Michael Kadoe, a New York-based entrepreneur and real estate developer, calls for greater awareness and action on eco-friendly building practices.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 3, 2026 / Michael Kadoe, a self-made entrepreneur known for bridging fashion, design, and real estate, is speaking out on the urgent need for more sustainable, human-focused construction in cities-starting with New York.
"Green design isn't just a luxury," says Kadoe. "It's a responsibility. The way we build affects everything-our health, our energy use, and the environment around us."
Kadoe, who once founded a fashion brand from his basement before transitioning into real estate development, gained wide recognition when one of his renovated homes earned the Gold Award from Good Housekeeping as the greenest house in NYC. His approach combines aesthetic appeal with practical, environmentally sound building techniques.
Why It Matters Now
The data is clear:
Buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy use and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions (UN Environment).
The EPA reports that indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times worse than outside, often due to poor materials and outdated systems.
As of 2023, only 3.5% of New York City's buildings were LEED-certified or verified as energy-efficient.
Kadoe sees this as a missed opportunity. "We have the tools," he says. "But people need to care enough to use them."
A Personal Pledge for Healthier Homes
Kadoe is launching a personal pledge to push for more responsible development. His commitment includes:
Using non-toxic, low-emission materials in every project.
Incorporating energy-saving systems like solar, insulation, and natural airflow.
Prioritizing daylight and clean air access in building layouts.
Partnering only with suppliers who value sustainable sourcing.
Supporting education efforts around eco-conscious living.
Sharing his renovation process to help others learn from it.
Challenging outdated thinking in real estate that says "green costs too much."
Do It Yourself Toolkit: 10 Small Steps Anyone Can Take
Michael Kadoe believes everyone can play a role, no matter their budget. His DIY toolkit includes:
Switch to LED light bulbs.
Seal windows and doors to save energy.
Use non-toxic paint when renovating.
Add houseplants for natural air purification.
Cut back on single-use plastics at home.
Install a water-saving showerhead.
Shop second-hand or upcycle furniture.
Turn off unused devices to save power.
Recycle properly-and learn your local rules.
Ask questions before you buy or build.
30-Day Progress Tracker
Kadoe encourages individuals to track one action per day for a month. This includes choosing one goal from the toolkit each morning and writing down how it helped, how it felt, or what you learned.
"There's power in small shifts," he says. "If enough people make better choices, the market will follow."
A Call to Action
Michael Kadoe invites homeowners, renters, builders, and designers to take the pledge and commit to smarter living. "You don't have to renovate a building," he says. "You just have to start."
Share the toolkit. Start a conversation. Ask better questions.
To learn more about Michael Kadoe, visit the website here.
About Michael Kadoe
Michael Kadoe is a New York-based entrepreneur and designer who built his career from the ground up, starting with a $200 budget and a basement sewing machine. Today, he's known for leading eco-conscious real estate projects that blend beauty, sustainability, and smart design.
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SOURCE: Michael Kadoe
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