103 Search Results for "building"

• How Do I know Something is Gre

  • From: susanp
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    HOW DO I KNOW SOMETHING IS GREEN? 

    Now that "green has become such a buzzword we are continually being flooded with  products, building materials, buildings, and services advertising their green product. 

    This now requires the buyer to do due diligence in order to insure that the product or service is really as advertised.

    Fortunately there are now groups (usually non-profit) who offer strict third party certifications Looking for seals such as these can help insure your product is truly green. For consumer products the best option would be Good Housekeeping Green. It still can be a challenge to find the right builder since LEED and NAHB do not have builders listed on their site. 

    ENERGYSTAR                                                                               This blue and white symbol can be found on products, applainces and now homes that have qualified as more energy efficient. To earn the ENERGY STAR, products must meet strict energy criteria that have been set in place by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. These products include refrigerators, dish washers and light bulbs. You will see many builders advertising themselves as EnergyStar, to check this go to the website where you will find a list of all builders who are currently rated as EnergyStar. It is also important to understand that many ES products are only as good as the people who install them
     

    USGBC  (LEED)

    The United States Green Building Council is an internationally recognized green building certification system,  providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. There are four levels of certifications certified, silver, gold and platinum. There are only a few of these in lower Delaware (look at the Center for the Inland Bays). Unless you are passionately commited to building a completely sustainable home, this designation carries larger costs.

    
     

    NAHB GREEN

    NAHB's National Green Building Program is the first residential green building rating system to undergo the full consensus process and receive American National Standards Institute approval. The four threshold levels - Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald - allow builders to achieve entry-level green building, or the highest level of sustainable "green" building incorporating energy savings of 60% or more. Single-family & multi-unit homes, residential remodeling projects, and site developments are all covered in the Standard.You will find that many of the fine builders in this area have added NAHB Green to their credentails.
    
    

    Good Housekeeping Green Seal - This label bares a strong resemblance to its famous counterpart with the distinction of it's color (green). The Green Good Housekeeping Seal will debut later this year, after the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and a consultancy firm complete development of product evaluation criteria. To be eligible for the green seal, a product must meet the criteria for the original seal of approval, as well as meet standards related to product composition, manufacturing and packaging.

     

    GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality                                           These planet-toting logos can be found on building materials that are manufactured to help "improve indoor air." The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is a nonprofit organization that oversees the certification programs for building materials and indoor products. These logos let a consumer know that the products are regularly tested to meet chemical and particle emissions acceptable under IAQ pollutant guidelines and standards.

     

    Scientific Certification Systems -  This independent company gives certification of environmental, sustainability, food quality and food purity claims for products across the globe. Their extensive network covers consumer goods such as produce, fisheries, forestry, eco-products and floral.

     

    ARE YOU BAFFLED YET?

    If this seems a little baffling.... that's because it is and it has taken me quite a while to get a handle on it. As part of the services Green Realtors offer their clients is the ability to help them decide what kind of home they want and recommend those professionals who would be the best person to help them.

    The myth that an energy efficient home or green home is only for those who can spend a lot of money is really...just a myth

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• Geothermal Savings Negate Upfr

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    Geothermal Savings Negate Upfront Costs
    Posted By: Jamie  on 11/16/2009
    

    It's too soon to know how much he'll save on his monthly energy bills, but Dave Maas has been pleased so far with his home's new geothermal heating and cooling system.

    "It seems to have heated the house on cold days and seems be cooling our house much better than our old system on warm days," said Maas, New Palestine.
    
    November 14, 2009, by Angie Hicks
    Published by Indianapolis Star 
    Photo: Dave Maas says the only drawback to installing a geothermal system was having his backyard torn up. Credit: Indianapolis Star
    
    Geothermal units tap into energy that comes from heat sources deep in the earth, eliminating the need for fuel to heat or cool a home. The units use a loop system in which piping is buried underground and brings heat from the earth into the home during the winter. In the summer, it does the reverse and draws heat from the home back into the earth.
    
    

    "The only downside I've experienced with the system had to do with the fact they had to tear up my backyard in order to put the loop in," Maas said.

    Geothermal units actually produce more energy than it takes to operate them. It's clean energy with few carbon emissions, and delivers up to $5 of energy for every $1 used. That translates into an efficiency rating of 500 percent. By comparison, the best gas furnaces are about 95 percent efficient.

    Maas began researching heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems after deciding it was time to replace his 23-year-old furnace and air conditioner.

    Geothermal systems cost more than traditional systems -- Maas estimates he spent about $15,000 for his. But homeowners can recoup 30 percent of a unit's cost through an energy federal tax credit. Lower energy bills also mean year-round savings.

    "It made the number come out a lot closer between a traditional heat pump furnace system and a geothermal system," Maas said of the savings. "I thought for the long run, the geothermal made more sense for me, so I went ahead and paid the higher price -- with the understanding that next year I'll get the tax credit applied to my tax return."

    The U.S. Department of Energy says 43 percent of the typical homeowner's energy bill goes toward heating and cooling. Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient and cost little to operate.

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates homeowners with geothermal systems can save 30 percent to 70 percent on heating and 20 percent to 50 percent on cooling costs over conventional systems.

    Not every heating and cooling company installs geothermal units, so it's important for homeowners to do their research before making a purchase. Loop installers are certified by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

    Industry experts estimate that geothermal units, which also heat water in homes, will average twice the lifespan of traditional heating and cooling units.

    The units are self-contained, so there is no separate air-conditioner, and they operate more quietly than conventional units.

    "It's considered green technology," said Rusty Burch, owner of Plainfield-based Total Comfort Solutions. "It's really a super quiet operation. You can hardly hear it running."
    
    Source: IndyStar

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• Energy Star Homes Reach 1 Mill

  • From: GreenDelaware
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    Energy Star Homes Reach 1 Million, EPA Says
    
    One million energy-efficient homes qualifying for the Energy Star rating have been built in the U.S. since the program was launched in 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency said.
    
    This year, Energy Star households will save $270 million -- or an average of $200 to $400 each -- on utility bills. The homes, which tend to be at least 15% more energy efficient than standard homes, will also avoid more than 4 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
    
    Nearly 17% of all single-family homes built in 2008 qualified for Energy Star, compared with 12% the year before.  Across the country, more than 6,500 are building to the program’s standards.
    
    The EPA also released a list of the top 20 cities for Energy Star homes, lead by the Houston area, with 144,420 total homes built. Following were Dallas, Las Vegas and Phoenix regions, with the Los Angeles sprawl rounding out the top five with 53,673 homes.
    
