Going Green

LEED the way for the Future

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:20:00 +0000

LEED is a program sponsored by the United States Government to put a rating system to how green building is. LEED creates an incentive program for a building reducing their impact on the environment around them and for reducing their carbon footprint. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced on July 18, 2012 that there is a significant number of groups pursuing LEED Certification. The focus on green and high performance buildings have drastically increased.

The voluntary rating system has caught the attention of many throughout the community. 1.5 million square feet of commercial real estate are being LEED certified each day. Many in the private sector are seeing the long term tax and zoning benefits of the different levels of LEED certification. The incentives were placed to help offset the initial construction cost. Long term benefits of lower utility bills for the life of the building is another major advantage.

LEED Certified buildings use less water and electricity by utilizing different techniques. A low flow shower head helps reduce water used, while energy efficient light bulbs reduce energy cost. It is estimated that 8 million jobs are created with the LEED Program and contributes $554 billion to the US Economy each year. Government buildings that are Certified also save taxpayers 10s of millions each year.

The LEED Certification process starts during the planning phase of the construction of the building. The desired level of Certification is chosen and a plan is implemented to achieve that level. Many steps for water and energy efficiency must be taken to get the appropriate number of points in each category. A LEED Certified Professional would visit the construction site many times to inspect and verify each step. The final inspection results in an overall rating determining the level of Certification. Different tax and zoning advantages hinge on the rating received.

Click here to contact a LEED Certified Professional. The Professional may also be able to provide tips and techniques to be used during the construction phase of the building. The LEED Certification Program has quickly become the most widely used voluntary program ranking system. The market implemented the program at a higher adoption rate than ever before. The benefits have long term gains to any company’s bottom line and can save bundles each and every month. Building techniques continue to be developed, refined, and shared in the community to help aid in the Certification of future building projects.

Reference: Leighanna Cumbie

Green Construction is the newest trend in home building

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:35:00 +0000

Going green is caming to your home with new ways of building and construction The green revolution is slowly but surely taking root in the construction industry like in all other arenas of modern life. Today world awareness of global warming and environmental issues becomes common knowledge and all around the world people are starting to act on this very critical problem in many ways, and as we shall see, the most immediate way to adapt good “Green Habits” is at our home. We don’t need to go out there and fight with all the big destructive “Red industries” such as the petroleum industry, to save our precious planet, but rather we can do it quietly yet effectively with green design and construction of our home. More then ever the old saying “charity begins at home” proves to be right, only now a days this charity can have far reaching ramifications that can benefit also our big home – our planet. Green construction will become the convention as more and more ecological regulations and laws supervising the industrial sector are mandated. The cities of the future will be completely self sustainable in terms of energy consumption, and architects will need to follow strict green design and construction criteria. As a matter of fact, most of the technology for environmental friendly construction already exists and it is only a question of time until we see it being implemented on a regular basis in home and building design. General contractors too will need to reassess their approach to home improvement and remodeling, putting Eco friendly concepts on green construction to use on every job they do. For instance, recycling of old materials from the job site is completely easy to do with huge benefits to the environment in terms of waist control and reduction. Builders and general contractors only need to do a small attitude revision and a little learning to upgrade and take part in this global change of going green. The industrial revolution that started 150 years ago brought advances but also marked the beginning of dangers down slope to the environment. Now is the time to start using technologies that can work harmoniously with the wonderful world we live in without compromising our quality of life. Smart green design and construction is the way to go and general contractor and re-modelers as well as home owners are obligated to consider how to implement green construction technologies and products on every remodeling projectArticle Submission, small or big !. Reference: Moshe

GREEN ARCHITECTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:03:00 +0000

Green Architecture is a concept developed to encourage sustainable development. It brings transformation to design and construction in both developed and developing economy. The paper analyses the nature of design and construction in Nigeria on the basis of green and sustainable practice. It surmises that the concept of green architecture will affect the nature of architecture and design which depends on the choice of materials, the construction techniques, the calculated cost of construction and the climatic conditions in Nigeria. It posits that the developmental concept of green architecture in Nigeria will encourage sustainable development and environmental protection.

Green Architecture and Courtyard System:

Green architecture, or green design, is an approach to building that minimizes harmful effects on human health and the environment. The "green" architect or designer attempts to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices. Green architecture entails adequate natural ventilation systems designed for efficient heating and cooling, appropriate energy-efficient lighting and appliances, adequate and appropriate landscapes that ensures maximum passive solar energy. Generally green architecture ensures minimal harm to the natural habitat. Location of building on site, including access, and utility supply routes; Arrangement of internal rooms, and doors and windows; Dimensions of building and environmental components Finally it takes into consideration the Color, texture, ornamentation of building in relationship to the environment.

A Court or courtyard is an enclosed area, often a space enclosed by a building that is open to the sky and areas in inns and public buildings were often the primary meeting places for some purposes, leading to the other meanings of court (Wikipedia, 2012c). Courtyards have always been part of residential architecture for a very long time. It has been historically used for many purposes which included cooking, sleeping, working, playing, gardening, and even places to keep animals (Wikipedia, 2012c).

One of the great attributes of courtyard design concept is that it allows for good fenestration and privacy. It allows for good flow of indoor and outdoor activities thereby removing the pressure of activities within a given space. Courtyard regulates the micro climate within the enclosure through the free use of vegetation. In densely populated areas, a courtyard in a home can provide privacy for a family, a break from the frantic pace of everyday life, and a safe place for children to play. With space at a premium, architects are experimenting with courtyards as a way to provide outdoor space for small communities of people at a time.

In contemporary African setting like in Nigeria, one of the finest aspects of cooking and dining outside is to enjoy the nature with friends and family which is accommodated in a courtyard.

