Are you making any resolutions for the New Year? If saving money is on your list of things to do for 2011, we have some suggestions, PLUS these ideas will help you "green up" your home saving resources and adding to your quality of life.
This list includes very easy things that you can start doing on January 1 to save energy and go green. These include letting the sun shine in your home on cold days, setting your home computer to "sleep mode" or turn it off when not in use, and taking off your shoes before you enter your home.
Looking to save more? We have bigger suggestions, too. Of course, before you tackle any of the larger items on the list, we suggest you have a home energy audit performed on your home. This simple scientific test will pinpoint the energy-stealing culprits in your home and help you spend your repair budget on fixing the right things.
See a list of our members at www.columbiagreenbuilders.com to find home energy auditors and a variety of local green-minded professionals to help you green your current home.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit Renewed, Extended
With the two-year extension of all of the 2001 and 2003 Bush-era tax cuts as its centerpiece, Congress last week approved a major tax-cut package negotiated by President Obama and top Senate Republicans that is designed to provide tax relief for all working Americans and spur job growth.
H.R. 4853 — The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 — cleared the Senate by an overwhelming 81-to-19 margin on Dec. 15 and was approved by the House a day later by a vote of 277 to 148. The President sign the bill into law on Dec. 17.
For builders and developers considering building energy-efficient homes, this new law brings good news.
The New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit (45L credit) for 2010 was renewed and extended it through the end of 2011. The section 45L tax credit is the only federal incentive available for efficiency in new home construction; about 10% of all new homes sold in 2009 qualified. The program provides $2,000 tax credits to builders and developers for the construction and sale of homes that achieve a 50% reduction in their energy consumption.
** The credit was renewed retroactively, so builders may be able to take advantage for Green Certified homes built this past year.
Click here to see more key points of the new law.
H.R. 4853 — The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 — cleared the Senate by an overwhelming 81-to-19 margin on Dec. 15 and was approved by the House a day later by a vote of 277 to 148. The President sign the bill into law on Dec. 17.
For builders and developers considering building energy-efficient homes, this new law brings good news.
The New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit (45L credit) for 2010 was renewed and extended it through the end of 2011. The section 45L tax credit is the only federal incentive available for efficiency in new home construction; about 10% of all new homes sold in 2009 qualified. The program provides $2,000 tax credits to builders and developers for the construction and sale of homes that achieve a 50% reduction in their energy consumption.
** The credit was renewed retroactively, so builders may be able to take advantage for Green Certified homes built this past year.
Click here to see more key points of the new law.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Ask the Right Questions When Buying or Building
The most common question a potential client asks a home builder is “How much do you build per square foot?” Without getting into the endless questions a builder must ask to give a somewhat accurate answer to the question, they should be asking “How much does it cost to live in the home?” There are builders out there who will build a home for a very low cost per square foot, but the home will cost more per day to operate than another home built at a higher cost per square foot.
When looking to build a home, you must look at all of the factors that go into a home and not just dollars per square foot. Yes, it is important to get as much square foot as you can afford but ignoring the operating costs will leave you in a worse financial situation than you planned.
Let’s look at some (make believe) numbers. If you were to build a 2000 square foot home for $85 per square foot your contract price would be $170,000. The same house at $100 per square foot would be $200,000 – a $30,000 difference. Let’s say that the utility bills (electric/gas/water/sewer) were an average of $120 less in the more expensive home, this home would have a savings of $43,200 over 30 years.
Numbers aside, the comfort level, durability, improved air quality all would be better in the more expensive home. Funny how these questions never come up in the initial conversations of a custom home. Over time these are really the most important questions to consider.
Home building is an ever evolving industry that is driven by consumer selection. Right now the most popular question is “how much per square foot,” but with the information age upon us there is a channel out there for every interest. Soon consumers will understand that the performance of a home over time will be a better measure of value and start asking about the operating costs.
For those builders on the front edge of this technology, there is a report card on every home they build. It is the HERS score and it is posted on the electrical box of every home that is built using the current building science. I encourage you to ask about this with your next builder or renovator and see if they are willing to measure how good their homes perform.
- Submitted by Stan O'Brien, CGP of Paradime Construction, Inc. Editor's Note: In addition to the HERS Score, the DOE is testing a new 1 - 10 Scorecard for homes and our state is a test site. More info. is on this blog and more is sure to come.
When looking to build a home, you must look at all of the factors that go into a home and not just dollars per square foot. Yes, it is important to get as much square foot as you can afford but ignoring the operating costs will leave you in a worse financial situation than you planned.
Let’s look at some (make believe) numbers. If you were to build a 2000 square foot home for $85 per square foot your contract price would be $170,000. The same house at $100 per square foot would be $200,000 – a $30,000 difference. Let’s say that the utility bills (electric/gas/water/sewer) were an average of $120 less in the more expensive home, this home would have a savings of $43,200 over 30 years.
Numbers aside, the comfort level, durability, improved air quality all would be better in the more expensive home. Funny how these questions never come up in the initial conversations of a custom home. Over time these are really the most important questions to consider.
Home building is an ever evolving industry that is driven by consumer selection. Right now the most popular question is “how much per square foot,” but with the information age upon us there is a channel out there for every interest. Soon consumers will understand that the performance of a home over time will be a better measure of value and start asking about the operating costs.
For those builders on the front edge of this technology, there is a report card on every home they build. It is the HERS score and it is posted on the electrical box of every home that is built using the current building science. I encourage you to ask about this with your next builder or renovator and see if they are willing to measure how good their homes perform.
- Submitted by Stan O'Brien, CGP of Paradime Construction, Inc. Editor's Note: In addition to the HERS Score, the DOE is testing a new 1 - 10 Scorecard for homes and our state is a test site. More info. is on this blog and more is sure to come.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Low Impact Land Development/Sustainable Construction course
The Low Impact Land Development/Sustainable Construction certificate is a two-semester program that addresses the following: principles of low impact development including best management practices (BMP) for development conservation, impact and control of storm water runoff and non-point source pollution, computer design for residential and commercial land use applications, concepts of holistic construction, alternative transportation options, water conservation, environmental building design, and the LEED rating system for the civil engineering aspects of development project."
Deadline for registration is extended to December 10th, and classes start January 5, 2011. Contact Tim Ray, CET Academic Program Coordinator, Engineering Technology at 790-7521 or e-mail rayt@midlandstech.edu.
Deadline for registration is extended to December 10th, and classes start January 5, 2011. Contact Tim Ray, CET Academic Program Coordinator, Engineering Technology at 790-7521 or e-mail rayt@midlandstech.edu.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Work begins on updating National Green Building Standard for 2012 Edition
The NAHB Research Center is preparing to start work on the 2012 edition of the National Green Building Standard.
Originally developed in 2007-2008 by NAHB and the International Code Council, the 2008 National Green Building Standard was approved by the American National Standards Institute in January 2009, making it the first point-based rating system for green residential construction, remodeling and land development to be approved by ANSI.
As an ANSI-approved standard, the document is subject to periodic updates so that advances in building codes, technology and other developments can be incorporated into it.
First, the NAHB Research Center issued its call for committee members on Nov. 15. The consensus committee that develops the standard will include government officials, advocacy groups, home builders, product manufacturers and other affected industry stakeholders in residential construction.
Those who would like to serve on the consensus committee must submit their applications online by Jan. 4, 2011.
At the same time, the NAHB Research Center will announce its call for proposed changes to the 2008 edition of the standard. Individuals and groups can submit their proposals online by Jan. 31, 2011.
For more information, please visit this website.
Originally developed in 2007-2008 by NAHB and the International Code Council, the 2008 National Green Building Standard was approved by the American National Standards Institute in January 2009, making it the first point-based rating system for green residential construction, remodeling and land development to be approved by ANSI.
As an ANSI-approved standard, the document is subject to periodic updates so that advances in building codes, technology and other developments can be incorporated into it.
First, the NAHB Research Center issued its call for committee members on Nov. 15. The consensus committee that develops the standard will include government officials, advocacy groups, home builders, product manufacturers and other affected industry stakeholders in residential construction.
Those who would like to serve on the consensus committee must submit their applications online by Jan. 4, 2011.
At the same time, the NAHB Research Center will announce its call for proposed changes to the 2008 edition of the standard. Individuals and groups can submit their proposals online by Jan. 31, 2011.
