As we start to recover from the physical and emotional devastation of Hurricane Sandy, solutions emerge. There is the immediate need for food and shelter and there is a call to action for preparedness in the future. Being ready for a possible eventuality comes in many ways; one of them is awareness. What are the environmental ramifications of our choices, for example? We can act with conscience and the desire to protect the environment.

Change starts at home and it’s the efforts of many individuals that amount to significant change over time. Much has done for the sake of progress and innovation and in the process, the environment is ransacked and neglected. With awareness comes change, which is at the core of sustainability.

In 2009, I was part of a group of people in the construction industry-a developer, a contractor, architects, engineers, interior designers and community leaders, who realize changes at home are necessary. As such, we created the GreenHouse, a work of architecture, engineering and interior designers who embraced the need to lead in a sustainable direction of environmental responsibility.

In “For Green’s Sake, Part 1,” I discussed the design of the Spa/Retreat designed by Studio Santalla. Let’s look at the results.

Economy of means is at the core of sustainability. How can the the minimum achieve the maximum? During the day, natural light is used to the maximum, for example. Did I mention it’s free?

The tall curb contains the water for the re-circulating waterfall fixture by Kohler, which has been unfortunately discontinued. And yes, the light fixture by Fontana Arte inside the shower meets code. It’s above the minimum height required.

The balcony guard rail by 3Form is made from recycled plastic.

Ceramic floors and wall tiles, supplied by Architectural Ceramics are durable and require minimum maintenance.

The Powder Room has water efficient fixtures by Kohler, a cedar slab countertop, a piece of art made from junk mail, You Meet Certain Criteria, by Aurora Robson, represented by Project 4, and towels made from unbleached Irish linen.

A simple stair rail leads to the second floor office space. The hanging piece is “Danae” by Barbara Josephs Liotta.

The coffee table, made from corrugated cardboard is by Leo Kempf. “Grassland” is a commentary on grass as a a “foreign” object. The credenza, designed by Studio Santalla is made of Kirei, a recycled wood product and Paper Stone; built by Wooden Design.