Courtyard design accommodates the requirements of the permanent resident, whilst offering the flexibility required by the transient occupation of holiday accommodation. In traditional houses, courtyards perform an important task as a modifier of climate. It allows outdoor activities to occur with protection from wind, dust, and sun (Petherbridge, 1995).

Courtyards serve as light-wells in a building type that restricts exterior windows (Wikipedia, 2012c). They also serve as air-wells into which the cool, dense night air sinks. Since the courtyard is usually protected by walls, loggias, or galleries sun rays do not heat it until later in the day. When the sun reaches the court and heated air rises, convection current set up airflow that ventilates the house and keeps it cool Abarkan and Salama (2000).

References:
Abarkan, A. and Salama

What Is an LEED-Certified Home?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:35:00 +0000

LEED certification means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is created by the US Green Building Council. This measures the construction practices used during a home structure. This provides buyers home that are environmentally friendly.

For your home to be LEED certified, its construction should embody eco-friendly practices, which include using recycled materials, minimizing or eliminating waste generated due to construction and using materials that do not emit harmful chemicals or substances to nature. The LEED home certification is a wonderful guide for homeowners who want to buy or renovate their present homes and make it more nature friendly. In order to be certified, your home will also be assessed by a third party and ensure that you get certification by adhering to eco-friendly standards.

The LEED certification promotes constructing or designing green homes. It uses eight various categories to measure a home's overall performance. Every category has a certain number of credits and each credit is worth 1 or more points. A home is presented a LEED certification rating based on the total points scored. The four certifications include LEED Certified for homes scoring from 45 to 50 points, LEED Silver for homes with scores 60 to 74 points; LEED Gold is for those homes with 75 to 89 points and LEED Platinum for homes scoring from 90 to 128 points. The builder may choose which credits to comply for a home to be certified.

Among the four categories, there are eight mandatory measures to be completed in each LEED-certified home. The eight categories and possible points are given below:

1. Innovation and Design Process - nine points are given for using unique regional credits, special design methods, measures not presently addressed in the Rating system and excellent performance levels.

2. Linkages and Location - ten points for placing homes in environmentally and socially responsible measures in relation to the bigger community.

3. Sustainable Sites - twenty-one points for using the whole property to minimize the project's effect on the site.

4. Water Efficiency - fifteen points for outdoor and indoor water conservation methods that are built into the home.

5. Energy and Atmosphere - thirty-eight points for improving energy efficiency, especially in the heating and cooling design.

6. Resources and Materials - fourteen points for choosing environmentally preferable materials, minimizing waste during building and using materials efficiently.

7. Indoor Environmental Quality - twenty points for improving the quality of indoor air by lowering possible pollution in the air.

8. Awareness and Education - three points for educating a homeowner, building manager and tenant regarding the maintenance and operations of the energy features of their homes.

The LEED is the sole national homes rating system that defines and establishes clearly benchmarks for a green home's feature. It allows builders around the county to get a green LEED rating recognized by homebuyers around the country. Builders using LEED can differentiate their homes as some of the best homes in the real estate market. Moreover, a LEED certification makes it easy for buyers to easily identify high quality eco-friendly homes.

Reference: Sonia_C_Llesol

What Makes An LEED-Certified Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Before we discuss the makings of LEED-certified home, let us first understand what LEED certification is and why it is important. This rating system stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, formed by the US Green Building Council. This system measures the construction practices followed during the building of a structure or home. This allows the buyers to purchase or build a home that is environmentally friendly.

Its importance:
With the deteriorating state of our environment, having a certifying body that will look into how homes and buildings are built is greatly needed. This will aid homeowners and contractors in monitoring their usage of natural resources. The waste produced and its implication to the environment.

On top of the monitoring, the LEED certification team works hard to promote a better alternative of building structures, an option that will not include hurting the environment. It is admirable how many professionals have worked hard to ensure that the quality is not compromised while following the principles of eco-friendly building. Such principles include the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials, conservation of water, efficient use of energy and preserving the quality of air that will be circulating inside the property.

Better understanding of the LEED certification:
Note that there are four levels of LEED. Corresponding points are given to the properties. The number of points will determine the level of certification from the LEED. There is certified, silver, gold and platinum. Each level has a set of requirements. To be certified, the building project has to apply for it and submit the essential documents. If the certification body is satisfied with, the requirements submitted, then a certificate will be issued.

In order to be certified, the construction of the property should embody the eco-friendly practices. This includes the use of recycled materials, reducing or eliminating the waste generated because of the construction and using materials that do not emit harmful substances to the environment.
The LEED for homes is a great way to guide homeowners who want to purchase or renovate their existing homes and make it more environmentally friendly. To be certified is not easy. Aside from the guidelines to be followed, a third party will be assessing the property. They will validate any claims you have made. They will also ensure that you earn the certification by following eco-friendly standards in building or renovating homes.

Following the LEED guidelines is crucial even if you are not aiming to be certified. Following such guidelines will help you conserve energy, which means lowering your utility bills. This will also help you conserve water and provide you with a better quality of air at home.

It is time to pay attention to the real condition of our environment. Through this, we will be able to make the necessary changes and help improve its state. The LEED certification is one way of making our world a better place. Builders will be more careful with the materials and processes they use for the construction. This will also give a better option for homebuyers. Now, they will be properly guided when purchasing an eco-friendly property or renovating their exiting home.

Consider the Tempe AZ Real Estate and the Tempe AZ Condos for your next home.

Reference: Roby_Hicks

Go Green With Bamboo Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Going green with interior design and outdoor décor isn't just an environmentally conscious factor; it's also an aesthetically pleasing way to add some character and texture to a room. Bamboo is a great natural resource that many companies are using to make their products more green friendly. Bamboo is considered a green resource because of its eco-friendly building techniques. Here are some examples on how to go green with bamboo furniture.

