Green Living

General Information about “Green Construction and Remodeling”-

Sustainable construction and remodeling-

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/SingleFamilyResidential/Overview/

http://www.builtgreen.net

http://ecobuilding.org

Solar Orientation-

Designing your home around the path of the sun can save energy, reduce operating costs, and have less of a negative affect on the environment. Correct orientation reduces your homes heating and cooling costs and provides better lit, and more comfortable spaces.

Books on solar heating-

The passive solar house by: James Kachadorian

The Solar House- Passive heating and cooling by: Dan Chiras

Tap the Sun- Passive Solar techniques and home plans by: Canada mortgage and housing group

Website on solar orientation- http://www.seattle.gov/light/solar/

Materials –

Careful material selection can help reduce the need for heating and cooling, can keep previously used materials out of landfills, and can reduce our need for previous natural resources such as old growth forests. There are many “green” materials that you can use in your home. Bamboo is one that is becoming more popular because of its ability to grow quickly and abundantly.

Article on bamboo with links to others-

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2008/4/29/FSC-Certified-Bamboo-Plywood-Now-Available

Book on bamboo that looks pretty cool-

http://www.buildinggreen.com/biblio/item.cfm?itemID=999

Certified Wood-

http://wwwcwpa.info

Green material selection-

http://www.buildinggreen.com/features/gp/green_products.html

Building material reuse-

http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/publications/

Water-consumption-

Low flow plumbing fixtures, rainwater collection and storage, and drought tolerant landscapes help to conserve the use of water.

Site of rainwater –

http://www.buildinggreen.com/menus/subtopics.cfm?TopicID=2

water conservation tips-

http://www.monolake.org/waterconservation/

High efficiency toilets-

http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/het.htm

Home water use tips-

http://www.savingwater.org

Appliances-

Energy Star Appliances are a great way to reduce energy consumption in your home.

Energy Star model appliances-

https://www.energystar.gov/ or call 800-YES-1-CAN

Tips on kitchen appliances-

http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid194.php

Energy saver appliances-

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/appliances.html

Lighting –

LED light bulbs and CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs save energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Please remember that Fluorescent bulbs contain Mercury and need to be properly disposed.

Seattle City Light-

http://cityofseattle.net/light/concerve

Useful information on LED light-

http://www.lighting.com/section.cfm?id=9&page=/led.html

Sustainable indoor and out door lighting tips-

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/printable_versions/lighting.html

VOC’s in paints –

The use of no VOC or, low VOC paints will improve the air quality of your home.

There are many options for formaldehyde free insulation. These materials eliminate binder-related formaldehyde emissions, reduce off gassing inside your home, and are mildew-resistant.

Low-and no-VOC paints-

http://www.freshairechoice.com/contact.html

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/10/affordable_low.php

The American Lung Association of Washington’s Healthy House program-

http://www.alaw.org/air_quality/health_house_programs/

Indoor air quality-

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/

toxics reduction-

http://www.metrokc.gov/hazwaste/house

Insulation-cracks and leaks-

A Good insulating system can help keep your home warm during winter and cool during summer.

Insulation and sealing air leaks-

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/printable_versions/insulation.html

http://www.greenhomeguide.com/index.php/product/C237

http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt/text/0,2595,HPRO_20196_30692,00.html

Windows –

High performance windows with insulated frames, multiple glazing, low e-coatings, insulated glass spacers and inert glass fills can reduce heat loss by 50% to 75%.

Low E-glass is a special coating that reflects infrared light and keeps heat inside in winter and outside in summer. It also protects interior furniture from fading by reflecting ultraviolet light.

Gas Filled windows insulate better than air. Typically gas filled windows are filled with argon or krypton and are odorless and non-toxic.

Energy star links to articles on High Performance windows-

https://www.energystar.gov/ia/new_homes/features/HighPerformanceWindows1-17-01.pdf

https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes_features.hm_f_advanced_windows

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/printable_versions/windows.html

Renewable Energy:

Solar or wind energy generators can help you reduce the amount of electricity you purchase and can even make your meter spin backwards.

Renewable energy tips-

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/printable_versions/renewable_energy.html

Renewable energy database-

http://www.green-e.org/base/re_products?cust=r

Solar powered technology for home electronics-