are environmentally aware as well as having a wonderful product,” said David. And for the kitchen, consider a recycled countertop made of glass or quartz.

Garlock’s also stocks energy efficient appliances. These types of appliances will save you money in the long run because the high efficiency appliances use less water and less energy. Efficient appliances are proven to save energy dollars, while, at the same time, they increase comfort in the home. According to an Energy Star website, many local utilities will provide customers with financial incentives for purchasing qualified windows, doors, and skylights. Additionally, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 provides modified tax credits to homeowners who take these extra energy efficiency steps.

“Bonneville windows feature taxcredit glass. You can save money off your taxes by simply installing these windows in your home,” explained Craig. “We have everything for the homeowner who is focused on cutting costs and wants to make a difference in the environment.” David added, “The Bonneville windows are sold in Northern Canada. Bonneville has the highest rating for wind. It’s a great window.”

Garlock’s certainly has the products on the shelves and the name brand quality. But customers may be surprised to know how far the cousins have gone to implement environmentally friendly aspects into their business. In other words, they are walking the walk and aren’t just “all” talk when it comes to their commitment to the environment. “People come into our new Design Center and make comments about our lighting. They ask ‘where did you get your lights?’ I’m amazed at this,” said Craig. He’s amazed because there are no conventional lights in the Design Center.

The addition to the old hardware store is instead lighted by 22 skylights. The sunlight is directed from the top of the flat roof through the truss area. A diffuser spreads the light out evenly throughout the new portion of the store. “The lighting is natural. It’s a much more relaxed atmosphere without the fluorescent lights on.

It just feels better,” said David. “We had a guy purchase the tubes here and put nine skylights in his house because of what he saw! It is also a nicer environment to work in.” Ninety percent of the time, the light in the store comes straight from the sun. But on days when there is little or no sun, sensors in the skylights power energy efficient light bulbs.

The Design Center is a new 5,000-square-foot addition to the existing hardware store. It opened in 2008 at a time when the cost for energy per kilowatt was also going up. You might think that adding 30 percent to the overall area of the store would bump up electricity costs, but instead the electricity bills were flat.

The cost effectiveness of these green technologies has the Garlocks thinking of more ways to save money. Future ideas include putting a windmill on the roof to harness the wind off the St. Lawrence River and using solar collectors for hot water.

“It’s always been our idea to use as little bit of energy as possible and use the sun and wind,” said David. “I think both Craig and I can say we’ve grown up outdoors and we feel it’s the right way for our community. It’s good economic business sense, but it’s also ethically the way we think the business should go.

The huge Solid Waste Management Facility in Rodman, New York is taking on an ever greener hue.

What’s happening there this summer is on the cutting edge of new technology that will help to redefine “recycling” and could very well be a tremendous economic boon to this portion of the North Country. Read more

The average price for a barrel of oil in 1998, just ten short years ago, was $11.91. On June 7, the price of light crude soared to $138.54 a barrel. This is bad, and by all predictions, it’s going to get worse. The age of cheap oil is over.

As prices rise, developing alternative fuel sources will be important. But even more important, and more urgent, is reducing our energy consumption through efficiency and conservation. Saving energy is cheaper than buying energy. Unfortunately, a lot of energy we purchase goes to waste. With our leaky homes and buildings and inefficient lighting, appliances and vehicles, we are literally paying to heat (and pollute) the out-of-doors. Read more

It’s high time we pay closer attention to our earth and how to save it. Ann Heidenreich, Executive Director of Community Energy Services in Canton has a few ideas. And it all started with a handful of passion and patience. Read more

The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce has been providing energy savings to participating North Country businesses through our Chamber Energy AllianceSM program, a consortium of chambers across New York State that joined together to create a large and effective group buying pool for our members. This consortium has grown from the founding two chambers of commerce (the Greater Watertown Chamber was one of the pioneers!) in Y2000 to the current count of 17 chambers, and now provides electric and natural gas discounts to over 1,100 businesses, at a total savings of $10,000,000. Read more

As many U.S. industries struggle with ways to reduce their environmental footprint, the proposed modernization project at Alcoa’s Massena Operations provides the opportunity to incorporate environmental benefits that align with the aluminum manufacturer’s corporate sustainability goals. Read more

“Going Green” is our focus in this month’s issue of Absolutely Business and it is quickly becoming the focus of much of our economy. With four children, I’m concerned with the future of our environment and our economies dependence upon foreign oil. I share the concern that our nation must stride steadfast towards a combination of energy conservation and migration from oil dependence as quickly as possible. Read more