Rooted in sustainability and luxury, president and owner Michael Ziman of Ziman Development is minimizing the environmental impact of residential construction on the Long Beach Island of New Jersey with builds that are both high quality and resilient.
Using energy-efficient processes and responsibly sourced materials, he says, “Every decision we make—from the materials we choose to the trees we plant—is grounded in our commitment to quality, sustainability, and preserving this special place for generations to come.”
Ziman shares more about his processes—including creative carbon offsetting—below.
Michael Ziman
What are three ways Ziman Development is shaping a more resilient Jersey Shore?
We think about resiliency in both the short- and long-term, always to build sustainable homes where families can gather, connect, and create lasting memories.
Short-term resiliency is about protecting homes from the immediate threats of coastal living, especially severe storms. We consistently build to exceed current flood level standards, and we elevate all mechanical systems above base flood elevations to prevent damage and disruption.
Long-term resiliency has two components. First, we’re mindful of the materials we use—choosing those that can withstand the harsh, salty coastal environment while minimizing maintenance and maximizing longevity. For example, we frequently use low-maintenance exterior products like NuCedar siding and Azek decking. These are non-porous, weather-resistant, and made with a high percentage of recycled content, which helps reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Second, we’re committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions generated during construction and throughout the life of the home.
Ultimately, our mission is to build high-performance, environmentally responsible homes that honor and protect the Jersey Shore for future generations.
How does sustainability and luxury work together in your homes?
Sustainability and luxury are not only compatible—they elevate each other. Many sustainable materials, particularly natural ones like wood, are seen as premium by today’s homeowners. We prioritize sourcing materials locally; all of our finishes are fabricated just off Long Beach Island, within 15 minutes of our job sites. That allows us to control quality, reduce transportation emissions, and avoid global supply chain delays that have impacted many in the industry.
Homeowners also increasingly value smart home technology, which adds both luxury and energy efficiency. Smart thermostats, for instance, can reduce electrical consumption by 10–17%, according to published studies. Other integrated systems—like smart water meters, smart toilets, and voice-activated lighting and audio—are standard in our homes and help reduce energy and water usage.
We also focus heavily on building tight, climate-controlled homes with high R-value insulation and low U-value windows. That means fewer air leaks, more stable indoor temperatures, and less reliance on heating and cooling systems—all of which contribute to a more luxurious, comfortable living experience while significantly reducing energy consumption.
Nettie Einhorn for Ziman Development
What are some of the energy-efficient processes you’re implementing?
We use a multi-layered approach to energy efficiency that includes:
1. Thicker wall cavities and exterior insulation for better thermal performance.
2. Low U-value windows that minimize heat transfer.
3. Airtight construction to prevent air leaks and reduce HVAC demand.
4. Strategic window placement for passive solar gain in winter.
5. Deep overhangs to limit solar heat gain in summer.
Together, these elements help us build homes that perform better year-round with reduced environmental impact.
What brought you into the industry?
I’ve always been drawn to building and creating. That passion began early, as I watched my father subdivide land and build homes. I studied and perfected his real estate formula, eventually layering in my own techniques and vision. From the start, I knew I wanted sustainability to be a core pillar of my business. That led me to create the One Tree Pledge—a way to actively mitigate the carbon footprint left by home development and align our projects with long-term environmental responsibility.
Nettie Einhorn for Ziman Development
What is the One Tree Pledge?
The One Tree Pledge is an initiative I created during COVID as a way to align my company’s environmental goals with my personal values. For every square foot of home we build, we plant one tree in partnership with the nonprofit One Tree Planted. They specialize in global reforestation and have a 75% tree survival rate.
The goal is to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated not just during construction, but throughout the lifespan of the home. For example, a 2,368-square-foot home built under our pledge could capture an estimated 23,680 pounds of carbon annually—enough to make the home carbon-negative over time.
It’s worth noting that national energy consumption averages tend to overstate emissions for newer, more efficient homes. When I personally audited our new builds, I found that our carbon footprint was approximately 60% lower than the national average per square foot. Thanks to our efficiency upgrades, I believe many of our homes will ultimately offset more carbon than they emit by a factor of two.
The pledge is more than just a sustainability measure—it’s a core part of how we build with purpose.