    1.Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas: 144,420
    2.Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas: 102,872
    3.Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev.: 79,929
    4.Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.: 73,021
    5.Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana; Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario: 53,673
    6.New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, N.Y.: 25,168
    7.Tucson: 18,970
    8.San Antonio: 18,847
    9.Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, Calif.: 18,208
    10.San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos: 17,515
    11.Columbus, Ohio: 17,396
    12.Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa: 16,400
    13.Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.: 13,675
    14.Austin-Round Rock, Texas: 13,232
    15.Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa.: 12,454
    16.San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont: 10,523
    17.Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass., and N.H.: 10,192
    18.Denver-Aurora, Colo.: 7,809
    19.Orlando-Kissimmee, Fla.: 7,619
    20.Oklahoma City, Okl.: 7,498
    
    

    Energy Star is run jointly by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.
    
    Posted By: Jamie--GreenBuildingTalk.com on 11/10/2009  - Source: Los Angeles Times

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• Know Your Options When Insulat

  • From: GreenDelaware
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    We’re just about ready to insulate our basement game room and have been exploring a number of options for achieving maximum efficiency. I thought our research might help a few of you out there who are looking to tackle this job on your own.  For those of you who haven’t been following along with the project, here’s a brief summary of where we are today, with several pictures of the unfinished wall space.  (If you want to see the layout, follow that link to see the finished basement layout).
    
    One Project Closer
    Basement Wall Construction & 2×4 Wall Studs
    
    The basement walls are constructed of stacked cinder block.  The front half of the house is completely underground, while the back of the house is mostly at ground level, with a small area about 2-3 feet underground.  The house has decent grading that keeps water away from the foundation, but moisture was still a problem in a few sections.
    
    We used a combination of Super Thoroseal and SunnyDry foundation waterproofers to seal out the remaining moisture, and regraded the gardens in the front of the house.  Together, the results have yielded good results, we haven’t had any moisture problems since.
    
    
    
    While we’ve taken precaution to ensure the wall seal is tight and that no water is leaking, we still want an insulation product that is mold resistant, since I have a lingering fear that moisture could seep back in at some point in the future (say, due to settling of the foundation and a break in the seal).
    
    We framed the basement walls using traditional 2×4 stud walls fastened to a pressure treated 2×4 bottom board.  We briefly considered metal stud framing, but still like the solidity and rigidity of wood, so we stuck with what we knew. The walls are not fastened to the cinder block (as that would penetrate the water tight seal). Instead, the walls are fastened to the joists above, and we used powder charge nailer to fasten the bottom board in place.
    
    We left about a 1 inch gap between the cinder block and the stud wall to provide extra space for wall insulation, figuring we’d need that to get maximum efficiency.

    
    R-13 Fiberglass Basement Wall Insulation
    
    The first option up for consideration is fiberglass batting: the traditional R13 pink fiberglass available at the big box store.
    
    Fiberglass Pros: Fiberglass is good because it’s relatively cheap; it doesn’t require any special installation tools; it can be brought to the house using a standard pickup truck; and, it can be installed by hand in a single day.
    
    Fiberglass Cons: The drawback of fiberglass is that it doesn’t provide great R-value (about R3 / inch), and it can be susceptible to mold with unfavorable moisture conditions.  Fiberglass is considered a mold resistant product; however we’ve seen several instances of molding fiberglass batting, including the fiberglass we removed from this basement when we started working it.  Fiberglass also doesn’t fill every nook and cranny of the walls, leaving gaps for air to circulate, which ultimately contributes to energy loss.  These air gaps are not considered in the reported R value of the insulation, making the effective R value much lower.
    
    We ultimately decided against fiberglass because we’ve had a pretty significant draft in the basement and even with fiberglass installed, this draft will still be leaching energy from the room.

    
    Wet Cellulose Wall Insulation
    
    The second option up for consideration is wet cellulose insulation.  We looked at products like NuWool Wall Seal Insulation, a sprayed-in wet cellulose insulation.
    
    Wet Cellulose Pros: Wet cellulose is a sticky cellulose product sprayed into the stud walls.  The R-value is slightly higher than fiberglass at about R4 / inch. The main advantage of wet cellulose over fiberglass is it’s ability to fill the cracks and voids that fiberglass batting leaves open, providing a much tighter building envelope.  It has a number of other advantages including being highly fire resistant and eco-friendly. It Provides a slightly more cost-effective solution than spray foam products, but does not offer as tight a seal.
    
    Wet Cellulose Cons: Higher cost than fiberglass (but worth it considering the added insulation value and energy savings); requires special installation tools and entails a somewhat “messy” installation.  Would be best performed by a contractor, although DIY kits are available and we considered these.  Cellulose is mold resistant but still susceptible to mold in the least ideal environments.
    
    We decided against wet cellulose insulation because spray foam offered a better alternative.  If you’re looking for cellulose installation instructions, Todd provides them at that link.

    
    Spray Foam Insulation: Open Cell Insulation
    
    The third and fourth options up for consideration are spray foam insulation products.  I’m starting with open cell insulation because it’s less expensive and not the option we ultimately chose. That said, open cell insulation is a good product that can be very cost efficient for many installations.
    
    Open cell spray foam insulation is a chemical product that is sprayed onto the wall and then expands to fill the space.  The term Open Cell refers to the cell structure of the resulting foam, which cures to a sponge-like material with millions of tiny open bubbles. The consistency is similar to angel food cake. The chemicals are mixed on site using a special compressor and gun system.  The compressor may heat the foam to a required temperature.  When sprayed on the walls, the foam sticks and expands in place.
    
    Open Cell Foam Pros: Open cell foam is sprayed in place and expands to fill the space.  It creates a better seal that spray cellulose and provides a comparable R-value in most installations (about R4, slightly higher than fiberglass).  Spray foam is nice because it can be sprayed blindly into a cavity and will fill the space of that cavity.
    
    Open cell foam expands to 100 times its spray-on size, making it extremely good for filling voids and relatively cost efficient.  It is also nice because it stays somewhat flexible, which is good for ensuring flat drywall installation.
    
    Open Cell Foam Cons: Open cell foam does not provide as tight a seal as closed sell foam because the bubbles are broken and it is easier for air to flow between the cells.  Unlike closed cell foam products, open-cell foam products are generally filled with air.  Closed cell products can be filled with a chemical that is much less efficient at transferring heat that air, leading to greater energy efficiency.  Also, closed cell products can nearly double the insulation performance of open cell products.

    
    Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation (Selected Option)
    
    Closed cell spray foam is very similar to its open cell counterpart, with the exception that the bubbles in closed cell foam are ‘closed’ and so do not permit any air flow.  You can think of closed cell foam as a very tight honeycomb of closed cells that are waterproof and air tight.
    
    Closed cell foam can come in a range of different cured hardnesses, all the way up to foam that can support human weight.  Closed cell spray foams can also be designed so that they cure with bubbles filled with non-air chemicals that improve energy efficiency.
    
