Robert Koehler


Hi, my name is Robert Koehler and I am a Job Captain at Hoffman. I recently received my Master of Architecture degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a transcript focus in ecological architecture, studying how buildings and their design can be improved to increase performance, but also decrease their environmental impact. Having worked for just over a year as a full time employee, and having been an intern for three years prior, I feel right at home at Hoffman with its conscious efforts to “make a positive impact on people’s lives.” That being said, it is amazing how easy it can be to be green and reduce your own impact on the environment.

One simple thing I do, something I hope everyone does, is simply recycling paper, plastic, tin, aluminum and glass; a simple act that has a tremendous impact. Additionally I donate used cloths and no longer desired items to Goodwill, where they have the opportunity to be reused and be kept from the landfill. At home I decrease my utility usage by making sure to turn off all lights and electronics that are not in use. I also try to unplug rarely used appliances - you would be surprised how much energy some common household appliances use while not even in use. Some studies have shown that as much as 10% of your energy usage is by appliances that are not even on, but simply plugged-in!

Living in the digital age, I have also found a number of “modern” ways to be green. I choose to read the news and other publications online; this includes the Sunday ads, which seems to be a common cause for many to purchase a physical copy of the newspaper. I also purchase my software online when possible, eliminating any need for packaging or shipping!

Some additional things I do to live more green include: recycling empty ink cartridges, buying food and other items in bulk when possible, replacing incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient bulbs as they burn out, and mowing the lawn with an electric lawn mower (not quite as green a simple push mower, but better than a gas mower I hope).

These are just some of the ways I look to live a more eco-friendly life.