LIVE GREEN  •  GREEN LINKS

Building and remodeling green is about quality, durability, harnessing natural elements, and conserving natural resources. By doing so, you will save money on utility costs, live in a healthier environment, and lower your carbon footprint. Ask yourself whether your choices will do any of the following…

• Utilize ‘the elements’ instead of burning fuel.

• Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment.

• Improve long-term economic performance.

• Incorporate energy and water efficient technologies.

• Use recycled content and sustainable materials.

• Reduce construction and demolition waste.

• Landscape for water and energy efficiency.

• Improve indoor air quality.

• Reduce environmental impact.

Below are my favorite green building practices from www.globalgreen.org and www.builditgreen.org. Please visit their informative sites for more information.

DECONSTRUCT INSTEAD OF DEMOLISH

Deconstruction of existing buildings and building components is a good way to salvage quality building products that have not yet reached the end of their usable life, even if the building or part of it has. Salvaged materials may be less expensive, of higher quality, or have more character than new materials. Reusing building materials generates less waste and pollution, decreases disposal costs, and increases landfill capacity. Locate a demolition contractor who offers deconstruction services or an organization that specializes in dismantling and salvaging. Donating the materials to a nonprofit or charity may result in a substantial tax deduction.

ORIENT TO MAXIMIZE PASSIVE SOLAR

The basic approach involves allowing sunlight to enter the space during the winter, yet be blocked during the hottest times of the summer. This is achieved with proper building and window orientation, and with exterior shading. By either capturing or blocking the sun’s energy, you reduce the need to run heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, maximizing natural light reduces the need for artificial light, thus reducing electricity bills… and also makes for a more pleasant atmosphere.

PLACE WINDOWS TO PROVIDE OPTIMUM, NATURAL VENTILATION

Situating windows to take advantage of natural cross-ventilation reduces the need for air conditioning, saves money on energy bills, and can make homes without air conditioning more comfortable. Also, ventilating with cool, night air in the evening helps to further cut down on energy use.

BUILD DURABLE & NONCOMBUSTABLE ROOFS

Short-lived roofing materials result in more waste going to landfills and more money spent on roof replacement. Forty- to fifty-year asphalt shingles, tile, slate, fiber-cement, recycled plastic and metal are examples of durable roofing materials. Copper roofs can last up to 100 years and are completely recyclable.

LIGHT-COLORED “COOL ROOF”

Dark roofing materials absorb heat, making the house warmer in summer months, whereas light colored roofing reduces heat buildup, thus increasing occupancy comfort and decreasing air conditioning bills.

LIVING ROOFS

A living roof is a roof which is covered in turf, flowers, grasses, and sometimes shrubs or trees. There are many advantages to a living roof; it provides an excellent layer of insulation which can help to keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The roof also acts as a filter for rainfall, and improves drainage. The plants growing on the roof can provide habitat for animals, especially in an urban environment, and the living roof can also be pleasant to look at and walk on.

SHADE SOUTH-FACING WINDOWS

Overhangs or screens on south-facing windows are one component of a natural cooling system. Foliage and mature trees are also great, natural shade providers. Shading south-facing windows reduces heat gain by screening the summer sun during the hottest periods of the day.

INSTALL WHOLE-HOUSE FANS OR CEILING FANS

Whole-house and ceiling fans improve interior comfort by circulating cold and warm air. They can be adjusted to either draw warm air upward during summer months or push it downward during the winter. Fans can reduce the need for air-conditioning and heating by circulating air effectively, and on average uses one-tenth the electricity of an air conditioning unit.

ELIMINATE AIR CONDITIONING

After the refrigerator, air conditioning is the second biggest consumer of electricity in an average household. Eliminating air conditioning will significantly reduce a household’s electricity bill and energy use.