    Closed Cell Foam Pros: Closed cell foams offer very high R-values (R7.5 per inch!).  Closed cell foam completes the building envelope and tightly seals gaps to prevent air flow.  Closed cell foam is highly mold resistant and also provides a vapor barrier for the installation.
    
    Closed Cell Foam Cons: Best performed by a professional installer, although DIY kits do exist.  Significantly higher price than fiberglass, but offers a superior seal.
    Recommended Method
    
    While closed cell spray foam is slightly more expensive than other methods, it offers high R-value with the best mold resistance.  Given that we’ve invested thousands of dollars in radiant floor heating, we believe that the higher cost is justified and would recommend this method.
    
    Continue at One Project Closer   

    
    By: Jamie  11/10/2009 - source:GreenBuildingTalk.com

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• U.S.-China Clean Energy Announ

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    Beijing, China - Today, President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao announced a far-reaching package of measures to strengthen cooperation between the United States and China on clean energy.   Please see the attached fact sheets for additional details on each of the U.S-China clean energy announcements.
    
    1.  U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center.  The two Presidents announced the establishment of the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center.   The Center will facilitate joint research and development of clean energy technologies by teams of scientists and engineers from the United States and China, as well as serve as a clearinghouse to help researchers in each country.  The Center will be supported by public and private funding of at least $150 million over five years, split evenly between the two countries.  Initial research priorities will be building energy efficiency, clean coal including carbon capture and storage, and clean vehicles.  The Protocol formally establishing the Center was signed in Beijing by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, and Chinese National Energy Agency Acting Administrator Zhang Guobao. U.S.-China Fact Sheet on Clean Energy Research Center
    

    2.  U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative.  The two Presidents announced the launch of the U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative.  Building on the first-ever US-China Electric Vehicle Forum in September 2009, the initiative will include joint standards development, demonstration projects in more than a dozen cities, technical roadmapping and public education projects.  The two leaders emphasized their countries’ strong shared interest in accelerating the deployment of electric vehicles in order to reduce oil dependence, cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth. U.S.-China Fact Sheet on Electric Vehicles Initiative
    
    3.  U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Action Plan.  The two Presidents announced the launch of a new U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Action Plan.  Under the new plan, the two countries will work together to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, industrial facilities, and consumer appliances.  U.S. and Chinese officials will work together and with the private sector to develop energy efficient building codes and rating systems, benchmark industrial energy efficiency, train building inspectors and energy efficiency auditors for industrial facilities, harmonize test procedures and performance metrics for energy efficient consumer products, exchange best practices in energy efficient labeling systems, and convene  a new U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Forum to be held annually, rotating between the two countries. U.S.-China Fact Sheet on Energy Efficiency Action Plan
    
    4.  U.S.-China Renewable Energy Partnership.   The two Presidents announced the launch of a new U.S.-China Renewable Energy Partnership.  Under the Partnership, the two countries will develop roadmaps for wide-spread renewable energy deployment in both countries.  The Partnership will also provide technical and analytical resources to states and regions in both countries to support renewable energy deployment and will facilitate state-to-state and region-to-region partnerships to share experience and best practices.  A new Advanced Grid Working Group will bring together U.S. and Chinese policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and civil society to develop strategies for grid modernization in both countries.  A new U.S.-China Renewable Energy Forum will be held annually, rotating between the two countries. U.S.-China Fact Sheet on Renewable Energy Partnership
    
    5.  21st Century Coal.  The two Presidents pledged to promote cooperation on cleaner uses of coal, including large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects.  Through the new U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center, the two countries are launching a program of technical cooperation to bring teams of U.S. and Chinese scientists and engineers together in developing clean coal and CCS technologies.  The two governments are also actively engaging industry, academia, and civil society in advancing clean coal and CCS solutions.  The Presidents welcomed: (i) a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to the China Power Engineering and Consulting Group Corporation to support a feasibility study for an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant in China using American technology, (ii) an agreement by Missouri-based Peabody Energy to participate in GreenGen, a project of several major Chinese energy companies to develop a near-zero emissions coal-fired power plant, (iii) an agreement between GE and Shenhua Corporation to collaborate on the development and deployment of IGCC and other clean coal technologies; and (iv) an agreement between AES and Songzao Coal and Electric Company to use methane captured from a coal mine in Chongqing, China, to generate electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. U.S.-China Fact Sheet on 21st Century Coal
    
    6.  Shale Gas Initiative.  The two Presidents announced the launch of a new U.S.-China Shale Gas Resource Initiative.  Under the Initiative, the U.S. and China will use experience gained in the United States to assess China’s shale gas potential, promote environmentally-sustainable development of shale gas resources, conduct joint technical studies to accelerate development of shale gas resources in China, and promote shale gas investment in China through the U.S.-China Oil and Gas Industry Forum, study tours, and workshops. U.S.-China Fact Sheet on Shale Gas Initiative
    
    7.  U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program.  The two Presidents announced the establishment of the U.S.-China Energy Cooperation Program.  The program will leverage private sector resources for project development work in China across a broad array of clean energy projects, to the benefit of both nations.  More than 22 companies are founding members of the program.  The ECP will include collaborative projects on renewable energy, smart grid, clean transportation, green building, clean coal, combined heat and power, and energy efficiency.
    
    --November 17, 2009 - source:Energy.gov

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• Home Energy Tax Credits to Sav

  • From: GreenDelaware
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    Home energy tax credits are available for solar energy, energy efficiency, biodiesel and hybrid cars, home solar panels and more. See which federal home energy tax credits you can claim in 2009.

    When Congress passed the financial bailout bill late last year, it included a range of federal tax credits and cash gifts for businesses -- but also a suite of new and renewed tax credits for individuals who want to make energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to their home or cars. When President Obama signed the economic stimulus bill in February, the federal government expanded and extended some of those credits.

    So what's in it for homeowners and other regular taxpayers? There are several important provisions anyone can take advantage of (changes made by the economic stimulus bill are in bold). This list includes:

    $1,500 Home Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

    You can claim a home tax credit for energy efficiency improvements made in 2009 (but not for improvements made in 2008) if you installed new insulation, energy-efficient windows or an energy-efficient furnace, boiler or air conditioner.

    A tax credit of up to $500 that expired in 2007 has been renewed for 2009 by the bailout bill, and expanded to $1,500 by the economic stimulus bill. It covers up to 30% (expanded from 10% by the economic stimulus bill) of the cost of a range of projects that meet certain specifications. Do $5,000 worth of qualifying work, and you not only get a $1,500 rebate, but also savings on energy bills for years to come.

    The economic stimulus bill also stripped out most caps on individual home improvements, which had applied to windows, heating equipment and other energy efficiency improvements.

    Note that the tax credit applies only to equipment, not labor.

