Energy Star. I was approached by the newly formed Green Building Council about doing it, and I thought, ‘Why would we not want to build something better every time we do it?’ So, we built one of the very first certified homes in Asheville.” This project marked a significant milestone in the company’s pursuit of sustainability and efficiency. However, an unexpected challenge arose when, upon selling the home, the buyers requested a radon test which revealed dangerous levels. The experience was a turning point for the company, as Sullivan recounts, “We realized that we didn’t know what we didn’t know. We thought we had picked out everything for this home to be a safe green home, energy efficient, good indoor air quality, and sustainable. But we realized that there were still some things that were outside of our control.” Although at the time radon testing was not part of the green certification, Living Stone began incorporating passive radon systems in all their builds. A TIME TO PIVOT The next step was to address indoor air quality beyond construction. They identified that while they could control the materials and specifications during the build, post-construction elements like furnishings often compromised indoor air quality. This led to the establishment of ID.ology Interiors and Design, Sullivan’s wife Laura’s interior design firm, which specializes in sourcing low VOC and nontoxic furniture. “We became a design-build firm. Laura would specify all of the selections that went into the house, and we would specify all the specifications that went into the build,” Sullivan illustrates. “But what we quickly realized is that there were factors that were not in our control. After we handed over the keys to this Green Certified home, the homeowners were moving in furniture, which was then off-gassing in the house.” Living Stone realized the importance of educating homeowners about maintaining indoor air quality after moving in. They started sourcing low-VOC and non-toxic furniture through ID.ology, ensuring that clients’ homes remain healthy and comfortable postconstruction. “It was very difficult to find and still is today. So, we began sourcing it, and it became so well received that we started to feel guilty that we were keeping this to ourselves,” Sullivan expands.“So, we decided that we should open up a store to make this readily available to not only the public but also the trades. 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07 LIVING STONE DESIGN + BUILD
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