VM REPORTS: D.A.R.E. The Seeing Green Award for Most Daring Eco-chievement By Staff Monday, September 9, 2013 12:05 AM RELATED CONTENT Making a Mark The PDA (Public Display of Attention) Award D.A.R.E. Judges The Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Web Award The Resistance is Futile Award The Sphere of Influence Award The Shop It Like It's Hot Award The "We the People" Readers' Vote Award EYE IMPACT HOUSTON, TEXAS WWW.EYEIMPACTHOUSTON.COM OWNER: GARY NGUYEN, OD SUBMISSION ESSAY… “Eye Impact is completely unique in that the building is a live-work space for owner Dr. Nguyen. It’s no shopping center or standard office building. There is no commute, so his car sits in the garage most of the day, reducing his carbon footprint. Every aspect of the practice strives to be eco-conscious. The building features zero VOC paint, primarily LED lighting (the compact fluorescent lights are being phased out), repurposed display shelving and furniture and a tankless water heater. The electricity provider also utilizes solar and wind resources. There are plans to eventually add solar panels or wind turbines to the roof to get the building off the grid. Eye Impact partnered with New Living, a local green builder/lifestyle store to create sustainable bamboo cabinetry and countertops from recycled glass and mirror. Business practices like electronic health records and an electronic signature pad, which means no paper credit card receipts to sign, as well as the e-mailing of itemized receipts also contribute to the location’s eco-friendly stance. Additionally, the optical features two lines, eco by Modo and Linkskin, which utilize only recycled metals and plastics in their production.”