For more information, please visit this website.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sustainable Holiday Celebration - TONIGHT
Good friends, Good Food & Wine, Unique and Affordable Gifts, tonight at the 2nd annual Sustainable Holiday Celebration presented by Sustainable Midlands.
We will celebrate Sustainable Communities by coming together to shop locally, support local producers, artisans and non-profits that all make our community wonderful and unique! Some of our favorite sustainable restaurants and caterers, Mr. Friendly’s, Solstice, Spotted Salamander and Rosewood Market will be there to dazzle your taste buds. Cellar on Greene will offer a cash wine bar.
Visit www.sustainablemidlands.org for more information. We'll see you at 701 Whaley across from Olympia Mills today (Nov. 29) from 4:30p to 8:30p.
We will celebrate Sustainable Communities by coming together to shop locally, support local producers, artisans and non-profits that all make our community wonderful and unique! Some of our favorite sustainable restaurants and caterers, Mr. Friendly’s, Solstice, Spotted Salamander and Rosewood Market will be there to dazzle your taste buds. Cellar on Greene will offer a cash wine bar.
Visit www.sustainablemidlands.org for more information. We'll see you at 701 Whaley across from Olympia Mills today (Nov. 29) from 4:30p to 8:30p.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Scoring Home Energy Use, the 2011 Car Fuel Guide, and More Big Solar
Ten states and communities have been chosen as the sites for a new federal Department of Energy program that “scores” homes on an energy rating scale of 1 to 10. Appraisers, brokers and others in the real estate industry will be closely watching these projects – especially if it adversely affects the price of existing homes compared to new, energy-efficient ones.
More information on-line here.
The sites are Charlottesville, Va.; Allegheny County, Pa.; Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, Mass.; Minnesota; Omaha and Lincoln, Neb.; Indiana; Portland, Ore.; South Carolina; Texas; and Eagle County, Colo.
The federal initiative is one of the outcomes of Vice President Joe Biden’s “Recovery Through Retrofit” program that seeks to improve the energy efficiency of the nation’s housing while providing new green jobs for the construction industry. Other components include an FHA-insured financing program so homeowners can pay for the improvements, training requirements, and a series of recommended best practices for energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
The pilots end in late spring 2011. Later in the year, DOE expects to launch the Home Energy Score nationally, based on the findings from the initial programs. NAHB plans to closely monitor the program and submit comments on all its component parts. See more details in the story running in the Nov. 15 issue of Nation’s Building News.
For more information, please contact Calli Barker Schmidt at 800-368-5242, ext. 8132.
More information on-line here.
The sites are Charlottesville, Va.; Allegheny County, Pa.; Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, Mass.; Minnesota; Omaha and Lincoln, Neb.; Indiana; Portland, Ore.; South Carolina; Texas; and Eagle County, Colo.
The federal initiative is one of the outcomes of Vice President Joe Biden’s “Recovery Through Retrofit” program that seeks to improve the energy efficiency of the nation’s housing while providing new green jobs for the construction industry. Other components include an FHA-insured financing program so homeowners can pay for the improvements, training requirements, and a series of recommended best practices for energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
The pilots end in late spring 2011. Later in the year, DOE expects to launch the Home Energy Score nationally, based on the findings from the initial programs. NAHB plans to closely monitor the program and submit comments on all its component parts. See more details in the story running in the Nov. 15 issue of Nation’s Building News.
For more information, please contact Calli Barker Schmidt at 800-368-5242, ext. 8132.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
SC Energy Office now accepting applications for BPI and HERS certified building analysts
The South Carolina Energy Office is assembling a list of pre-qualified home energy raters (HERS and BPI) in anticipation of possible residential energy efficiency incentives. This list will be made available to homeowners and others seeking energy audits through any of several financing programs and will also be accessible through the SC Energy Office website.
The SC Energy Office is not the employer and will not employ or reimburse BPI or HERS professionals who are engaged and reimbursed by homeowners, contractors, or others. To obtain necessary form and instructions, please visit www.energy.sc.gov and click on “news” or call 803-737-8025.
The SC Energy Office is not the employer and will not employ or reimburse BPI or HERS professionals who are engaged and reimbursed by homeowners, contractors, or others. To obtain necessary form and instructions, please visit www.energy.sc.gov and click on “news” or call 803-737-8025.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Simple Ways to Save Energy and Money wltx.com | Columbia, SC News, Weather and Sports |
Thanks to Sustainable Midlands for a great event last night. I hope everyone in attendance picked up some good information. If you weren't there, the bottom line of the evening was this: If you want to reduce your energy bill, don't spend big bucks on what you think is the problem in your home, take the time to have a professional energy rater test your home and see EXACTLY what is wrong and what to fix. Visit www.columbiagreenbuilders.com for more information and to find energy raters and professionals that can do the big-ticket items for you.
Read the WLTX News story here: Simple Ways to Save Energy and Money wltx.com | Columbia, SC News, Weather and Sports |
Read the WLTX News story here: Simple Ways to Save Energy and Money wltx.com | Columbia, SC News, Weather and Sports |
Friday, October 15, 2010
Green Products Verses a Green System
The green movement has inspired many companies to promote environmentally friendly products. Individually, the majority of these products are superior to their more-traditional alternatives. For just a few dollars more, you can get ‘green’ products that have more benefits than items used in the past. For the most part, installing these green products will make your home more energy efficient and help do your part in improving our environment.
A house is a complex system that has an endless array of parts making up the whole. Today’s house is far more complex than early cabins constructed by the frontiersman solely for protection from the elements. Research in building science has shown the many dangers of improper home construction. The complexity of the current building codes arose from the past litigation for these incorrect construction practices.
Before you decide to purchase any of the new green products out there, understand how your current house is set up and how it might be affected by these new products. There are many dangers out there to installing a product that might upset the balance of your current system.
An energy rater should be the first person consulted. They have the ability to inspect and test your current home, letting you know what modifications will provide the most return on your investment. Their recommendations will include modifications that may need to be done to avoid any dangers and work with your current system.
Many of the new green products available today have the ability to increase the efficiency and comfort of your home. Just make sure you do the proper research to insure that these products will work with your current system and not against it.
Article submitted by Stan O'Brien of Paradime Construction, Inc.
A house is a complex system that has an endless array of parts making up the whole. Today’s house is far more complex than early cabins constructed by the frontiersman solely for protection from the elements. Research in building science has shown the many dangers of improper home construction. The complexity of the current building codes arose from the past litigation for these incorrect construction practices.
Before you decide to purchase any of the new green products out there, understand how your current house is set up and how it might be affected by these new products. There are many dangers out there to installing a product that might upset the balance of your current system.
An energy rater should be the first person consulted. They have the ability to inspect and test your current home, letting you know what modifications will provide the most return on your investment. Their recommendations will include modifications that may need to be done to avoid any dangers and work with your current system.
Many of the new green products available today have the ability to increase the efficiency and comfort of your home. Just make sure you do the proper research to insure that these products will work with your current system and not against it.
Article submitted by Stan O'Brien of Paradime Construction, Inc.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Carolina Recycling Association C & D Recycling Conference this December
Waste is a big factor when building a home. All green building certification programs have some sort of guideline about reducing waste, reusing materials when possible or recycling as much waste as possible from the job site. We are happy to spread the word about the upcoming C & D Recycling Conference this December in Charlotte, NC presented by the Carolina Recycling Association.
The Southeast Construction and Demolition Recycling Conference will be held Dec. 7-9, 2010, at the Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel in Charlotte. The C&D conference is presented by the Carolina Recycling Association (CRA).
Please visit the C&D conference website for more details and to register for this great event: www.cdrecyclingconference.com. Conference Sponsorships are also available now - click here.
C&D recycling is a growing movement and an essential element in green construction. Join us as we explore the impacts and opportunities with this dynamic topic.
Contractors/Architects/Developers:
Learn what can be recycled, and how to recycle at residential and commercial construction sites – from high-rises to single-family homes. Also learn about building products made from recycled content material.
Local Governments:
Learn what other communities are doing, how they’re doing it and what you can do to facilitate more C&D recycling in your community.
Recycling Service Providers:
Promote your services to the building community; learn what others are doing and where the industry is headed.
