Homeowner’s Handbook Our annual sustainable construction guide is designed to bridge the gap between green building professionals and their clients Designed for easy reading, each short, concise chapter explains the basic principles of sustainable design, planning and construction ARE YOU PLANNING retrofit job or new home? Whether or not you believe in the “mission” of sustainability, building with green principles and products doesn’t mean you'll have to sacri fice comfort or performance. Green building is smart building, and, as you'll learn in these pages, you have many good tools available that can make your home safer, more durable, less expensive to heat or cool, and just plain beautiful to live in. Feel free to share chapters of this Handbook with clients, fiends and prospective clients Vist our | Sons website fora fre download-—or | coteto\ean to purchase hard copies Sipe wwwgreenbuildermag.com CONTENTS Rooting 39° Heating 43 Structure 23 Appliances 47 Siding 27 Faucets Fores st Insulation 31 Cabinets 8 Tops. 55 KirControl 35 Cleon Finishes 59 Windows 39 AternatveEreray 6ee enbuild gr REVISED FOR 2012 GreenBuilder. Green Building Pyramid® Several time-tested alternative structural systems offer higher R-values and other advantages over conventional stick framing, They include structural insulated panels (SIPs) ang insulating concrete forms (ICFs), along with straw fale, cordwood and otner systems. Various organizations will“certity” your project's green features, including LEED, USGBC and EarthCraft House. Some may argue that certification belongs iower on the pyramid, but earning that green stamp of approval wil come easily ifyou have given attention to the bottom two-thirds of the pyrarnia. ‘Ata minimum, windows in a new home should include insuiated low-€ glazings. Look for durable window frames made with materials that are renewable or recyclable, and seal and flash them meticulousyy Uninsulated concrete foundations can reduce heating efficiency by $0%-50% Cover concrete ‘with rigid or spray-on foam insulation—or build foundation walls with insulating conerete forms (ICFs). Consider a rost-protected shallow foundation or slab-on-grade construction, For wood-framed walls and ceilings, air infitration is a major concer. Consider an insulation package that seals walls tightly A combination of house wrap with a tight insulator such as spray foam is one affordable option. Specify 2'x6" framing with 24° stud cavities. ‘Well-designed site plans take advantage of free solar ight and energy, and minimize damage to existing plants and habitats ‘Automobile dependency is not green asset. Build close to transit hubs, KEY: bitteuty/Knawlodge reouled for implementation Note mat some of he eases cranges have ne greater stecnimpactAtthe net-zero-energy level, a home prod much energy as uses. Systems may i protovaltaics and/or solar not water ‘CAULK OPENINGS LOCATION, EDUCATION Ifyou don’t understand basie green you'te likely to make decision prin you later regret. Consider 8 Production and transportation of materials used in building & home account for only 6% of it lifetime energy use. Redlycing and recycling waste on the 's mportant, yes, but a relatively smal player in a home's long-term ecological footprint. Durability isa green characteristic. On the roof, op* metal, lay He, recycled rubber or extended- fe recyclable) aspralt rooting. Side with fiber cement, Cedar, brick veneer or other long lived products. Bulle {decks and patios with recycled plastic composites (ong-lasting wood species. Indoors, specity aurable Countertops and floors made from renewable recycled (or salvaged) materials } Lawn irrigation accounts for almost Fal? oF il residential water usage No lawns are good lawns. Specity native plants and use recycled water when aterng possible for landscap TAPE HOUSEWRAP HOUSE SIZE Doubling a home's size triples its annual ceneray use forthe lite of the home. Think small and \. clever, not big and bony eee eeWhen it cc choosing trust is everything. ‘Asyou choose a solar partner, trust and reliability are essential it means to be a solar leader - our R6D resources and venture to your success, Asa leading global brand with the relabilty and technology ensure innovation at every phase of the solar chain, stabiity ofa Fortune Global 500® company, Hanwha Solaris a fuly from PV manufacturing to solar project solutions, And we back Integrated solar energy provider committed to the future of the up our commitment to you with industry-leading linear warranty industry and the success of our partners. We are redefining what protection. To learn more visit hanwha-solarone.com, @ Hanwha Solar Deis Trust in the SunRoofing Without it, you’re ruined.