Green Building & Products
Conserve H2O While You Can
06/06/2011 07:37 AM
A steadily emerging area of concern in the US – particularly in urban areas – is water reclamation. We can all do our part for the greater good as there are many simple solutions around the home such as low-flow fixtures, rain barrels, and reclaiming water for irrigation. While we know energy conservation is a major issue, now is also the time to apply the same focus, urgency, and know-how to water efficiency. Water authorities across the country, including areas not typically viewed as drought-ridden, are revising policies and code requirements as they relate to water supplies, infrastructure, and consumption.
The First Step
Bath fixtures comprising toilets, shower heads, and faucets are typically the easiest places in the home to make an immediate impact. While low-flow fixtures, particularly toilets, didn’t get a warm welcoming when first introduced some 20 ago, engineering has caught up with regulations and demand while the introduction of the WaterSense program now allows consumers to make the simpler switch. Unlike certification programs that only consider a single attribute, WaterSense is praised for its more inclusive requirements. Toilets, shower heads, and faucets meeting the criteria are not only certified to offer flows 20% lower than federal requirements, but also to perform up to homeowners’ expectations. With options at every price point offering both lower flows and a satisfying experience, there is really no excuse not to specify water-efficient fixtures for new or remodeled homes.
Washing Machines and Dishwashers
Today’s dishwashers and washing machines use 60% less water than they did 10 to 15 years ago. In fact, if a homeowner replaced an eight-year-old clothes washer with a new Energy Star model, he or she would save about 5,000 gallons of water per year – and that figure just applies to one appliance. The selection of water-efficient washers and dishwashers is seemingly endless these days. Thanks to technology advancements such as front-loading washing machines and soil sensors in dishwashers, most well surpass the current federal standard, and the majority meet or exceed Energy Star requirements. Another benefit: less water to heat means less energy used, too.
Greyscape for Additional Indoor Savings
According to EPA estimates, nearly 50% of the clean, potable water delivered for use inside an average home in the US goes down the drain from sinks, showers, and washing machines. So, finding a way to put this lightly used household wastewatrer – otherwise known as greywater – to work flushing toilets and irrigating landscaping could slice your home’s consumption in half. Plumbers in Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia are already as familiar with installing greywater systems as they are bathtubs and kitchen sinks. In the US, the idea of on-site water recycling is playing catch-up in the international scheme of things. However, as more states explore and open up to greywater systems, the technology and the technicians to install it are becoming more available and affordable. While we’re quite a ways from common practice, now is the time to talk to a professional about how to implement what is necessary to get ahead of the curve in our country.
Buzzword for the Day: Xeriscape Outdoors
Of course, reducing outdoor water use is atop the priority list: here’s how to combine design and technology for water-efficient landscaping. In many areas, water use for irrigation exceeds indoor consumption, averaging more than 50% of the US’s total residential consumption. While implementing water efficiency indoors is vital, addressing outside use is absolutely necessary. While restyling a home with efficient bath fixtures is pretty simple, designing and installing water-efficient landscaping and irrigation can be more involved. Your landscape doesn’t have to be brown or lacking in beauty, but instead should be outfitted with a mix of plantings and irrigation components that will minimize the amount of water needed to maintain an attractive environment. This is where xeriscaping comes into play. Defined as landscape designing with the goal of conserving water, xeriscaping requires choosing plants that will thrive in your region and your project’s particular microclimate; limiting the turf areas; making sure on-site soil will promote water absorption and deep root growth; and, if irrigation is installed, using an efficient system.
Since the knowledge is just evolving for water conservation, it’s a good – and cost-effective – idea to contact a professional well-versed in these suggested methods in the quest for greater efficiency for all.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
The First Step
Bath fixtures comprising toilets, shower heads, and faucets are typically the easiest places in the home to make an immediate impact. While low-flow fixtures, particularly toilets, didn’t get a warm welcoming when first introduced some 20 ago, engineering has caught up with regulations and demand while the introduction of the WaterSense program now allows consumers to make the simpler switch. Unlike certification programs that only consider a single attribute, WaterSense is praised for its more inclusive requirements. Toilets, shower heads, and faucets meeting the criteria are not only certified to offer flows 20% lower than federal requirements, but also to perform up to homeowners’ expectations. With options at every price point offering both lower flows and a satisfying experience, there is really no excuse not to specify water-efficient fixtures for new or remodeled homes.
