Meet Lucas Evans | Director of Sustainability and Research

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucas Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucas, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I grew up in nature and earned a degree in Environmental Science. What I found in the workforce/modern society is a lack of context within the natural world. It’s very difficult to make positive profit without negatively impacting the planet. Our every day lives don’t account or respond to nature, rather we remain at odds or exploiting it. Coming from Texas my options were limited to working for an oil company or counting fish for various water authorities. I wanted a free market solution with a core mission of sustainability. Combing agriculture and construction became the obvious answer and is now central to the success of my previous and current business. We provide sustainable building materials to construction companies and contractors. Allowing growth and the American dream to prosper while supporting farmers, what more could you ask for?!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I sat out to give farmers a place at the table within the modern economy. Despite providing all of the food, much of the clothing and durable goods we use on a daily basis the farm, producer always gets shorted. My company E3 Agriculture works to bridge agriculture and construction, providing bio-based building materials such as insulation, adhesives, structural members and more. Exemplified with our recent collaboration with a Charleston Based company “Construx Inc” who is rapidly transitioning toward a fully grass -hemp in this case- based home. Incorporating their revolutionary digitally fabricated building system, faster, stronger and more efficient. Saving the trees, reducing cost and improving health for the planet and people living in the homes. Combining advanced engineering, mother nature, robots and chemistry to produce buildings of the future.

This has by far been the most difficult, yet fulfilling, thing I have ever done. People are averse to change, almost a century of abundance has not helped. As much as technology and systems can solve some problems its often what comes from within and the way you make people feel. I often say our greatest resource is human spirit.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I immediately loved Charleston, as someone who enjoys the outdoors it offers everything from rich forest, dynamic water (fresh and salty) sheds to the beach of course. Im a huge fan of architecture and industry, where Charleston excels in preserving old architecture and a long history or industry, with the ship yard, military and more.

Would probably start the week around down town, before expanding outside to the Angel Oak, some of the farms and horse operations on John’s island and ending on the boat. With fine dining throughout!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My grandfather gave me an immense amount of wisdom and serious direction. He had lived through a dust bowl and many other major historical events and understood the impact humans can have on the planet and society. Along the way many mentors often in leadership positions would assist me so long that I kept a pure and positive mission. Must give a shoutout to Texas A&M university for recognizing my work early in my career and giving me the tools, platform and insights to expand on the bio-economy.

Website: www.buildconstrux.com

Instagram: buildconstrux

Linkedin: Build with Construx

Image Credits
Nicholas Godrey & Rob Bertschy