Comments on: Reader Questions: Building green on a budget? http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/ A weblog about green building, LEED, and the environment. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:31:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 by: Ted Smith http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-14713 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:29:03 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-14713 Start small and incrementally do what you can do. Start at windows. They are the one thing everyone can do for a impact at low cost. more than 45% of the windows sold in this country currently do not meet the Energy Star requirements for the zone they are being installed in.With 30% of the energy we expend going for heating and cooling and 30% of ourenergy budget going to heating/cooling/lighting, we can make an impact here and the cost is not great to buy the most efficient windows for our given location. There are many factors to consider and you can start here: <a HREF="http://www.diy-green-home-improvement.com/cmsmadesimple-1.2.5/index.php/diy-home-improvement/Windows-and-Doors/shgc-visible-light-transmission-and-uvalue" rel="nofollow">SHGC, Visible Light Transmission, Daylighting and U-Values</A> Next, consider the structural system and the insulation system. The point is to start at the edges of the envelope and work inward towards deriving the most efficient envelope you can afford. As you work towards that goal, you can then move up the chain to more intensive technologies making you home more and more energy efficient and less impacting on the environment. As we move forward, research and development, not really justified in the era of cheap energy will move forward with the arrival of higher prices and the cost of the more esoteric technologies will come down as a result. Everyone can start here and now with the first step. Start small and incrementally do what you can do. Start at windows. They are the one thing everyone can do for a impact at low cost. more than 45% of the windows sold in this country currently do not meet the Energy Star requirements for the zone they are being installed in.With 30% of the energy we expend going for heating and cooling and 30% of ourenergy budget going to heating/cooling/lighting, we can make an impact here and the cost is not great to buy the most efficient windows for our given location.

There are many factors to consider and you can start here: SHGC, Visible Light Transmission, Daylighting and U-Values

Next, consider the structural system and the insulation system. The point is to start at the edges of the envelope and work inward towards deriving the most efficient envelope you can afford. As you work towards that goal, you can then move up the chain to more intensive technologies making you home more and more energy efficient and less impacting on the environment.

As we move forward, research and development, not really justified in the era of cheap energy will move forward with the arrival of higher prices and the cost of the more esoteric technologies will come down as a result. Everyone can start here and now with the first step.

]]> by: Samuel http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-10143 Tue, 06 May 2008 12:13:22 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-10143 48JtZA Hello! I'm Samuel Smith, i'm from Switqerland i and find your site really brilliant! 48JtZA Hello! I’m Samuel Smith, i’m from Switqerland i and find your site really brilliant!

]]> by: Joe B. http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-9745 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:25:47 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-9745 Here's a fairly inexpensive green water conservation tip: Install a Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve under the sink farthest form your water heater and you will have instant hot water throughout your entire home. It’s a great way to save water that's normally wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water. The savings in water and energy easily recoups the initial $179.95 purchase price! More impressive is the convenience of instant hot water! The Hot Water Lobster uses no electricity and is pump free, so it creates no noise. It is made in the U.S.A., has a 10-year warranty, and can be easily installed in under 10 minutes. Check it out at: www.hotwaterlobster.com Here’s a fairly inexpensive green water conservation tip: Install a Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve under the sink farthest form your water heater and you will have instant hot water throughout your entire home. It’s a great way to save water that’s normally wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water. The savings in water and energy easily recoups the initial $179.95 purchase price! More impressive is the convenience of instant hot water!

The Hot Water Lobster uses no electricity and is pump free, so it creates no noise. It is made in the U.S.A., has a 10-year warranty, and can be easily installed in under 10 minutes.

Check it out at:
www.hotwaterlobster.com

]]> by: Kassidy Lane http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-9373 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:08:37 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-9373 My company Puget Paint and Drywall, Inc. offers a full list of both drywall and paint services using LEED certified materials exlusively. visit us at www.pugetpaintanddrywall.com for a free bid. My company Puget Paint and Drywall, Inc. offers a full list of both drywall and paint services using LEED certified materials exlusively. visit us at www.pugetpaintanddrywall.com for a free bid.

]]> by: Janie Coffey http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-8761 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:56:38 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-8761 Have you (I am sure you have) researched if there is a green building coalition in your state and reached out to green builders, designers? Often they know the best and most cost effective solutions and might have higher buying power with suppliers and installers. Also, going 100% green out of the box might be a huge task, but maybe you can plan on what MUST be done first and what can be added as you go.... Good luck! Have you (I am sure you have) researched if there is a green building coalition in your state and reached out to green builders, designers? Often they know the best and most cost effective solutions and might have higher buying power with suppliers and installers. Also, going 100% green out of the box might be a huge task, but maybe you can plan on what MUST be done first and what can be added as you go…. Good luck!