INSTALL PHOTOVALTAIC SYSTEMS

PV systems convert solar energy into electricity when sunlight strikes the PV cells. The best location for PV modules is flush on south or west facing roofs. Most residential systems are grid connected, and save money by reducing or eliminating your electricity bill. Furthermore, cash rebates, tax credits and deductions can pay for up to 30% for residential installations. www.dsireusa.org

A recent study from the Appraisal Institute showed the selling price of homes and businesses increase by $20.73 for every $1 decrease in annual utility bills. Using this example, a moderately sized system that costs about $12,000 will increase the value of your property by $20,000.

INSTALL SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS

Solar water heating systems use solar panels and water storage to collect and store heat from the sun for domestic hot water use or space heating. Solar water heating systems are typically used to deliver preheated water to a standard water heater. Solar water heating is more cost effective than ever as a result of new technologies, reliable products and rising energy prices. Federal tax credits may apply.

ZONDED, HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING

Instead of providing warm air via ducts, hydronic radiant heating systems circulate hot water through under-floor tubing, wall radiators or baseboard convectors. Their heat source can be a boiler, conventional water heater or solar water heater. Combined-hydronic heating saves energy by using hot water already produced and stored in the water heater, and eliminating the need for a separate furnace.

INSTALL FLUORESCENT OR LED LIGHTING

Interior fluorescent bulbs and fixtures produce light quantity and quality that is comparable to incandescent, while expending less energy. Electronic ballasts also improve efficiency and reduce flickering. One compact florescent bulb will pay itself back over ten times over the course of its life through reduced energy use. Where a lower light intensity is sufficient, LED lights last even longer than CFLs,

INSTALL HIGH R-VALUE INSULATION

Insulation provides a continuous thermal barrier to minimize heat flow through the walls, ceiling and floor. The higher the R-value, the greater the materials ability to insulate and therefore improve comfort, decrease demand for energy consumption, and save money. For more information on Spray Foam Insulation, contact local contractors at www.GoGreenCalifornia.com.

REPLACE SINGLE-PANE WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE WINDOWS

Windows play a big role in the energy efficiency of homes. In the summer, they can allow unwanted heat into the house, and in the winter, they can account for as much as 25% of the home’s heat loss. High performance windows reduce heating and cooling costs and keep the home more comfortable. Some wood windows also contain FSC-certified wood, further reducing their environmental footprint. Fiberglass window frames are often made with recycled glass. When replacing windows, look for models with a low U-factor of 0.40 or less. U-factor is a measure of heat transferred by the entire window (frame, sash and glass) either into or out of the building. In addition to a low U-factor, the windows should have a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) that suits climate and your window’s orientation. SHGC is a measure of the solar radiation entering the room through the entire window. Visit www.efficientwindows.org for help in choosing the best criteria for windows in your climate and for your specific application. Also, check with your local utility company for rebate programs on high performance/ energy efficient windows.

HAVE YOUR HOME ENERGY RATED

by a certified Energy Rater like www.Ecovations.com. Then foam, caulk and weatherstrip every penetration and crack, as well as tighten or replace leaky air-ducting in order to avoid air infiltration that compromises the energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality of your home. For entire home-certification, have your home GreenPoint Rated: www.greenpointrated.org

SELECT ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES  www.energystar.gov

Refrigerators and freezers are among the largest users of electricity in most homes. They can account for up to 25% of household energy use. Energy Star appliances use 10-15% less energy and water than standard models. Energy Star refrigerators can save over 10% of the total annual electrical bill in a home. Check with your local utility company for rebate programs.

DESIGN WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES

Landscape designs (such as xeriscape) reduce water use by emphasizing native and/or drought tolerant plants, eliminating turf areas, and minimizing maintenance. Efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and micro irrigation, place the correct amount of water directly at the base of each plant, thus reducing water use and waste from overwatering. They also lower water bills and reduce impacts on water supply infrastructure.

INSTALL WATER-EFFICIENT TOILETS AND FIXTURES

New toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush compared with old toilets that require 5-7 gallons per flush. Flow reducers fit into the aerator at the tip of the faucet and reduce the rate of water flow through the faucet. Replace standard showerheads with low-flow showerheads. Low-flow toilets can save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four. Dual Flush toilets give you the option of a light or heavy flush, and use less than one gallon per flush.

