Semi-finalist Q&A: GreenHab

GreenHab wants to better the environment by providing consultations to homeowners to show them how to make their home more energy efficient and sustainable; to educate them on the benefits of going green and the tax incentives offered to do so.

Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

When I look out my living room window, situated on a hillside in Los Angeles, I can see hundreds of homes. Three-quarters of these homes were built before any energy codes. In Los Angeles alone, that total amounts to 9 million homes. I realized that if I could educate even a small fraction of these homeowners to help them make their homes more energy efficient and sustainable, in turn protecting our natural surroundings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption; it would make a significant impact on our environment.

What makes your business unique? Why do you think it will be a success?

I know that there are policies for new buildings to make sure they are constructed to be more energy efficient and reduce the impact on the environment; but there aren't any policies for existing buildings. Not only do I want to help homeowners greenhab their home, I am also helping push policy further in our government to turn some focus onto the existing residential sector.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?

GreenHab is an extremely new concept that could have a great impact on the environment and the way in which people live. However, I realize that the opportunities don't necessarily come to you. If you want to see change, you have to make it. So, I decided to become vocal in the legislature surrounding green building efforts and the stimulus bill. I recently sent out a petition for an assembly bill that would help achieve greater energy savings in existing residential buildings. It was then signed by Governor Schwarzenegger on Oct 12th, 2009. That was one of our greatest accomplishments.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

GreenHab's efforts will not only decrease the effects of global warming and put money back into the pockets of consumers, we also hope to create much needed jobs by contracting several out-of-work construction workers for green remodels, retrofits, PV installations etc. It's a win-win-win.