    Find more information about these home energy efficiency tax credits at the Alliance to Save Energy or Energy Star or Department of Energy Websites. Note that much of this information reflects the tax incentives in place in 2006 and 2007; for the most part, the 2009 tax credits are identical, but check updated criteria for which products qualify, for instance.

    30% On Home Energy Tax Credits for Geothermal, Solar, Wind Turbines or Fuel Cells

    The economic stimulus bill removed the $2,000 cap that had applied to geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and other home renewable energy technology. The 30% tax rebate on qualified solar energy systems remains in place on geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, and fuel cell systems.

    Ground-source heat pumps are installed underground and use the constant 50-degree subsurface temperature to cool air or water in the summer, and heat it in the winter — both of which reduce the cost of heating or cooling year round.

    In addition, the solar energy tax credit, which had been set to expire, is now good through 2016. $500 Home Energy Tax Credits for Fuel Cells or Microturbines

    The tax incentive that had covered 30% of the cost of fuel cell or microturbine systems in homes, which lapsed in 2008, has been restored for 2009 and through 2016. It covers up to $500 per 0.5 kw of capacity.

    $7,500 Energy Tax Credits for Plug-in Hybrid Cars

    The first 200,000 buyers of plug-in hybrid vehicles from each manufacturer now qualify for a $7,500 tax rebate.

    A similar tax credit for hybrid vehicles had been capped at $3,500 before the bailout bill.

    $2,500 for Plug-in Electric Motorcycles or Low-Speed or Three-Wheeled Vehicles

    The economic stimulus bill established a 10% tax credit through 2011 with a cap of $2,500 for new electric plug-in motorcycles, low-speed and three-wheeled vehicles. There's also a 10% tax rebate and a $4,000 cap for converting an existing vehicle to a plug-in.

    $50,000 for Installing a Clean Fuel Refueling System

    While few homeowners may be ready to take advantage, those who want to install a clean fuel refueling system, like a natural gas refueler or a recharging system for a plug-in electric vehicle, can now qualify for up to $50,000 -- up from $30,000 -- if the system is installed in 2009 or 2010, thanks to the stimulus bill. Go with hydrogen and the credit increases to $200,000, and you have until 2014 to take advantage of it.

    Wildcard: State Energy Tax Credits

    Keep your eyes out for new incentives from your state, since the bill also authorizes an $800 million government bond program that encourages states to create incentives for new and existing energy conservation and related programs. Some of that money is likely to be used toward state tax breaks and other incentives that will vary by location. Among the incentives to watch for is up to $6,500 per qualifying home in the Weatherization Assistance Program. The Department of Energy's Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which provides grants to states and local governments that trickle down to individuals, had its budget increased nearly 10-fold. Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy & Efficiency for more federal, state and local grants, rebates and incentives.

     

    --source --TheDailyGreen.com

    
    
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• Green Window Treatments

  • From: GreenDelaware
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    Stay Warm, Sleep In: Green Window Treatments

    Living deep in the woods, my family has enjoyed the luxury of not needing window treatments.  The only potential Peeking Toms we’re vulnerable to are curious squirrels, woodpeckers or atypically brazen deer.  We’ve decided to look into window treatment options, however, for three reasons: 1) To create a more “finished” look in certain rooms, 2) To lengthen the time our children sleep.  When the sun rises, they do too, even on weekends; and 3) To increase energy efficiency in our home.

    So, where do eco-friendliness, functionality and aesthetics meet?  The main thing to look for is 100 percent natural fabrics and materials.  Many window treatments are made with some form of plastic, be it polyester or vinyl, which release toxic gasses when warmed by the sun.  Instead check out these resources for green window treatments:

    1.    Naturally dyed curtains or drapes made of fabrics such as cotton, linen or hemp are a great choice. Anna Sova’s  line of organic drapery includes 100 percent natural silk drapes, made with no toxic bleaches, heavy metal dyes, formaldehyde or silicon finishing.
    2.    Shutters provide insulation in both cold and hot weather.  Look for shutters made of bamboo or sustainably harvested Basswood.  Basswood shutters are widely available.
    Just make sure that if the shutters have a coating on them, it is water-based.
    3.    Shades – Earthshade’s shades are made of high quality reed, bamboo, hemp and “rapidly-renewable” grasses.  No chemical coating is used, and all shades promise a high degree of insulation.

    Before making a purchase, be sure to ask your retailer or manufacturer about the R-value of your preferred treatment so that you’ll know how much insulation it will provide.  The higher the value, the more energy-efficient the product is.  Shoot for an R-value around 3.

     

    --by Terri Hall-Jackson Nov 5, 2009 11:07 am - source: Care2.com
    

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• Clean Energy for Indian Countr

  • From: GreenDelaware
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    Secretary Chu Highlights Support for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects in Indian Country
    
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu highlighted the Department of Energy’s continued commitment to partnering with Native Americans to support the development of clean energy projects on tribal lands that will help reduce energy use, limit carbon pollution, and create new jobs for tribal communities across the country.
    
    “The Department of Energy is committed to partnering with tribal communities to help them meet their energy needs through clean energy and energy efficiency technologies,” said Secretary Chu. “Clean energy projects will create jobs and economic opportunities on tribal lands, while reducing energy use and increasing energy security for Indian Country.”
    
    The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act greatly expanded opportunities for cooperation between the Department of Energy and Indian Country with the goal of working together to promote energy development and energy efficiency.  Under the Recovery Act, the Department has made more than $35 million in direct grants for energy efficiency projects available to all 562 federally-recognized Indian tribes and 12 Alaska Regional Corporations, and provides funding that empowers tribes to make strategic clean energy investments in their communities.  With these funds, tribal governments will conduct a wide variety of projects, including: weatherization, energy efficiency audits and retrofits, transportation programs, financial incentive programs for efficiency improvements, installing renewable energy technologies on municipal buildings, developing an energy efficiency and conservation strategy, and educating tribal residents on ways to save energy in their own homes.  The Department expects to award another $29 million in Recovery Act funding over the next few months.
    
    For example, the Resighini Rancheria will use  Energy Efficiency and Community Block grant funding from the Recovery Act to provide financial incentives to tribal homeowners to change out old, inefficient household appliances with energy efficient appliances, while the Cherokee Nation is planning to use Recovery Act funds to establish a Home Energy Audit program that will provide tribal citizens with the information needed to make their homes more energy efficient, creating local tribal jobs and yielding substantial energy savings.
    
    In addition to the Recovery Act funding, the Department has also awarded more than $13 million for new clean energy projects on tribal lands this year.  This funding will be matched with other additional public and private investments to support more than $40 million in total projects. Under the Tribal Energy Program, 36 Native American tribes and Alaska villages received competitive awards to help develop and deploy a range of clean energy projects that will advance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Indian Country.  For example, the funding will support projects to expand tribal wind and hydroelectric power generation, improve building and lighting efficiency, and implement new training programs for weatherization workers.  For more information and a full list of awards, view the Tribal Funding press release.
    
