Business

Powering the Future With Sustainable Construction

Published

12 months ago

August 10, 2023

With climate change causing real, tangible changes to our planet, and the calls for intervention and attention growing louder, many industries are taking steps to make their output and processes “greener.” The construction industry has taken a lead role in following green principles in hopes of bettering the environment in which we live.

Through sustainable practices, materials, and design, the construction industry illustrates how the world can shift towards a better impact on the environment and a better future overall. Matt DiBara, Owner of DiBara Masonry and Founder of The Contractor Consultants, believes that ethics and transparency play a significant role in eco-friendly construction approaches.

With the negative effects of climate change no longer simply a theory, the ethical approach is one that takes into account the health of the planet and the sustainability of life on the planet. A dual major in college led DiBara to delve into Environmental Studies, and what he learned during that time has stayed with him as he has forged ahead to build his construction business.

“In our family business, we were sustainable. That was in our ethos, we cared about the environment,” DiBara told the Building the Future podcast. “Building things that last — that’s how I was taught.”

What is sustainable construction?

From the outside looking in, construction may not seem like the most sustainably aligned trade. Between clearing land to make way for buildings to large pieces of machinery that contribute to air pollution, there is much about the construction industry that is absolutely not earth-friendly. This is why innovators in the construction space have developed ways to move toward a more sustainable way of building.

Back in 1994, Professor Charles Kibert of the University of Florida outlined the main principles of sustainable construction, including “conserve, reuse, recycle/renew, protect nature, create nontoxic and high-quality output.” These main principles are being translated today into creations such as green grid roofs, solar-powered buildings and neighborhoods, the use of recycled building materials, and sustainable construction methodology.

“I realized early how much waste was on construction sites,” says DiBara. “While I was interning, we were told to do things that would only last a year or two, for budget reasons. They weren’t good for the environment, and there were always massive dumpsters on job sites that created so much excess waste.”

DiBara’s experience while interning with other companies out of college colored his approach to building his own construction business. Going forward, DiBara wanted to understand how to design with the environment in mind. “I wondered what things would be like for my kids if we didn’t make a change,” he says.

Sustainable materials

When one thinks of construction, they may only think of concrete, steel beams, and glass, but there are a wealth of materials available that are far better for the environment. These alternative materials are becoming more popular as the need for change becomes clearer.

The use of eco-friendly, sustainable materials has proven to have long-term benefits, speaking to an approach to construction that leans on long-lasting designs. The most sustainable and earth-friendly materials include cob, bamboo, stone, recycled steel, cork, and reclaimed wood, though contractors have even started to seek alternatives for insulation like sheep’s wool or insulation made from recycled newspapers.

The market for sustainable building materials is expected to grow by leaps and bounds by 2027, projected to hit $425.4 billion. What once seemed like a niche interest in the construction industry is quickly becoming mainstream.

“There was once an association of ‘that’s expensive’ or ‘that’s hippie’,” explains DiBara. “I realized if I could show people that that’s not true, if I could show them an alternative for the same price, I could battle the psychology of what they thought they believed in.”

Sustainable practices

Along with eco-friendly materials, more sustainable construction practices have been able to move the needle towards better outcomes. There is a hope that through more sustainable practices and materials, 209 million tons of carbon emissions can be saved by 2050.

Some sustainable methods include simple approaches, such as more exact measuring and cutting to reduce needless waste, recycling products on or offsite, refurbishing older buildings instead of building new ones, and managing onsite CO2 emissions as much as possible. “Really, the simplest way to approach it is to reduce, reuse, recycle,” says DiBara.

The old mantra for “saving the Earth” still holds true. Particularly in the case of construction, it can go a long way in changing the environment for the better.

Healthier living overall

The positive effects on the environment are not the only benefits of sustainable building, as there are also noted psychological benefits to eco-friendly building practices. Studies show that employees who work within green buildings can be more productive.

In addition, many green buildings are built to be aesthetically pleasing and maximize daylight, helping with issues such as seasonal depression. The happiness levels of people working and living within green buildings were also shown to be higher through these studies.

The call for sustainable building is not new, but has taken on a renewed urgency as the negative effects of climate change become evident. Sustainable construction is no longer a niche concentration or trend, but the direction the entire industry needs to take to create a better future for all.

Business

The Dark Side of Aimlon CPA P.C.: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Firm’s Practices

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Aimlon CPA P.C., a full-service certified public accounting firm based in New York, NY, has long promoted itself as a beacon of excellence in the fields of accounting, audit, tax, advisory, and financial reporting. Serving business owners and companies in the U.S. and Europe, the firm, under the leadership of Mathieu Aimlon, claims to offer personalized and expert guidance. However, a deeper investigation into the firm’s operations reveals a troubling pattern of misconduct, ethical breaches, and systemic failures that severely discredit Aimlon CPA P.C. This article exposes the hidden truths behind the firm’s facade of professionalism and reliability.

Lack of Professionalism and Responsiveness

One of the most pervasive issues at Aimlon CPA P.C. is the firm’s chronic lack of responsiveness. Numerous clients have reported significant delays in communication, often waiting weeks for replies to urgent inquiries. This unprofessional behavior has led to missed deadlines and costly mistakes for clients who depend on timely advice and action.