]]> by: Martin Bebow http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-8428 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:22:12 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-8428 Darryl D. Thanks for the Demand/Supply toolkits. On the supply side I have an issue with the local utility company (Arizona Public Service) that they have yet to respond to me about. It seems to me that the utility companies (and especially APS) are uniquely situated to jumpstart the adoption of Solar electric power. APS is building a new power plant using solar panels. But why create another power plant when solar is ideally suited to distributed power generation? Why not use the rooftops in Arizona to create a widespread distributed solar collection system? I just read an article that California is doing just that by putting solar panels on company buildings. Why isn't APS developing a solar/electric package for its customers that they can buy or lease? It seems to me that Arizona could become the Saudi Arabia of clean solar power that could be sold to other less sunny states. Maybe this should be a separate post if there is enough interest in the idea. Darryl D. Thanks for the Demand/Supply toolkits. On the supply side I have an issue with the local utility company (Arizona Public Service) that they have yet to respond to me about. It seems to me that the utility companies (and especially APS) are uniquely situated to jumpstart the adoption of Solar electric power. APS is building a new power plant using solar panels. But why create another power plant when solar is ideally suited to distributed power generation? Why not use the rooftops in Arizona to create a widespread distributed solar collection system? I just read an article that California is doing just that by putting solar panels on company buildings. Why isn’t APS developing a solar/electric package for its customers that they can buy or lease? It seems to me that Arizona could become the Saudi Arabia of clean solar power that could be sold to other less sunny states. Maybe this should be a separate post if there is enough interest in the idea.

]]> by: granolamama http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-7867 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:40:58 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-7867 MyGreenCottage is the Only Nationwide, Green Custom Home Build/Design Firm endorsed by actor & environmentalist, Ed Begley, Jr. & his hit TV show, "Living With Ed." MyGreenCottage homes are built to LEED specifications, using healthy materials that are fire & storm resistant, termite & rot proof, energy efficient, require less maintenance & cost the same or less than a traditionally built custom home. * Build It Green with MyGreenCottage * Any Style, Any Size, Anywhere * On Time, On Budget, Guaranteed For more information & to Download a copy of our Free brochure, visit us at www.mygreencottage.com, Call us at 800.419.9078, Ext. 89 or E-mail dianne@mygreencottage.com Custom homes that are Healthy for You, Your Wallet & The Planet MyGreenCottage is the Only Nationwide, Green Custom Home Build/Design Firm endorsed by actor & environmentalist, Ed Begley, Jr. & his hit TV show, “Living With Ed.”

MyGreenCottage homes are built to LEED specifications, using healthy materials that are fire & storm resistant, termite & rot proof, energy efficient, require less maintenance & cost the same or less than a traditionally built custom home.

* Build It Green with MyGreenCottage
* Any Style, Any Size, Anywhere
* On Time, On Budget, Guaranteed

For more information & to Download a copy of our Free brochure, visit us at www.mygreencottage.com, Call us at 800.419.9078, Ext. 89 or E-mail dianne@mygreencottage.com

Custom homes that are Healthy for You, Your Wallet & The Planet

]]> by: Nichoel Farris, Eco Manufactured Home Designer, American Home Sales http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-4430 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:33:26 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-4430 GO PREFAB GREEN! My name is Nichoel Farris. I have a small design-build business in Auburn. As a member of the USGreen Building Council, I felt an urgency to build amore stustainable and environmentally friendly GREEN HOME that would also remain affordable for the average family. And I am proud to announce our new ECO MANUFACTURED HOME has been built! The home is open for tour at our design center at : 1450 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn CA 95603 Our Open House had Mayor Nesbit conducting the ribbon cutting and over 200 people in attendance! The Eco Home has received fantastic press including Sacramento Bee (2x), Wheatland Citizen, Flex Your Power, Good Day Sacramento, Channel 10 Sacramento, and other online articles. The greenbuild features of our New EcoManufactured home are EPA Energy Star construction for energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable and eco materials, improved indoor air quality, reduced environmental impact, reduction of 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gasses every year, and also 'High Design.' They are important points to address because of the direct benefit to the homeowner with lower utility bills and a healthier indoor air environment. My focus while designing this house was to foster the natural harmony you should feel when you come home. High ceilings for the perception of 'clean open space', introducing abundant natural light to reduce the usage of lights during the day. Studies have show that increased natural light encourages healing, elevates moods and reduces tardiness. So we have lots glazing with clearstory windows, skylights, and solatubes. Also efficient engineering for the mechanical and ventilation systems. All this in addition to the current architectural trend of butler pantry, mud room, gourmet kitchen with eat-in center island, stainless steel appliances and more. This Eco Model Home underscores the notion that good architecture does not have to be expensive! What some of the public doesn't realize is there is this amazing world of off site technology in home building. There has been this misconception that factory built homes are substandard . Because in the past we had trailer homes. But now, people are gravitating towards having a home constructed in a factory, because its built in a controlled environment, using precision cutting. And we can achieve 50-75% less waste and cut down on Co2 emission. All the building facets and tradesmen are consolidate. The framer, electrician, cabinet maker, all come to one place and work together to build the home. This allows for high efficiency and to get the most out of construction materials. And the topical impact on the placement property is greatly reduced because you only have one, two, or three trucks delivering your home at almost 90% complete. In lieu of site building where there are constant deliveries, from multiple trucks. We also try to incorporate Green property improvements including passive solar placement, rainwater catchment systems, insulated foundations, flyash concrete, and more. When you chose an Eco Home from American Home Sales, you work with a staff designer to customize your house plan and then we can typically have your home built in about six weeks, depending on how many orders are in lead at the factory. And our integrated project team will take the entire process from start to final with an average project time of four to six months. Our buyers only make the critical choices and we take care of all the scheduling and paperwork. Our Eco Home is the first in it's industry and costs $88,000. But with our factory technology, we can build an Eco Home in almost any size and style, averaging $50-$70sqft. We are currently accepting orders for California and neighboring states. We are very proud of what we have accomplished, but will continue to research new developments in Green Building options and practices. Our Eco Home is the affordable path to a healthy, green lifestyle. Nichoel Farris American Home Sales 1450 Grass Valley Hwy Auburn, CA 95603 530-885-4555 ecohomes@msn.com GO PREFAB GREEN!
My name is Nichoel Farris. I have a small design-build business in Auburn. As a member of the USGreen Building Council, I felt an urgency to build amore stustainable and environmentally friendly GREEN HOME that would also remain affordable for the average family. And I am proud to announce our new ECO MANUFACTURED HOME has been built! The home is open for tour at our design center at : 1450 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn CA 95603 Our Open House had Mayor Nesbit conducting the ribbon cutting and over 200 people in attendance! The Eco Home has received fantastic press including Sacramento Bee (2x), Wheatland Citizen, Flex Your Power, Good Day Sacramento, Channel 10 Sacramento, and other online articles.

