just any existing system. They wanted their own system – the SEED system – which would be optimized for energy efficiency carbon sequestrationand indoor air quality. To create that system, theyworkedwith a teamof environmental building experts including the lead at ‘Builders for Climate Action’ – an organization that works with building stakeholders of all kinds to tackle the serious impact of buildings on climate. “Essentially, they claim that our panels are the most environmentally-friendly panels around,” Rick explains. These days, that claim is frequently reinforced by people who do consulting on indoor air quality. According to Rick, Tooketree now regularly receives recommendations from those experts. “I often get people calling me to say, ‘Hey, my consultant said that your panels are the healthiest panels I can use. I have allergies and I need a clean home. Will you build me one?’ That’s pretty rewarding to hear.” To date, Tooketree has manufactured panels for roughly a dozen homes, and their factory is busy – and that’s with the company doing virtually zero advertising beyond a simple website. According to Rick, their success so far has been powered by clients who share their interest in building sustainable and energy-efficient units. “They are people who care about the environment and indoor air quality,” he says. “Often they’ve talked to other builders first, who refuse to do something different. Then they come to us.” Typically, Tooketree provides their clients the panels, but either install them on the building site, or leave that to a network of local general contractors that they have been working and forming partnerships with. In evaluating those partners, Rick says they look for contractors with strong building experience and who have had training in building to passive house standards One of Tooketree’s primary contracting partners has been Fourth Pig Green and Natural Construction, Melinda’s company. They understand Tooketree’s panel system and have experience installing them and completing the remainder of the building. Tooketree has a strategic alliance with them but they do not have an exclusive relationship – other contractors can and do install their panels, and Tooketree is always on the lookout for more partners. DECEMBER 2022
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