‘The Homeowner's Handbook IESE The roof is a home's first line of defense against the elements. Replacing or repairing itis a resource intensive, costly process. Why not get it right the first time? ‘T WASN'T LONG ago that roofing wasn’t ‘much more than an afterthought, chosen for ‘house mostly for economic and occasionally for aesthetic reasons—if you could afford i But lately, coofing is recognized among the materials that can make a significant differ lence in a home's energy and resource eficieney, spurring debate (and propaganda} about issues ranging from recycled content and recyclabil. ity to cellective values and durability—all of which work into a thoughtful consideration of Which roofing material makes the most sense for your house, ASPHALT Cool Root Shingles Commanding an 83% sha of the esidential roofing market is no acident. Asphalt compo sision roofing (right threetab and newer, thicker fiberglass and laminated types. These products offer afford able options generally designed to last a maxi ‘mum of about a5 years. Asphall’s biggest environmental bugaboo is ‘hat i's derived from petcoleum processing, feeding fossil Fuel demand, t's also tough tore cycle, That's because a shingle isa mix of many diferent material, only about 30% of which fs asphalt, and that material is not of the same type that makes up most pavement asphalt But the industry has responded tothe call for better eco performance with colors and grant Jar formations that better reflect the sun's heat, reducing the amount that fs absorbed into the roof and attic or living spaces below, and reduc Judes conventional ing demand on the home's heating system— and therefore the energy it consumes Recent “cool ro!” asphalt compo: shingle offerings, in fact, have achieved federal Energy Star status for their reflective values, helping reduce peak cooling demand by up to 15%. At the same time, cooler shingles las lon ‘get, s0 they've increase tele likely service ite Set aside any visions of cheap tin roofs. “Today's metal roofing —most of it made from recycled steel—is a lot tougher and aestheti cally appealing than the corrugated sections that shelter shacks and barns, Tat said, metal roofing (above, right} still rakes a distinct fashion statement. Long rows ‘of sleek metal, separated by slight ridges (called standing seam) are a departure from tiles and shingles. Meta’ market shave in single-family Asphalt Composition Roofing Vries Caveats + Atoraabearawidey + Ptoleum by-prodt 1 Familar‘ostalers —— Reltvey shot fespan “Newcenbgtincete | yin chins CCustom-Bilt Metals roofing “ne FusonStr sores fom Cutan Bt Sear meta oo sel str ity ‘Sey apenas ‘Colette ener ery ereraton Soares equ ‘compel eae gage ool pote See nae cistobitmestscom / Gat Timberline Cool Roof erin Cool Sere ora. spilt mG ore ‘etecve sce ganueste ‘enya The tnyy Sa ‘avd shrgisao cova {ater alae ptecion wth a {yearn vega comRooting / Suture / Sing /insultion ir Carvel / Windows / Heating Applances Faucets 6 Faeures Cabinets 6 Top / Cian hes | Ateratwe Ene 1 High duaity 1 iigheriritl est 1 ered ihe + Susceuble a impact retectrest cewatngcamape Hnrecyeindcontert + Colore may ace + 100% eee housing has more than tripe (to 7%) since 2004 hat’s partly because metal roofing has & strong environmental story, when you con Sider the amount of recycled steel it contains, its durability (usually 50 years or longer) land the fact that the material can be 100% recycled at end of Hie ‘More recent the metal roofing industry has introruced cool rof finishes that reflect the sun’ infrared light to seduce heat absorption into the structure by a5 much a5 36%; some manufactur ers have also partnered with thin solar electric suppliers to ceate integrated solar aerays within ‘he panel channels to generate renewable energy. The industry has also expanded its styling, forming. and coloring panels o simulate curved clay tiles or individual shingle shapes, for a broader range of housing styles, wooo Natural toa Point ‘Wood shingles and shakes are the only roofing material that can claim to come from a renew: able resource (ces although it's important to Know the Lingo + Decks The substrate over which rofing is applied Usualy plywood, wood boards or plans. + Drip Edge: An jnstaled ip that keeps shingles up ofthe deck at edges, and extends shingles out over leaves ana garters to prevent water from wicking up and Unger the shingles + Exposure: The area on any roofing materia thats et exposed to the elements + Flashing: Materia used to waterproo a roo! around any projections. + Granules: Crusned rock thats coated with a ceramic coating and free, used as top surface on shingles + lee Dam: Formed when snow mets ona root and re-freezes a he eave ateas. le dams force water to ‘back up" under shinges and cause leakage, + Laminated Shingles: Asphalt-based shingles made from two separate pieces that are lasinated together Aso called dimensional singles or architectural shingles. lation instalies under the eaves o at tne root edge + Steop-Stope Roofing: Resto siopessteoper than a 4 ris for every 12" of length lexpressed as 4121 + Tear-Off Removal of existing