Beachton Denture Clinic - New construction

Dr. Bill McFatter, a dentist and expert in dentures, partials and implants, is in the process of building a new clinic just south of Thomasville, Georgia on Highway 319. For the new office, Dr. McFatter envisions a new 3,500 square foot facility that provides space for him to train other dentists in his areas of expertise. The 1.5 acre office site has planted pines to the east and south, and the parking area to the north.

Enter the EarthSTEPS team. Charged with finding ways to make the new facility as energy and water efficient as possible, the EarthSTEPS team is dedicated to pinpointing challenges, some that Dr. McFatter may never have even known he would face, and solving them.

Plans for the new office building began on January 1, 2008; check back to see photos we’ll post as soon as the construction starts.

Nelson Residence - Retrofit while remodeling

Built in 1957, the Nelson residence is undergoing a much needed remodeling process. Older houses are generally much less energy efficient than homes built today, and an important part of the remodeling process for any older home should be a retrofitting to upgrade the homes energy efficiency.

The EarthSTEPS team has been working with the architect and homeowners of the Nelson residence to do just that.

The 2,600 square foot home is built entirely of brick, requiring complete structural retrofitting for energy and water efficient building methods. EarthSTEPS is also posturing the building for the future with a complete upgrade of the infrastructure which includes: insulation, lighting, solar power and rain gardens that make the most of Tallahassee's usual rain patterns.

Southern Georgia Chicken Farm -
Solar and Bio-generator farming

The Southern Georgia Chicken Farm raises one million chickens per year in 12 houses; during the summer and winter costs increase exponentially to cool or heat the chickens. EarthSTEPS is evaluating two alternative energy sources for the farm: solar and bio-generator options.

Electronet/Avocare - Solar power

Solar power is an easy way to dramatically reduce the total cost of an electric bill. EarthSTEPS is providing consulting services for Electronet & Avocare to install solar panels that will reduce their electric bill by 10-20%. EarthSTEPS will manage the entire process of determining what Solar PV device is needed, where to place the device, solicit bids from vendors, assist in the selection of the device and monitor the installation for time and budget. Over time, EarthSTEPS will maintain a record of the energy savings, the ROI for the entire installation and pursue any rebates from the city as well as providing companies with the appropriate federal tax credit information.