Latest news with #Carmichael
Int'l Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Building Smarter, Greener And More Profitable: Elizabeth Carmichael On The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Development
As urban developers search for new ways to meet housing demand, a quiet but powerful shift is happening in how projects are conceived, and it's being led by voices like Elizabeth Carmichael, founder of THE LAB SD (Living Adaptive Build - Sustainable Developments). Once an advocate who had to push eco-consciousness into the design conversation, Carmichael now finds developers actively seeking her out with a new question: "How can I build sustainably and still hit my return on investment (ROI) targets?" The answer, it turns out, lies in a blend of neuroscience, design psychology, and a sophisticated understanding of materials and site planning. And perhaps most critically, it also lies in data. "When I first started, I had to really push people toward sustainability," says Carmichael. "Now, they're coming to me. Developers are asking, 'How do I make this project greener, but within budget and with good returns?' The winds have changed." Carmichael is not alone in seeing this shift. A 2018 analysis reviewed 42 studies on green-certified buildings and found that green certifications yield a 6% rent premium and a 7.6% sales premium . For developers focused on the bottom line, that kind of return is hard to ignore. The founder adds, "If residents feel healthier, are happier, and more connected to their space, they stay longer. That means lower turnover, fewer vacancies, and ultimately, a more stable, profitable asset." THE LAB SD - Living Adaptive Build - Sustainable Developments Carmichael's passion lies in biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into built environments in ways that positively affect the human mind and body. At THE LAB SD, that means designing buildings not just for code compliance or efficiency, but for well-being. "We think about the five senses in our design process," she explains. "Natural textures, calming smells like lavender or rosemary, soft lighting, and even the sound of birds or water, all of that stimulates the brain in a positive way. We now have neuroscience to back this up." One member of Carmichael's team, Arkar Hein , is a graduate neuroscientist, helping guide decisions that affect mental health and cognitive performance. Whether it's placing windows to maximize natural light or incorporating fragrant plants to promote calm, these details become part of an immersive strategy for occupant wellness. Another cornerstone of THE LAB SD's approach is passive site design, a method that considers wind, sunlight, noise, and topography before a single foundation is poured. "We start with site intelligence," says Carmichael. "Where's the sun? Where's the wind coming from? Is there freeway noise? How can we orient the building to maximize natural ventilation and minimize heat gain? All of that reduces energy costs while improving comfort." On one current project near a freeway, Carmichael's team is exploring how building placement and landscaping can buffer sound and redirect views, turning a potential drawback into a design strength. Eco-conscious development doesn't stop at passive strategies. THE LAB SD also advises developers on material choices that reduce the carbon footprint without compromising structural integrity. "We work closely with engineers and consultants to guide material selection," Carmichael says. "There are lower-carbon concretes available, and mass timber can often replace steel while offering great strength and better environmental impact." Of course, all choices must align with code requirements and structural needs, but Carmichael emphasizes that sustainable options exist at nearly every step of the construction process. What's more, those choices don't just benefit the planet; they future-proof the building against rising regulatory and insurance demands. At its core, THE LAB SD champions what Carmichael calls 'adaptive build.' This means more than flexible floor plans or modular systems; it's about building with awareness: of people, place, and purpose. "We know how to build a box," she says. "But how do we adapt that box to the environment, to community culture, to the available technology, and to the climate pressures of the future?" This philosophy permeates all aspects of THE LAB SD's work, from entitlements and stakeholder communication to sustainability integration and post-occupancy performance tracking. The firm's holistic services allow developers to move from vision to execution with sustainability baked into every phase. Perhaps the most telling sign of change is that developers no longer see sustainability as a luxury but as a competitive advantage. "We're seeing this groundswell of interest," says Carmichael. "People are realizing that going green doesn't mean giving something up. It means adding value to the project, to the occupants' lives, and to the planet." As the demand for housing continues to rise, THE LAB SD's model offers a path forward: one where growth and stewardship go hand-in-hand, and where ROI is not sacrificed, but strengthened by thoughtful, ecological design. For Carmichael, this is more than a business trend; it's a legacy. "Every project we touch has the chance to have a positive effect on the occupants, the community, and the planet. That's the kind of return that lasts." Media Contact Name: Elizabeth Carmichael Email: info@
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Woman says delivery driver kissed, hugged her during grocery delivery in Carmichael
