But keeping in mind the things that are important to you like greener, cleaner energy can help to keep you focused and on task when it comes to choosing an energy provider. The assumption with going green when it comes to energy and electricity is that it is going to cost an arm and a leg. And it is true that green energy oftentimes costs more. That is because the production of cleaner energy is usually more involved, at least initially. But improvements and rapid developments in green technologies mean costs of green energy are coming down, and because governments recognize the importance of supporting and encouraging steps that individuals take towards a sustainable future, it is possible to get green energy subsidized in many countries.
Author Archives: GBE FACTS
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Jan
Jan
Did you know that an average of 8,000 lbs. of waste go into landfills during the construction of a 2,000 square foot home? That’s four tons of waste! Construction waste recycling isn’t exactly glamorous, and you won’t hear about it on popular home shows, but it’s a real way you can minimize your footprint and potentially give your business a leg up. Here are some things to think about if you’re considering ways to build greener.
11
Jan
Jan
But the operational and maintenance cost of a green-built home are significantly less. Heating and cooling accounts for about 45 percent of a homeowner’s annual energy consumption. Homes designed with passive solar and high efficiency windows require less energy to heat and cool; less workload on units also results in lower repair cost and a more years of service. The additional upfront cost of green construction is typically recouped within the first five years of ownership through lower maintenance and energy cost.
09
Jan
Jan
Set yourself up with a steam room pretty much anywhere you want with the Sauna Box($41,000). Built into a shipping container, this semi-portable sauna is designed to be completely self-sufficient, with solar panels providing the power and a wood-burning stove. Features include a red cedar interior, integrated iPod stereo, electric guitar hookup, Castor stool, a magnetic truck light, and bronze antlers.
28
Dec
Dec
Want to create eco-awareness with your new piece of real estate? Eco-friendly hardware and pieces are going to be your best option. Apart from creating awareness, green installations would also increase the value of the location, luring in attractive offers if you sell it in the future. They’ll also curb your bills and reduce the…
Compact fluorescent light bulbs tend to be a lot more energy efficient as they do not produce excess waste heat. They consume only one fifth of the electricity, which means that they are 400 percent more efficient. There probably isn’t another way you can save and improve on energy efficiency to this extent. Shades and light fittings will last for longer due to the significantly smaller amount of heat they produce.
17
Dec
Dec
Landscaping is not limited to those with the green thumb or professional gardeners. It can be done by anyone even if you have no experience in gardening. A good eye for space and scale, a dash of creativity, and a touch of color are all you need to create a beautiful landscape. There are many…
13
Dec
Dec
Blog writer James Vasanth has written to share his insights with readers on the daunting DIY task of building a solar concentrator for solar hot water. He writes, “In this post, I’ll discuss some key points including how to build your own 2-axis parabolic concentrator.” Thanks, James. The “how-to” steps are welcome, however, a ready made version sounds even better after counting all the steps.
06
Dec
Dec
The New Freedom Tower is the building being erected at the site of the former One World Trade Center. It is being built with great technological advancements including those that are positive for the environment. Here are a few examples of green technologies that are being utilized.
05
Dec
Dec
With winter on its way, you might be looking for eco-friendly methods to get rid of snow and ice. Walking awkwardly down your driveway every morning and navigating frostbitten stairs is certainly not fun, but there are things you can do that won’t harm the environment.
03
Dec
Dec
Practically every year there is a new product or solution on the market that helps consumers trim their energy bills, and many of them are affordable. Green technologies will continue to be developed, and at a greater speed because of how necessary it really is to both consumers and the planet. Taking full advantage of them will make your own environment healthier, in addition to the other benefits. Therefore, it is good to get informed on the different products and learn how to apply them to your home. Even if they are baby steps, if everyone does their part, we can make a difference.
29
Nov
Nov
Introduction As the idea of green grows, industries are looking for incentives to promote being eco-friendly. The government and private institutions are sponsoring programs that offer cost-effective mortgages developed to help make a home more energy efficient. A ‘green mortgage’ or ‘energy efficient mortgage’ offers homeowners the opportunity to get or borrow money to upgrade…
28
Nov
Nov
Government subsidies help aid an industry when it is not progressing fast enough in the free market. Generally, when new technology becomes available like green energy, it can take a considerable period of time before prices decline enough to where consumers find the technology affordable. The free market just doesn’t work as fast as some governments would prefer, so they intervene, helping important technology like green energy until it becomes profitable for businesses quicker than it would through the free market.
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Nov
Nov
U.S. senators passed a new bill this month called S.3591, the “Commercial Building Modernization Act,” that extends and strengthens the existing 179D commercial building tax deduction for energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings.
15
Nov
Nov
No office decor motif stands out like the smooth face of stacked stone. The multicolored layers of earth tones create a natural feel of warmth and simplicity, projecting your decorating taste across three dimensions. No matter what the outlay of a room, the veneer pillars of cut stone immediately draw attention once someone steps in…
12
Nov
Nov
By now we should all be aware of the fact that going green need not cost more or reduce your standard of living. Being good to the environment means being good to ourselves, yet many people who are quite eco conscience inside the house fail to realize that the backyard is an area where your…
06
Nov
Nov
The word green has become synonymous with intelligent decision and design; something that identifies you with caring about the environment. What’s interesting is when we combine green with technology. Ways we can conserve, improve, salvage and enjoy our surroundings, while making life a little easier and maybe a tad more fun.
05
Nov
Nov
The frigid temperatures, falling snow and fierce winds of the season can cause all sorts of mishaps to visit your dwelling, from a persistent draft to a near-biblical flood. Consequently, many homeowners should start preparing their homes to face this year’s frost well before the snow starts falling. By doing just a little work now, you can save yourself and your house a lot of grief later.