Page 23 - BusinessWest March 3, 2021

John Majercak says a central focus for CET over the years has been pursuing technologies with the least disruptive impact on the environment.
their own character to a piece,” he noted. “On top of personal creativity, it’s an inexpensive pur- chase that helps the environment, so it’s a home run.”
Majercak pointed out that the current boom in home improvement — fueled by the pandemic and people being in their homes much more than would be considered normal — has created both a supply and a demand for items at Eco- Building Bargains.
“All the home improvement that’s going on
means more materials we can capture for dona- tion and reuse,” he noted. “Then, when people renovate with these materials, they can save lots of money, help the planet, and make their homes look super-cool.”
Likewise, the pandemic hasn’t slowed busi- ness for the store. EcoBuilding Bargains is open for people who want to shop in-person and also offers virtual appointments so people can shop over the phone. With video calls, Majercak said, staff can show items, and customers can ask more specific questions about a piece.
Other parts of CET’s business have also adopted a combination of in-person and virtual interaction. Energy audits, for example, have a whole new feel that creates opportunities and challenges.
“We have people who are happy to get on a Zoom call and show us around their home or business for an energy audit,” Majercak said. “On the other hand, those who wanted an in-person visit are on a waiting list until after the pandemic is over.
“After the pandemic, I’m sure we’ll be doing plenty of things in person again, but we will continue to go virtual for those who prefer that approach,” he went on. “In that way, it opens more opportunity for mission impact.”
Cool Ideas
With a stated mission to “research, develop, demonstrate, and promote those technolo-
gies that have the least disruptive impact on the natural ecology of the earth,” one of CET’s goals involves reducing carbon emissions equal to removing 100,000 cars off the road for a year by 2022.
There are many ways people can reduce their carbon footprint, all of which use less energy without compromising comfort. Converting to LED lights and adding insulation are two easy ones.
“Weatherization is a good example because installing air-sealing insulation in the home increases the comfort dramatically and uses less
“All the home improvement that’s going on means more materials we can capture for donation and reuse. Then, when people renovate with these materials, they can save lots of money, help the planet, and make their homes look super-cool.”
energy — and, therefore, less carbon,” Majercak said. “We’ve been doing these programs for years, and they save lots of energy and carbon.”
He cited a recent effort in which CET has part- nered with colleges in the Community Climate Fund, which provides support for local carbon- reduction projects. By investing in the fund, col- leges support the community, as well as creating learning opportunities for students who conduct research and gather data. Projects range from recovering used building materials or helping a
HOME IMPROVEMENT
MARCH 3, 2021 23
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