Ben Bogie

Lead Carpenter

Kolbert Building, Portland, Maine

Age: 36

Energy Trend Watch: We’re seeing an even deeper focus from homeowners on not only reducing energy costs, but also reducing global carbon impact. And if there was ever a time in history when we need to be putting less carbon into the environment, it’s now. At Kolbert and in our building science discussion groups, we’re trying to figure out how to create energy-efficient houses using fewer carbon-rich materials. Removing steel, replacing foam insulations, and reducing the amount of concrete all help, but we’re looking for more. Staying abreast of products and processes coming onto the market lets us keep building high-performance homes without destroying the planet in the process.