Bamboo fencing is an easy way to create a perimeter around an outdoor area or even used as a room divider indoors. Use this fencing in the backyard and anywhere inside the home.
Bamboo rugs are much more convenient than traditional rugs because they absorb less dust and are much easier to clean. Bamboo rugs are easy to store when not in use and come in a neutral color that will match any color scheme.

Tiki bars are a staple when it comes to decorating a tropical-themed outdoor environment. Authentic tiki bars are made of bamboo panels and bamboo thatch structure and become a great addition to a home that hosts many outdoor summer cookouts and barbeques. Tiki statues are another supplement that can make for a fun conversational piece.

Outdoor furniture doesn't have to be cheaply made or disposable after every summer season. There's a small majority of people who buy cheap, plastic sun chairs and tables that they will usually get rid of in a few months or a year. Instead, invest in outdoor furniture, such as lawn chairs, chaises, and table and chair sets made of bamboo for durable and sturdy furniture that not only looks great, but is also helpful to the environment. Instead of buying cheap furniture from the local grocery store or drug store, look into shopping online or at the neighborhood lawn good store for bamboo furniture that will last a lifetime.

Bamboo blinds are taking over as the best in contemporary design in window coverings. Bamboo blinds can be designed and cut to fit any and window frame. Pair these blinds with complementary drapery to make for a stunning focal point in a living room or bedroom.

Reference: Ryan_Frank

Going Green on Home Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:20:00 +0000

The campaign for living an eco-friendly lifestyle has never been so intense compared to how it was in the previous years. One definite reason for this is because we can now obviously see the earth's deterioration and feel its impact on our lives. Where else could there be the best place to start green living but right in our own homes.

For the exterior of the house there are eco-friendly construction or building materials that can alternatively used to create an eco-friendly home. As for the interior, there are of course some green alternative such as eco-friendly home furniture and decorations. Going green for furniture could be done in three possible means. First is to buy used home pieces. Second is to create your own pieces and choose organic and green materials. Third is to buy brand new sets which are guaranteed to be made from eco-friendly materials.

Whichever of the three is chosen, there are some guidelines to keep in mind so as to ensure that that the furniture will really be a contribution for a greener earth. Thrift stores are generally selling low cost items for the home, some are pre-used home furniture and furnishings. Other places where second hand home furniture may be bought are garage sales and antique shops.

Most furniture for the home is made of wood. However, look for a kind of wood that is quick to grow compared to other trees like mango or bamboo or other kinds of woods which comes with certification from the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC. This FSC is a nonprofit group that promotes preservation of all forests worldwide and sets healthy wood standard for use in the industry. Recycling is always a good alternative when it comes to greener living at home or in any other areas. When it comes to home furniture, there are times when a new furniture is not at all needed. Sometimes all the furniture needs is repainting and refurbishing and it will again look like new.

Choose a paint or varnish that is non-toxic, add a few pieces of new and highlighting hardware like knobs. Upholstering is also another means to make the furniture look brand new. Use seat covers that are made or organic cloth and fiber instead of leather. Vintage cloths would be nice to cast a classic interior home style. Leather seem like a good option when it comes to durability for it will definitely last long. However, various elements in the environment are affected with the processing of leather. Leather comes from animals pastured and allowed to graze in cleared forests. The raw material needs to be processed in factories thereby consuming energy and fuel. So leather is not a good option for eco-friendly home furniture.

Buying local produces is also a helpful way in living a green lifestyle. There are stores nearby that produces, creates and makes their own furniture pieces out of locally grown materials like bamboo. Buying local product also lessens the cost and the need for shipping fees and fuel costs.

Reference:W_Tsang

Cordwood Houses - A Green Alternative

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Cordwood masonry construction consists of taking uniform lengths of wood and stacking them to form some sort of wall held together by masonry. It's really that simple, but there are lots of variations.
The name "cordwood"comes from the material: uniform lengths of wood like the sort you'd find in a firewood stack, which, of course, is measured in "cords" and hence sometimes called "cordwood". The technique is also called "stackwall"construction or "stovewood" construction.

The pieces of wood are stacked just as you would stack a pile of firewood, except that with each course you lay down two parallel lines of mortar along the outside edges of the stack. The mortar is roughly 4"wide. If you're using 24" long pieces of wood you end up with a space between the mortar, inside the wall space, of about 16". This should be filled with some sort of insulation. You can use fibreglass, rockwool, sawdust or just about anything else that will restrict air flow and heat loss. If you're going off grid and trying to be low impact get creative.

If you're building in a remote area with little manpower remember: getting a 10" thick 15 foot log can be pretty tough. Ropes, planks, pulleys and extra hands can help you accomplish it, but if you've only got one or two people imagine how much easier it is to build the same 15' long wall with 16" pieces.
Before you begin building you need to collect materials. You will need a source of wood rounds, some sort of mortaring materials (cement, lime, sand, sawdust and paper can be used, but other materials will work as well). If you're able to, do yourself a favour and get a small cement mixer. You'll also need some lumber to frame windows and doors, and you'll need some sort of structure for the roof. If you can acquire whatever windows and doors you're going to use, all the better, as you'll be able to frame the rough in holes properly.
The wood should be dry, and de-barked. Remember that cutting, stripping and drying the wood to optimum conditions could be a three year project. Also remember that you can build with green wood if utilitarian shelter is the goal (you can build the cordwood mansion once you're established)
Like all building, you need to start with a foundation. The type of foundation depends on where you're building. Something that's going to be inspected and has to meet a building code will almost certainly require some concrete work, even if only sono-tube piers. A more remote area will allow you more flexibility. In fact, in a very remote area it would be feasible to dig a shallow trench along the perimeter of the building and fill it with rocks a few inches higher than grade level, and then start building the wall on top (the key in this sort of environment is to get past vegetative soil and into mineral soil - sand, gravel or hardpan - which won't deteriorate and move after you've built on it. A rock filled trench will not transfer moisture above the water line.

