LEEDing the Way
While most people are still pondering sustainable homes, Holley Henderson, left, and Carlie Bullock-Jones are helping corporations convert to sustainable strategies. The two were instrumental in securing a LEED-CI platinum rating for Midtown’s Interface showroom. Interface, a leading modular floorcovering manufacturer, has reduced its carbon footprint by 60 percent, implemented a return/recycle program, and pioneered one of the industry’s most aggressive, responsible carpet recycling programs, ReEntry.
Little did they know, when working together at the Atlanta location of architecture firm TVS—and later when they independently decided to start their own ventures—that their paths would parallel so closely. Carlie Bullock-Jones and Holley Henderson are both staunch proponents of the green movement, doing their part, as consultants, for eco-responsible building.
Bullock-Jones is a sustainable design consultant with EcoWorks Studio, guiding multiple clients and design teams through green building initiatives and sustainable strategies. She’s collaborated on many LEED projects, and most recently led the effort for the first LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors) platinum-rated facility in the country—the Interface Showroom and offices. Meanwhile, H2 Ecodesign grew out of Henderson’s passion for sustainable projects. Her consulting firm serves as a catalyst for eco-positive design in built environments, providing everything from LEED facilitation to advice on green products and market position.
If their initiatives sound similar, you’re right. If you think they view themselves as competitors, you’re wrong. It’s vital, these two agree, to have consultants who can translate the benefits of eco-design. “Consultants serve as a translators; this type of design is like learning any new language,” says Henderson. “I have some clients that want me to facilitate the whole process, and others who say, ‘We want you to be behind the scenes to help us.’ I especially enjoy the latter because it’s like teaching people to fish. If you can help guide more firms, you’re helping them help themselves.”
Bullock-Jones adds: “People often say to me, ‘Aren’t you working yourself out of a job?’ I don’t look at it that way. Design firms have so many demands on their time that [taking a sustainable approach] can be a nightmare at first. Holley and I try to make their experiences meaningful, so they’ll want to pursue the concept further.”
Although both women admit they’re more well-versed in commercial than residential design, their passion for all things green has led to their involvement in the latter. Henderson is currently the National IIDA (International Interior Design Association) Sustainable Forum Advisor and USGBC (United States Green Building Council) LEED Steering Committee. And she was recently asked to review the REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines, a collaboration between USGBC and ASID. Bullock-Jones is part of the ASID National Sustainable Design Council as well as a member of the USGBC’s LEED Curriculum Committee.
“From a sustainable point of view, there is so much more opportunity for homes than even commercial design,” says Bullock-Jones. “If you can get to the homeowner, that has real potential.”