A woman is speaking out after she said a delivery driver inappropriately grabbed and kissed her during a delivery in Carmichael. Sabrina Banks said she is sharing her experience with the hope it won't happen to anyone else. The whole uncomfortable interaction with a contractor driving for Walmart was captured on camera while she was at her friend's place in Carmichael. "There are people who have been through things that maybe you don't always fight back because you're scared," Banks said. Banks broke down in tears while speaking with CBS Sacramento about what happened. "I don't want to beat myself for freezing because I should have said stop, this is making me uncomfortable, but I just didn't know what to do and I froze," Banks said. Banks said the driver was all smiles the second he got out of his car. She signed off on the delivery and then the driver asked what her name was. Then, the video shows him grabbing her arm and pulling her in for a kiss, barely missing her lips. "He like deeply gazed into my eyes and had my arm," Banks said. "It was almost like he had control over me." Banks said she typically orders contactless delivery, but since she was at her friend's place, she thought it'd be easier to meet the driver in person. Walmart gave CBS Sacramento this statement about what happened: "We take customer trust seriously. This type of behavior by independent contractors violates the Spark Driver platform Terms of Use. Upon learning of this incident, we removed the driver from the platform. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and positive shopping experience for all customers." "Maybe it's a cultural thing, maybe it was something innocent, or maybe there was something more sinister and there was more to it," said Sergeant Amar Gandhi with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. Gandhi said the sheriff's office is investigating and trying to talk with the man who could face sexual battery charges. He added that what happened is unheard of. Banks said she was initially nervous to report what happened, but her friend and their mom encouraged her to, and she is glad she did. Banks said even though she is facing some backlash online, she is thankful for Rolando Wilkerson, who is a local business owner of Colo's Southern Café. He posted about her experience online on her behalf to raise awareness. "I was scared and uncomfortable," Banks said. "My heart was racing and so I just did which was easiest. Or felt like it was easiest, and it was nothing."
CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
Woman dies after she was swept away by American River in Carmichael
A woman who was playing on the edge of the American River in Carmichael died after she was swept away, officials said on Saturday. Sacramento Metro Fire responded to the river near Kiekebusch Court Saturday afternoon after a woman was found floating downstream. Sacramento County Rangers said the woman was not showing any signs of life and was found face down. Rangers brought her aboard their vessel and transported her to the Rossmoor Bar area. Fire crews said she was airlifted to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Rangers said she was a 24-year-old woman who was not wearing a life jacket after she was somehow swept away.
CBS News
17-07-2025
- CBS News
Carmichael man arrested in deadly daytime shooting along Sacramento's Broadway
A 19-year-old was arrested in connection with an afternoon shooting along Broadway in Sacramento in early June, police said on Wednesday. The shooting occurred on June 1 around 12:30 p.m. on Broadway and 28th Street. A man in his 20s was found with at least one gunshot wound and died days later, police said. Another man took himself to the hospital and was expected to survive. A Toyota Camry at the scene was seen with at least seven gunshot holes on the driver's side. Police said the two men were shot while inside the vehicle. Witnesses recalled seeing a person in a mask stick their head out the window of a vehicle and firing several rounds before taking off from the scene. In Wednesday's update, police identified the suspect as 19-year-old Vernon Jordan of Carmichael, who was arrested on homicide-related charges.
CBS News
16-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Survivor recounts near-death experience rafting on American River in Carmichael
A survivor is speaking out about a rafting accident that nearly took her life. It happened along the lower American River, where there have been multiple water rescues so far this year. Romni Neiman is still troubled by a near-death experience. She is hoping her story will encourage other people to stay safe when going in the water. "I've had nightmares of the sound of water rushing around you," Neiman said. She and her partner decided to go floating in intertubes on a sunny day two weeks ago. "We thought we would just glide down," Neiman said. "I did bring paddles so that if we needed to get moving, we could use them." A smiling photo she took at the beginning of the day shows no sign of the danger that was about to occur. The two got caught in a strong current that swept them past the shoreline at Riverbend Park in Carmichael, where they intended to get out. "We just could not get over the current was picking up," Neiman said. The force of the water then carried their inner tubes right into the path of a partially submerged tree. "A floatie with a cooler got sucked down underneath the tree, and since my tube was attached, I went right down with it," Neiman said. Her partner ended up in an even worse spot. "His tube popped on the branches on the end of the tree and he ended up holding on to the very end of the tree, and just a handhold and his legs were getting blown straight back from the current," Neiman said. Some people floating by called 911 and came to help until Sacramento Metro Fire's rescue boat arrived on the scene. Metro Fire Captain Mark Nunez says it's been a busy summer for rescue crews along this stretch of waterway, and he says nearly everyone who needs help isn't properly prepared. "The common denominator with victims is they didn't come down in the right type of raft and they didn't have a life vest," he said. Neiman admits she didn't have a life jacket, and she wants others to learn from her mistake. "Hopefully, other people could hear this and make different decisions," Neiman said. Metro Fire encourages people to rent or purchase a raft with multiple air chambers, and they say free loaner life jackets are available at many parks along the American Ramos contributed to this report.