Washing Machines and Dishwashers
Today’s dishwashers and washing machines use 60% less water than they did 10 to 15 years ago. In fact, if a homeowner replaced an eight-year-old clothes washer with a new Energy Star model, he or she would save about 5,000 gallons of water per year – and that figure just applies to one appliance. The selection of water-efficient washers and dishwashers is seemingly endless these days. Thanks to technology advancements such as front-loading washing machines and soil sensors in dishwashers, most well surpass the current federal standard, and the majority meet or exceed Energy Star requirements. Another benefit: less water to heat means less energy used, too.
Greyscape for Additional Indoor Savings
According to EPA estimates, nearly 50% of the clean, potable water delivered for use inside an average home in the US goes down the drain from sinks, showers, and washing machines. So, finding a way to put this lightly used household wastewatrer – otherwise known as greywater – to work flushing toilets and irrigating landscaping could slice your home’s consumption in half. Plumbers in Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia are already as familiar with installing greywater systems as they are bathtubs and kitchen sinks. In the US, the idea of on-site water recycling is playing catch-up in the international scheme of things. However, as more states explore and open up to greywater systems, the technology and the technicians to install it are becoming more available and affordable. While we’re quite a ways from common practice, now is the time to talk to a professional about how to implement what is necessary to get ahead of the curve in our country.
Buzzword for the Day: Xeriscape Outdoors
Of course, reducing outdoor water use is atop the priority list: here’s how to combine design and technology for water-efficient landscaping. In many areas, water use for irrigation exceeds indoor consumption, averaging more than 50% of the US’s total residential consumption. While implementing water efficiency indoors is vital, addressing outside use is absolutely necessary. While restyling a home with efficient bath fixtures is pretty simple, designing and installing water-efficient landscaping and irrigation can be more involved. Your landscape doesn’t have to be brown or lacking in beauty, but instead should be outfitted with a mix of plantings and irrigation components that will minimize the amount of water needed to maintain an attractive environment. This is where xeriscaping comes into play. Defined as landscape designing with the goal of conserving water, xeriscaping requires choosing plants that will thrive in your region and your project’s particular microclimate; limiting the turf areas; making sure on-site soil will promote water absorption and deep root growth; and, if irrigation is installed, using an efficient system.
Since the knowledge is just evolving for water conservation, it’s a good – and cost-effective – idea to contact a professional well-versed in these suggested methods in the quest for greater efficiency for all.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
The Time is Now for Solar Panels
04/25/2011 08:09 AM
This week we have cost-efficient news for homeowners: residential solar panels are a great home addition now as prices have come way down and installation is much easier than in years past. You no longer have to worry about a complicated electrical reconfiguration in your home since the power you generate gets pumped back into the power company's electric grid; no longer are residential solar-power systems just for homes that are far from the power grid. Homes in cities and suburbs can use and benefit from solar power more than ever before. Another bonus of note: in many cases there are federal, state, and local tax credits to help offset the cost of installation.
Locally speaking, Duke Energy is developing innovative solar projects and programs that help the company and customers benefit from this zero-emissions renewable resource. In NC, electric utilities are required to use a combination of renewable resources and energy efficiency to meet 12.5 percent of electricity demand by 2021.
Residential solar panels are becoming more and more popular as our search for alternative energy sources expands. As gas prices increase, many Americans are starting to realize just how finite our supplies of oil and coal really are. Photovoltaic panels are a great way to begin looking for the answers. Set up your own residential solar panels, and start doing what you can to help save the environment. Also key to consumers, when you set up residential photovoltaic panels, you are going to save a substantial amount of money on energy costs as well.
Photos courtesy of Ready Solar
Look Forward to Opening Your Power Bill
The most important thing about residential solar panels is the fact so many homes can use them easily these days. No longer is it simply homes that are located in America’s sunnier regions that can most benefit from solar power; other homes can take advantage of this highly cost-effective option, as well. If the majority of homes actually used residential solar panels, there would be an enormous amount of energy saved.