The Southeast Construction and Demolition Recycling Conference will be held Dec. 7-9, 2010, at the Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel in Charlotte. The C&D conference is presented by the Carolina Recycling Association (CRA).
Please visit the C&D conference website for more details and to register for this great event: www.cdrecyclingconference.com. Conference Sponsorships are also available now - click here.
C&D recycling is a growing movement and an essential element in green construction. Join us as we explore the impacts and opportunities with this dynamic topic.
Contractors/Architects/Developers:
Learn what can be recycled, and how to recycle at residential and commercial construction sites – from high-rises to single-family homes. Also learn about building products made from recycled content material.
Local Governments:
Learn what other communities are doing, how they’re doing it and what you can do to facilitate more C&D recycling in your community.
Recycling Service Providers:
Promote your services to the building community; learn what others are doing and where the industry is headed.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Bid on an environmentally-friendly playhouse at the Home Improvement Show
What is an Environ-mini?
An Environ-mini is a playhouse for children designed and built with “green” or environmentally friendly techniques, products and features.
Why Build an Environ-mini?
This event is presented by the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia and is intended to be a teaching tool that shows how green building features are easily incorporated into a home. There is a misconception that going green requires non-traditional building materials and that they cost too much to implement in a regular home. In reality, going green is not very difficult or expensive, and uses many of the same building materials that your current home was built from. The difference is mainly in how the materials are used and in what way they are put together. Seeing these techniques on the Environ-mini will be an eye-opener for many. Learn more about green home construction at www.columbiagreenbuilders.com.
An Event for Charity
In addition to being a teaching tool, we are also holding a silent auction for the Environ-mini and one lucky family will take this environmentally-friendly playhouse home with them after the show*. Proceeds from this auction will go to the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society, SC Chapter.
See the Environ-minis and bid in the silent auction THIS WEEKEND at this webpage. Bidding ends Sunday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
An Environ-mini is a playhouse for children designed and built with “green” or environmentally friendly techniques, products and features.
Why Build an Environ-mini?
This event is presented by the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia and is intended to be a teaching tool that shows how green building features are easily incorporated into a home. There is a misconception that going green requires non-traditional building materials and that they cost too much to implement in a regular home. In reality, going green is not very difficult or expensive, and uses many of the same building materials that your current home was built from. The difference is mainly in how the materials are used and in what way they are put together. Seeing these techniques on the Environ-mini will be an eye-opener for many. Learn more about green home construction at www.columbiagreenbuilders.com.
An Event for Charity
In addition to being a teaching tool, we are also holding a silent auction for the Environ-mini and one lucky family will take this environmentally-friendly playhouse home with them after the show*. Proceeds from this auction will go to the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society, SC Chapter.
See the Environ-minis and bid in the silent auction THIS WEEKEND at this webpage. Bidding ends Sunday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
Clyburn Statement on ‘Rural Star’ Energy Savings Program | MidlandsBiz
Our council is keeping a close eye on this program and other similar programs that are coming in a few short months. More information at our Annual Meeting in October.
Clyburn Statement on ‘Rural Star’ Energy Savings Program | MidlandsBiz
Clyburn Statement on ‘Rural Star’ Energy Savings Program | MidlandsBiz
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Update on Appraisals
A popular webinar offered by NAHB's Housing Finance and Business Management & Information Technology committees and sponsored by Builder Partnerships on August 4 provided some sound advice for builders who have had trouble obtaining accurate appraisals for new homes. At the very top of the list is the need to improve the lines of communication between builders and appraisers, said panelists. While such communication channels have been impaired for some time now due to difficulties in interpreting the Home Valuation Code of Conduct that was put in place by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, newly issued policies from both of these agencies attempt to correct that problem.
In addition to making it clear that builders may and should provide information to appraisers, the guidance also clarified the appropriate use of distressed home sales as comparables, stated that lenders may not unilaterally change appraisal reports, and reiterated that appraisers must have appropriate knowledge and experience to undertake specific assignments. See the rest of this article from NAHBs Nation's Building News here.
To see the presentation from BuilderPartnerships.com click here:
Builders Guide to Appraisals: Obtaining Accurate Valuations on New Homes
In addition to making it clear that builders may and should provide information to appraisers, the guidance also clarified the appropriate use of distressed home sales as comparables, stated that lenders may not unilaterally change appraisal reports, and reiterated that appraisers must have appropriate knowledge and experience to undertake specific assignments. See the rest of this article from NAHBs Nation's Building News here.
To see the presentation from BuilderPartnerships.com click here:
Builders Guide to Appraisals: Obtaining Accurate Valuations on New Homes
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Green Appraisals
A topic of interest for our builder members and real estate pros is the way homes, especially green-built homes, are appraised. It seems that there is a huge gap in the knowledge-base between builders and appraisers and the buyer/seller is losing out on a lot of built-in value.
There is an article about this in the latest issue of Green Builder Magazine that is worth a look. Learn how to communicate with your appraiser (yes, you are allowed to), when you should bring them into the process and what you should present in order to get the best appraisal for your green home.
There is an article about this in the latest issue of Green Builder Magazine that is worth a look. Learn how to communicate with your appraiser (yes, you are allowed to), when you should bring them into the process and what you should present in order to get the best appraisal for your green home.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Going green takes root with builders
HBA Green Building Council members David Watkins and Mark Bostic are interviewed in this article from The State newspaper about their personal certified green homes here in Columbia. To learn how to make your next new home green, visit our website at ColumbiaGreenBuilders.com.
Read the article here: Going green takes root with builders - TheState.com
Read the article here: Going green takes root with builders - TheState.com
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Installers: Solar Energy More Cost Effective Than Before
GBCGC member David Watkins, CGP, CGB, GMB of Shumaker Homes, Inc. is currently building his personal home and is going as green as possible. This includes an array of solar PV and water panels and many other green feature inside the home. Our Executive Committee has toured the home once already and we will go back when it's complete. Look for more details on this home in the future right here. For now, check out this article from a local TV station:Installers: Solar Energy More Cost Effective Than Before
Monday, July 19, 2010
Research center turns on the fans
Green Building Council member Tom Hamilton of Freudenberg Texbond, LP
has been telling us of this new testing and research center in Chester, SC for some time. We wanted to spread the word about it on his behalf. Thanks Tom!
Click here for story: The News & Reporter Online Chester News, Sports, Entertainment and information for Chester, South Carolina
has been telling us of this new testing and research center in Chester, SC for some time. We wanted to spread the word about it on his behalf. Thanks Tom!
Click here for story: The News & Reporter Online Chester News, Sports, Entertainment and information for Chester, South Carolina
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Solar Power Guru John Wiles to speak in Columbia on July 20
Green Building Council of Greater Columbia member Comfort Services along with Lennox will present “Photovoltaic Power Systems and the National Electric Code” on Tuesday, July 20 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Presenting for the first time in the Southeast, John Wiles, Program Manager at the Southwest Technology Development Institute at the New Mexico State University.
John Wiles has a Masters of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and serves as Secretary of the PV Industry Forum. He installed his first Photovoltaic (PV) system in 1984 and has been living off the grid for 16 years. He helps spread his knowledge through his work at New Mexico State University and he has drafted text for Article 609 in the 2005 and 2008 NEC Handbooks.
The day-long conference will cover topics including National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for designing and installing Photovoltaic-Solar (PV) systems, conductor selection, Ampacity calculations, and overcurrent devices and disconnects. Electricians, electrical inspectors, PV Installers, engineers, contractors, architects and anyone interested in learning more about solar energy are all encouraged to attend. (CONTINUING EDUCATION: Professional engineers will receive 7 Professional Development hours; PV installers will receive 6 hours of NABCEP continuing ed. credits; Architects will receive AIA continuing ed. credits.)
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Attendees will receive the PV/NEC Suggested Practices Manual (150+ pages) and hard copies of the PowerPoint text slides (120 pages). Lunch is also included. Cost to attend this event is $89/person. $69/person for multiple registrations from the same company or organization. $59 for students with valid ID.
For more information and to register on-line, please click here.
John Wiles has a Masters of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and serves as Secretary of the PV Industry Forum. He installed his first Photovoltaic (PV) system in 1984 and has been living off the grid for 16 years. He helps spread his knowledge through his work at New Mexico State University and he has drafted text for Article 609 in the 2005 and 2008 NEC Handbooks.
