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THE PLANET WILL THANK YOU
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The Best Green Site
THE SOURCE FOR GREEN PRODUCTS AND INFORMATION
Energy Efficient Building
Energy Efficiency
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When thinking of energy keep in mind that we are surrounded by free energy. We just
don't use it. Solar energy is abundant and technologies are being advanced every day.
Today's solar panels are thinner, stronger, more efficient and lighter in weight than the
panels of just a few years ago. New solar panels are being developed that product
more energy from a smaller footprint.
Wind turbines are being used effectively in many areas. The developer beginning to
design a multi-home project might want to set a portion of the property aside for a
communal wind farm or keep up with the latest developments in roof top turbines.
The state of Florida has several incentive programs available to anyone interested in
exploring alternative energy resources.
Energy Star rated appliances and heating and cooling units are now the norm for any
home but all ratings are not the same. Check with your supplier to be sure you are
getting the latest product with the highest energy rating.
One thing that everyone should do weather trying to achieve a green rating or not is
replace every bulb in your home with a new low wattage fluorescent light. If every U.S.
home replaced one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR fluorescent bulb, the savings
would light more than 2.5 million homes for a year.
New insulation products are constantly being developed some use methods use
modern technology and equipment specifically designed for its' installation. And other
insulation products use the same method of installation that has been common in the
industry for years but makes use of recycled materials. The builder and owner should
examine their options and choose the product that best meets the goal they are trying
to achieve on the particular project. Remember there is no one way that is best for all
applications when building green sometimes there are many ways to reach the same
end result. If nothing else the green builder should be flexible in adapting to many
different technologies and products that are entering the market as green building
comes into its' own.
Water conservation measures include capturing and reusing grey water. Air
conditioning condensate lines should be directed to planting beds. Downspouts should
be tied into rain barrels or cisterns and can be used to supplement lawn and plant
watering.
There are many energy and water use issues with any building project. In order to
receive green certification the builder must be working with a certifying agent. The
agent will have to inspect and document all green building requirements that are a part
of the verification process.
don't use it. Solar energy is abundant and technologies are being advanced every day.
Today's solar panels are thinner, stronger, more efficient and lighter in weight than the
panels of just a few years ago. New solar panels are being developed that product
more energy from a smaller footprint.
Wind turbines are being used effectively in many areas. The developer beginning to
design a multi-home project might want to set a portion of the property aside for a
communal wind farm or keep up with the latest developments in roof top turbines.
The state of Florida has several incentive programs available to anyone interested in
exploring alternative energy resources.
Energy Star rated appliances and heating and cooling units are now the norm for any
home but all ratings are not the same. Check with your supplier to be sure you are
getting the latest product with the highest energy rating.
One thing that everyone should do weather trying to achieve a green rating or not is
replace every bulb in your home with a new low wattage fluorescent light. If every U.S.
home replaced one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR fluorescent bulb, the savings
would light more than 2.5 million homes for a year.
New insulation products are constantly being developed some use methods use
modern technology and equipment specifically designed for its' installation. And other
insulation products use the same method of installation that has been common in the
industry for years but makes use of recycled materials. The builder and owner should
examine their options and choose the product that best meets the goal they are trying
to achieve on the particular project. Remember there is no one way that is best for all
applications when building green sometimes there are many ways to reach the same
end result. If nothing else the green builder should be flexible in adapting to many
different technologies and products that are entering the market as green building
comes into its' own.
Water conservation measures include capturing and reusing grey water. Air
conditioning condensate lines should be directed to planting beds. Downspouts should
be tied into rain barrels or cisterns and can be used to supplement lawn and plant
watering.
There are many energy and water use issues with any building project. In order to
receive green certification the builder must be working with a certifying agent. The
agent will have to inspect and document all green building requirements that are a part
of the verification process.
ENERGY TIPS
Use sealed light fixtures when
installing can lights. This will
prevent transfer of air
between living area and
unconditioned space.
Fluorescent light bulbs now
are available in a style to
meet almost any need, from
designer fixtures to outdoor
flood lights. The equivalent
lumen output when compared
to a standard bulb is
achieved with a fraction of
the wattage.
Programmable thermostats
automatically adjust your
home's temperature settings,
allowing you to save energy
while you're away or sleeping.
Use sealed light fixtures when
installing can lights. This will
prevent transfer of air
between living area and
unconditioned space.
Fluorescent light bulbs now
are available in a style to
meet almost any need, from
designer fixtures to outdoor
flood lights. The equivalent
lumen output when compared
to a standard bulb is
achieved with a fraction of
the wattage.
Programmable thermostats
automatically adjust your
home's temperature settings,
allowing you to save energy
while you're away or sleeping.
Green Tip
In offices, water heaters
generally don't need to be
set as high as home units.
If the water heater still
has the factory setting of
130 or 140 degrees, turn
it down to 120 degrees
and save more than 6% in
energy costs.
In offices, water heaters
generally don't need to be
set as high as home units.
If the water heater still
has the factory setting of
130 or 140 degrees, turn
it down to 120 degrees
and save more than 6% in
energy costs.
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