    Read more on the Tribal Energy Program. 
    
    
    --source: Energy.gov press release - November 5, 2009

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• LEED Gold in Rehoboth (Tour 11

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    A public tour of this LEED® Certified home will be Saturday, 11/14 1-3pm.

    (November 3rd, 2009) Lewes, DE - Today, 11 Southwood Shores in the Glade was awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievement in green homebuilding and design. This is the first LEED® home in Rehoboth, and it is also the highest rated single family LEED home in Delaware.
    
    LEED for Homes is a green home certification system for assuring homes are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient and healthy for occupants. LEED® certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live. Green homes have substantially lower utility bills and may qualify for advantageous financing, lower insurance rates and government incentives. The home was designed by Element Design Group and built by EcoConstruction, which is known for their quality green homebuilding. A public tour of this LEED® Certified home will be Saturday, 11/14 1-3pm.
    
    
    Specific Information about the Home
    11 Southwood Shores may look like just another home, but being a Gold LEED® certified home, it is more efficient than 95% of homes in the country.  The home focuses heavily on health and reducing energy use.  This custom green home features panelized construction, active and passive solar design, low-e windows and doors, high efficiency lighting fixtures, energy star appliances, and soy based foam insulation.  Other energy efficiency upgrades include on demand water heaters, programmable thermostats, rain water capture and irrigation systems, high efficiency geothermal heating and air conditioners, and an array of Solar panels. Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, recycled material doors, flooring, and 90 percent Forest Stewardship Council-certified sustainably harvested wood content moldings have been used throughout the house.

    

    
    Quote from USGBC
    “As a LEED certified home, 11 Southwood Shores serves as a model of greener living for the entire community,” said Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development for the U.S. Green Building Council. “The home is at the national forefront of quality; and their example can help us all to live better by reducing our environmental footprint, cutting our utility bills, and coming home to a healthier place to live.”
    
    
    About the Builder
    Eco Construction – Green Luxury Homes is a full service general contractor specializing in homebuilding and/or remodeling, build healthier, energy efficient homes that meet the highest green certification in the nation. As one of the few LEED® qualified builders in Delaware, EcoConstruction – Green Luxury Homes is leading the pack in green homebuilding. “EcoConstruction is excited to bring a Gold LEED® certified home to Rehoboth,” said Buck McLamb, Owner, Eco Construction – Green Luxury.  “Our mission is to build custom eco-friendly homes using the most advanced practices, materials, and technologies available at a affordable price all while exceeding customer expectations. A LEED® Certified home is just a way to prove it.”
    
    Quote from Homeowner
    "Choosing a builder to undertake the construction of a new home is really all about trust.  There are legions of stories about remodeling and building disasters.  From the start our experience was always positive.  Buck selected a design team that was totally responsive to the features that we wanted in our new home.  Construction proceeded on schedule and with close supervision by Buck.  Since we were not in the area during most of the construction, we were kept fully informed of the progress several times a week.  This close communication we feel is one of the strongest parts of dealing with EcoConstruction.  The recommended use of eco-friendly products and systems from solar panels to soy based insulation to non-toxic paints made our home the first LEED certified home in Rehoboth Beach qualifying for a Gold level certification.  We have a home that is beautiful, functional, and ecologically state of the art.  If you are planning on building a new home or remodeling an existing one, we give our strongest recommendations to Buck and all those associated with EcoConstruction."    --Jeanne and Arne Jerfsten
    
    About USGBC
    The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit membership organization whose vision is a sustainable built environment within a generation. Since USGBC’s founding in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 20,000 member companies and organizations and a comprehensive suite of LEED® green building certification systems. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations all sharing the Council’s commitment to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. For more information, please visit www.usgbc.org
    
    About LEED® for Homes
    LEED® for Homes is a third-party certification system for building and designing high-performance green homes that are energy-and-resource-efficient and healthy for its occupants.  Developed and administered by USGBC, LEED® for Homes awards points to projects in eight categories of environmental performance: Innovation & Design Process, Location & Linkages, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, and Awareness & Education. To date, more than 2,200 homes have been LEED-certified, and over 14,600 are registered and under development.  For more information, visit www.thegreenhomeguide.org.
    
    
    Eco Construction – Green Luxury
     www.EcoConstruction-GreenLuxury.com
    email:Buck@BuildingDelmarva.com
    email:Nate@BuildingDelmarva.com
    Tel: 302.858.8430 | 302.462.5871

     

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• Clean Energy and Climate Polic

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    New analysis shows state-by-state economic effects of clean energy and climate legislation
    
    Washington – Comprehensive clean energy legislation would create up to 1.9 million new jobs, increase yearly household income by up to $1,175 and boost annual GDP by up to $111 billion by 2020, according to new research by the University of Illinois, Yale University and the University of California. Using new modeling and the latest economic data, these findings also show that clean energy legislation would limit pollution and create incentives to drive large-scale investments in clean energy and energy efficiency.
    
    “This analysis confirms that clean energy and climate legislation can strengthen our economy and create jobs,” said Diane Doucette, climate campaign director for Environmental Entrepreneurs. “America needs to move forward with this legislation to drive investment in clean energy technology, cut carbon pollution and make America a leader for the 21st century.”
    
    With a new state-of-the-art forecasting model, called EAGLE, the study provides detailed estimates of the economic implications in each state of climate and energy policies currently under consideration in Congress. The study models a declining cap on carbon emissions, coupled with standards and investments in renewable energy, and both moderate and aggressive implementation of energy efficiency.
    These results are consistent with studies done by U.S. government agencies – such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Congressional Budget Office, and the Department of Energy – that show strong economic growth with comprehensive energy and climate legislation, especially when combined with strong energy efficiency policies.
    
    To see state-by-state fact sheets and a link to the full report, go to: www.E2.org/jobs
    
    About the study:
    The Environmental Assessment in General Equilibrium (EAGLE) model was developed at the University of California in collaboration with the University of Illinois and Yale University. It details patterns of supply, demand, employment, incomes, resource allocation, energy use, and emissions across the nation and within each of the 50 United States. Using a general equilibrium framework, the model captures both direct impacts and the extensive economy-wide indirect effects of climate and energy policies. The EAGLE model has been peer reviewed and technical documentation is available on request.
    
    About E2:
    Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) is the independent business voice for the environment. E2 is a national community of individual business leaders who advocate for good environmental policy while building economic prosperity. Learn more at: www.E2.org
    
    --October 26, 2009 -- E2.org

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• Rehoboth Home Awarded Gold Cer

  • From: EcoConstruction
  • Description:

    11 Southwood Shores in the Glade was awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievement in green homebuilding and design. This is the first LEED® home in Rehoboth, and it is also the highest rated single family LEED home in Delaware.