The day-long conference will cover topics including National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for designing and installing Photovoltaic-Solar (PV) systems, conductor selection, Ampacity calculations, and overcurrent devices and disconnects. Electricians, electrical inspectors, PV Installers, engineers, contractors, architects and anyone interested in learning more about solar energy are all encouraged to attend. (CONTINUING EDUCATION: Professional engineers will receive 7 Professional Development hours; PV installers will receive 6 hours of NABCEP continuing ed. credits; Architects will receive AIA continuing ed. credits.)
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Attendees will receive the PV/NEC Suggested Practices Manual (150+ pages) and hard copies of the PowerPoint text slides (120 pages). Lunch is also included. Cost to attend this event is $89/person. $69/person for multiple registrations from the same company or organization. $59 for students with valid ID.
For more information and to register on-line, please click here.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Learn about solar energy - Part 3
Part three of a series of three articles on solar energy....
How do Photovoltaic panels work?
Silicon is mounted beneath non-reflective glass to produce photovoltaic panels. These panels collect photons from the sun, converting them into DC electric power. The energy created then flows into an inverter. The inverter transforms the power into basic voltage and AC electric power.
Photovoltaic cells are prepared with particular materials called semiconductors like silicon, which is presently the most generally used. When light hits the Photovoltaic cell, a certain share of it is absorbed inside the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is given to the semiconductor.
The power unfastens the electrons, permitting them to run freely. Pv cells also have more than one electric fields that act to compel electrons unfastened by light absorption to flow in a specific direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by introducing metal links on the top and bottom of the -Photovoltaic cell, the current can be drawn to use it externally.
Pros and Cons of Solar Energy:
- Pros
- Heating our homes with oil or gas or using electricity from power plants running with fossil fuels is a reason for global warming and climate disruption. Solar energy, on the contrary, is clean and environmentally-friendly.
- Solar hot-water heaters require little maintenance, and their initial investment could be recovered within a relatively small amount of time.
- Solar hot-water heaters can work in almost any climate, even just in very cold ones. You just need to choose the right system for your climate: drainback, thermosyphon, batch-ICS, etc.
- Maintenance costs of solar powered systems are minimal and also the warranties large.
- Financial incentives (USA, Canada, European states…) can aid in eliminating the cost of the first investment in solar technologies. The U.S. government, for example, offers tax credits for solar systems certified by by the SRCC (Solar Rating and Certification Corporation), which amount to 30 percent of the investment (2009-2016 period).
- Cons:
- The initial investment in Solar Water heaters or in Solar PV Electric Systems is higher than that required by conventional electric and gas heaters systems.
- The payback period of solar PV-electric systems is high, as well as those of solar space heating or solar cooling (only the solar warm water heating payback is short or relatively short).
- Solar water heating do not support a direct combination with radiators (including baseboard ones).
- Some air con (solar space heating and the solar cooling systems) are costly, and rather untested technologies: solar air-con isn't, till now, a truly economical option.
- The efficiency of solar powered systems is rather dependent on sunlight resources. It's in colder climates, where heating or electricity needs are higher, that the efficiency is smaller.
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About the writer - Barbara Young writes on solar RV kits in her personal hobby web site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is devoted to helping people save energy using solar powered energy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy dependency.
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How do Photovoltaic panels work?
Silicon is mounted beneath non-reflective glass to produce photovoltaic panels. These panels collect photons from the sun, converting them into DC electric power. The energy created then flows into an inverter. The inverter transforms the power into basic voltage and AC electric power.
Photovoltaic cells are prepared with particular materials called semiconductors like silicon, which is presently the most generally used. When light hits the Photovoltaic cell, a certain share of it is absorbed inside the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is given to the semiconductor.
The power unfastens the electrons, permitting them to run freely. Pv cells also have more than one electric fields that act to compel electrons unfastened by light absorption to flow in a specific direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by introducing metal links on the top and bottom of the -Photovoltaic cell, the current can be drawn to use it externally.
Pros and Cons of Solar Energy:
- Pros
- Heating our homes with oil or gas or using electricity from power plants running with fossil fuels is a reason for global warming and climate disruption. Solar energy, on the contrary, is clean and environmentally-friendly.
- Solar hot-water heaters require little maintenance, and their initial investment could be recovered within a relatively small amount of time.
- Solar hot-water heaters can work in almost any climate, even just in very cold ones. You just need to choose the right system for your climate: drainback, thermosyphon, batch-ICS, etc.
- Maintenance costs of solar powered systems are minimal and also the warranties large.
- Financial incentives (USA, Canada, European states…) can aid in eliminating the cost of the first investment in solar technologies. The U.S. government, for example, offers tax credits for solar systems certified by by the SRCC (Solar Rating and Certification Corporation), which amount to 30 percent of the investment (2009-2016 period).
- Cons:
- The initial investment in Solar Water heaters or in Solar PV Electric Systems is higher than that required by conventional electric and gas heaters systems.
- The payback period of solar PV-electric systems is high, as well as those of solar space heating or solar cooling (only the solar warm water heating payback is short or relatively short).
- Solar water heating do not support a direct combination with radiators (including baseboard ones).
- Some air con (solar space heating and the solar cooling systems) are costly, and rather untested technologies: solar air-con isn't, till now, a truly economical option.
- The efficiency of solar powered systems is rather dependent on sunlight resources. It's in colder climates, where heating or electricity needs are higher, that the efficiency is smaller.
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About the writer - Barbara Young writes on solar RV kits in her personal hobby web site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is devoted to helping people save energy using solar powered energy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy dependency.
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Friday, June 18, 2010
Learn about solar energy - Part 2
Part 2 of a series of articles on solar energy...
Who invented solar technology?
People have harnessed solar energy for hundreds of years. As early as the 7th century B.C., people used simple magnifying glasses to concentrate the light of the sun into beams so hot they'd cause wood to catch fire. Over a century ago in France, a scientist used heat from a solar collector to make steam to drive a steam engine. At first of this century, scientists and engineers began researching ways to use solar energy in earnest. One important development was a remarkably efficient solar boiler invented by Charles Greeley Abbott, a united states astrophysicist, in 1936.
The solar water heater became popular at this time in Florida, California, and the Southwest. The industry started in the early 1920s and was in full swing just before The second world war. This growth lasted before mid-1950s when low-cost gas had become the primary fuel for heating American homes.
People and world governments remained largely indifferent to the possibilities of solar technology until the oil shortages of the1970s. Today, people use solar power to heat buildings and water and also to generate electricity.
How do we use solar power today?
Solar energy can be used in several different ways, of course. There are 2 simple kinds of solar energy:
* Solar thermal energy collects the sun's warmth through one of two means: in water or in an anti-freeze (glycol) mixture.
* Solar photovoltaic energy converts the sun's radiation to usable electricity.
Let us discuss the five most practical and popular solutions solar energy can be used:
1. Small portable solar photovoltaic systems. We see these used everywhere, from calculators to solar garden tools. Portable units may be used for everything from RV appliances while single panel systems can be used traffic signs and remote monitoring stations.
2. Solar pool heating. Running water in direct circulation systems via a solar collector is an extremely practical way to heat water for your pool or spa.
3. Thermal glycol energy to heat water. In this method (indirect circulation), glycol is heated by the sun's rays and the heat is then transferred to water in a warm water tank. This technique of collecting the sun's energy is much more practical now than ever before. In areas as far north as Edmonton, Alberta, solar thermal to heat water is economically sound. It can pay for itself in three years or less.
4. Integrating solar photovoltaic energy into your home or office power. In numerous parts on the planet, solar photovoltaics is an economically feasible method to supplement the power of your home. In Japan, photovoltaics are competitive with other types of power. In the USA, new incentive programs make this form of solar technology ever more viable in many states. A frequent and practical way of integrating solar energy into the power of your home or business is through the use of building integrated solar photovoltaics.
5. Large independent photovoltaic systems. When you have enough sun power at your site, you could possibly go off grid. You may also integrate or hybridize your solar power system with wind power or other kinds of sustainable energy to stay 'off the grid.'
Part 3 - How do Photovoltaic Panels Work and Pros and Cons of Solar Power - COMING SOON!
About the writer - Barbara Young writes on solar RV kits in her personal hobby web site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is devoted to helping people save energy using solar powered energy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy dependency.
Who invented solar technology?
