Australia’s Sustainable Window Alliance (SWA) is using science to measure the properties of energy efficient windows for residential applications. The groups says that while windows represent only 8% of a home’s exterior surface, they can account for up to 60% of unwanted heat loss in winter and 91% of unwanted heat gain in summer … and that…
Tag Archives: energy star
05
Sep
Sep
This post is part of the Green Materials Report series. GBE is providing information on various building materials and what makes them green. Each post focuses on one material. We will be looking at the ingredients in the material, how it is used, what makes it green, and any green product certifications that it has earned. We…
04
Oct
Oct
The new NPE Series greatly reduces time and labor for a typical tankless retrofit by utilizing existing gas lines and existing flue chases. In fact, this new technology allows installation time to be reduced by half compared to other tankless water heaters. All these technical advances make the Navien NPE tankless series ideal for tank water heater replacement.
22
Aug
Aug
When most people think of using solar energy in their homes, they envision massive arrays of solar panels attached to the roof and complete detachment from the traditional power grid. Unfortunately, harnessing the sun’s energy to the point of being able to go off the grid is still cost-prohibitive for the average homeowner, particularly if they own an existing property. There are ways to help offset these costs, but there are also a number of ways to utilize solar power in the home without a complete overhaul.
28
Apr
Apr
There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a new appliance – this is especially true with refrigerators. Before buying a new fridge, make sure you know about the different styles and which will give you the best energy efficiency.
18
Mar
Mar
Managing a building or remodeling project means keeping up with a myriad of details, as any trade professional knows. Now, GE offers help in the form of BuildWithGE.com, a website that offers convenient access to a wide variety of practical information — without the need to register, or remember a password or sign in.
27
Jan
Jan
As we take on the project of green building from the ground up, we focused on consideration of space in week 1 and the use of Bioclimatic design on week two. This week, we take a closer look at some of the myths green building and renovation. We debunk false ideas and take a detailed look at what it really means to build sustainably after defogging the cloak of smoke and mirror behind green building myths.
12
Jan
Jan
Modular homes or pre-manufactured kits (see left photo: Shelter-Kit barn and pool) may be appealing because of lower costs and the speed with which the final product can be assembled, but what differences do they have when it comes to measuring how green a home might be.
17
Sep
Sep
Despite dipping home sales, the number of new third-party certified green homes sold in Portland, Oregon has gone steadily up the last three years. Existing certified homes are selling for up to 32% more than existing code homes.
08
Sep
Sep
For those wondering if they or their friends have attained the 21st century status of being electricity hogs, they might wish to get familiar with Michael Bluejay, known to many as Mr. Electricity on his website.