Stephani Carter and Brandy Burdeniuk might just as well enter construction sites carrying green batons. These young women have dedicated their careers—and lives—to ensuring the building industry is in harmony with Mother Earth.

“We believe in doing right for the Earth and treating it well,” 26 year old Brandy says. The self-confessed “volunteer-aholics” met through MADE—Media, Art & Design in Edmonton—and became instant friends. It wasn’t long before Brandy whispered to Stephani: “When you’re busy enough for two people, give me a call.” It came a week later, and Brandy joined EcoAmmo.

The company had started in 2006 out of Stephani’s frustration. The NAIT-educated interior design technician found herself questioning the products readily available for her projects. “Well, if the paint is going to kill you… it doesn’t matter about the colour,” she reasoned. So it was that she began developing a directory of sustainable building materials, rating costs and levels of sustainability; billing herself as an Eco- Interior-Designitect, she began educating builders, designers and architects about their inherent value.

Brandy had intended to study human ecology at the University of Alberta, but a professor encouraged her to major in industrial design. After graduation, she tried to introduce greener working environments and eco-friendly initiatives to employers—a less than rewarding experience. Stephani provided a perfect fit for her level of commitment.

The emergence of EcoAmmo couldn’t have been better orchestrated. It’s in concert with the increasing chorus of consumers, governments and special interest groups calling for sustainable construction projects and practices. Indeed, new City of Edmonton and Alberta government buildings must achieve, at minimum, the LEED® silver standard. As well, Alberta Home Builders’ Association members can achieve Built Green™ status for residential construction based on product and technology selection. That’s all music to the ears of Stephani and Brandy.

Both are trained in the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Design facilitation—actually, Stephani is an accredited professional of the program and vicepresident of the Edmonton chapter of the Council. LEED® employs guidelines that focus on energy efficiency and EcoAmmo
offers independent project documentation among its services. It also provides interior consultation and sustainable materials workshops. And, since January, Brandy has been teaching “Green Design” at the U of A Faculty of Extension, a course developed by the EcoAmmo team.

Their initiatives spawned a complementary project when the Alberta government took note of their knowledge of green products. Discussion ensued… the women received a grant and the go-ahead to establish Green Alberta: a comprehensive on-line library of
sustainable building materials and products available in the province. “It’s really fun to see a project go from nothing to finished,” says 28-year old Stephani regarding the new company.

Equally gratifying is watching the behavioural metamorphoses people undergo as they work with EcoAmmo. Skeptical builders become champions of the cause… construction labourers boast that they no longer use paper towels or allow disposable cups on site. Clients report higher productivity from people who work in EcoAmmo influenced buildings: more natural light… better air quality… overall, healthier, happier environments.

Considering their professional commitment to sustainability, it’s no surprise that it plays a huge part in their personal lives. Stephani and Brandy aspire to spending more time on volunteer vacations, like the conservation trip Stephani recently took to Sri Lanka to study monkeys. Closer to home, both share their expertise and lead tours of the Riverdale NetZero home project.

As well, Stephani serves on the Clean Air Strategic Alliance indoor air quality team, and the steering committee for S.A.G.E.—socially-conscious, alternative, green Edmontonians—a network of local entrepreneurs who focus on sustainability.

Brandy chairs the design and marketing committee for MADE, a group dedicated to heightening awareness of design, art and architecture in the city. This summer, she joined a Habitat for Humanity crew to help build a duplex in Fort Saskatchewan, where she grew up. She’s also teaming up with her family to construct a strawbale house, and will be organizing workshops to educate others about this natural building technique.

Stephani and Brandy know full well that, five years ago, it would have been next to impossible to make a success of their businesses. They had the foresight to jump in when “that green whisper was just starting to get louder.” Now, it’s reaching a crescendo.