Though it is an idea that is still catching on, creating a green roof on your home not only enhances the natural beauty of the landscape but it also helps reduce the urban “heat island” effect. On top of that, a roof top green space also creates a habitat for insects, song birds and other wild life, and it actually [ Read More → ]
Though it is an idea that is still catching on, creating a green roof on your home not only enhances the natural beauty of the landscape but it also helps reduce the urban “heat island” effect. On top of that, a roof top green space also creates a habitat for insects, song birds and other wild life, and it actually [ Read More → ]
Here is Part II in our series about do it yourself green projects that are under $500. These projects ideas came from an article on the This Old House website. So, read on and then start your own green project to help make your home more environmentally friendly!
6. Install a programmable thermostat
The purchase and installation of a programmable thermostat will [ Read More → ]
I don’t know about you, but I love This Old House. Watching the crew complete restoration projects not only gives me ideas for my own home, but it actually provides me with the motivation to get things done. They also happen to provide you with tips and ideas on how to turn certain projects into green ones helping you make [ Read More → ]
So you’ve taken on a home improvement project and you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. You’ve read our articles on paints and stains as well as on flooring, and you have made eco-friendly choices for those parts of your renovation job. Now you have to choose countertops. Conventional wisdom says to go for the granite. It is beautiful and [ Read More → ]
The average American spends huge amounts of their time indoors. Especially in the winter months that can mean 90% of our time spent inside. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the air in new homes can be ten times more polluted than outdoor air, Children and older folks are particularly vulnerable when it comes to air pollution. A report [ Read More → ]
1. Consider investigating in renewable energy technologies to become less dependent on the grid. This is good for the economy, environment and energy security. Using renewable energy technologies can increase owner revenue, revitalize rural communities and reduce dependence on the power grid — all without consuming natural resources or emitting pollution or greenhouse gases.
2. Promote recycling. Establish a recycling program [ Read More → ]
The Living Roof, a 2.5 acre rooftop above the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park on November 5, 2009. Some say the new ‘Calgreen’ voluntary rating system clashes with the museum’s LEED rating system.
Robert Galbraith/Reuters/File
California’s building commission adopted the first statewide green building code this week. Environmental groups welcomed the new standards, which mandate water use reductions and [ Read More → ]
Recent EPA studies indicate that exposure to air pollutants may be two to five times higher indoors than outside. Air pollutants can affect all buildings equally and have many sources, including pets, tobacco products, gas cooking stoves, building materials, paints, cleaning products and pesticides.
Exposure to air pollutants can lead to negative health effects like asthma, irritation of the eyes and [ Read More → ]
States are facing significant budget gaps. These budget gaps are going to negatively affect the green building industry. States looking to shore up budgets will cut new construction and maintenance of existing buildings in the coming years.
But there is a solution: public-private partnerships.
Just prior to the economic downturn, the phrase “public-private partnerships“ – or P3s – [ Read More → ]
