Recently in Green for Homes Category
- Nearly half (49%) of U.S. homeowners are not aware if the cleaning products they use are environmentally safe.
- 58% are likely (likely/very likely/extremely likely) to purchase "green" cleaning products.
- 63% of homeowners are concerned (concerned/very concerned/extremely concerned) that cleaning products may be made with chemicals that may be hazardous to their health. One in five (21%) are extremely concerned.
- Carpet is the most common floor covering in U.S. homes. The majority of U.S. homeowners use carpet in bedrooms (80%), living rooms (65%), offices/dens (68%) and family rooms (63%).
- The majority (52%) of survey participants indicated the primary advantage of carpet is that it's comfortable. 41% say the biggest drawback is that it shows soil.
- Among homeowners who replaced their carpet, 49% did so because of wear while four in 10 (38%) replaced carpet due to soiling and staining issues.
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. homeowners have rugs in their homes.
- Half of U.S. homeowners (50 percent) say it's extremely or very important to hire a professional cleaning service that is certified by a professional organization.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an ANSI-accredited non-profit certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries.
How Healthy Are National Green Building Programs?, The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) compared green building and indoor air quality guidelines.
The study recommends the following improvements be made to several programs to reduce contaminants:
Except for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) all programs require compliance with the ventilation standard ASHRAE 62.2. NCHH recommends NAHB add this requirement to their guidelines.
The study recommends the following improvements be made to several programs to reduce contaminants:
- Avoid the use of mold susceptible materials in areas likely to get wet (bathrooms). Use dense glass gypsum board instead of paper-backed gypsum board.
- Require sub-slab depressurization systems [radon mitigation system ] in new homes to help reduce soil odors.
- Set the hot water heater to 120 degrees F. This is primarily a safety issue although setting the temperature to 120-140°F vs. 160-180°F saves 10% energy as well.
Except for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) all programs require compliance with the ventilation standard ASHRAE 62.2. NCHH recommends NAHB add this requirement to their guidelines.
You've probably noticed the side-loading clothes washers and wondered if they really save energy and water!
Yes, and YES!
Horizontal axis clothes washers cut power by 30% or washing and reduces water use by requiring less in the tub for each load.
You can also reduce dryer energy by 10 to 20% by using the new appliances designed for energy efficiency. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that you're getting models with the best energy efficiency.
If you have Solar PV cells or a Solar Thermal system...run your wash in the afternoons with solar hot water and solar power!
You can also save energy by hanging your clothes to dry. Indoors. Outdoors....take your choice...they are both zero energy options!
Energy Star Dishwashers
If you're the kind of cook who absolutely refuses to wash your dishes in the sink -- which is far more energy and water efficient than an appliance -- be sure to select the highest efficiency model using Energy Star rating. Look for the Energy Guide label.
Where you place your dishwasher and clothes washer can also save you money. By keeping the (Insulated pipes, of course!) plumbing lines to the waer heater SHORT, you save temperature cooling. And consider designing your water heater close to both kitchen and bathrooms for greatest building and energy economy!
Designing your energy and water infrastructure for efficiency is step one in energy savings. Nothing can make up for large houses, long distance plumbing, or inefficient applieances. And you can end up paying many times the initial cost of the construction in your rising energy bills! Think ahead to save for years to come.
Yes, and YES!
Horizontal axis clothes washers cut power by 30% or washing and reduces water use by requiring less in the tub for each load.
You can also reduce dryer energy by 10 to 20% by using the new appliances designed for energy efficiency. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that you're getting models with the best energy efficiency.
If you have Solar PV cells or a Solar Thermal system...run your wash in the afternoons with solar hot water and solar power!
You can also save energy by hanging your clothes to dry. Indoors. Outdoors....take your choice...they are both zero energy options!
Energy Star Dishwashers
If you're the kind of cook who absolutely refuses to wash your dishes in the sink -- which is far more energy and water efficient than an appliance -- be sure to select the highest efficiency model using Energy Star rating. Look for the Energy Guide label.
Where you place your dishwasher and clothes washer can also save you money. By keeping the (Insulated pipes, of course!) plumbing lines to the waer heater SHORT, you save temperature cooling. And consider designing your water heater close to both kitchen and bathrooms for greatest building and energy economy!
Designing your energy and water infrastructure for efficiency is step one in energy savings. Nothing can make up for large houses, long distance plumbing, or inefficient applieances. And you can end up paying many times the initial cost of the construction in your rising energy bills! Think ahead to save for years to come.
Glass windows are important for mental health and connections to the environment that surrounds us, but they also can be an energy drain as uncontrolled sunshine or cold winds penetrate into the building through these thin, hard surfaces. Here are some methods to reduce energy use through windows:
- Use high performance solar control windows designed for your climate. Insulated frames are better in some situations, non-metal frames in other.
- Attempt to orient your window spaces more to the south, with awnings to protect during summer heat.
- Aim for glass to floor area ratio of 15% or less.
- Add 2 - 3 foot overhangs on south facing windows in warm climates
- Use old-fashioned porches to protect windows and doors from weather -- sun, rain and heat
Zero Energy Homes are constructed (or remodeled) to reduce the amount of energy and balance usage with renewable energy generation. Here are some of the successful strategies that maximize energy conservation:
- Cut total electrical loads to 15 kWh per day
- Think less house, more efficiency, just say NO to McMansions
- Add 3-4 kW solar PV system with inverter to generate 15 kWh/day
- Effective solar water heating system with tankless gas water heater auxiliary
- Solar control measures to reduce air conditioning with good insulation, porches, reflective surfaces, and trees
- Well insulated building to reduce heating loads
- Use Energy Star rated appliances of all types: refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, televisions, computers
- Monitor real time energy use to guide your successful identification of key problem areas.
Exterior walls provide large surfaces that are exposed to the elements and interior walls can become tunnels of air in through interior spaces.
Energy conservation with wall construction provide a variety of options such as:
Energy conservation with wall construction provide a variety of options such as:
- Minimum R-19 insulation
- Inspect insulation to eliminate gaps that result from remodels or settling insulation
- Consider advanced framing or insulated headers
- R-10 exterior sheathing can prevent thermal bridges
- Light pastel paint colors in hot climates can reflect heat on exterior walls
- Green walls or trees outside West windows can also provide shade to reduce hot afternoon temperature rises
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 3rd 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.
Not only does Build it Green provide extensive training and educational forums, their green home rating system, GreenPoint Rated provides a new 3rd 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