You could also right on rock, if a large enough space is available, or construct a frame of timbers or logs laid on top of large rocks. Keep an eye on drainage, and remember that you can build a level interior floor afterwards, whether of wood or fill.
Once you have the foundation you can begin building the walls. Walls run from corner to corner, corner to an intersection with another wall, or between two intersections. Corners and intersections are structural opportunities. If you've created a frame of large timbers your structure should be solid before you start filling in the space. If you aren't using a timber frame you'll have to figure out how to tie corners and wall intersections together. It's possible to create interlocking corners, log cabin style, with lengths of wood long enough to be structural but small enough for one person to handle and place.
The walls can consist strictly of log rounds, of split rounds or a combination of the two. Placement of each piece of cordwood can be random or planned, in order to accomplish a tight fit and an eye pleasing design.
Doors and windows start by placing a frame on the wall at the lowest level of the opening, and then stacking and mortaring the cordwood to the side and then over the top of the frame. The frame can be temporary, and removed once the wall has set, or it can be the permanent frame to which the doors and windows get attached.

Thickness of the walls depends on climate. In warm areas thinner walls are acceptable, but the further north you go the thicker you need to make the walls. In some parts of Canada a two wall system (one exterior and one interior) are sometimes used.
The style of roof depends on personal taste, location, the environment and the structure. If snowload is high it makes sense to use a steep roof, if water collection is part of the plan then different materials will be needed, and a large roof are will need a string structure to keep it up. One common characteristic, however, is big overhangs. The less weather touches the walls, the better. Make it a minimum of 16 inches.
Roofing material can be almost anything. There are tin roofed cordwood homes, as well as earthen roofed ones. Again, creativity, strength, safety and low impact are the goals. There are many solutions available.
Cordwood home technology has been around at least 1,000 years, and probably longer. They can be very affordable to build, and can be built by one person if need be. As such, they are an excellent option for someone going off grid.

Reference: Rob_Chipman

Stone Homes - The Environmentally Friendly and Aesthetic Habitat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:26:00 +0000

Stone houses are environment friendly structures that display an aesthetic sense of its owner. Easily available, stone can be considered as one of the most durable construction materials with a wide range of texture options.

In ancient times, various civilizations made use of stone to build their houses. This was because stone was probably the only available building material excluding mud and trees. Even in the modern era, eco-friendly houses have gained immense popularity because of their magnificent properties. Houses constructed with the help of stones are capable enough to resist fire, wind, water as well as various insects including termites.

Some stone houses provide a natural, unique appearance that reminds one of the European castles.

To avail the maximum benefits of these artistic constructions, it is suggested to use durable stones such as granite and avoid stones the wear down over time, such as limestone. Furthermore, purchasing of previously chopped stone is a wiser alternate to escape from the time consuming and laborious phase of stone cutting. However, the top suited stone for home construction is one, which is available in the respective local area so that transportation does not become an issue.

Sustainability and durability adds an extra spark to the elegance of these stone homes without costing much for maintenance and care. There are many historical examples to speak about sustainability of simple yet graceful stone houses where they have witnessed many centuries.

Pyramids, made up of stone, attributed to be a one of the beautiful creators, across the world, are best examples to display stone's strength. Various historical stone buildings, especially constructed following the European-style stone houses have been around for thousand years and will probably remain the same for centuries.

Beside environmentally friendly abilities, stone homes also deserve a round of applause for their natural beauty that does not demand any painting or siding. In addition, the stone homes are comfortable nests and if constructed with passive solar design, they have ability to store heat within its walls. The absorbed heat is likely to radiate throughout the house, all night, creating a cozy and warm environment for the users. Above all stone homes are easy to clean and can be washed with simple water.

Proper planning as well as availability of a construction expert plays an important role to maximize stone home benefits. Furthermore, it is crucial to choose a quality stone along with proper technique to assemble them. It can be seriously harmful to choose an inferior quality stone that is not strong enough to support the required weight.

In spite of an array of benefits, the stone home owner also faces some difficulties with them. Customization is one such issue. For older homes, replacement of stones may present a particular challenge.

Some expensive stones, commonly used for flooring, including tiles may be cold and very hard under foot. It's not recommended to use softer stones because they are prone to strains, moisture and scratches.

All in all, however, the owners of stone homes are generally happy with the strength, durability, security, energy savings, environmental soundness and natural beauty of these structures.

Reference: Dwight_Smoot

Shipping Container Homes and Why They Make Sense

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:15:00 +0000

It's amazing to think that the shipping container that brought your TV from overseas can now be the home that you live in.

In the early 1950's in America families could buy a modest new home for around $20,000 after you added in the property taxes, furniture, appliances and move-in costs. In today's real estate market in the United States, purchasing the same type of house in a typical middle class neighborhood might cost you around $200,000 depending on the location and other factors.

But now many people looking to buy a new home are buying them for the same price as their parents or grandparents did in the 1950's at around $20,000. The difference is they're buying homes not make of wood or traditional materials. They're buying shipping container homes. That's right-homes made from used steel containers that once carried merchandise on large ships. And they're not what you would first imagine. These are nice, desirable homes.

Shipping Container Homes Are Easy To Get and Easy To Get Into
A lot of people are looking into using recycled cargo containers as a material source for building homes. They certainly are a green alternative to other materials and using them does a lot of good for the recycling community. We don't notice it very much but there are quite a lot of unused, empty cargo containers sitting at ports all around the world doing nothing but taking up space. Or worse yet, being sent off to landfill.