People have harnessed solar energy for hundreds of years. As early as the 7th century B.C., people used simple magnifying glasses to concentrate the light of the sun into beams so hot they'd cause wood to catch fire. Over a century ago in France, a scientist used heat from a solar collector to make steam to drive a steam engine. At first of this century, scientists and engineers began researching ways to use solar energy in earnest. One important development was a remarkably efficient solar boiler invented by Charles Greeley Abbott, a united states astrophysicist, in 1936.
The solar water heater became popular at this time in Florida, California, and the Southwest. The industry started in the early 1920s and was in full swing just before The second world war. This growth lasted before mid-1950s when low-cost gas had become the primary fuel for heating American homes.
People and world governments remained largely indifferent to the possibilities of solar technology until the oil shortages of the1970s. Today, people use solar power to heat buildings and water and also to generate electricity.
How do we use solar power today?
Solar energy can be used in several different ways, of course. There are 2 simple kinds of solar energy:
* Solar thermal energy collects the sun's warmth through one of two means: in water or in an anti-freeze (glycol) mixture.
* Solar photovoltaic energy converts the sun's radiation to usable electricity.
Let us discuss the five most practical and popular solutions solar energy can be used:
1. Small portable solar photovoltaic systems. We see these used everywhere, from calculators to solar garden tools. Portable units may be used for everything from RV appliances while single panel systems can be used traffic signs and remote monitoring stations.
2. Solar pool heating. Running water in direct circulation systems via a solar collector is an extremely practical way to heat water for your pool or spa.
3. Thermal glycol energy to heat water. In this method (indirect circulation), glycol is heated by the sun's rays and the heat is then transferred to water in a warm water tank. This technique of collecting the sun's energy is much more practical now than ever before. In areas as far north as Edmonton, Alberta, solar thermal to heat water is economically sound. It can pay for itself in three years or less.
4. Integrating solar photovoltaic energy into your home or office power. In numerous parts on the planet, solar photovoltaics is an economically feasible method to supplement the power of your home. In Japan, photovoltaics are competitive with other types of power. In the USA, new incentive programs make this form of solar technology ever more viable in many states. A frequent and practical way of integrating solar energy into the power of your home or business is through the use of building integrated solar photovoltaics.
5. Large independent photovoltaic systems. When you have enough sun power at your site, you could possibly go off grid. You may also integrate or hybridize your solar power system with wind power or other kinds of sustainable energy to stay 'off the grid.'
Part 3 - How do Photovoltaic Panels Work and Pros and Cons of Solar Power - COMING SOON!
About the writer - Barbara Young writes on solar RV kits in her personal hobby web site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is devoted to helping people save energy using solar powered energy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy dependency.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Learn about solar energy - Part 1
One component of green homes is solar energy. Many consumers have questions about this form of energy for their home, so we are running a series of articles on the subject from Barbara Young from 12voltsolarpanels.net to help better understand this technology. This is part one of a series of articles on the subject.
What's solar power?
Solar energy is radiant energy that is produced by the Sun. Every day the Sun radiates, or sends out, an immense volume of energy. The Sun radiates more energy in a second than people have used since the beginning of time!
The energy of the Sun originates from within the Sun itself. Like other stars, the sun is known as a big ball of gases––mostly hydrogen and helium atoms.
The hydrogen atoms in the Sun’s core combine to create helium and generate energy in a process called nuclear fusion.
During nuclear fusion, the sun’s extremely high pressure and temperature cause hydrogen atoms to come apart and their nuclei (the central cores of the atoms) to fuse or combine. Four hydrogen nuclei fuse to become one helium atom. However the helium atom contains less mass compared to four hydrogen atoms that fused. Some matter is lost during nuclear fusion. The lost matter is emitted into space as radiant energy.
It requires many years for the energy in the Sun’s core to make its way to the solar surface, after which somewhat over eight minutes to travel the 93 million miles to Earth. The solar energy travels to the Earth at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, the velocity of sunshine.
Simply a small percentage of the energy radiated from the Sun into space strikes the Earth, one part in two billion. Yet this quantity of energy is enormous. Every single day enough energy strikes the USA to provide the nation’s energy needs for one and a half years!
Where does all this energy go?
About 15 percent of the Sun’s energy that hits the Earth is reflected back to space. Another 30 percent is used to evaporate water, which, lifted into the atmosphere, produces rainfall. Solar energy is absorbed by plants, the land, and the oceans. The remaining could be employed to supply our energy needs.
Part 2: Who invented solar technology, and How do we use solar power today? COMING SOON!
About the writer - Barbara Young writes on solar RV kits in her personal hobby web site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is devoted to helping people save energy using solar powered energy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy dependency.
What's solar power?
Solar energy is radiant energy that is produced by the Sun. Every day the Sun radiates, or sends out, an immense volume of energy. The Sun radiates more energy in a second than people have used since the beginning of time!
The energy of the Sun originates from within the Sun itself. Like other stars, the sun is known as a big ball of gases––mostly hydrogen and helium atoms.
The hydrogen atoms in the Sun’s core combine to create helium and generate energy in a process called nuclear fusion.
During nuclear fusion, the sun’s extremely high pressure and temperature cause hydrogen atoms to come apart and their nuclei (the central cores of the atoms) to fuse or combine. Four hydrogen nuclei fuse to become one helium atom. However the helium atom contains less mass compared to four hydrogen atoms that fused. Some matter is lost during nuclear fusion. The lost matter is emitted into space as radiant energy.
It requires many years for the energy in the Sun’s core to make its way to the solar surface, after which somewhat over eight minutes to travel the 93 million miles to Earth. The solar energy travels to the Earth at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, the velocity of sunshine.
Simply a small percentage of the energy radiated from the Sun into space strikes the Earth, one part in two billion. Yet this quantity of energy is enormous. Every single day enough energy strikes the USA to provide the nation’s energy needs for one and a half years!
Where does all this energy go?
About 15 percent of the Sun’s energy that hits the Earth is reflected back to space. Another 30 percent is used to evaporate water, which, lifted into the atmosphere, produces rainfall. Solar energy is absorbed by plants, the land, and the oceans. The remaining could be employed to supply our energy needs.
Part 2: Who invented solar technology, and How do we use solar power today? COMING SOON!
About the writer - Barbara Young writes on solar RV kits in her personal hobby web site 12voltsolarpanels.net. Her work is devoted to helping people save energy using solar powered energy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy dependency.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Columbia, SC Builder Wins National Green Building Award
RALEIGH, N.C. - The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has honored Mungo Construction for the 2010 Green Project of the Year for Rosewood Hills in Columbia, S.C.
“This community is a great example of green building done right while also done affordably,” said Eric Borsting, chair of the NAHB Green Building Subcommittee. “This should be an example for other builders to look to when constructing energy-efficient and earth-friendly housing in their own communities.”
A Mungo Construction designed and built neighborhood, Rosewood Hills is a partnership with the Housing Authority of Columbia and consists of LEED for Home certified affordable for-sale and rental units. The project is an example of the Mungo Construction philosophy of “Do what Makes Sense” that employs the basic principles of “building green” -- identifying the needs and desires of their customers, leading to a customized plan to achieve the goals identified, and supporting the construction of safer, more sustainable and more durable homes, taking into consideration both cost of construction and cycle time of new homes.
Of the award, Mungo Construction Division President Thom Chumney -- Certified Green Professional and a LEED® AP Homes – said, “This award is a culmination of hard work by our staff and a great partnership with the Columbia Housing Authority. We are committed to help raising the awareness of the affordability and the practicality of incorporating more durable and sustainable procedures into the construction of all homes.”
Rosewood Hills and its builders, Mungo Construction, LLC, were honored at the 12th Annual NAHB National Green Building Conference in Raleigh, N.C. On hand to accept the award for Mungo Construction were Thom Chumney and Steven Mungo.
About Mungo Construction
As part of the Mungo Companies, Mungo Construction, LLC was formed in 2002 to serve the specific needs of institutional clients and government entities providing affordable housing for deserving families. Mungo Construction draws from the same expertise and experience that is the Mungo legacy – a company that has provided homes for families across South Carolina since 1954.
Offering design-build and construction management, Mungo Construction can tap into the expertise and resources of The Mungo Companies, ranked in 2010 by Builder magazine as the 35th largest builder in the country. Mungo builds in Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina. More information on Rosewood Hills or Mungo Construction, LLC can be found at www.mungoconstruction.com.