Because the world’s population is becoming more and more dependant on energy and power sources, doing whatever we can do to conserve power and energy is a smart move. Also, as we increasingly use solar panels for our energy needs, we are more able to live and work independent of a power grid – even in unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster. Why not take steps now to be safe rather than sorry? And not to be overlooked, with solar-energy systems you can virtually eliminate your electric bill and start saving from day one.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Read More...
Locally speaking, Duke Energy is developing innovative solar projects and programs that help the company and customers benefit from this zero-emissions renewable resource. In NC, electric utilities are required to use a combination of renewable resources and energy efficiency to meet 12.5 percent of electricity demand by 2021.
Residential solar panels are becoming more and more popular as our search for alternative energy sources expands. As gas prices increase, many Americans are starting to realize just how finite our supplies of oil and coal really are. Photovoltaic panels are a great way to begin looking for the answers. Set up your own residential solar panels, and start doing what you can to help save the environment. Also key to consumers, when you set up residential photovoltaic panels, you are going to save a substantial amount of money on energy costs as well.
Photos courtesy of Ready Solar
Look Forward to Opening Your Power Bill
The most important thing about residential solar panels is the fact so many homes can use them easily these days. No longer is it simply homes that are located in America’s sunnier regions that can most benefit from solar power; other homes can take advantage of this highly cost-effective option, as well. If the majority of homes actually used residential solar panels, there would be an enormous amount of energy saved.
Because the world’s population is becoming more and more dependant on energy and power sources, doing whatever we can do to conserve power and energy is a smart move. Also, as we increasingly use solar panels for our energy needs, we are more able to live and work independent of a power grid – even in unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster. Why not take steps now to be safe rather than sorry? And not to be overlooked, with solar-energy systems you can virtually eliminate your electric bill and start saving from day one.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Read More...
Don't Discount Indoor Air Quality
04/04/2011 07:57 AM
Three points to consider: Leaky doors and windows can let in outdoor allergens; houses without proper air sealing can pull moist air from the crawlspace; and off-gassing of non-eco-friendly products in the home can cause health issues. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
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Pros Outweigh the Cons – Mainly Costs – of LED Lighting
03/10/2011 06:45 AM
If you’re deterred by the higher price tags on LED bulbs, arm yourself with the research and take the plunge. These long-lasting, efficient, durable, mercury-free, cool-burning alternatives may cost more upfront, but certainly make up for that in the long run. In addition, the light emitted from LEDs can actually be superior to other bulbs but you have to look for brands that deal with the bulbs’ color temperature.
A staggering statistic for energy costs: Electric lighting burns up to 25% of the average home energy budget. The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs 5 to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting. Read More...
A staggering statistic for energy costs: Electric lighting burns up to 25% of the average home energy budget. The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs 5 to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting. Read More...
Composite Decking - The Here and Now
02/21/2011 08:00 AM
No doubt a beautiful backyard home garden viewed from a deck built with composite material is a very attractive visual you would love to create at your own house. Be savvy! Many years ago when it first hit the market, composite decking had a few issues such as color fading, wood rot, and long-term maintenance. I am happy to report most companies have worked out these kinks and now produce dependable products.
As with many purchases though, pros and cons remain, so it’s still advisable to do your homework before selecting a decking product. We’ll guide you regarding what to ask, for starters. Read More...
As with many purchases though, pros and cons remain, so it’s still advisable to do your homework before selecting a decking product. We’ll guide you regarding what to ask, for starters. Read More...
High Performance Home Part II - How To Finesse Your Home's Performance
02/14/2011 08:00 AM
How to Finesse Your Home’s Performance
Last week we discussed areas of concern when it comes to home efficiency such as increased energy bills, varying temperatures from one room to another, drafts, moisture, mold, mildew, poor indoor air quality, and other costly – and potentially detrimental to health– topics. Fine tuning the relationship between the actual structure, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and you – the resident – can help alleviate these concerns, delivering a high-performance home.
Homeowners often ask similar questions on how to improve a house’s efficiency; let’s take a look at some of the most common.
Read More...
Last week we discussed areas of concern when it comes to home efficiency such as increased energy bills, varying temperatures from one room to another, drafts, moisture, mold, mildew, poor indoor air quality, and other costly – and potentially detrimental to health– topics. Fine tuning the relationship between the actual structure, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and you – the resident – can help alleviate these concerns, delivering a high-performance home.
Homeowners often ask similar questions on how to improve a house’s efficiency; let’s take a look at some of the most common.
Read More...
Why Strive for a High-Performance Home? Better Yet, Why Not?!
02/07/2011 08:43 AM
Until the turbulent US economy stops spiraling and starts rebounding, every dollar counts. When it comes to putting your money where your home is, I want to share some ideal ways to get started recouping the most on your investments – both today and in the future.
Your home is a system that’s really just as good as the sum of its parts. Not unlike an auto made up of interacting components, a house also needs to be in sync and tuned up for efficiency. Potential areas of concern comprise costly energy bills, uneven temperatures from room-to-room, drafts, moisture, mold, mildew, poor indoor air quality, ice dams, pest infestations, seemingly uncontrollable humidity levels, and even premature deterioration of building materials. These can all result from a breakdown in the relationship between the house systems: the actual building, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and you, the occupant.
Read More...
Your home is a system that’s really just as good as the sum of its parts. Not unlike an auto made up of interacting components, a house also needs to be in sync and tuned up for efficiency. Potential areas of concern comprise costly energy bills, uneven temperatures from room-to-room, drafts, moisture, mold, mildew, poor indoor air quality, ice dams, pest infestations, seemingly uncontrollable humidity levels, and even premature deterioration of building materials. These can all result from a breakdown in the relationship between the house systems: the actual building, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and you, the occupant.
Read More...
Velux Solar Panels
03/15/2010 09:49 AM
By combining energy tax credits and the cost of use savings over the lifetime of this system we think that this product will have a great return on investment.
Please contact us for more information
The following information was obtained from the Velux website:
The sun contains incredible amounts of energy. Even though we try we will never be able to use it all up. And if we just learn how to interact with it, the sun can become a lifelong, warm relationship. Read More...
Air Leaks Waste Energy and Rot Houses
02/08/2010 12:42 PM
One third of the energy you pay for probably leaks through holes in your house. Air leaks can also cause moisture and indoor air quality problems. This is a great read for anyone interested in learning how important the "Building Envelope" is to a homes performance.
The three most important forces affecting air movement in homes are equipment fans, wind, and the stack effect. Read the entire article online here. Read More...
The Latest Information On Consumer Energy Tax Credits
01/05/2010 12:11 PM
Please follow the link below for the most up to date information regarding energy tax credits, what they are, and how to apply for the rebates and incentives.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index Read More...
Look for the SFI label when buying wood products
12/08/2009 12:06 PM
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) label is a sign you are buying wood and paper products from well-managed forests, backed by a rigorous, third-party certification audit. Learn more about how SFI Inc. is improving sustainable forest management in North America and supporting responsible procurement globally. Read More...
Making Your Home Healthier
10/12/2009 11:43 AM
Originally written by Tanja Kern for "NARI GREEN".
Your home is your sanctuary, but could it also be a hazard to your health? Dirty air, mold spores and chemicals can contribute to an unhealthy home environment. Thankfully, there are a number of improvements you can make to create a safe shelter for your family, says Steve Shinn, GCP, NARI member and owner of Homework Remodels in Phoenix, Ariz. This Green Certified Professional (GCP) helps homeowners figure out which enhancements promote healthy indoor environments—without breaking their budgets. Read More...
Your home is your sanctuary, but could it also be a hazard to your health? Dirty air, mold spores and chemicals can contribute to an unhealthy home environment. Thankfully, there are a number of improvements you can make to create a safe shelter for your family, says Steve Shinn, GCP, NARI member and owner of Homework Remodels in Phoenix, Ariz. This Green Certified Professional (GCP) helps homeowners figure out which enhancements promote healthy indoor environments—without breaking their budgets. Read More...
Roger Ketchum: Certified Green Professional
06/05/2009 09:35 AM
Congratulations to Roger for passing the NARI Certified Green Professional (CGP) test. He has become the first person in the Charlotte region to earn this designation. Roger is also a NARI Certified Remodeler (CR) Read More...