Many topics such as the Environmental Protection Agency's eStar and eCycle programs can be discussed. The organic or bio solutions will be talked about, and hopefully many pieces of insight from you. A great research project is located on the US EPA's web site under their Green Rider Document. It gives great detail to anyone interested in Green Building. Another is Building America of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technology Program. A fantastic resource.
PREFERRED PRODUCT DATABASES
The Whole Building Design Guide has a great article on green building products and their evaluation. Eco-Structure has a link that addresses the different types of green building products from green roofs to cork flooring. Eco Design and Construction provides a searchable database of green products and companies. Green Building Pages offers many resources for green building professionals including sustainability and green products.
If you would like to try Green and Organic Topic Books, we have set up a link at myGreenProduct's Greenie's Options. We at myGreenProducts.com look at Green Building in the following five sections - Energy, Building Components, Water, Landscaping, and Product Purchases.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a coalition of building industry leaders working to promote environmentally responsible places to live and work. Their purpose is to transform the how buildings are designed, built, and operated, improving the quality of life.
Rebuild America (energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies) is a network of community-based partnerships committed to saving energy, improving building performance, lower air pollution through lower energy demand. The Energy Star Program allow home owners to research products that meet predefined low energy consumption per the eStar requirement. They cover items like insulation, appliance and electronics purchases. They offer a tool that analyzes your home energy usage and efficiency. State programs in the US also offer options and incentives such as the New York Energy Smart Program.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is a benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. LEED gives metrics to help assess a building's performance. A whole-building approach in five areas of sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Energy saving ideas can come from alternative energy sources such as south facing roof solar panels used to heat your water storage tank through flat or evacuated solar collector panels. The pumps used to flow the heat can also use a solar panel or it can be hooked up to traditional fuel sources. Another area for solar heat can be under floor radiant heating tubes. Since heat rises, locating solar generated heating tubes beneath your floor can be a possible option. Due to the design layout most home owners find that this type of heating is only feasible in new homes.
Alternate Transportation
Several US States have supported the development of alternative transportation fuels (fuels other than gasoline or diesel) for many years. Programs for vehicles include ethanol and methanol M85 and natural gas and electric vehicles. Clean fuel options are available on the US EPA web site for Clean and Alternative Fuels.
GREEN BUILDING
One great example of green homes is with the developer and designer called Living Homes. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC), awarded its highest rating possible from the new pilot, LEED® for Homes rating system, to Living Homes. It is the first residential project in the country to attain a Platinum rating. This is a new national standard in sustainable construction. The model home is a Zero Energy, Zero Water, Zero Waste, Zero
Carbon, Zero Emissions residence. A great site that can help a home builder or owner is the BuiltGreen.com website. They have a new residential guide that can help you break down components of the green of your house or use their reference site pdf.
As the demolition phase of your project gets started up for older building, a review of potential recycling outlets should be evaluated. A good source for cement, wood, electronic, metal and plastic recycling options for construction firms can be located at California's Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Web Page and Construction and Recycler Magazine.
Energy Efficient Lights
Lighting energy savings can be accomplished in a few ways. One is to maximize sun exposure though windows or redirected reflection of sunlight to high reflectant ceiling tiles. Sun roofs are also an excellent option to reduce energy costs. You can also look for longer lasting efficient light bulbs. This not only lowers electrical bulbs, it reduces the waste stream of bulbs. Another is the use of solar powered lighting for many applications from lighting you house street number to a solar powered pathway lights. You can always back up power to help when sunlight is limited. The US EPA has a wonderful Energy Star web page dedicated to light source efficiency.
Sustainable Insulation
Heavy heat and cooling losses due to poor insulation can have damaging effects on your energy bill and usage. Energy Star Partner windows with proper installation by a qualified contractor can help control loss. The National Fenestration Rating Council helps provide independent ratings on energy efficient windows, glass doors and skylights. When used in conjunction with the US Government Energy Star program, a home owner can find capable products. Energy covering or shades can have a large effect on a homes demand for energy and ability to conserve energy. Many different types of shades allow for variable light and heat or cooling reducing such as honeycomb designs. Proper choice of low energy usage lights. Finally, the insulation in the walls and ceilings must be properly installed and of the properly rated material. The US Federal Government's Energy Star Home Web Site is a great resource for those looking to conserve energy and lower bills (even through certain federal and state tax rebates).
Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) are made from small, plantation trees that should meet the sustainable guidelines for fiber and wood items. Expanded styrene foam cores used in SIPs are made of mostly air and very little petroleum, and have a high R-Value. SIP design can be used to develop zero energy buildings. Since the insulation of SIPs is free of the voids it may help reduce mold growth if properly installed.
Insulating Concrete Forms or ICF's are a second option. The ICFA has a great technical library to help those interested in this option. ICF are forms for poured concrete walls. They will stay as part of the permanent wall. Made of interlocking foam or separate panels connected with separate. Those who like this system feel it provide insulation, sound barrier, and a backing optional uses inside or outside of the house.