“This community is a great example of green building done right while also done affordably,” said Eric Borsting, chair of the NAHB Green Building Subcommittee. “This should be an example for other builders to look to when constructing energy-efficient and earth-friendly housing in their own communities.”
A Mungo Construction designed and built neighborhood, Rosewood Hills is a partnership with the Housing Authority of Columbia and consists of LEED for Home certified affordable for-sale and rental units. The project is an example of the Mungo Construction philosophy of “Do what Makes Sense” that employs the basic principles of “building green” -- identifying the needs and desires of their customers, leading to a customized plan to achieve the goals identified, and supporting the construction of safer, more sustainable and more durable homes, taking into consideration both cost of construction and cycle time of new homes.
Of the award, Mungo Construction Division President Thom Chumney -- Certified Green Professional and a LEED® AP Homes – said, “This award is a culmination of hard work by our staff and a great partnership with the Columbia Housing Authority. We are committed to help raising the awareness of the affordability and the practicality of incorporating more durable and sustainable procedures into the construction of all homes.”
Rosewood Hills and its builders, Mungo Construction, LLC, were honored at the 12th Annual NAHB National Green Building Conference in Raleigh, N.C. On hand to accept the award for Mungo Construction were Thom Chumney and Steven Mungo.
About Mungo Construction
As part of the Mungo Companies, Mungo Construction, LLC was formed in 2002 to serve the specific needs of institutional clients and government entities providing affordable housing for deserving families. Mungo Construction draws from the same expertise and experience that is the Mungo legacy – a company that has provided homes for families across South Carolina since 1954.
Offering design-build and construction management, Mungo Construction can tap into the expertise and resources of The Mungo Companies, ranked in 2010 by Builder magazine as the 35th largest builder in the country. Mungo builds in Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina. More information on Rosewood Hills or Mungo Construction, LLC can be found at www.mungoconstruction.com.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Home Owners Can Celebrate Earth Day With Cost-Saving Remodeling Tax Credits
As the 40th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is reminding home owners that they can use fewer resources and save money by taking advantage of federal energy efficiency tax credits through the end of the year.
Home owners who purchase qualifying water heaters, windows, air conditioning units and other appliances, insulation and roofing can be eligible for tax code section 25C tax credit, equivalent to 30% of the cost. There’s a $1,500 overall limit for purchases made in 2009 and 2010. The details are provided at www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit.
“You can save money, save energy and be a good steward of the Earth’s resources,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Donna Shirey, a remodeler in Issaquah, Wash. “I can’t think of a more appropriate way to commemorate Earth Day.”
Carolyn Taylor of Columbia, S.C., will enjoy Earth Day with a new tankless water heater that supplies plenty of hot water for her active family of four. Remodeler Pete Williams of A-Therm Remodelors in Columbia suggested the switch because it was less expensive than relocating her existing gas water heater during a whole-home renovation project. Pete is a member of the HBA of Greater Columbia, Green Building Council of Greater Columbia and Columbia Remodelers.
When Williams told her about the energy-efficiency tax credit the family would also enjoy, that was the icing on the cake, Taylor said. “Any time you can do something that makes a home more energy-efficient and saves you money, of course you should do it,” she said.
Remodeler Shawn Nelson in Burnsville, Minn., helped home owners combine the federal credits with a state program that offered rebates for qualifying windows as part of renovation projects he completed over the winter. Home owners can visit www.dsireusa.org for a list of incentive programs where they live.
In a statement last week to the House Ways and Means Committee, NAHB urged Congress to extend the section 25C credit past its December expiration date and to reinstate the section 45L $2,000 tax credit for builders of energy-efficient homes, which expired at the end of 2009.
A more generous credit for appliances that use renewable energy is in effect through 2016. The section 25D credit applies to 30% of the total cost of solar panels for electricity or hot water, wind power equipment and the installation of geothermal heat pump systems. This credit can be used in conjunction with new or existing homes.
“These renewable systems are more expensive up front, but may offer significant savings in the long term,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “Both the 25C and the 25D credits are worth investigating, and you’ll get helpful information from the NAHB Web site, your local home builders association or the NAHB remodeler member you choose to help you with your renovation and improvement plans.”
- from the April 19, 2010 issue of NAHB's Nation's Building News
Home owners who purchase qualifying water heaters, windows, air conditioning units and other appliances, insulation and roofing can be eligible for tax code section 25C tax credit, equivalent to 30% of the cost. There’s a $1,500 overall limit for purchases made in 2009 and 2010. The details are provided at www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit.
“You can save money, save energy and be a good steward of the Earth’s resources,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Donna Shirey, a remodeler in Issaquah, Wash. “I can’t think of a more appropriate way to commemorate Earth Day.”
Carolyn Taylor of Columbia, S.C., will enjoy Earth Day with a new tankless water heater that supplies plenty of hot water for her active family of four. Remodeler Pete Williams of A-Therm Remodelors in Columbia suggested the switch because it was less expensive than relocating her existing gas water heater during a whole-home renovation project. Pete is a member of the HBA of Greater Columbia, Green Building Council of Greater Columbia and Columbia Remodelers.
When Williams told her about the energy-efficiency tax credit the family would also enjoy, that was the icing on the cake, Taylor said. “Any time you can do something that makes a home more energy-efficient and saves you money, of course you should do it,” she said.
Remodeler Shawn Nelson in Burnsville, Minn., helped home owners combine the federal credits with a state program that offered rebates for qualifying windows as part of renovation projects he completed over the winter. Home owners can visit www.dsireusa.org for a list of incentive programs where they live.
In a statement last week to the House Ways and Means Committee, NAHB urged Congress to extend the section 25C credit past its December expiration date and to reinstate the section 45L $2,000 tax credit for builders of energy-efficient homes, which expired at the end of 2009.
A more generous credit for appliances that use renewable energy is in effect through 2016. The section 25D credit applies to 30% of the total cost of solar panels for electricity or hot water, wind power equipment and the installation of geothermal heat pump systems. This credit can be used in conjunction with new or existing homes.
“These renewable systems are more expensive up front, but may offer significant savings in the long term,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “Both the 25C and the 25D credits are worth investigating, and you’ll get helpful information from the NAHB Web site, your local home builders association or the NAHB remodeler member you choose to help you with your renovation and improvement plans.”
- from the April 19, 2010 issue of NAHB's Nation's Building News
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
It's a Great Week to Be Green
This week is a great week to be green in Columbia, SC and it is the beginning for many more great weeks to come.
First, our community service project got a nice write up in The State newspaper. We'll have a full presentation on that project in the coming weeks on this blog and our website. Stay Tuned!
Second, Mayor Bob Coble announced the new Green Building Incentive Program for the City of Columbia. Members of our council and other green building professionals worked on this program with the City of Columbia Climate Protection Action Campaign (CPAC) Building Committee for many months. The program has $100,000 of Federal Stimulus money to start. Click here for more information and to register a project in the Columbia Green Building Incentive Program.
And finally, the SC Energy Office opened the SC Appliance Rebate Program this morning, March 31st. The program offers rebates to consumers who purchase an Energy Star (TM) Appliance and turn in their old appliance. Rebates range from $50 to $500, depending on the appliance. Learn more about this program here. Don't delay, there is a limited amount of rebate money available, and it's available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
So if you're in Columbia, SC and you're looking to go green - it's your week!
First, our community service project got a nice write up in The State newspaper. We'll have a full presentation on that project in the coming weeks on this blog and our website. Stay Tuned!
Second, Mayor Bob Coble announced the new Green Building Incentive Program for the City of Columbia. Members of our council and other green building professionals worked on this program with the City of Columbia Climate Protection Action Campaign (CPAC) Building Committee for many months. The program has $100,000 of Federal Stimulus money to start. Click here for more information and to register a project in the Columbia Green Building Incentive Program.
And finally, the SC Energy Office opened the SC Appliance Rebate Program this morning, March 31st. The program offers rebates to consumers who purchase an Energy Star (TM) Appliance and turn in their old appliance. Rebates range from $50 to $500, depending on the appliance. Learn more about this program here. Don't delay, there is a limited amount of rebate money available, and it's available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
So if you're in Columbia, SC and you're looking to go green - it's your week!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Green Building Council Community Service Project
Members of the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia and other HBA Members are currently working on a community service project in Columbia. We're repairing a women's shelter home and adding as many cost-effective green features as possible. We have been taking photos and video of the process and plan to make a presentation on this project for the web in the near future. The goal is to show what can be done to the typical Columbia home to help use less energy and be more efficient.
