Eric Corey Freed believes that if he builds it green-they will come. We chatted about the inevitability of eco-friendly building design and a new 100-year plan.

How do you eco?

As architects, we design green homes for people around the country. All of our projects are green. We force it on all of our clients! I get to travel around the country and talk to people about this work and show them how to do it themselves.

As consultants, I get to work with all types of companies to find the sustainable opportunities in their work. Whether this is for a Fortune 500 company, product manufacturer or a real estate developer.

And as members of the community, we are involved in many worthwhile causes and organizations. I sit on the boards of several non-profits and the advisory boards of over a dozen other companies. I do this because it is fun - but it is also crucially important.

And finally, in my personal life, I’m your typical greenie. Organic food, non-toxic cleaning products, walk to work, carbon neutral hybrid car, graywater toilet, blah blah blah. But that stuff just makes sense.

Why did you go eco?

You ask as if I had a choice!

Buildings are the most environmentally destructive industry, producing half of our carbon emissions and consuming 40 percent of our energy and materials. How can I, as an architect, let this continue?

Simply because we have been building this way for the last hundred years does not justify why it can continue. Things must change.

What’s your favorite eco tip?

Stop talking about it and do something. Think big. Get friends involved. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

EcoLinks

• organicARCHITECT
• Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies