June 2008 Archives

Homebuyers today are increasingly concerned about the indoor air quality of their homes.

Issues like mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals have received greater attention than ever as poor indoor air quality has been linked to a host of health problems.

To address these concerns, builders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor indoor air quality in their new homes.

EPA created the Indoor Air Package to help builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency. By constructing homes that meet EPA's stringent specifications, forward-thinking builders can distinguish themselves by offering homes that have earned this designation.

EPA's Indoor Air Package specifications were developed based on best available science and information about risks associated with indoor air quality problems, and balanced with practical issues of cost, builder production process compatibility, and enforceability. The initial specifications were piloted in several cities and revised based on input from the field.

Energy Star Builders Offer the Indoor Air Package

The Indoor Air Package is now available for all interested ENERGY STAR Partners. The current Indoor Air Package specifications (330K), dated April 19, 2007, supersede all previous versions of the specification. ENERGY STAR qualified homes that comply with these specifications and are verified with a completed Indoor Air Package Verification Checklist can earn the Indoor Air Package label.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver better performance, greater comfort, and lower utility bills.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of "tried-and-true" energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.

Energy Star green building guidelines,

Build It Green is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy and efficient building practices in California.  Headquartered in Northern California, Build It Green has expanded into Southern California.

Not only does Build it Green provide extensive training and educational forums, their green home rating system, GreenPoint Rated provides a new 3^rd party verification program for homeowners searching for an alternative to LEED.  

The Certified Green Building Professional Training course takes you through a step-by-step analysis of all systems, materials, and technologies involved with building or renovating a home.  All of the discussion focused on buildings that embrace energy-efficiency and health.

An important tool in the effort to build greener buildings and live greener lives is the selection of products that were made using environmentally friendly processes and are used in environmentally friendly ways.

They are energy or water efficient; they use healthy, non-toxic materials; they are made from recycled or renewable sources; they make current products you use more efficient or more durable; and they are recyclable or biodegradable, among many other things.

The directories below will help you sort through the claims and find the products that best meet your needs.

• ENERGY STAR: Products in more than 50 categories are eligible for the ENERGY STAR. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Good To Be Green: Good To Be Green is a directory of green building products, sustainable building materials and green building service providers. Products must: be made out of recycled materials; ensure a low environmental impact during the construction, operation and/or demolition of the building; conserve natural resources like energy, wood and water; and improve air quality.
• Green2Green: Green2Green.org features comprehensive information regarding green building products, materials and practices. The site offers side-by-side comparisons of products using a variety of environmental, technical and economic criteria.
• Green Building Pages: Green Building Pages is an online sustainable design and decision-making tool for building industry professionals and environmentally and socially responsible consumers.
• The Green Guide: National Geographic's Green Guide offers staff-written reviews of a host of products, ranging from appliances, home furnishings and home improvement products to personal care and pet supplies.
• GreenSpec Directory: The online GreenSpec® Directory lists product descriptions for over 2,100 environmentally preferable products. Products are chosen to be listed by BuildingGreen editors. They do not charge for listings or sell ads.
• Low Impact Living: Find environmentally friendly products and services in dozens of categories.
• Oikos: Oikos is a World Wide Web site devoted to serving professionals whose work promotes sustainable design and construction.
• PlugGREEN: PlugGREEN.com allows green businesses to create their own business profile, allowing them to network directly with other green businesses and green-minded consumers. In addition, PlugGREEN.com provides an organized and efficient way for consumers to find local green businesses and products in their area.

SOURCE: USGBC

Find more details about these retrofit suggestions at USGBC Checklist for Green Retrofits:

Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs

Program your thermostat

Plug air leaks

Tune up your heating and cooling (HVAC) system

Choose ENERGY STAR® appliances

Reduce water use

Switch to green power

Explore solar

Use low-VOC products

Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection for your house

Use native plantings

ASID which is the American Society of Interior Designers, has their own set of green guidelines for remodeling, called REGREEN.

The American Society of Interior Designers’ Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council have partnered on the development of best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable residential improvement projects.

The REGREEN program will increase understanding of sustainable renovation project practices and benefits among homeowners, residents, design professionals, product suppliers and service providers to build both demand and industry capacity.

Whether you're a renovation professional or a savvy do-it-yourselfer, let REGREEN help green your next project. REGREEN is easy to use and chock-full of information, but if you find you have any questions, please e-mail regreenprogram@usgbc.org.

Go Green Radio Debuts this Friday, June 27th!

Don't miss the debut of Go Green Radio this Friday, June 27th, 2008 at 9:00 am PDT/12:00 pm EDT.

You can tune in to our Internet radio show by going to www.voiceamerica.com. Once there, choose Voice America under the "Network" option at the top and at 9 am you will hear our radio program live feed.

In this week's episode we'll be talking with three parents who are "Going Green" on behalf of children. These child advocates are working to protect children, and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Jill Buck, the host of Go Green Radio, wrote the "Go Green Initiative" on her kitchen table in 2002. It is now the largest environmental education program in the world.

Scott McGinnis is an actor/director living in Hollywood. He is also a proud father. His current project - Global Broadcast for Kids (www.globalbroadcast4kids.com) helps kids learn about going green through his team of junior journalists.

Stefani Newman started teensygreen (www.teensygreen.com) in July of 2007 while living in Panama. With teensygreen, Stefani hopes to help modern, like-minded parents make economical, educational, and safe eco-choices for their families without feeling the need to turn their homes upside down!

If you aren't able to tune in this Friday, no worries, you can go online and download the podcast of the show. You are also able to sign-up and have a podcast of the weekly show sent to you automatically.

PODCAST: www.voiceamerica.com