Thanks to Pete Williams of A-Therm Remodelors for spearheading this project and to the many GBC and HBA members who are working together to get this project completed. Below is an article that ran in The State newspaper on March 27.
http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/27/1218227/rantin-home-builders-put-skills.html?story_link=email_msg
Again, keep an eye on this blog and our website (columbiagreenbuilders.com) for a presentation on this project.
- Green Building Council staff
Thanks to Pete Williams of A-Therm Remodelors for spearheading this project and to the many GBC and HBA members who are working together to get this project completed. Below is an article that ran in The State newspaper on March 27.
http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/27/1218227/rantin-home-builders-put-skills.html?story_link=email_msg
Again, keep an eye on this blog and our website (columbiagreenbuilders.com) for a presentation on this project.
- Green Building Council staff
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
2010 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize
The 2010 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize, sponsored by ConocoPhillips and Penn State. The program, now in its third year, will award up to $300,000 for the best concepts that promote advances in energy diversity, improve energy efficiency, or combat climate change.
The ConocoPhillips Energy Prize will accept entries through May 21 and is open to all U.S. residents who are at least 18 years of age at the time of entry. Entrants must submit a comprehensive proposal via the Internet at www.conocophillips.com/energyprize or by mail.
It is our hope that by fostering innovation no matter where inspiration may strike, we can create a path to a more secure and environmentally conscious energy supply.
The ConocoPhillips Energy Prize will accept entries through May 21 and is open to all U.S. residents who are at least 18 years of age at the time of entry. Entrants must submit a comprehensive proposal via the Internet at www.conocophillips.com/energyprize or by mail.
It is our hope that by fostering innovation no matter where inspiration may strike, we can create a path to a more secure and environmentally conscious energy supply.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Join me this weekend at The Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show as the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia Presents:
“Be Green to $ave Green”
Green Statistics
• 128 Million Residential Housing Units 2007
• 7.188 Million Built New from 2005-2009
• 4.9 Million Office Buildings in 2003
• 170,000 New Commercial Buildings Added Every Year
Green Statistics Energy
• Buildings Account for 39% of ALL Energy Use
• 72% of Electricity Use
• 8% of Energy goes to treating, pumping & Heating water
• 7% of all Electricity use goes to Refrigerators
• Each person generates 4.62 pounds of trash every day
• Construction accounts for 26 % of all waste
Green, what does it mean?
• Who gets it?
• Where is the Demand?
When you buy a car, do you look at the sticker on the window and see what kind of gas mileage and features the car has? Do you look under the Hood? Average person spends $21,000 on a new car. When you buy a new or used home, what sticker do you look at to tell what kind of efficiency that house has? Can you look under the hood? Can you take it for a test drive? No one knows, and yet it is the biggest investment we make from $150,000 to $400,000.
If I asked you how much you paid for gas per gallon this week, you could probably name the gas station with the best price. You could probably tell me how much you paid ten years ago for a gallon of gas. Do you know how much you pay your electric company per kilowatt hour used? When was the last time they raised the price? How many Kilowatts do you use in a month? Is there anything you can do about that? Or do you just shrug your shoulders and stroke the check?
When you go to work and your car is parked in the parking lot, how much energy does it use? That’s right, none. But while you are at work how much energy is your house using? No one probably knows because the average person doesn’t know how much energy their house used each month they only know how much they paid on their last bill. We have got to understand that we control how much money we spend on energy by being energy efficient. We have come up with 5 Simple Steps for you to be Green and $ave Green. Come join me at the Home and Garden Show Friday the 12th at noon or 4pm, Saturday the 13th at 1 pm, or Sunday the 14th at 1 pm for a seminar dedicated to saving your Green. I look forward to seeing you there.
Green Statistics
• 128 Million Residential Housing Units 2007
• 7.188 Million Built New from 2005-2009
• 4.9 Million Office Buildings in 2003
• 170,000 New Commercial Buildings Added Every Year
Green Statistics Energy
• Buildings Account for 39% of ALL Energy Use
• 72% of Electricity Use
• 8% of Energy goes to treating, pumping & Heating water
• 7% of all Electricity use goes to Refrigerators
• Each person generates 4.62 pounds of trash every day
• Construction accounts for 26 % of all waste
Green, what does it mean?
• Who gets it?
• Where is the Demand?
When you buy a car, do you look at the sticker on the window and see what kind of gas mileage and features the car has? Do you look under the Hood? Average person spends $21,000 on a new car. When you buy a new or used home, what sticker do you look at to tell what kind of efficiency that house has? Can you look under the hood? Can you take it for a test drive? No one knows, and yet it is the biggest investment we make from $150,000 to $400,000.
If I asked you how much you paid for gas per gallon this week, you could probably name the gas station with the best price. You could probably tell me how much you paid ten years ago for a gallon of gas. Do you know how much you pay your electric company per kilowatt hour used? When was the last time they raised the price? How many Kilowatts do you use in a month? Is there anything you can do about that? Or do you just shrug your shoulders and stroke the check?
When you go to work and your car is parked in the parking lot, how much energy does it use? That’s right, none. But while you are at work how much energy is your house using? No one probably knows because the average person doesn’t know how much energy their house used each month they only know how much they paid on their last bill. We have got to understand that we control how much money we spend on energy by being energy efficient. We have come up with 5 Simple Steps for you to be Green and $ave Green. Come join me at the Home and Garden Show Friday the 12th at noon or 4pm, Saturday the 13th at 1 pm, or Sunday the 14th at 1 pm for a seminar dedicated to saving your Green. I look forward to seeing you there.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Join us at the Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show March 12 - 14
The Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show is the Midlands largest show for consumers to see the latest in home building, home improvement, landscaping and more! A special focus this year has been placed on energy efficency.
Members of the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia will be at the show throughout the weekend to give seminars on the value of going green and to answer your questions.
Members will be in a booth in the Moore Building with the SC Energy Office. The SCEO will be there to talk about the forthcoming SC Appliance Rebate program, and our members will be there to answer your green building and remodeling questions.
If you don't catch us in the booth, we will have seminars each day of the show. Join chairman Bill Wichlei, CGP for "Be Green to $ave Green" on Friday at 4:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
The USGBC Columbia Chapter will also be at the show for a joint meeting with our council. The public is invited to attend our joint seminar "The Value of Going Green" on Friday at Noon. (Free with paid admission to the show.)
Click here for more information on the Home & Garden Show, and we hope to see you there!
Members of the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia will be at the show throughout the weekend to give seminars on the value of going green and to answer your questions.
Members will be in a booth in the Moore Building with the SC Energy Office. The SCEO will be there to talk about the forthcoming SC Appliance Rebate program, and our members will be there to answer your green building and remodeling questions.
If you don't catch us in the booth, we will have seminars each day of the show. Join chairman Bill Wichlei, CGP for "Be Green to $ave Green" on Friday at 4:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
The USGBC Columbia Chapter will also be at the show for a joint meeting with our council. The public is invited to attend our joint seminar "The Value of Going Green" on Friday at Noon. (Free with paid admission to the show.)
Click here for more information on the Home & Garden Show, and we hope to see you there!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Join Diggerslist.com and promote recycling
This post is regarding diggerslist.com, a website similar to Craigslist, but for building materials and home improvement classifieds. The CSC Habitat for Humanity's ReStore is the sponsor to get it up and running in Columbia. The site, just like the ReStore, will help keep usable materials out of the landfill. Once we get 100 people to sign up, (FREE to sign up and post to) the Columbia site will go online. (Spread the word!)
This is a great opportunity to promote going green! Oh, and if you have usable items collecting dust, we pick up! Check out our new website at www.cscrestore.org!
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dig•gers•list n. a free online home improvement and construction classifieds that helps homeowners, contractors and do-it-yourselfers save money, find jobs and complete projects.
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity ReStore and diggerslist.com are teaming up to help Columbia Go Green! You can sign up for free here.
