Goneau-Bryant, a local design-build construction, development and consulting firm, has been awarded a contract to provide green and sustainable consultation on a residence being built by a Pinehurst resident.

The residential project will include a primary focus on green and sustainable construction practices. Highlights include enhanced energy efficiency, indoor air quality, locally sourced and renewable materials, solar power generation, geothermal air conditioning and many other green building techniques.

"This project represents the epitome of what we're designed to do," said Bob Bryant, CEO of Goneau-Bryant. "The client has such a great affinity for environmentally responsible living and this house when complete will serve as a great model for all of the local building community to learn from. We look forward to sharing our research and best practices with everyone, so that we can assist our hometown in furthering the movement toward responsible, efficient, sustainable and green building."

"Whether we call it green, red or blue, what we're talking about is simply intelligent high performance construction methods and materials that are readily available and more affordable then ever. The cost of green elements like solar power generation, geo-thermal heat pumps, zero VOC paints, and spray foam insulation materials are simply not out of the reach of even moderate-priced homes, and the savings can be realized immediately with a recouping of investment in less than two to three years."

The homeowner, Jullia Latham, said, "We felt adding the talents of Bob and Marcel were the real icing on the cake for us. Goneau-Bryant adds a passion and focus for sustainable and responsible construction techniques and materials that we wanted to ensure were a part of our new home project."

Goneau-Bryant is a local firm founded by natives Bob Bryant and Marcel Goneau, who both graduated from The local O'Neal School.

Bryant is also a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina with Prudential Gouger O'Neal & Saunders Real Estate in Pinehurst. He is a former director of operations and production for CNN's environmental documentary unit and was a team member of Prince Charles' Operation Raleigh Expedition to the Australian Outback as well as a team leader for Youth Service International's Alaskan Exped-ition.

He graduated from the School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a board member of Friend to Friend and the UNC Journalism Alumni and Friends Association.

Goneau is a professional member of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) and has a North Carolina unlimited general contractor's license. He spent more than 14 years as executive vice president of a successful Pinehurst design and construction company.

He graduated from Sandhills Community College with a degree in architectural engineering technology and has attended pre-certification training for LEED, NC Healthy Built Homes, Energy Star and System Vision Energy Program.

Goneau-Bryant is at 115 West Pennsylvania Ave. in Southern Pines. Specializing in green, energy efficient and sustainable building practices, it offers a full slate of construction services including design, building, land-planning, renovation, restoration, development and community investment.

A new Goneau-Bryant Community on Midland Road called the Vineyards On Midland, featuring a host of green, sustainable and energy-efficient elements, is coming soon.

The company can be reached at 585-1114 or by e-mail at info@GBhappy.com.

For information is also available on its Web site at www.GBhappy.com.