Manufacturers of goods and the shipping companies that ship those goods see them as disposable items, throwaways just like the soda cans so many consumers still don't see value in. It's actually rather expensive for countries to ship unused and empty containers back to their country of origin and quite often it's cheaper to buy new containers when the need for them arise.

Costs for cargo containers vary but on average you can get a used one for about $1,500. The average container has about 350 square feet of space. Someone who wants a 3,000 square foot home would have to pay approximately $80 per square foot to have a home built using traditional methods. In some parts of the U.S. it costs well over $100 per square foot.

Container homes cost about four and a half dollars per square foot (the cost is just for the frame, not including the construction and finishing work). But do the calculations and you'll see the basic (frame only) cost for a 3,000 square foot home built from recycled containers is about $13,500. Even with the added cost of having to configure and finish the basic units to make them into a home it's still quite a savings over traditional home building methods.

Shipping Container Homes Are Being Accepted As Part of Society
So far the most popular places for building cargo container homes has been in parts of Asia and in the former Soviet Union. But recently shipping container houses have started showing up in the United States, specifically in southern California.

Of course it does take a bit of construction work to fix up these steel containers including installing insulation, plumbing, electrical, windows and doors. Yet, when all is said and done, the homes are made from recycled materials, cheap and unique. And this is just what many green home owners are looking for right now.

Reference: Derrick_Taylor

Going Green - Developing Eco-Friendly Architecture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 22:14:00 +0000

One of the biggest buzzwords of 2008 and most likely continuing in 2009 is Sustainability. The Going Green movement is underway and has been branded as a means of protecting the environment and saving households money. From changing your light bulbs and taking your own bags to the supermarket to recycling and driving more efficient vehicles, the eco-friendly movement has taken the media by storm. You have changed your home to reflect a more conscious living environment, but have you adapted your business?

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to sustainable building practices. This organization works to increase the number of structures that "are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work," according to the USGBC website. This organization is the primary leader behind the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. This system evaluates both homes and businesses to certify a structure meets national accepted benchmarks for green design.

LEED Rating Systems
Adapting can not only move your business in a more eco-conscience direction, "greening" can also save money in the long haul. Determining the proper LEED certification for your building is the first step. There are different LEED Rating Systems for various building projects - New Construction, Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, Commercial Interiors, Core & Shell, Schools, Retail, Healthcare, Homes, and Neighborhood Developments. Each rating system focuses on core design concepts: finding sustainable sites to build, water efficiency, optimize energy performance and atmosphere, locating proper materials and resources, and creating efficient indoor environment quality. For more information on these LEED rating systems, see the USGBC website at www.usgb.com.

LEED Professional Accreditation
Becoming LEED certified professional can be achieved through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). These professionals have honed the skills necessary to complete the LEED certification process and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and the Rating System. For more information on becoming a LEED Professional, see the GBCI website at www.gbci.org

If you are in the process of becoming a designer, these options may be appealing to you. For instance, those studying for an Interior Design Degree, CAD certification, or Visual Communications may all be interested in green building design. Interior Designers who are well-versed in the proper materials needed to complete a sustainable room may find a niche in the green market. Completing CAD training and LEED Accreditation can ensure that you know the proper tools and have the proper training necessary to design and implement an eco-conscience home or building. Finding a way to implement your current career into sustainable building will create a new demographic for your business.

Reference: Crystal_Ware

Why Go Green? 8 Benefits to Green Living For Your Health and the Health of Our World

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 20:43:00 +0000

You may be asking yourself the question, why go green? Green living, renewable energy sources, and sustainable materials are all the newest and most exciting buzz words of recent years, for good reason.
The health benefits you can enjoy from making greener choices are amazing. You can impact the health of the environment in your local area and ultimately, the world by simply making a few crucial changes to your lifestyle.

Environmental and Health Benefits of Going Green

1) Foot power - ride your bicycle, walk, or run to your destination rather than driving your vehicle. You'll save money on gas and you'll enjoy excellent cardiovascular health as a result of using your own energy to arrive where you want to go. Do some sightseeing on the way too! Fly or take a train for traveling to destinations outside of your local area.

2) Enjoy hot water for free - solar water heating systems are built to last for a minimum of 15 years, but can last up to 40 years. The best part is that you'll enjoy free heated water after about 4-8 years. It's an energy efficient way to go green at home. Tax credits and incentives are also available to homeowners who opt for solar powered appliances over conventional models.

3) Fewer landfills - How many times have you been driving down the road and noticed furniture and other odds and ends out for the garbage? Many times those items are still in perfectly beautiful condition and could be repurposed into something new and different.
The point is this - consider recycling or repurposing household items like furniture into something new with a coat of paint or new hardware instead of putting it out on the curb where it will ultimately end up in the landfill. Less stuff in the landfill means a healthier environment for everyone, especially future generations.

4) Beautifully illuminated landscaping - solar powered lights are an excellent way to dress up your landscape while positively impacting the environment. You'll use less electricity, save money, and cut back on the amount of fossil fuels your family uses to light up the outside of your house, garden, or pool area.

5) Healthier bodies - eating fresh whole organic foods provides the fuel our bodies need to function optimally. The benefits of making greener food choices are increased longevity, better tasting foods, and feeling good about supporting your local growers.
Are you beginning to understand the answers to the question, "why go green?" It's much easier to incorporate a greener lifestyle than most people think, so keep reading for more excellent ideas.

6) Support the local economy - grow your own vegetables or purchase produce and meats locally from farmers markets and food cooperatives. You're automatically helping the environment because the amount of fossil fuels required to ship or truck in fresh food to the grocery store is cut considerably.

7) Free power - solar battery chargers enable you to have electricity anywhere you go; that has sunlight of course. Power your cell phone, laptop, lights, RV's, boats, and hand-held devices without the concern of the location of an electrical outlet. You'll help save the environment at the same time you're enjoying free electricity!

