General Information about “Green Construction and Remodeling”-
Sustainable construction and remodeling-
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/SingleFamilyResidential/Overview/
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-
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-
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-
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-
http://www.eclipsesolargear.com
Green Landscaping:
Drought-tolerant landscapes and plants help to conserve water.
Native plant information-
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/npresrcs.htm
Non-toxic gardening products-
http://www.gardensalive.com/category.asp?c=10
Cleaning products- Make your own:
Extras on the Web:
Cost vs value report
http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/feature1dec05?OpenDocument
Case studies-
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/SingleFamilyResidential/Resources/CaseStudies/default.asp
Green home guides offered by The city of Seattle
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/SingleFamilyResidential/Resources/CaseStudies/default.asp
What is green building??
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/OurProgram/Overview/WhatisGreenBuilding/default.asp
Green pages-
http://ecobuilding.org/fck_files/File/greenpages2008.pdf
Built Green Links
http://www.builtgreen.net/links.html#4
Please e-mail me if you see any broken links or would like to see us add another great resource to our website
enrico pozzo
enrico@seattlebydesign.com
206.790.7874 – direct
800.790.7834 – toll free
206.275.7038 – e fax