Landis Construction’s reputation as a green company is a result of both planning and organic growth. Owners Ethan and Chris Landis had an interest in green and began discussing energy-efficient techniques with clients many years ago. “If you are out there as an advocate, people recognize you and want to have you get involved with other efforts,” Ethan Landis says. “We found the multiplier effect of being active in the community very worthwhile.”
The brothers have worked hard to brand the Washington, D.C., company as a quality-driven, award-winning firm, but also one that puts an emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient design. Some of the company’s green marketing efforts include:
- Hiring a green program manager three years ago and developing his job description to include educating clients and marketing.
- Adding a green section to the company’s website and programming the home page so that it comes up when someone enters a phrase such as “green Washington D.C. remodelers.”
- Entering green projects in remodeling award programs, especially those that have green categories. Winning entries have garnered the attention of local newspapers and a neighborhood newsletter. The company includes copies of these articles in its client packets.
- Serving on the city’s green council. Washington mayor Adrian Fenty attended a green fair where he met Ethan and asked him to serve a two-year term on a Green Building Advisory Council that monitors the city’s compliance with the Green Building Act of 2006 and makes policy recommendations.
- Using energy-efficient systems in the design and construction of its new building.
- Hanging a large “Green Design/Build” sign on the side of the building facing a nearby Metro station. There has only been one lead as a direct result of the sign, but neighbors and past clients have called to comment on it. Ethan says that the sign helps keep the company “top of mind” in its neighbourhood and within its network.
—Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.