8) Green household cleaners - make your own household cleaners or choose all-natural products to make your home sparkle. Synthetic and harmful chemicals are found in nearly every conventional cleaning product on the market. These chemicals could potentially do long-term damage to our bodies and definitely to the environment as they flow down drains and seep into the ground. Why go green with cleaners? No more worrying about harsh smells or chemical reactions - you'll simply enjoy a cleaner healthier home environment, naturally.
Now if someone asks you, "why go green?" you have plenty of answers for them!

Reference: M.S._Rochell

Solar Solutions - Heat Pumps Are One Of Them!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 22:55:00 +0000

The sun has been around since the beginning of time but only in recent years has the world started to see the benefits of using solar energy. The sun is an important source of energy that all the plants and animals on the planet rely on. The world needs the sun in order to be what it is, and as people continue to look for better energy sources, the sun is the best and most viable option.

Solar energy is clean and efficient and the fact that the sun will always be around means that people around the world can depend on this renewable energy source. With proper technology, the solar energy can be used for many different needs. By turning to the solar solutions, people can save a lot on energy costs, while also helping to protect the environment. Water used for domestic and commercial use can be heated using solar energy.

The clean technology is increasingly becoming popular across the world, as people continue to look for ways to enhance their way of life. Having an in-floor heating system that uses solar water to transfer heat offers the perfect solution for most buildings. The possibilities for solar water installations are many and new ones are being developed each day. The only drawback of using the solar energy has been the high cost of installation. This however is now changing.

New developments and technology are coming up with cheaper solar solutions that can be implemented in more households. As engineers and other experts continue to come up with new and more efficient systems, solar will become the energy source of choice for different industries. To use the solar heat effectively, there is the need for a proper solar water system. A powerful and reliable system will be able to handle more situations that are complex.

Solar heat pumps rely on solar energy and they can be used to heat swimming pools without having to think about high-energy costs. The pumps use the solar thermal energy from thermal panels installed in the property. When the heat from the sun gets to the panels, a voltage is created that is then used to power the heat pumps.

There are new heat pumps in the market that are designed to work all year round in any kind of weather. These reliable pumps are ideal for those who live in cold regions as they can get hot water even when there is pouring rain. The pumps come in different models ideal for different uses. The environmentally friendly systems can be used for both large scale and small-scale solutions, and there are even some for commercial use.

In many regions, companies are offering loans to those who opt to install solar solutions. As more people continue to realize the benefits of using renewable energy sources like solar, the environment will be protected. Over reliance on traditional energy sources has brought about degradation of the environment and many countries are putting measures in place to try and reverse this trend.

There are a lot of different solar solutions improving these days. One of them is the use of solar heat pumps for hot water.

Reference: Kristen_Sundberg

Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 22:42:00 +0000

Whether for environmental concerns or for the money-saving aspect, more and more people are choosing to use energy-efficient products. Amongst these products are a relatively new product called compact fluorescent (or CFL) light bulbs. What are CFL light bulbs, why are the better for the environment, and how do they work?

How Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs Help the Environment
Eco-friendly light bulbs are gaining popularity throughout the world because of their reduced environmental impact and the money saved by reduced energy bills. These bulbs use a lower wattage of electricity to produce the same amount of light as older, traditional bulbs.
By using less electricity for the same amount of light, eco-friendly light bulbs help reduce carbon output. Despite recent advances in renewable energy, a majority of the world's electricity is created by means of coal-burning power plants and other carbon-producing methods. By reducing the amount of energy needed for any task, green-minded people can greatly reduce their personal impact on the environment.

Compact Fluorescent (CFL) vs. Incandescent Light Bulbs

While fluorescent lighting has been available for many years, for a long time the bulbs were only available in the long, tube-shaped variety. The only bulbs available to fit many fixtures were incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs work by heating a coil inside the light bulbs, called a filament, to a high temperature. This produces light. However, incandescent bulbs convert only 5% of the energy they use into light.
In contrast, CFL bulbs use on average 75% less energy to achieve the same amount of light. CFL bulbs also last years longer than their incandescent counterparts, meaning less waste for consumers. Combining the energy savings of a CFL bulb with the bulb's extended life translates to a potential savings of $30 or more during the lifetime of each bulb. This makes purchasing CFL bulbs not only an environmentally-friendly option, but a budget-savvy decision as well.

How Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Light Bulbs Work
Rather than using heat to create light, fluorescent light bulbs rely on a chemical reaction. The bulbs are filled with a gas that produced ultraviolet (UV) light when it comes into contact with electricity. The amount of electricity needed to excite the gas and produce light in this manner is just a fraction of the power needed to use incandescent bulbs.
Since UV light is not visible to the human eye, it must go through a special filter in order to be useful. Fluorescent light bulbs contain a white coating on the inside of the bulb that acts as this filter; when the UV light passes though the coating, it changes into light that you can see.
While most traditional, tube-style fluorescent lights have a self-contained ballast, most require a separate ballast in order to function. CFL bulbs, on the other hand, always contain their own ballast. Since external ballasts should always be changed by a licensed electrician, the built-in ballast in a CFL bulb makes the product easy for consumers to use and change.

EnergyStar Light Bulbs
EnergyStar is a joint program of the United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency that identifies energy efficient products. Look for the EnergyStar logo on any light bulbs you purchase to be sure that they are energy efficient and therefore environmentally friendly.
In order to receive the EnergyStar seal, products must meet stringent energy use standards. The seal appears on all energy efficient products sold in the United States, encouraging consumers to be conscious of their personal energy usage.

