California Center for Sustainable Energy

CCSE’s Kara Holman investigates "Bluwood" Technology

San Diego Charger Shawn Merriman

San Diego Charger Shawn Merriman is encouraging local fire victims to team up and go “Blu!” But this isn’t a cheer for the Bolts… it’s for “Bluwood” technology, a safe and fire-resistant way to rebuild. Merriman, who owns Lights Out Development Construction Company, and Steve Conboy, CEO of SC Bluwood, are doing just that, teaming up to rebuild San Diego. They will be donating AF21 Fire Inhibitor Bluwood treatment to new construction projects for fire victims, who are rebuilding from the 2007 San Diego wildfires. The AF21 Bluwood not only protects against mold and termites, but also it’s fire-resistant.

“I have lost two homes to fire,” said Merriman. “It can happen twice and I don’t want the fire victims in San Diego to lose their homes again.”

Ken Baker, of Rancho Bernardo is the first fire victim in San Diego rebuilding with Bluwood. “When I saw the ashes after the fire I felt numb,” said Baker. “I didn’t even want to sift through the dirt.”

Baker said his goal was to make something good from something bad.
“Building green, energy-efficient and fire-resistant is very important to me, and with Bluwood I know my home will be protected.”

Merriman said he wants San Diego to see the Baker home as a rebuilding example. “This is how San Diego should rebuild,” said Merriman. “Lights Out Development is taking care of the extra cost, so why not build to protect your home?”
Steve Conboy, CEO of Bluwood, said this concept needs to go beyond San Diego.

“We need to change the way the world builds, said Conboy.” “Bluwood demonstrates that transition and we are proud to team up with Lights Out Development to help the families here in San Diego.”