IMPLEMENT RAINWATER AND GREYWATER SYSTEMS

Rainwater holding tanks capture storm runoff and can then be used to water the yard or flush the toilets. Rainwater can be channeled through gutters and downspouts to an above-ground cistern or underground gravel dry well, and then used later. Greywater is washwater. That is, all wastewater except toilet wastes and food wastes. Bath, laundry, and dishwasher water that would otherwise go down the drain, instead goes into a holding tank where it is filtered or treated before channeled for use. Greywater conserves fresh water that is usually used to flush toilets and water gardens.

CHOOSE PERMEABLE PAVING MATERIALS

Permeable paving allows storm-water to percolate into the soil, thus reducing the volume of polluted water that flows into rivers or bays, while replenishing soil moisture and local aquifers.

USE 30% - 50% FLYASH IN CONCRETE

Flyash is a byproduct of coal-burning power plants and can be an inexpensive substitute for 15% - 40% of the Portland cement used in concrete. Flyash increases the strength and durability of the concrete, and also reduces the amount of cement needed, thereby decreasing the overall environmental impacts of cement production.

BUILD WITH ENGINEERED WOOD FOR HEADERS, JOISTS, AND SHEATHING

Solid sawn lumber in sizes of 2X10 or greater typically comes from old growth forests. Engineered lumber products, however, come from small diameter and fast growing plantation trees. Large size lumber can be replaced with engineered lumber (microlam, paralam, gluelam) in most applications unless required by seismic codes. Wood I-Joists are an alternative to 2X6s or 2X8s used for floor and roof joists. Reducing demand for large dimensional lumber decreases pressure to cut down old growth forests. Engineered lumber uses wood fiber more efficiently than conventional lumber, resulting in stronger and higher quality homes.

BUILD WITH DURABLE AND LOW MAINTENANCE EXTERIORS

Use durable siding materials such as fiber-cement siding to eliminate rot and reduce the need for painting. Use wood/plastic composite deck materials to reduce the need for annual resealing.

USE RECYCLED-CONTENT INSULATION, DRYWALL, AND CARPET

Recycled-content insulation, drywall, and carpet are made from recycles paper, recycled plastic and glass bottles, recycled wool or recycled cotton. They don’t differ in appearance or performance and the prices are comparable to conventional products. Recycled-content materials save resources and divert waste from landfills. Approximately 40 two-liter soda bottles are recycled into each square yard of recycled-content carpeting. Recycled-content insulation may contain up to 30% recycled glass. Materials such as recycled cotton or cellulose insulation contain up to 80% postindustrial or post-consumer recycled materials.

CHOOSE LOW- OR NO-VOC PAINT

No-VOC paint does not emit odors related to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products like paint, adhesives, cleaning supplies, etc. No-VOC paint is used exactly like conventional paint and are most suitable for indoor use. Use of low- or no-VOC paint can eliminate the eye, nose, and throat irritation, loss of coordination, and potential damage to the liver and central nervous system caused by VOCs.

CHOOSE FORMALDEHYDE-FREE MATERIALS FOR CABINETS AND COUNTERS

Particleboard typically contains formaldehyde, which can off gas for 10-15 years. EPA ranks formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Exposure can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, skin rashes, headaches, nosebleeds and nausea. Elimination of formaldehyde-based materials reduces exposure to residents, particularly children, who are most susceptible.

INSTALL ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE FINISHES AND FLOORING

Environmentally preferable options for interior finishes and flooring include materials that are FSC-certified, reclaimed or refinished, rapidly renewable, or contain recycled content. Some fine examples are exposed concrete, limestone, bamboo, cork, sorghum, sisal, jute, and salvaged woods from an old building or farmhouse.

To learn more about buying, selling and living green,

contact me today:

Laura Doughty
310-600-3542
info@malibupropertyshop.com

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