Proper Disposal of Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Light Bulb
Despite the energy-saving advantages of CFL light bulbs, in order to maximize their eco-friendly potential, they must be properly disposed of after they burn out. This is because there is a small amount of the element mercury contained within each bulb. The amount is minimal (over 100 times smaller than the amount found in most mercury thermometers), but is required for fluorescent light bulbs to function and no substitute has yet been found.
Mercury is a naturally-occurring element and can be found in the air, soil, and water in small amounts. These natural deposits of mercury are small and are generally not considered a health threat. However, excessive amounts of mercury can be extremely harmful to humans, leading to symptoms ranging from impairment of the senses to death.
The most common cause of mercury poisoning is by easting contaminated fish. Aquatic ecosystems are very sensitive to environmental hazards because aquatic life acts as a natural water filter. Fish filter contaminated water through their gills, and deposits of these toxins and impurities build up in the fish's tissues.
In order to keep these trace amounts of mercury from contaminating groundwater and accumulating to dangerous levels, all fluorescent bulbs including CFL bulbs should disposed of properly. In order to find CFL disposal programs in your area, try the following:

Call Earth911 at 1-800-CLEAN-UP to find local or nearby disposal sites by zip code.
EnergyStar certified CFL bulbs all have a two-year warranty. If your CFL bulbs burns out before this warranty period expires, return the bulb to your retailer for a replacement.
Some retailers, such as IKEA, encourage the safe disposal of CFL bulbs by offering collection services at their retail outlets. Many other major retailers are considering similar programs as well.
If there are no CFL disposal programs available in your area and your only option is putting them in your household trash, minimize the risk of environmental contamination by securely sealing each bulb inside of a plastic bag.

Phasing Out Incandescent Light Bulbs
Many countries are moving forward with legislation and other measures to eliminate the use of inefficient incandescent bulbs. Canada and Australia are both working toward phasing out the old style bulbs in favor of new, eco-friendly options.
A number of US states are also looking into similar measures, and a voluntary push in the UK offers retailers incentives to remove old light bulbs from their shelves. As global awareness of issues like climate change and environmental conservation continue to grow, it is likely that more countries will begin to enforce such regulations.

Reference: Jacob_S_L_Smith

Why Choose an Eco-Building?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:24:00 +0000

An Eco-building is a building which has been designed to minimise its impact on the environment. This can be achieved in many ways;

Sustainability of the materials it is constructed from
Energy Efficiency
Impact on the environment in the event of demolition of the building

Sustainability of Materials
An eco-building should be constructed from materials which are demonstrably responsibly sourced and, if possible, renewable. So we need to think about where the materials have come from and if they can be replaced.
Certain materials traditionally used, such as stone are clearly naturally occurring - but not immediately renewable - and have an obvious impact on the environment when extracted.
Bricks are made from naturally occurring clay, but again have an obvious impact during extraction of the clay and a less widely known impact through the bi-product of fluorine which is a highly reactive element that is dangerous to humans.
Many options- but the only truly sustainable, renewable and natural construction material is timber. Timber has been used in construction for centuries and ancient timber buildings can be found throughout the world: particularly in Scandinavian countries.
By using timber in your green building, not just in the frame of the building, but for the internal and external walls as well you can be confident in a truly sustainable building envelope.
Look for FSC and PEFC certification to confirm sustainable sourcing.

Energy Efficiency
As the cost of energy increases and potential for shortages in the future grows, an eco-building will ensure that energy use is minimised in order to reduce ongoing costs and, if possible, dependency.
High levels of insulation are a must: the "U" values of your new building should be checked to ensure that lost energy is being minimised. The "U" values will often be shown against different elements of the building such as windows, flooring cassette or walls. Make sure that there are no weak spots. If you have selected a wooden building such as MPL (Machine Profile Log) then low "U" values such as 0.16W/m²K for the roof and windows potentially as low as 1.0W/m²K will be an obvious attraction.
Good natural light has multiple benefits: financially it will help reduce energy bills, however, more important are the personal benefits as sunlight not only improves mood but general health and well-being and is even proven to kill germs within the furniture and building. Your eco-building should give opportunities for sun-tubes and roof lights to help increase the natural light especially in corridors.
Ventilation is also an important consideration in your new eco-building. Avoid expensive cooling systems and ensure that there is adequate passive ventilation. Such simple options as opening windows and electronically operated roof lights can help to ensure that there is good air-flow. Make a good choice of sustainable materials ie timber log walling: wood is able to better regulate humidity than artificial materials and does not retain any electro-static charge. This is of benefit in particular to allergy sufferers which account for approximately 1:4 of the population.
Don't forget - insulation works both ways keeping summer heat out as well as winter heat in!

Impact on the environment after demolition
Depending on the choice of sustainable building the lifespan will vary. An MPL wooden building will typically last well in excess of 80 years. The larch cladding alone will last 60 - 80 years without treatment. Eventually, almost all buildings come to an end of their natural life, whether through degradation of materials of advances in construction and design making them obsolete. You need to make sure that your new eco-building will not be a burden to the next generation.
Check to see that the materials offer a sensible option for re-cycling. Brick and block can be crushed for hardcore on other building projects - but this tends to only happen on larger sites, otherwise it is potential landfill as it is expensive to transport. Steel and glass can be re-cycled and re-made but it is likely to be only a small element of the construction. Plaster from demolition almost always ends up in landfill. Timber is 100% recyclable and at the very least will always be in demand for fuel: which is a growing market and certain to be required even when the building itself is no longer.

Reference: Romane_Smith

What Is Eco-Design?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Going green is one of the biggest trends to hit the market in many, many years. In fact, even after being on the market for several years now, this trend has not died down, but rather has been gathering steam. It's even starting to affect a number of different aspects of our lives from our food to our clothes and even our interior design. Eco-design is just one of many new 'going green' trends affecting the interior design world.

