Lessons and LEEDership in LA

By Chris Chopik

I recently spent four days in LA, investigating two of my favourite topics – green real estate and the effects of climate change on real estate. The first was part of my trip planning, the later just a bit of timing luck.

Exchanging emails with the editor of Dwell magazine as I waited for my connected flight in Chicago, his text rolled, “It only rains five days a year in LA, looks like you’re in for four of them. Sorry!” While many might think of the spoiling of beach time, I couldn’t wait to see the infrastructure damage up close, to measure the property and infrastructure damage from storm and water with my own eyes, and I had my chance.

When the rain subsided I took a short journey up the Pacific coast to a location with multi-million dollar beach-front homes in Malibu. I have a passion for modern architecture and after spending a short time admiring the mid-century and recent moderns, I was joined by my local guide (and ex-pat Canadian) Claude. “Can you believe that last week you would have been standing under nine feet of sand that went 60 feet out into the ocean?” I was truly astonished.

Claude went on to explain that between storm water and storm surge, the ocean had taken away the beach from 100 or so “beach-front properties”.  I often lead discussion among Realtors about the affects of climate change on real estate, from increased intensity and frequency of storm events to changing hydrologic cycles. This new liability/insurability risk is something Realtors need to keep in mind when selling property thats valuation is vulnerable to the effects of weather, from ski resorts to costal haciendas. The impact on Malibu beachfront will be interesting to watch as the data begins to flow.

Part of my purpose in going to LA was to visit the first LEED Platinum Certified Home in the U.S., labeled by the U.S. Green Building Council, in Santa Monica. This modern home is nestled into the rolling hills of Santa Monica just minutes from the beach. What makes it more remarkable than its striking modern architecture and its environmental story is the construction cycle. It’s a modular home. Designed by renowned architect Ray Kappe, it was factory built and delivered in four parts (with some on-site customization).

Visit www.LivingHomes.Net to give you a clear idea of what is possible in the way of factory built home today. Company president Steve Glenn says, “Living Homes is partnering with regional modular builders to deliver world-class architecture and building performance in a modular home.” I pressed Steve to define the benefits of modular versus site construction. “The prices are comparable but we believe that we can have more control over costs and quality, while saving time,” he says.

The Living Home boasts solar hot water and solar PV (energy), is built to last and has been finished with non-formaldehyde containing and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) surface and construction materials. The structure is filled with natural light, maximizing day lighting and minimizing dependency on artificial lighting. The Living Home is designed with attention to flexible use of space, easily transforming from an open concept empty nesting gallery to a three-bedroom + office family home. Tours of the home can be scheduled every Friday. If you happen to be heading there, log on the website to book a visit.

I always find the contrasts interesting when I visit California. For me the rain was a blessing. It revealed the contrast between the California that inspires people to push the limits of creativity to achieve meaningful results, with the California perched precariously on a real estate future made all the more vivid by receding beaches and airport news reels of Haiti’s earthquake recovery.

Chris Chopik is a Toronto-based Realtor, sought-after public speaker, real estate trainer and writer. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Twitter: EvolutionGreen  or call (416) 993-4870.