The greenbuild features of our New EcoManufactured home are EPA Energy Star construction for energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable and eco materials, improved indoor air quality, reduced environmental impact, reduction of 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gasses every year, and also ‘High Design.’ They are important points to address because of the direct benefit to the homeowner with lower utility bills and a healthier indoor air environment. My focus while designing this house was to foster the natural harmony you should feel when you come home. High ceilings for the perception of ‘clean open space’, introducing abundant natural light to reduce the usage of lights during the day. Studies have show that increased natural light encourages healing, elevates moods and reduces tardiness. So we have lots glazing with clearstory windows, skylights, and solatubes. Also efficient engineering for the mechanical and ventilation systems. All this in addition to the current architectural trend of butler pantry, mud room, gourmet kitchen with eat-in center island, stainless steel appliances and more. This Eco Model Home underscores the notion that good architecture does not have to be expensive!

What some of the public doesn’t realize is there is this amazing world of off site technology in home building. There has been this misconception that factory built homes are substandard . Because in the past we had trailer homes. But now, people are gravitating towards having a home constructed in a factory, because its built in a controlled environment, using precision cutting. And we can achieve 50-75% less waste and cut down on Co2 emission. All the building facets and tradesmen are consolidate. The framer, electrician, cabinet maker, all come to one place and work together to build the home. This allows for high efficiency and to get the most out of construction materials. And the topical impact on the placement property is greatly reduced because you only have one, two, or three trucks delivering your home at almost 90% complete. In lieu of site building where there are constant deliveries, from multiple trucks. We also try to incorporate Green property improvements including passive solar placement, rainwater catchment systems, insulated foundations, flyash concrete, and more. When you chose an Eco Home from American Home Sales, you work with a staff designer to customize your house plan and then we can typically have your home built in about six weeks, depending on how many orders are in lead at the factory. And our integrated project team will take the entire process from start to final with an average project time of four to six months. Our buyers only make the critical choices and we take care of all the scheduling and paperwork.

Our Eco Home is the first in it’s industry and costs $88,000. But with our factory technology, we can build an Eco Home in almost any size and style, averaging $50-$70sqft. We are currently accepting orders for California and neighboring states. We are very proud of what we have accomplished, but will continue to research new developments in Green Building options and practices. Our Eco Home is the affordable path to a healthy, green lifestyle.

Nichoel Farris
American Home Sales
1450 Grass Valley Hwy
Auburn, CA 95603
530-885-4555
ecohomes@msn.com

]]> by: Susan http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-2442 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:10:00 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-2442 I would definitely check out Building Green TV - they showcase the series on PBS I think. I would definitely check out Building Green TV - they showcase the series on PBS I think.

]]> by: John Hofker http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-2438 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:39:35 +0000 http://www.greenbuildblog.com/2007/07/30/reader-questions-building-green-on-a-budget/#comment-2438 Opinion on using student architects. I assume you are referring to architecture students as in college students. Students are generally not licensed and that could get you into trouble, ... big trouble. Never discount the value of an experienced architect. Like any other profession, architecture takes years of experience, ... not just education in the classroom. My strong advise is to acknowledge and appreciate the wisdom of an experienced architect. Good design from an experienced architect is probably the most important feature of any well built home. John Hofker Opinion on using student architects.

I assume you are referring to architecture students as in college students.

Students are generally not licensed and that could get you into trouble, … big trouble.

Never discount the value of an experienced architect. Like any other profession, architecture takes years of experience, … not just education in the classroom.

My strong advise is to acknowledge and appreciate the wisdom of an experienced architect.

Good design from an experienced architect is probably the most important feature of any well built home.

John Hofker

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