It is free to post and sell, so don’t trash it, cash it! Help keep usable materials out of the Midland’s landfills!
Also, HBA of Greater Columbia members are allowed to recycle old refrigerators through the Columbia ReStore. This will come in very handy when the SC Appliance Rebate Program begins on March 31.
- Cole Fisher [cfisher@habitatcsc.org], CSC ReStore
This is a great opportunity to promote going green! Oh, and if you have usable items collecting dust, we pick up! Check out our new website at www.cscrestore.org!
-------------------------------------
dig•gers•list n. a free online home improvement and construction classifieds that helps homeowners, contractors and do-it-yourselfers save money, find jobs and complete projects.
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity ReStore and diggerslist.com are teaming up to help Columbia Go Green! You can sign up for free here.
It is free to post and sell, so don’t trash it, cash it! Help keep usable materials out of the Midland’s landfills!
Also, HBA of Greater Columbia members are allowed to recycle old refrigerators through the Columbia ReStore. This will come in very handy when the SC Appliance Rebate Program begins on March 31.
- Cole Fisher [cfisher@habitatcsc.org], CSC ReStore
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Newton: Give energy efficiency a boost - Editorial Columns - TheState.com
Green Building Council of Greater Columbia member Larry Newton wrote a guest column in the Tuesday, Feb. 16 issue of The State newspaper where he examines the difference between building a nuclear reactor and making existing homes more energy efficient, PACE Bonds and more. Click the link to read the article.
Newton: Give energy efficiency a boost - Editorial Columns - TheState.com
Newton: Give energy efficiency a boost - Editorial Columns - TheState.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Gentlemen - Grab Your Caulking Guns
A featured article in today's State newspaper business section, “Plan encourages home upgrades” says that the Electrical Cooperatives of South Carolina want to tie the cost of retrofitting homes to monthly utility bills. If approved, the Co-ops expect to retrofit 225,000 homes over the next 10 years at a cost of $750 million. This represents about 1 in 10 of all the homes in South Carolina.
The proposed Legislative Bill provides a huge opportunity to put a lot of people back to work, and help transform the "leaky sieve" of our older housing stock into energy efficient homes.
Read the story in The State newspaper here
See the Bill that would make this happen
The proposed Legislative Bill provides a huge opportunity to put a lot of people back to work, and help transform the "leaky sieve" of our older housing stock into energy efficient homes.
Read the story in The State newspaper here
See the Bill that would make this happen
Monday, February 8, 2010
Macon Plant Turns Recycled Bottles Into Roofing
HBA and Green Building Council of Greater Columbia member Tom Hamilton of Freudenberg Texbond, LP has been telling us about his company's product for over a year now. Learn about this innovative roofing underlayment made from recycled plastics in this article:
http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=mianalytics
http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=mianalytics
The Actual Value of Green Retrofits and Remodels
This article was submitted by GBCGC member David Watkins. The article is by By Steve Hargreaves, staff writer for Yahoo! Finance, on Thursday February 4, 2010, 12:39 pm EST
This is a problem that the green-home movement faces on the whole... despite being the right thing to do for personal and environmental reasons, spending money to make a home more energy efficient does not make financial sense in the short-term. Home appraisals and the value they assign to energy-efficiency (or lack thereof) is the main offender.
Click here to read this article
This is a problem that the green-home movement faces on the whole... despite being the right thing to do for personal and environmental reasons, spending money to make a home more energy efficient does not make financial sense in the short-term. Home appraisals and the value they assign to energy-efficiency (or lack thereof) is the main offender.
Click here to read this article
Monday, January 25, 2010
NAHB: Cost-Effective Green a Trend to Watch, NAHB Says
NAHB: Cost-Effective Green a Trend to Watch, NAHB Says
January 21, 2010 - The key to the mainstreaming of green is to make sure that consumers understand the value of green upgrades – and exactly how cost-effective that sustainable construction can be in the long run, according to four green home building professionals who spoke at a press conference on Wednesday at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show.
Builders, remodelers and product manufacturers are beginning to green their processes and incorporate more energy-, water- and resource-efficient features. They are learning how to reduce waste on the job site to save enough money to pay for these upgrades – and help ensure that the builder makes a profit, said consultant Steve Bertasso, who helps builders achieve these measures.
Green building has truly reached the tipping point because it’s moving out of the custom home market into the realm of high-production homes, he added. "This year is going to be a big change in the production [building] environment," Bertasso predicted. "Consumers are asking questions they didn’t ask two and a half years ago and contractors are making better decisions."
The key to reducing the nation’s energy use is to green existing homes, said Philip Beere, who is remodeling distressed properties near Phoenix’s new rapid transit line. Adding insulation, improving the ventilation and air conditioning systems and replacing turf grass with landscaping more appropriate to the Southwest’s desert climate doesn’t cost much more than a traditional remodel, but "retrofitting these homes to be green is a good solution," he said.
Connecticut home builder Jim Pepitone called himself a "late adopter," but one who has finally seen the green light – and believes the rest of the industry can’t be far behind. Builders need to educate consumers on air sealing, the importance of right-sized heating systems and good insulation, and the advantages of rooms that can serve more than one purpose so the home can be smaller and less expensive. "We need to make sustainable attainable," he said.
Read the Original Article Here
January 21, 2010 - The key to the mainstreaming of green is to make sure that consumers understand the value of green upgrades – and exactly how cost-effective that sustainable construction can be in the long run, according to four green home building professionals who spoke at a press conference on Wednesday at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show.
Builders, remodelers and product manufacturers are beginning to green their processes and incorporate more energy-, water- and resource-efficient features. They are learning how to reduce waste on the job site to save enough money to pay for these upgrades – and help ensure that the builder makes a profit, said consultant Steve Bertasso, who helps builders achieve these measures.
Green building has truly reached the tipping point because it’s moving out of the custom home market into the realm of high-production homes, he added. "This year is going to be a big change in the production [building] environment," Bertasso predicted. "Consumers are asking questions they didn’t ask two and a half years ago and contractors are making better decisions."
The key to reducing the nation’s energy use is to green existing homes, said Philip Beere, who is remodeling distressed properties near Phoenix’s new rapid transit line. Adding insulation, improving the ventilation and air conditioning systems and replacing turf grass with landscaping more appropriate to the Southwest’s desert climate doesn’t cost much more than a traditional remodel, but "retrofitting these homes to be green is a good solution," he said.
Connecticut home builder Jim Pepitone called himself a "late adopter," but one who has finally seen the green light – and believes the rest of the industry can’t be far behind. Builders need to educate consumers on air sealing, the importance of right-sized heating systems and good insulation, and the advantages of rooms that can serve more than one purpose so the home can be smaller and less expensive. "We need to make sustainable attainable," he said.
Read the Original Article Here
Friday, January 15, 2010
Geography
Green features! Many green programs award points for NOT having certain items: garages, air conditioning, etc. Is this fair?
Just because a builder is from the Northeast or Northwest and can build without an air conditioning system (try building a house in the Southern states with out A/C) or the geographical regions that detached or no garages could be built, should they get more points in the program?
My question is this: Should points or recognition be given for this or should we be held accountable to provide the best performing system for the geographical area that we build?
- Posted by GBCGC Executive Committee Member Thom Chumney.
Just because a builder is from the Northeast or Northwest and can build without an air conditioning system (try building a house in the Southern states with out A/C) or the geographical regions that detached or no garages could be built, should they get more points in the program?
My question is this: Should points or recognition be given for this or should we be held accountable to provide the best performing system for the geographical area that we build?
- Posted by GBCGC Executive Committee Member Thom Chumney.
Friday, January 8, 2010
When a home energy audit pays - Jan. 7, 2010
When a home energy audit pays - Jan. 7, 2010
This article appeared on CNN Money on January 7, 2010. Green Building Council Member Larry Newton forwarded it to our attention. Larry is an instructor of the Building Performance Institute (BPI) classes offered locally at Midlands Technical College. For more information on this story and BPI certification, please contact Larry Newton by e-mail at lnewton@sc.rr.com.
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This article appeared on CNN Money on January 7, 2010. Green Building Council Member Larry Newton forwarded it to our attention. Larry is an instructor of the Building Performance Institute (BPI) classes offered locally at Midlands Technical College. For more information on this story and BPI certification, please contact Larry Newton by e-mail at lnewton@sc.rr.com.
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