So Leslie, what was it that sent you down the path of sustainability?

When I was in college in the late ‘70s, “Green” looked like a tidal wave to me. I had always been curious about how things work and are put together. As I studied architecture and design, environmental approaches made sense to me. I couldn’t imagine pursuing anything else.

Tell us a bit about Earth Pledge?

Earth Pledge is a non-profit organization promoting sustainability that was founded by Ted Kheel in 1991. I met Ted in ’93 and he asked me to come run his foundation. I was the Executive Director from 1994 until recently, and became the President a couple of years ago. The organization had started in support of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio, but had not addressed any practical, technological solutions. I saw the need for a more technical approach and we started to identify, promote and implement solutions to specific environmental problems. These have included work with local and sustainable farming, green roofs on urban buildings, converting food waste into renewable natural gas, and helping Chinese textile factories improve their carbon footprint.

Naturally, we are especially interested in your Future Fashion initiative…what can our readers learn from your research in eco-materials?

We started to build a library of sustainable textiles in 2004. There were surprisingly few options at that time. Today this field is exploding, and there are thousands of wonderful sustainable textiles to select from, whether you are interested in upholstery, apparel, or industrial applications. There are both organic natural fibers and technical, man-made fibers that are environmentally preferable than conventional fabrics.

Which designers do you admire for support of environmental and socially just practices?

In the fashion arena, I was very impressed with Nau when they launched. They developed new fabrics using only sustainable approaches, and then gave access to the industry at large, which few designers would have done. I am also a huge fan of Natalie Chanin and Loomstate. And as a dedicated denim wearer, I also really appreciate what Levi’s has been doing. Of course, in the commercial interiors sphere I have to applaud those who have been at it for ages, such as Bill McDonough, Randy Croxton, and manufacturers such as Herman Miller, Steelcase and DesignTex.

I understand that you are a bit of a pioneer in the modern implementation of green roofs in the US. Still a new concept to many folks, would you explain the benefits of green roofing, especially in the urban context?

When Earth Pledge installed the first modern green roof in New York City, well over a decade ago, very few people had ever heard of them. We created an initiative to address the Urban Heat Island Effect, Combined Sewage Overflow, the lack of recreational green space, and other issues that green roofs address. Fortunately, we were able to gain fabulous traction, helped build dozens of green roofs on affordable housing, helped New York City officials understand the value of passing legislation to provide incentives for deploying the technique on privately owned buildings, and developed a computer model for the NY Dept of Environmental Protection to quantify and evaluate the benefits of green roofs in specific locations in the City on the sewage overflow problem. Earth Pledge also published a book on Green Roofs, which helped the industry get the traction it needed. I now see green roofs in many places, being used for everything from urban agriculture to recreation space for the elderly, and school kids’ science projects.

© Nicole Mackinlay Hahn

Your Gimme Shelter Project is fascinating! I see it garnering attention on Huffington Post and Inhabitat. This is our ‘Together’ issue, so your project is especially significant to us. Do you feel that it is the community-oriented aspect of this project that makes it so compelling to the public at large?

I have felt that “community” is the next big idea in sustainability. Beyond good design, systems and products, we must find the way to work together to share what we know and what we have to create a holistic sustainable lifestyle. This takes a lot of work, and often goes against the normal business at hand. Gimme Shelter has been somewhat of an experiment for me, and also a fabulous opportunity to engage many different people in a joint effort. The project has also been a story-telling opportunity to engage many more people than can touch the project or visit.

Tell us more about the eco-systems that you have implemented out on Shelter Island.

The house is very well sited – by chance a rare occurrence of view, sun and wind all in the same direction. This makes the orientation pretty obvious. We have 5 kilowatts of solar electric panels, as well as a solar thermal array that preheats the water for the under-floor radiant heat and domestic hot water. A small super-efficient LP gas boiler is the backup for this system. The roof is shaped ideally to catch water, which will be used primarily for watering the garden. The garden is a principal source of vegetables, flowers and fruit. It is totally integrated into the lifestyle of the place, providing beauty and bounty for gatherings large and small. All appliances and plumbing fixtures are selected for their efficient use of energy and water, and the kitchen is central to the living space and linked to the outdoor spaces.

© Leslie Hoffman

I know that this is pre-launch, but would you share some details regarding your new venture, Dark Green…

You make me smile, Nick. You and I have recently set up Dark Green as a partnership to do green consulting, design, contracting and owner’s representation in green building projects. Our relationship grew out of the Gimme Shelter community, and the complement of our skills and experience is proving to be very effective. Craft is central to all that we are engaged in, and for me it builds upon over thirty years of practice. I am passionate about material and technique and am very respectful of the worker who understands the design intent, the materials and has the tools and talent to make. Beyond the green systems, such as radiant thermal heating, solar electric, and natural materials, is a belief on my part that the people – the community – that comes together to produce beautifully executed work in construction, or in fashion, gardening, or other endeavors, is a key component of transitioning to sustainability. At the core of this concept is a deep belief in the need to find and nurture the right people to make a great team. There is always a lot to learn, so good people are getting exposed to new approaches and products. We cannot get much done alone, so we need to work harmoniously to restore our environment. This is both a short term and immediate local need, as well as a global requirement. We are sourcing materials and products with attention to their vertical supply chain (what it is, who and where it comes from, and what it took to produce the things we then use to create our projects. So far we are principally doing custom residential work, but that is likely to expand. We are currently working in New York City and eastern Long Island, but will likely soon do some work on the Big Island, where I have maintained a small farm for over 20 years. Connecting my communities in my work adds value to the mix.

It can be anything really, but what is your Wild Wish?

I wish for long-term security and health, which is how I define sustainability. I think it is what we all want, but often get off on tangents that distract us from this most basic goal. In the short-term, good friends and a good meal satisfy me.