Straw bale buildings, which are made of the stalk portion grain like crops, are a settlers design from many years ago. Bales are cut, configured and treated in a way that makes them a good potential for renewable building insulation. They can look like large concrete blocks stacked. The Ontario Straw Bale Association as well as the U.S. Department of EnergyEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy have good information on those who would like to research this option.
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Many different types of insulation can be used in replacement of traditional means. It depends on your needs and amount of research you would like to complete. 'Green' fiber glass, cotton, denim and slag wool insulations use recycled material which diverts waste materials. Insulation made from recovered materials can be used for certain heating and cooling applications. Several forms are currently available including rolls, loose-fill, and spray foam. Recovered materials such as glass, slag, paper fiber, and plastics have been used. Items such as postconsumer glass bottles, slag for rock wool or old newspaper. (The US EPA has a nice web page describing the varies types of insulation). Mineral Wool (Rock and Slag Wool) offers a potential solution. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association offers an FAQ on the use of Rock and Slag Wool. They also add two sections on fiber vs slag wool, and insulation and the environment.
Using Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values on filter in a HAVC system can quickly get tricky. A rating of 1 is least while 16 is most efficient at removing particles. As you go higher in efficiency you also tend to increase you energy consumption to drive air through the denser filter. The US EPA HVAC and IAQ Web Page has a detailed description on the varies industry practices and challenges.
Recycling - Reuse
Stop Waste Org has a home remodeling information page for home owners. Very informative with a green point system included. Many products can now be found made from recycled glass including tabletops, countertops, flooring, and cabinets.
Green Office
Purchasing recycled paper products such as cardboard, copy paper and folders are a great way to start the greening of your office. Use of chlorine free and low VOC paper also can help. Another is to try recycled printer cartridges and use soy or vegetable based inks instead of petrol based. The US EPA has a good paper on soy based inks and paper waste reduction on this site http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/specific/proj-sum.html.
WATER CONSERVATION
ClearWater Green Building 2006
The 2nd Annual Green Buildings and Communities Conference will include presentations on energy efficiency and sustainable design for housing, municipal, historic, commercial and institutional buildings, landscaping and community development in the Hudson Valley or Saving Water Partnership
Storm Runoff Conservation
Storm runoff has potentially problematic issues. As rain falls pesticides and automobile waste (ex. oil or anti freeze drippings) gets directed into the municipal water ways. The EPA provides a checklist on how each of use can help address storm runoff. This works for both rain and snowfall.
Low flow or dual flow toilets and other like bathroom equipment can use properly filtered/treated storm rainwater collected tanks to reduce water usage. Waterless bathroom equipment is also available.
GREEN LANDSCAPING
The EPA provides a tool for green landscaping. They cover items like using plants to control pests, rain and storm run off control, composting, use of biodegradable bags, etc...Other terms are rain collectors, that capture rainfall/storm runoff for reuse, saving water and energy.
GREEN PRODUCTS
A green build might be low-toxic, renewable, recycled, energy efficient, sustainable forest purchased, solar or wind energy, RoHS or WEEE electronically compliant, and the list goes on. A website that begins to break down what they consider 'green building' is aptly named Green Building Supply. They address areas like flooring, paints, cleaners, and other products.
Since the 1980's AFM has been trying to address indoor air pollution with household and building products. Today they have several products like carpet cleaners, paints, and oils. Enviro-Solutions provides several products that are Green Seal Certified. You can find a link here.
Green Laundry
Most individuals concerned with waterways are concerned with run off and solutions used to treat problems such are cleaning. One solution may be to use a cleaner that is more biodegradable then other products, causing less foaming of the waterways. Typical products usually offer no bleach, caustics, phosphates, and it is a neutral pH with biodegradable features (some are vegan attributes - not tested on animals). Products that may help could be
Sustainable Floors
Sustainable also works for flooring that is made of products that regenerate the materials. Bamboo, linoleum and cork are some options of this material. Environmental flooring usually consists of material that are made of natural materials that can be harvested easily and re grown quickly. It also should no have formaldehyde and use a click or snap together installation, also know as floating floors. This type of floor which removes the use of glues also help address a major problem of some of the floors, which is moisture 'buckling' the wood floors.
You can check California Integrated Waste Management Board's Bamboo Flooring fact sheet and Integrated Waste Management Board's Green Building program.
Sustainable Ceilings and Roofs
The green roofing have a few different paths. One is to create roof garden (see Wikipedia description)that sustains greenery allowing for storm rain water capture as well as bio generation of the plants themselves. Another is to use a high reflective material that reduces heat load on the building - thus reducing energy needs and conservation of energy. Any redesign of the roof can be assessed for recycling capabilities, and use of recycled components such as mentioned by the American Roofing Recylcers of Washington.
Ceiling tiles that are green usually are made from high amounts of recycled content, are resistant to stains and water damage, and meet the GreenGuard IAQ standards. If you are looking to reduce the need for internal lighting then high reflective tiles can be used near sunlight exposures.
