Comments on: The Future of Eco-Friendly Home Design http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/ Make Everyday Earth Day Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:30:50 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: seattle architects http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-32537 seattle architects Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:51:58 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-32537 as a seattle architect, we know that one needs to do more than install dual-flush toilets these days to make a "splash". its great to see buildings going for and getting LEED Platinum sustainability ratings. Our architecture firm in bainbridge island WA, specializes in green building design and we are working now on a platinum residence, so i can totally relate to how challenging it is. silver is one thing....platinum is another. Kudos! as a seattle architect, we know that one needs to do more than install dual-flush toilets these days to make a “splash”. its great to see buildings going for and getting LEED Platinum sustainability ratings. Our architecture firm in bainbridge island WA, specializes in green building design and we are working now on a platinum residence, so i can totally relate to how challenging it is. silver is one thing….platinum is another. Kudos!

]]> By: Johnny GAExpert http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-31032 Johnny GAExpert Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:15:35 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-31032 Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution. Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home. The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft. With extreme durability the parts can last a generation and require very little maintenance. These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day. Geothermal heat pumps can even improve your health and reduce allergies because they excel at humidity control, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth. In addition to being practical and providing a luxurious atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases. There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. Contrary to popular belief, geothermal units are surprisingly affordable and save you more and more money over time. While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs. Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap. When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control! http://www.geothermalexperts.net Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.

Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home. The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft. With extreme durability the parts can last a generation and require very little maintenance. These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day. Geothermal heat pumps can even improve your health and reduce allergies because they excel at humidity control, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.

In addition to being practical and providing a luxurious atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. Contrary to popular belief, geothermal units are surprisingly affordable and save you more and more money over time. While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs. Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

http://www.geothermalexperts.net

]]> By: Old Growth Riverwood http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-28786 Old Growth Riverwood Sat, 30 May 2009 14:08:37 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-28786 Another eco-friendly resource is reclaimed wood, Old Growth Riverwood's products are all reclaimed. Their signature product is "Riverwood" recovered from the river and is ideal for; flooring, furniture, paneling & all things made from wood. Their products are not only eco-friendly but unique. check out some of their products at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldgrowthriverwood Another eco-friendly resource is reclaimed wood, Old Growth Riverwood’s products are all reclaimed. Their signature product is “Riverwood” recovered from the river and is ideal for; flooring, furniture, paneling & all things made from wood. Their products are not only eco-friendly but unique. check out some of their products at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldgrowthriverwood

]]> By: Lovella http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-28694 Lovella Thu, 28 May 2009 11:40:30 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-28694 My husband and I are planning to build a house in our 300 sq.m. land. I'm residing in Zamboanga City Philippines. We planned to have a house that is made from recycled materials. Do you have suppliers in the Philippines for those LEED houses? My husband and I are planning to build a house in our 300 sq.m. land. I’m residing in Zamboanga City Philippines. We planned to have a house that is made from recycled materials. Do you have suppliers in the Philippines for those LEED houses?

]]> By: Green Home Living http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-26200 Green Home Living Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:50:12 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-26200 Angela check out Sierra Club Green Home they have a great tool where you can search for providers and retailers in your area! Try that and hopefully something will come up! Good luck and way to go green! Angela check out Sierra Club Green Home they have a great tool where you can search for providers and retailers in your area! Try that and hopefully something will come up! Good luck and way to go green!

]]> By: Alex http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-25821 Alex Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:05:53 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-25821 What about double framed walls, much like a thermos. Have the outside wall built normally, using 6-8 inches of insulation, then frame a second 2x4 wall 8-12 inches back and insulate this as well. the effect would be similar to that of a thermos design, leaving an air pocket. Do the same for the ceiling, and between (in the air gap) run your HVAC system (insulated of course). This Vastly reduces heat loss and will cut down on both heating and A/C costs. The home with this set-up likes to remain around 65-70 degrees, so the use of heat and A/C would be kept to a minimal. Install a 90+% natural gas furnace, and high SER rated Heat Pump, add flourcent bullbs, or even a 12-24 volt lighting using LED's and you are set! What about double framed walls, much like a thermos. Have the outside wall built normally, using 6-8 inches of insulation, then frame a second 2×4 wall 8-12 inches back and insulate this as well. the effect would be similar to that of a thermos design, leaving an air pocket. Do the same for the ceiling, and between (in the air gap) run your HVAC system (insulated of course). This Vastly reduces heat loss and will cut down on both heating and A/C costs. The home with this set-up likes to remain around 65-70 degrees, so the use of heat and A/C would be kept to a minimal. Install a 90+% natural gas furnace, and high SER rated Heat Pump, add flourcent bullbs, or even a 12-24 volt lighting using LED’s and you are set!

]]> By: Angela http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-25600 Angela Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:08:00 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-25600 I need to replace my roof and would like to use something more "environment friendly." However, living in Oklahoma, I cannot seem to find anyone that sells rubber shingles. Any help would be appreciated. I need to replace my roof and would like to use something more “environment friendly.” However, living in Oklahoma, I cannot seem to find anyone that sells rubber shingles. Any help would be appreciated.

]]> By: Modern House Magazine http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-24766 Modern House Magazine Mon, 23 Feb 2009 02:23:40 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-24766 Kasen, great overview of some easy tips we can all use. Your readers may also be interested in viewing more great LEED houses that are affordable. More photos and full story of the house pictured above at www.modernhousemagazine.com. Kasen, great overview of some easy tips we can all use.

Your readers may also be interested in viewing more great LEED houses that are affordable. More photos and full story of the house pictured above at http://www.modernhousemagazine.com.

]]> By: Eco Friendly Homes - Earth911 - Modern House Magazine http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-24765 Eco Friendly Homes - Earth911 - Modern House Magazine Mon, 23 Feb 2009 02:20:51 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-24765 [...] the Complete Story at Earth911.com Double click any word in the above story for more information. Sharevar el = [...] [...] the Complete Story at Earth911.com Double click any word in the above story for more information. Sharevar el = [...]

]]> By: MBM Construction http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/comment-page-1/#comment-24600 MBM Construction Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:08:44 +0000 http://earth911.com/?p=11549#comment-24600 Go green with recyclable building products such as, composite decking and handrails."One step closer to a cleaner planet! Go green with recyclable building products such as, composite decking and handrails.”One step closer to a cleaner planet!

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