Kim Humbert owns Advantage Framing Systems in Olathe, Kan. Humbert was one of many building suppliers who helped construct an all-green home in New Longview, a development in Lee’s Summit.

A conceptual novelty for years, utilized and enjoyed by only a few residential and business owners, going green is finding legitimacy in today’s world – especially in commercial business, where factors like operational costs and square footage necessitate cost-saving measures and techniques.

Stan Shurmantine is the Independence/Blue Springs CEO of IBS Industries.

Builders and developers are joining the green movement in force, and the Kansas City area is no exception. Build Green Kansas City, a local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders, is the group determined to drive the point to the desks of those responsible for the types of homes, offices and communities being built here.

Building green gains more momentum

Stan Shurmantine is the Independence/Blue Springs CEO of IBS Industries.

Most municipalities – including Independence, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove and Lake Lotawana – in Eastern Jackson County participate in regional programs for disposing solid waste and hazardous materials.

Somtimes people ask Examiner production manager Paul Hunting how many trees had to be sacrificed to produce The Examiner each day.

At the Kansas City Habitat for Humanity Restore, the recycling concept has been brought to new heights.

Lafarge using methane gas for power