    Come join us for "Green Drinks" to celebrate at Fish On in Lewes tomorrow, Nov. 5th  from 6-9.

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• Building a case for Green IT A

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    Most of my career has been in Information Technology. I have considered myself an environmentalist much longer than that. I am finally crawling out of my cubicle and taking actions that are long overdue.
    
    It's possible to make a strong case for making the greening of IT a central focus of any enterprise sustainability effort. This case will be greatly strengthened, if these two claims can be proven:
    
       1. Computing is the fastest-growing energy consumer in the world. This includes all the networks, data centers, infrastructure, and devices, both wired, wireless, and cellular, used in all applications everywhere, because they all work through computers.
       2. Greening IT offers the fastest financial payback of any advanced sustainability effort, second only to basic things like turning lights out at night and closing the door to keep the heat/cold out.
    
    Do you know where, or from whom, I can get evidence that confirms, denies, or clarifies these claims?
    
    Two more points to support this case were originated by me. Any input on these would also be appreciated:
    
       1. As inherent systems thinkers, IT people are ideally suited to step out of our cubicles and take active sustainability leadership. This includes advising and coaching non-ITers to think and act more systemically about the ecosystem and its challenges. We needn’t continue acting like voices in the wilderness.
       2. Green IT is distinct enough to be recognized as a professional discipline, because it encompasses design and use of business processes and applications as well as of hardware and software infrastructure, facilities, power and ventilation systems. As a distinct professional discipline, Green IT will be defined, promoted, managed, and enforced by an independent, not-for-profit organization. This means creating and applying distinct standards and instruments for accrediting qualified professionals, and for certifying business entities, including data centers. More detail on this quest is below.
    
    No Green IT Accreditation in US?
    
    This line of inquiry began with my finding no avenue for becoming accredited as a Green IT professional. Here are the most relevant programs I did find, and the key limitation of each:
    
        * The Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program provides its member firms a checklist and a framework for moving toward greater sustainability. In most cases this encompasses IT initiatives, but does not provide specific guidance for them. Visit www.phillygreenbiz.com.
    
        * The British Computer Society (BCS) is launching a new qualification for Green IT. The Foundation Certificate in Green IT outlines best practice basics, covers related regulations, policies and legislation in the UK, strategizes techniques, and describes carbon energy accounting. This author does not know whether such a broad agenda makes it the best available model, or just really vague. Visit http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=nav.10479.
    
        * The US Green Building Council (USGBC) sees Greening IT as a subset of LEED. This makes it an issue of buildings and facilities, and how much power they consume, not how and for what the power is used. IT solutions that reduce energy and increase efficiency, such as virtualization, cloud computing, telecommuting, and teleconferencing do not enter this equation, which leaves GBC out of the running. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Visit www.usgbc.org/.
    
        * The Green Electronics Council created EPEAT certification to help purchasers evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes. Component lifecycle, while important, is just one aspect of Green IT. EPEAT stands for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool. Visit www.epeat.net/.
    
        * The MSPAlliance has a program offering Green IT Certification to member Managed Service Providers. While this certification may be useful as a model, it was created to fit the needs of one industry, not all. Visit http://www.mspalliance.com/why-mspa/green-it-certification-program.
    
    -- by David Calloway -- source GreenITDigest.blogspot.com

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• Jkirby

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• Commercial Property Marketing

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    Green Paradigm Institute – Commercial Property Marketing Exchange

    
    

    Participate in a 90-minute coordinated marketing exchange on Wednesday, 4 Nov 2009, for REALTORS®
    
    Hosted by Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, Green, EcoBroker, e-PRO, Broker of Record for Green Paradigm Realty LLC
    
    $10 at the door - Register now at www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com
    
    Wednesday, November 4, 2009       8:30 am –  10:30 am   
    
    Light Breakfast provided by Green Grille       (Program starts promptly at 9:00 am)
    
    Why:  Expose your client’s commercial property to other Commercial REALTORS®.  Find commercial properties for your client.  Open discussion on marketing of green properties.
    
    Where: Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park (Bldg 322)
    300 Route 130, Pedricktown NJ 08067-0420
    Salem County - six miles south of Commodore Barry Bridge | six miles north of Delaware Memorial Bridge
    
    How:  Bring 20 copies one-page sheet to share with all attendees.  Bring several full marketing packages to share with those specifically interested.
    
    Must be a REALTOR® to attend!
    
    RSVP:   RSVP@GreenParadigmInstitute.com  or  www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com
    
    Promotional Flyer and Agenda for above event available at http://www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com/archives/
    
    Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, GREEN, EcoBroker, e-PRO
    Green Paradigm Institute – Tomorrow’s Real Estate Education SM
    Green Paradigm Realty LLC – Tomorrow’s Real Estate Experience SM
    Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park – Bldg 322
    322 Artillery Ave (Use “300 Route 130” for GPS)
    PO Box 420
    Pedricktown NJ 08067-0420
    856 981 2973
    856 385-7061 (green fax)
    JScarpa@GreenParadigmRealty.com
    
    
    Green Paradigm Realty LLC is a real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in green building, renewable energies, and sustainable development.
    
    Visit www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com on first Wednesday’s of the month (check web site often for course topics, directions, and times).

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• Reviving DE's Auto Industr

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    American car company, Fisker Automotive, will begin building stylish, affordable, efficient plug-in hybrid cars in Delaware. The NINA is a family-oriented sedan starting at $39,900.

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• Former GM Plant to Build Affor

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    

    WILMINGTON, DE -- Oct. 27, 2009 – Fisker Automotive has selected the Wilmington Assembly plant in Wilmington Delaware to build affordable plug-in hybrid cars.
    
    Fisker executives made the announcement inside the dormant facility today, joined by Vice President Joe Biden, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and other state officials.
    
    The plant will support Fisker Automotive’s Project NINA, the development and build of an affordable, family-oriented plug-in hybrid sedan costing about $39,900 after federal tax credits.
    
    Production is scheduled to begin in late 2012.  Fisker Automotive anticipates Project NINA will ultimately create or support 2,000 factory jobs and more than 3,000 vendor and supplier jobs by 2014, as production ramps up to full capacity of 75,000-100,000 vehicles per year.  More than half will be exported, the largest percentage of any domestic manufacturer.
    
    The modernized Wilmington Assembly plant was selected for its size, production capacity, world-class paint facilities, access to shipping ports, rail lines and available skilled workforce.
    
    “This is a major step toward establishing America as a leader of advanced vehicle technology,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO.  “Wilmington is perfect for high quality, low volume production and will soon be the proud builder of world-class, fuel-efficient Fisker plug-in hybrids.”
    