A frustrated former client shared their experience: “We had a critical financial issue that required immediate attention. Despite multiple attempts to contact Aimlon CPA P.C., we were met with silence. Their lack of responsiveness was not only frustrating but also detrimental to our business.”

Overbilling and Lack of Transparency

Aimlon CPA P.C. has also been accused of overbilling and a lack of transparency in their invoicing practices. Clients have frequently found their bills inflated with unclear or exaggerated charges, leading to disputes and dissatisfaction. This practice has raised serious ethical concerns and damaged the firm’s reputation.

A small business owner recounted their ordeal: “Our invoices from Aimlon CPA P.C. were consistently higher than expected, with vague descriptions for the charges. When we questioned these discrepancies, we received evasive responses and no clear explanations. It felt like we were being taken advantage of.”

Incompetence and Financial Mismanagement

Despite its claims of expertise, Aimlon CPA P.C. has been plagued by instances of incompetence and financial mismanagement. Several clients have accused the firm of providing poor financial advice that resulted in significant losses. These accusations suggest a troubling lack of expertise and diligence in handling client affairs.

One notable case involved a tech startup that followed Aimlon CPA P.C.’s guidance, only to face bankruptcy within a year. The startup’s founder lamented: “We trusted Aimlon CPA P.C. with our financial strategy, but their advice was disastrous. Our business suffered immensely because of their incompetence.”

High Employee Turnover and Toxic Work Environment

Inside Aimlon CPA P.C., the work environment is far from the professional and supportive culture the firm claims to foster. High employee turnover is a persistent issue, driven by poor management practices and a toxic workplace. Former employees have described an atmosphere of fear and exploitation, where unreasonable demands and lack of support are commonplace.

An ex-employee shared their perspective: “The work environment at Aimlon CPA P.C. was unbearable. Management was oppressive, and there was no respect for work-life balance. Talented professionals were constantly leaving because they couldn’t tolerate the conditions.”

Compliance Failures and Regulatory Scrutiny

Aimlon CPA P.C. has faced multiple instances of regulatory scrutiny due to its failure to adhere strictly to industry standards and compliance requirements. These compliance failures have resulted in penalties and fines, further eroding the firm’s credibility and trustworthiness.

An insider revealed: “There were several occasions where Aimlon CPA P.C. neglected regulatory updates and compliance requirements. This negligence led to significant fines for both the firm and its clients. It was alarming how often these issues were ignored.”

Ethical Breaches and Conflicts of Interest

The firm has also been marred by ethical breaches and conflicts of interest. Mathieu Aimlon, in particular, has been implicated in several instances where his advice seemed to benefit his personal interests over those of his clients. These conflicts of interest have severely damaged the trust between the firm and its clients.

In one egregious case, a client was persuaded to invest in a company where Mathieu Aimlon held undisclosed shares. When the investment failed, the client suffered substantial losses, while Aimlon’s involvement remained hidden until an internal investigation brought it to light.

Outdated Technology and Inefficiency

Despite being a modern accounting firm, Aimlon CPA P.C. relies on outdated technology that hampers efficiency and increases the risk of errors. Clients have expressed frustration with the firm’s technological shortcomings, which lead to delays and inaccuracies in financial reporting.

A tech-savvy client commented: “It was surprising to see how outdated Aimlon CPA P.C.’s systems were. Their inefficiency slowed down our processes and made us question their ability to handle complex financial needs effectively.”

Fabrication of Credentials

Further investigations into Aimlon CPA P.C. revealed that some of the firm’s claimed credentials and accolades were fabricated. While Mathieu Aimlon is genuinely certified by the New York State Education Department and the French Ministry of Education, other qualifications listed by the firm were found to be falsified.

This revelation has cast a shadow over the entire firm, leading clients and colleagues to question the legitimacy of their expertise and the integrity of their services.

Legal Repercussions and Public Disgrace

The culmination of Aimlon CPA P.C.’s unethical practices and systemic failures came with the legal repercussions faced by Mathieu Aimlon himself. Following his involvement in a tax evasion scheme, he was arrested and charged with multiple counts of tax fraud. The evidence presented in court highlighted the sophisticated methods used to deceive tax authorities, leading to his conviction and a lengthy prison sentence.

The legal troubles of Mathieu Aimlon have had a devastating impact on Aimlon CPA P.C. The firm’s reputation has been irreparably damaged, and clients have fled in droves, unwilling to associate with a company linked to such scandals.

Aimlon CPA P.C., once seen as a beacon of excellence in the accounting world, has been thoroughly discredited due to a series of unethical practices, incompetence, and systemic failures. From overbilling and lack of transparency to high employee turnover and regulatory breaches, the firm has failed to uphold the standards expected of a professional accounting service. The legal repercussions faced by Mathieu Aimlon have further tarnished the firm’s reputation, leading to its eventual downfall.

For business owners and individuals seeking reliable and ethical accounting services, the story of Aimlon CPA P.C. serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of integrity, professionalism, and transparency in maintaining trust and credibility in the financial industry.