What is Eco-Design?
Despite the seemingly "new" term, eco-design has been around for more than a decade now. However, some enthusiasts may argue that it has been around for even longer than that, but only just now are people getting into this trend. In short, eco-design is a type of interior design in which the design focuses around environmentally friendly elements.

This can be as wide spread as every single element, material and decorating ideas that go into the house, or it can be as simple as a few select objects, elements or otherwise within the home.
For example, let's look at eco-design in living room designs. The space could be designed using reclaimed wood floors. The throw rug could be made from bamboo. The furniture is antique, thrift store or hand-me-down, though it could also be manufactured with newer, more environmentally friendly methods. All of the home accessories, such as the vases, throw pillows and so forth, are made from reclaimed materials, 'green' materials or are hand-me-downs, antiques or thrift store finds as mentioned before.

The television uses less energy than previous models and may even have an Energy Star rating. The lamps too as well as the other light fixtures, feature an Energy Star rating and also use compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. In short, every single element of these living room designs are in some way, environmentally friendly. This is eco-design in an extreme and devoted fashion.

However, it is also important to note that not every single element of the room must be "eco-friendly" in order for the room or home to be considered a type of eco-design. In fact, if you were to have just a single reclaimed piece of furniture or an antique piece of furniture, it may be classified as eco-design. In fact, if you don't replace your existing furniture or you sell it at a garage sale, it may be considered eco-design.

Eco-design can also refer to the materials that went into building your home, not just in the interior design. The windows, the dry wall and so forth. It can also refer to a practice known as daylighting, in which windows and skylights are used together to maximize daylight in a space to reduce dependency on artificial light.

This is because eco-design is all about finding alternative elements to incorporate into your existing interior design. It is not necessarily about having an entirely environmentally friendly space. Sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference, especially when it comes to our decorating ideas, our remodeling ideas and the various room designs throughout our homes.

Reference: Mob_Jarrock

Why You Should Go for Eco-Friendly Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Being eco-friendly is not a trend, it is a need. By purchasing environmentally accessible products, we avoid deforestation, process that has such a massive effect on climate change that Indonesia and Brazil are now the third and fourth largest emitters of carbon dioxide on the planet.

Until now, our economies have been based on consumer spending which does not necessarily result in sustainable growth. It is time to make our purchasing decisions on how durable and Earth- friendly an item is. Organic sustainable furniture is a great choice for a modern home and for people who are interested in living their lives with as little environmental impact as possible.

What is organic sustainable furniture? Organic generally means that an item has been produced without the use of man-made chemicals. That means that any fabric or stuffing used to make a piece of furniture was made with fibres grown without the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, the production of the piece itself did not add chemical flame retardants or other chemicals to the mix. Sustainable products are those products providing environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting public health, welfare, and environment over their full commercial cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposition.

Sustainable forest management will help us to maintain the health of the ecological systems of the land on which it is planted, including protection of soil, water and biodiversity.The development of an eco-friendly timber and furniture industry is essential to ensure that natural resources will be available for future needs. The use of environmentally friendly products helps us to maintain biological diversity; regulate forest productive capacity; protect forest ecosystem health and vitality, and contribute to carbon cycles. Besides natural, cultural, social and economic benefits, there are health benefits. After all, organic eco accessible furniture has been done from non toxic, renewable materials. Furniture done from poisonous substances can start an indoor air peculiarity badly. Everyone should be conscious of the kinds of chemicals they bring home, but especially if you have kids, pets, or other family members who are low to the ground and prone to licking things. With eco accessible seat we can be certain which a production routine didn't mistreat a surroundings in any way.

Most people think about organics when it comes to organic foods or even clothing but they don't often think about things like mattresses, paint and furniture that can also be purchased in more organic and sustainable forms.

Being eco-friendly does not need a great effort. We're all trying to do the right thing across our countries. We recycle bottles, paper and cans, we bring reusable shopping bags to the grocery, and we even buy fuel-efficient cars. Basically, most of us know the routines and are very diligent about making a difference. We should start having the same approach when we buy house hold furniture. So, the next time that you buy a table or a garden furniture set make sure that it has been manufactured in a eco-friendly way.

Reference: Sandra_Vera

The Eco Home of the Future - Benefits of a Home Starter Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:47:00 +0000

For decades now, eco friendly property developers have been trying to build eco villages where every home is efficient, non-polluting and built from sustainable sources. To date there has been limited success, and part of the reason for this is that building homes from scratch, using only environmentally friendly principles is expensive. And the question could be asked is is eco friendly as well?

Surely, so many homes in Britain having been built fifty, seventy or even a hundred years ago, it would be far better to convert these inefficient houses into more environmentally friendly homes and far cheaper too. It would benefit the environment far more if more existing houses were made to be more environmentally friendly, than building new ones in the first place.

Nearly every home has the potential to, not only become more eco friendly, but become cheaper to run too. Once the basics like insulation and boiler efficiency have been looked at the rest can be achieved quite simply.

Draughts, once eliminated, can drastically reduce bills, so draft excluding devices such as letter box draft excluders can make a real difference.

It can often be daunting with so many areas of the house that can be improved to be more environmentally friendly that an easy way to start is to buy an eco friendly home starter kit. These are available for almost any type of home from the apartment or small flat to large houses and homes.
They contain lost of energy saving ideas and eco-friendly products and they can save even pay for themselves after the savings in the bills are added up. A good eco starter kit will often have: energy monitors that help you keep an eye on the power you are using and are a great way of reducing wastage. Radiator panels are often included to, they reflect lost heat from the radiators to increase the efficiency of your heating. Other eco friendly products such as eco-balls, energy saving light bulbs and eco friendly books are also included in these eco friendly goody-bags.

Eco home starter kits make a great gift too and are an ideal leaving present to that son or daughter moving out for the first time.

Reference: Richard_N_Williams