    Fisker Automotive has signed a letter of intent with Motors Liquidation Co. (MLC), formerly known as General Motors Corp. to purchase the Wilmington plant for $18 million after a routine four-month evaluation period.
    
    An additional $175 million will be spent to refurbish and retool the factory over the next three years.
    
    Funds will come from a conditional loan of $528.7M the Department of Energy awarded the company in September.
    
    The loan is part of the $25B Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan program (ATVM) appropriated by Congress in 2007 to help the United States lead in the development and manufacturing of advanced technology vehicles.
    
    The company’s first car, the Fisker Karma, will be the world’s first production plug-in hybrid when it goes on sale this summer at retailers in the U.S. and Europe.
    
    Fisker plug-in hybrid cars will help remove the country’s dependence on foreign energy by eliminating the need for 42 million barrels of oil by 2016.  They will also offset 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
    
    “With our close-knit business, government, and educational communities and our potential to respond rapidly to new opportunities, today's announcement is a testament to what works best in Delaware.  Fisker is a perfect partner in shaping Delaware's economic future, and we are thrilled that the vehicle that can reshape the automobile industry will be built here in Delaware, by Delaware workers.” said Governor Jack Markell (D-Delaware).
    
    Gary Casteel, UAW director responsible for the plant, said,  "It gives me great pride to give UAW Local 435 workers the opportunity to partner with Fisker Automotive to create a greener America by building a plug-in hybrid car that will compete globally."

    
    
    Watch the Video

     

    ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
    Fisker Automotive is a privately owned, premium American car company with a vision to lead the automotive industry into the next-generation of automobiles with high-end design expertise and eco-friendly powertrain technology.  Global headquarters are in Irvine, California, USA.
    
    The company was created in 2007 to leverage the design capabilities of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, founded by auto design veterans Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, and the PHEV powertrain capabilities of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ-QTWW), a major Tier 1 supplier of clean vehicle technologies to the automotive OEMs.  Previously, Fisker, CEO, was design director for Aston Martin and president and CEO of BMW’s DesignworksUSA.  Koehler, COO, led operations for Ford’s Global Advanced Design Studio and created concept cars for Aston Martin, MINI and BMW.
    
    ABOUT WILMINGTON ASSEMBLY
    The Wilmington Assembly plant was built by General Motors in1947.  Over the years it has been expanded to 3.2 million square feet on 142 acres of land.  It includes an on-site powerhouse and waste water treatment facility.  More than 8.5 million cars have been manufactured there, including the Pontiac Streamliner, original Chevrolet Impala, 1997-1999 Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn L-Series and the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky/Opel GT roadsters.  Production capacity is 300,000 cars per year.  The plant and its workforce have received many awards for excellence in quality, production and safety.

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• 9th Annual Native Plant Sale

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    St. Jones Reserve Open House on Nov. 7
    Event includes the Delaware Native Plant Society’s Annual Plant Sale
     
    The St. Jones Reserve will host a free Open House and the Delaware Native Plant Society’s 9th Annual Native Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 7. The Open House and plant sale will be held rain or shine at the Reserve located at 818 Kitts Hummock Road near Dover.
     
    Held every year on the grounds of the St. Jones Reserve, the Delaware Native Plant Society’s Annual Plant Sale is a much anticipated event that offers beautiful native plants for sale for home landscapes. Native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants, including ferns, cardinal flower, pawpaw, and other difficult-to- find plants, will be available to purchase at exceptionally low prices. For the best selection, buyers are encouraged to arrive early.
     
    According to Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve manager Kimberly Cole, new this year, the Reserve will hold an Open House and invite the public to tour the buildings and grounds and enjoy autumn’s splendor on the estuary. “We added the Open House to introduce the community to the many opportunities that the St. Jones Reserve has to offer.” said Cole. “We welcome families and people of all ages to our view our coastal stewardship exhibits, see science in action and experience the natural beauty of the Reserve,” said Cole.
     
    With activities planned for all ages, visitors can:
    
        * Tour the St. Jones Center for Estuarine Studies, a building dedicated to understanding Delaware’s coastal areas, including its research laboratory, exhibits and classrooms;
        * watch as real-time weather and wave conditions are reported to the internet from sensors at the Reserve and in the Delaware Bay;
        * explore the amazing creatures that live in our estuaries;
        * hear about the many ways that you can enjoy getting involved;
        * watch the video, Delaware’s Undiscovered Treasure, that features the Blackbird Creek Watershed near Townsend – one of the most beautiful and ecologically important areas in the state;
    
        * talk with researchers who explore our bays and learn about the Thank You Delaware Bay initiative;
        * test your Coastal IQ with the help of Google Earth;
        * take part in kids activities, walk the boardwalk trail, and more.
     
    "The Delaware Native Plant Society and the St. Jones Reserve share the same goals of protecting and conserving our native plants, and this event is a wonderful opportunity for us to work together to promote stewardship,” said Eric Zuelke, nursery manager for the Delaware Native Plant Society.
     
    Organized in 1998, the Delaware Native Plant Society, a non-profit organization, has a statewide membership and encourages the use of and works to preserve, conserve, restore, and propagate native plants and native plant communities in Delaware.
     
    Plants are grown in the Delaware Native Plant Society’s nursery from locally collected seed, have been donated by members, or have been rescued from sites scheduled for clearing and development. This is one of only a handful of sources for plants collected and grown in the Delmarva region. The sale is the society’s only fundraising event; all proceeds go back into nursery operations. For more information, visit www.delawarenativeplants.org.
    
    The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) was established in 1993 to promote the stewardship and understanding of Delaware’s coastal areas through science and education.  DNERR is a cooperative program between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Delaware Coastal Programs and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is one of 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country. For more information, visit http://www.swc.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/dnerr.
     
    --Oct. 22, 2009, Vol. 39, No. 426 - News from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

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• LEED Platium Project for Downt

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    Element Design Group has designed a LEED-certifiable Home for a great location in downtown Wilmington.  The site constraints offered some unique challenges that added to the design.  The home will be built on an infill lot utilizing some of the existing foundations.  The current design offers multiple levels of outdoor living and green roof options.  Through the specifications of materials, design metrics and, working with the Owner and the GC, Element hopes to achieve a level of Platinum from the USGBC's LEED-Home program.  Click here for more detailed info and drawings.

    

     

    --source: ElementDG.com

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• 2009 Solar Decathlon Winners A

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    2009 Solar Decathlon Winners Announced
    
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman today announced the winners of the 2009 Department of Energy Solar Competition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.  Team Germany, the student team from Darmstadt, Germany, won top honors by designing, building, and operating the most attractive and efficient solar-powered home.  The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign took second place followed by Team California in third place.
    
    The active competition lasted for a week, with the prototype home designs open to the public through Sunday.  Team Germany’s winning “Cube House” design produced a surplus of power even during three days of rain. This is the team’s second-straight Solar Decathlon victory, after winning the previous competition in 2007.
    
