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Posted: September 9, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
How much more will it cost is always the first question from someone just beginning to explore green building. The answer will always be: “It depends”. A comparable question is “how much does a car cost?” Is it a Hyundai or a Mercedes? Recent studies have concluded that it doesn’t have to cost much more, if any, to build a green h...
Considering a Tankless Water Heater
Posted: September 5, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
Heating water accounts for up to 30% of the average home's energy budget. Tankless water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed. Therefore, they avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters and can be up to 40% more efficient than traditional water heaters. According to the Environmental Protect...
Improve Indoor Air Quality by Reducing “Stack Effect”
Posted: September 2, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
The “Stack Effect” occurs when warm air rises through air leaks between a home’s upper floor and attic, and draws outside air into the home through leaks between the floor and crawlspace or basement. This happens in summer and winter and is similar to the way a chimney operates. Warm air rises because it is lighter than cold air ...
Posted: September 1, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
Most houses in this region of the country are built on a crawl space – an open area under the home that allows for grade changes, and room for plumbing and mechanical systems. To allow for ventilation of these crawl spaces, vents are installed through the walls to the outside. This allows for air circulation and to replace stale a...
Posted: August 1, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
If you are considering building a new home or undertaking a major kitchen remodel, you may want to consider a “greener alternative”. Cabinetry can contain a variety of materials including plywood, adhesives, and finishes that contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde. According to the EPA, these pro...
Posted: July 1, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
If you are considering replacing your carpet or flooring, choose materials that are good for the environment and your home. EPA studies have shown that indoor pollutant levels can be up to five times higher than they are outside. Flooring can be a source of many of these pollutants. New carpet and flooring contain volatile organic...
Posted: September 17, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, yet the air in homes can be ten times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A common source of indoor air pollution is the offgassing of chemicals or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) found in many building materials. Offgassing i...
Triad Green Building Council Launches Website
Posted: September 24, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
Consumer demand for energy efficient, green homes continues to grow. In response, the Greensboro Builders Association last year formed the Triad Green Building Council affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Program, giving Association members a framework for building green and home buyers...
Position Your Home to Maximize Solar Benefits
Posted: October 1, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
One of the most effective green building techniques is also one of the least expensive. Positioning a home to take advantage of passive solar techniques increases the energy efficiency of a home, making it more comfortable to occupy. Just by properly placing the windows and facing a home in the right direction, you can cut a home’...
National Green Building Standard™ Approved
Posted: October 8, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
The National Green Building Standard™ for all residential construction work including single-family homes, apartments and condos, land development and remodeling and renovation was approved Jan. 29, 2009 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The National Green Building Standard™, otherwise known as the ICC/NAHB 700,...
Eco-Friendly Insulation Upgrades
Posted: October 15, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
Have you considered upgrading your home’s insulation but are confused about fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, or even denim? What about R-Value and what does it mean? The choices are many and the decision can be difficult.
The Triad Green Building Council is here to help you navigate the different products ...
Posted: October 22, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
So you’ve heard about Energy Efficient homes, but what about an Energy Efficient Mortgage? The popularity and availability of Energy Star qualified homes has lead to the creation of mortgage products that recognize energy efficient homes cost homeowners less to operate on a monthly basis. Known as the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EE...
Choosing a Green Building Professional
Posted: October 29, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
As green building becomes more popular, homeowners and those purchasing homes are looking for contractors, and real estate professionals who are qualified to provide green building services. A new professional designation program from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provides home buyers with additional assurance t...
When a Less Expensive House Costs More
Posted: November 5, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
When deciding to purchase a new car, the major considerations are fuel mileage, resale value, reliability, design, features and conveniences. As recent fuel prices reached $4.00 per gallon or more, people lined up to get the latest Hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles.
For most families, a home is the largest ...
Posted: November 12, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
Do you feel like your home is poisoning you? Are you suffering from allergies and other respiratory aliments? Healthy indoor environments attract many people to green building. After energy efficiency, the quality of a home’s indoor air is often cited as the most important feature of green homes.
According t...
Posted: November 19, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
Water Efficiency continues to be on everyone’s mind. Although recent tropical rains have eased our drought for the immediate future, much of our state to the west continues to experience moderate to severe drought conditions. In association with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the NAHB National Green Building Pr...
Assess Your Home’s Efficiency with an Energy Audit
Posted: November 26, 2014 Author: Scott Allred
You may be wondering how to save money on your energy bills this year. The Triad Green Building Council would like to help you. In addition to building the most energy efficient new homes in the Triad, we are also eager to promote the “Greening” of our existing housing stock. By taking these simple steps, you can reap the benefits...