The world has come to understand that the earth’s natural resources will not be around several generations from now should drastic preventative actions not be taken. With polar ice caps melting, oceans being polluted, and oil wells going dry, mankind is hard-pressed to find alternative ways of living in order to better utilize natural resources and keep earth sustainable for years to come. “Going green” can be an effective way to help the planet and increase sustainability. While recycling is the best way to help the environment, Hawaii housing is also shifting its energy uses in order to best preserve the fragile Hawaiian landscape.

Notable company Tori Richard is leading the way locally by installing a $1.1 million photovoltaic system that will supply the majority of its energy. It hopes that by leading by example, several homeowners will follow suit and do the same. The company’s project took place at its headquarters in Kalihi and will result in almost 300,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and almost 5,000 less barrels of oil consumed over the life of the system. The new solar panel system will work hand-in-hand with a number of other “going green” initiatives that includes CFL lighting instead of inefficient incandescent light bulbs, upgrading to a more efficient air conditioning system, renewing roof-top coatings to reflect heat, and installing motion sensors on office lights.