What You Will Learn
Join us for a panel discussion on sustainability in the home improvement space with representatives from AJ Madison, Renovation Angel, and Sarah Z Designs. Prioritizing sustainability is a brand-building opportunity. It opens the door for exciting partnerships with like-minded clients, design-build pros, and suppliers in the home improvement space. And of course, specifying sustainable products and services is beneficial for the environment.
According to the World Green Building Council, the global green building industry has the potential to cut energy consumption by 50% or more by 2050. The recently released annual Energy Pulse study from Shelton Group suggests that consumers in the market for a new home prioritize energy-efficient features over luxury items. Eighty-five percent said they’d pay more for an Energy Star-certified home, and their preferences for individual features bore that out: more people wanted Energy Star appliances in their new homes (52%) than wanted a pool (42%), a state-of-the-art sound system (40%), or a home theater room (29%).
It’s no secret that home renovations require thousands of micro decisions. Opting for high quality EnergyStar-Rated products, reclaimed materials, or donating perfectly good materials perpetuates an important added value and to generate a positive impact on the climate. Look to products that have recyclability and that can be repurposed. We think about the sustainability value proposition with new products, not considering what is pre-existing. There is this idea that newness is resource-saving, money-saving, and built with environmentally friendly materials. When remodeling, it’s important to select new products built to last, with attractive designs that stand the test of time. Going green doesn’t require a complete overhaul. This session will break down tangible steps that design/build professionals can take to provide a greener future for the design build opportunity.
During this session, you will:
- Discover the sustainability value proposition as it relates to new energy saving + resource saving products.
- earn more about ways to repurpose or donate products and finishes to add value for clients and reduce the impact of renovations on landfills.
- Highlight tangible steps and partnerships to help to build a greener brand.
Featured Presenter
Jessica Petrino – Editorial Director – AJ Madison
Jessica Petrino, Editorial Director at AjMadison, is a proud home appliances matchmaker. It’s her goal to make it easier for everyone to shop for products they will enjoy for years to come. Her advice can be found on WUSA9 News, WCBS News Radio, Design TV by Sandow, Luxe Talks, and several print publications like Martha Stewart Living, Washington Post, Kitchen and Bath Business, Reviewed, and AJ the Appliance Journal. She regularly leads continuing education courses for the National Kitchen and Bath Association and was recognized as an industry 30 Under 30.
Featured Presenter
Michael Foti – VP, Strategic Partnerships – Renovation Angel
Michael Foti, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships with Renovation Angel and formerly Regional Sales Manager of Miele. He’s worked with the top manufacturers, distributors, and retailers nationwide in the kitchen cabinet and appliance industry. He believes that alongside forward-thinking partners, the industry can be transformed with a Reduce, Recycle, Repurpose mission.
Featured Presenter
Sarah Zohar – Founder & Lead Designer – Sarah Z Designs
Sarah Zohar is an award-winning interior designer based in South Florida with over 12 years of experience under her belt and & has been named one of the most Dynamic Women by Miami Magazine. Sarah has managed to build a business that caters to a wide range of clientele, and her impeccable taste for design has earned her a reputation as one of the most sought-after professionals in the industry. She has built an impressive portfolio and stature for excellence that spans across south Florida and beyond, from individuals looking for help redecorating their home to large corporations interested in creating spaces that reflect their brand identity. She’s been recognized by several industry publications and has won multiple awards for her work on luxury residential projects. Sarah is a native New Yorker who moved to Aventura, Florida in her thirties, where she founded her award-winning firm Sarah Z. Designs. She has been involved in all aspects of construction, including architecture, design and management. She received her degree in Residential Design from The Art Institute in Ft. Lauderdale. However, Sarah’s inspiration to become an interior designer derived from a young age, when she spent time with her father—who was a developer and builder for over 60 years—she observed the way he designed and built homes for his clients. As a result, she developed an early appreciation and a keen eye for the art of design and began to develop her own style.
Featured Presenter
Mary Moulds – Marketing & Events Director, Pro Division – AJ Madison
Mary A. Moulds joined the AJ Madison team as Marketing & Events Director for the Pro Division in August, 2022. With close to 25 years of event planning and marketing experience, 13 years, specifically in luxury kitchen appliances, Mary loves everything about the “social kitchen” and what it represents to the modern consumer. Her passion for cooking appliances, specifically, make her a great asset to the AJ Madison Marketing team and she is ecstatic to bring her contagious enthusiasm to every event she wraps her hands around. Mary holds an MBA from Rider University, NJ, and a BS in Marketing with a concentration in Asian studies from St. John’s University, NY. In her spare time, she can be found creating new recipes in her home kitchen and enjoying good eats in her personal and professional travel.
Webinar Sponsor
Blum Inc.
The Blum name stands for quality, innovation and great customer service. We manufacture hardware that makes working in the kitchen easier. Each of our products has been designed carefully, with the customer experience in mind, and research to back them. We specialize in engineering and manufacturing concealed hinges, drawer systems and systems for lift-up doors. From our touch-to-open technology, to the soft-closing door or drawer, our hardware helps modernize the kitchen experience.