    “This competition to build zero carbon homes has been a tremendous undertaking and we have seen terrific efforts by all the teams,” Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman said.  “The ingenuity that comes from individual effort is the promise of our future.”
    
    Over the past two weeks, the 2009 Solar Decathlon challenged 20 university-led teams from the United States and as far away as Spain, Germany, and Canada to compete in 10 contests, ranging from subjective elements such as architecture, market viability, communications, lighting design, and engineering, to technical measurements of how well the homes provided energy for space heating and cooling, hot water, home entertainment, appliances, and net metering.
    
    New to this year’s competition, the Net Metering Contest was worth 150 points towards the final results and was the most heavily weighted contest.  It challenged teams to generate surplus energy, above and beyond the power needed to run a house, which they fed into a power grid.
    
    Team Germany earned 908.29 points out of a possible 1,000 to win the competition, followed by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with 897.30 points, and Team California with 863.08 points.
    
    Solar Decathlon Individual Contest Winners:
    
    Appliances
    In the Appliances Contest, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earned the most points based on keeping a refrigerators and freezer cold, washing and drying 10 loads of laundry during the contest week, and washing dishes in a dishwasher five times during the competition – all on electricity generated only from sunlight. The team scored 93.53 out of 100 possible points.
    
    Architecture
    Team California took first place in the Architecture contest and earned 98 points out of a possible 100.  A jury of architects judged homes on the aesthetic and functional elements of the home’s design; ease of circulation among the public and private areas; integration of various spaces into a holistic design; generosity and sufficiency of space in the house; and the house’s design surprises meant to inspire visitors.
    
    Comfort Zone
    Team Germany topped the contestants in the Comfort Zone contest, with 92 out of 100 points for maintaining indoor temperatures between 72 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity between 40 percent and 55 percent.
    
    Communications
    Team California’s communications efforts, including communications plans, student-led tours, and team Web site, were judged best by the jury of Web site and public relations experts with a score of 69.75 points out of a possible 75 points.
    
    Engineering
    The University of Minnesota won the Engineering contest, which was evaluated by a group of prominent engineers, who determined which solar home best exemplified excellence in energy systems design, energy-efficiency savings, creative innovations in design, and reliability of energy systems.  The University of Minnesota scored 96 out of a possible 100 points.
    
    Home Entertainment
    The Home Entertainment contest required students to use electricity generated by their solar houses to run interior and exterior lights, a TV, a computer, and a kitchen appliance to boil water.  Teams were also required to hold two dinner parties and a movie night for neighbors. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earned 92.62 out of a possible 100 points.
    
    Hot Water
    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earned the maximum 100 points in the Hot Water contest’s “shower tests,” which aimed to deliver 15 gallons of hot water in ten minutes or less.  Of course, the water was heated by the sun.
    
    Lighting Design
    The University of Minnesota was named the winner of the Lighting contest where teams earned points based on an evaluation by a jury of lighting design experts.  Jurors toured each house to evaluate the aesthetics, innovations, energy efficiency, user-friendliness, flexibility, and performance of the teams’ lighting designs.  The University of Minnesota earned 72 points out of a possible 75 points.
    
    Market Viability
    The University of Louisiana at Lafayette won the Market Viability contest, which evaluated whether the cost-effective construction and solar technology in a team’s design would create a viable product on the open market.  Judges gauged market appeal based on three criteria:  livability, feasibility of construction, and marketability.  The University of Louisiana at Lafayette earned 97 points out of a possible 100 as judged by the professional jury.
    
    Net Metering
    Team Germany took the top spot in the crucial, 150-point Net Metering contest.  Teams were awarded 100 points if the energy supplied to their home’s two-way electrical meter registered zero or less after all of the energy demands of the contest week.  Each house in the 2009 Solar Decathlon was connected to a power grid and equipped with a meter that measured both its consumption and production of energy.  When a team’s meter showed a negative number, the home had generated surplus energy – worth up to 50 additional points. Team Germany scored a perfect 150 points in this contest.
    
    The application process for the next Solar Decathlon, to be held in fall 2011, has already begun.
    
    For full event information, current standings, high-resolution photos and videos, an event schedule, and updates, visit the Solar Decathlon website.

     

    October 16, 2009 -- source DOE press releases

     

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• Recovery Through Retrofit

  • From: GreenDelaware
  • Description:

    Going Green - And Saving You Money

    Vice President Biden and the Middle Class Task Force just finished unveiling the Recovery Through Retrofit Report, at a public event inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Joining the Vice President at the announcement were Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy, Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor, Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Karen Mills, Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
     
    Last May in Denver, CO the Vice President asked the White House Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) to report back to the Middle Class Task Force with a plan to make sure that the unprecedented Recovery Act investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining home energy efficiency retrofit industry -- which will create good, green jobs and save middle class families money on their energy bills. CEQ answered this call by bringing together eleven Departments and Agencies and six White House offices to develop today’s report.
     
    The report identifies three barriers that have prevented a national market for home retrofits from taking off. First, consumers don’t have access to reliable information about retrofits. Second, the upfront costs of home retrofits can be high but consumers don’t have access to financing. Finally, there aren’t enough skilled workers to serve a robust national retrofit market. 
     
    
    Recovery Through Retrofit is an action plan to address these barriers without new money and by using authority the federal government already has.
     
    Here’s how we will take steps toward breaking down each barrier:
     
    First, to give consumers the information they need, the federal government will develop a standardized measure of home energy performance that is applicable to every home as well as a home performance label to signal that a home is energy efficient – like ENERGY STAR^® does for appliances.
     
    Second, we will make it easier for homeowners to pay for home retrofits by promoting accessible and affordable financing options.
     
    Third, we will establish nationally recognized standards for worker training and certification so when you decide to invest in a home retrofit, you can rest assured that the work will be done right.

    
    With almost 130 million homes in the United States, there’s plenty of work to be done.   Building a nationwide home retrofit market will create good jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Right now, homes generate more than 20 percent of our carbon dioxide emissions. 

     
    Today’s announcement is just the beginning. The Agencies, Departments and White House offices involved with this report will continue their collaboration. An interagency Energy Retrofit Working Group will submit an implementation plan to the Vice President within thirty days. In the coming months, this group will keep track of the progress we are making on the report’s recommendations and report back to the Vice President on a regular basis.
     
    As the Vice President said this afternoon, "when we recover—and we will recover—we will come out of this a much stronger nation, better prepared to lead the world in the 21^st Century as we did in the 20^th."
     
    We’ll come out a little greener, too.
    
    
    MONDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2009 AT 11:00 AM - by Terrell McSweeny, Domestic Policy Adviser to the Vice President -- source WhiteHouse.gov blog
    

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