Sustainable Wood
The other certification is from the Forest Stewartship Council. This tries to identify chain of custody and replenishment of wood products through the world. The FSC identifies several groups that have certification programs at this link.
Green Sealants and Adhesives
The use of adhesives and sealants that are free of solvents - that work are hard to find. Trial and error are the only way know today to get a product that works for you. One firm that clams to meet the GreenGuard School Standard is the ITW-TACC. Their product is the Z Solvent Free Postformable Adhesive and the Ultraseal 970 Water Based Duct Sealant.
The large firm Henkel offers a group of greener products as sealants and adhesives. They offer different products for different applications, with the material safety data sheet on the web page for user evaluation.
Green Paints
Most traditional paints have compounds that are of concern including VOC (volatile organic compounds) - that can produce off gassing. Milk paints do not have most of the traditional paint concerns. Users often have questions about the quality. Milk Paint is a traditional paint made from milk casein, clay, earth pigments and lime. Real Milk Paint has a section of submitted user photos to help show potential product designs and uses. The Milk Paint Co. has a very good FAQ that helps those who are thinking of trying milk paint to review.
Bioshield has several products that deal with paints to flooring. They have a dealer break down here and a description of all of their products such as milk paints and clay plaster.
Greener paints tend to stress low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC's), no formaldehyde with life cycle focus. Many large companies have products that focus on greener paints such as Sherman Williams, Benjamin Moore, AFM Paint, Miller Paint, Rodda Paint.
Green Plaster
Some feel that an alternative to traditional plastering is the use of 'earth' clay. These plasters usually are a blend of pure clays and 'natural' coloring agents that they consider non-toxic oxides and ochre mineral pigments. Most include an anti-molding agent called borax. One of the most well know vendors of these types of products is American Clay of New Mexico.
Sustainable Furniture
Purchases of green furniture can fall into a couple of categories. One would be a lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. GreenGuard certification via the Environmental Institute (GEI) is to improve quality of life by improving indoor air. One of their certifications is GreenGuard Certification Standards for Low Emitting Products. They cover several products - one of which is furniture. The other certification is from the Forest Stewartship Council. This tries to identify chain of custody and replenishment of wood products through the world. The FSC identifies several groups that have certification programs at this link. The SCS Certified Group also provides independent forest management certification that entails assessments against a detailed standards of forest management.
Sustainable Paper
Green paper products are usually acid-free, high recycled content and post-consumer waste content in each grade, and chlorine free or elemental chlorine free. They also can make use tree-less paper by using 100% post consumer recyclables or use plant options such as hemp or kenaf. By using recycled content we can reduce the impact on the environment and help make recycling a viable business. We save trees, energy, water, and landfill space. Protects forests, watersheds, ecosystems and reduce pollution. Without chlorine bleaching and certain processed inks/dyes we reduce use of chemicals. Conserve a Tree has a wonderful site on the purchasing of environmentally friendly paper products.
Sustainable Carpets
SCS Sustainable Choice certification program facilitates identification and selection of products that were manufactured in a sustainable manner. The assessment criteria in NSF-140, Sustainable Carpet Assessment Standard and California Gold Sustainable Carpet Standard, California Department of General Services.
Fiberboard that is considered green usually has no formaldehyde, is made from 100% recycled wood fibers, and has a third party certification.
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) developed the Green Label IAQ testing and labeling program for carpet, adhesives, cushion materials and vacuum cleaners.
Also feel that the proper plant life can have a positive effect on the indoor environment including reducing pollutants and providing lower stress levels. Plants At Work provide some viewpoints.
Biodegradable Products
Instead of using plastics in you forks, spoons, garbage bags, or other disposable products, you may decide to use bio degradable products. They are made of components that allow to break down the product naturally in a shorter time. Certifications and codes are set up to assure what should be considered bio degradable. ASTM D6400 - Standard Specifications for Compostable Plastics, certified GMO Free, and California law SB 1749, for biodegradable and compostable product claims. The Bio Group has a good link that breaks down US and international codes and certifications for composting and bio degradability. An option comes from biodegradable aspects of the products we purchase. This could include waste paper or to the dish washing detergent that you choose. They can have waste stream effects in our water ways. Some products work to offer a more water way friendly cleaner or to the dish washing detergent that you choose. They can have waste stream effects in our water ways. Some products work to offer a more water way friendly cleaner. .
Vacuums and Air Filtering Units
There is a difference between HEPA vacuums and what some would call 'true' HEPA. The later usually must meet certain industry standards for efficiency and materials. The DOD has a nice break down of the high end HEPA Vacuum cleaner requirements under the Military Specification MIL-STD-282- Filter Units and
Related Products: Performance Test Method, MIL-F-51079 - Filter Medium, Fire Resistant, High Efficiency. The National Filtration Association breaks down the types of filters under the Environmental Science and Technology, (IEST) with regard to performance.