rooting materials down to tneroot deck + Valleys Arcas where two acjoining sioped root planes Intersect ona root, creating a "V-shaped depression {ind out how and whece that timber is harvested [A wood roof ean easily last 50 years if installed and maintained properly. Wood shingles applied lover a vented roof deck will remain cooler, dry ‘out faster, and generally las longer. Wood's only serious drawback is its inher ‘et lammability and susceptibility to moisture related damage over the years. Because ofthese qualities fre- and rot resistant chemical coat ings are often applied—and may need to be reapplied in later yeas. 2 [Anbrook Certified Cedar loca fom areas Ino ce read ced Cress oun errors Froese nea Sterno ond pase mores cern Shien sped ne Stohgrsaiewrn werrerckcom | / Monrose 3 oat Rootng (orpany ennounce Sag Eating ‘Techetoy srw ec ootng Iealroony cantar acaat “rowed nt sy ‘post the ocisten proc hen expo to nel reg ‘redscedpeaion wun borancorootasoetes sb‘The Homeowner's Handbook EEITESINEN Rooting / Srctire Sing! inslstion ir Cnt! Virdows Heating / Applances Faucets 6 Futures Cabs 6 Tops / lan Frshes | Atenas Eraray CLAY/CONCRETE ‘Almost Forever Clay or Concrete Tile Clay ar concrete roa ies (right) would appear to have it all: good looks, fre resistance, and extreme durability. Recent innovations also ad dress issues of stormwater management and tenable cool roof capability. But the high cost of buying and installing masonry tle roofing has legated its use to regional styles and bigh end housing, Since 2004, its share ofthe residential roofing market has plummeted by more than half, to about 7%. Nonetheless, a quality tile roof that isin stalled aver a heavy-duty underlayment and screwed to the roof deck (not just mortared) should last for decaddes—if not a century oF ‘10 before it's time to remove them, replace ‘the underlayment, and put the tiles back on. 6B Virwes — Wood Roofing + ema rrouceandtow aon Nees uti 5 Sore yp nye ee ene If you're planning on rainwater Stare Teac] harvesting, a smooth, non- “Rovregtne saamsiy leaching surface may be best oat —____Cont Por Your 10099. (Over 35year) ‘Cader Wood Shake Roofing Durability "ronson Wirile numbers vary somewhat ay brand Gar ite anginstalaton qualty the char at let otters ImponagGnde TiC) 8 broad overview of te long-term cost ‘auninum shale Cf aiterent roofing, based on its expectes deste Uespan and maintenance. Created by 3 Symes Sute‘Popmer roofing reser, the char shows ony afew ate Te cone brands, tutas2 general rule, you get what “Eran singe) you pay for An eat iat investment in Laminate Shige sa ‘metal or high-end laminate shingles pays Stone-Coute Dec Se back nicely overtime. = EditorStructure More than just sticks and bricks.‘The Homeowner's Handbook IESE Before you build a new home or add an addition to your current house, size up your structural options Each has ecological and economic pros and cons. Dimensional Wood Virtues + Renee (¢ ‘marsaee Caveats May rete ILE WOOD FRAMING fs the most common and familiar type of home structure, you have oth fr options, including in- sulating concrete forms (CFs), structural insulated panels (SIPs) and lightweight concrete blocks. OF course ifyou'e adventurous, many other systems have been around for decades, including log homes, straw bale, cordwood and even Earthships. Not ev- ery method of construction may be right for your geography, but most technologies an be ‘modified to accommodate your taste and your region, For the purposes ofthis primer, how: ever, e's stick to the structural systems your builder is most likely to know and understand, WOOD FRAMING Old and New ‘Wood, by ts very nature, isa green product. If forests are managed propery, trees grow back. How da you know if forests are being treated with respect? Look for lumber that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (www.fsccorg) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (wwv-sfiprogram.org). Typically, energy-efficient builders prefer 2°x6" lumber for vertical studs in wall cavities, because the wider space allows for more insulation, Another more recent wood framing technol ‘ogy is called engineered wood products (EWP) Products such as studs and joists are created in a factory with special water-resistant glues and fibers from leftover mil lumber or fat growing twee species. They are pressed and glued into lightoveight floor joists, rafters oF other struc tural pieces. The green advantages? Flest, eng neered products use more ofthe tree—there’s virtually no waste. Second, they tend ta be more stable and straight than dimensional lumber ‘The downside? Certain products need to be stored carefully and installed exactly as intend ced or they can lose their structural integrity. Insulating Concrete Forms Virtues Caveats (Snpmrueswings ane sding ARxX ICFs tina eect rssing ain tupto fnoxinating Coco cosa eorgnninsanahaes 2 ss wre inns Tne fore rae tc Cepeing gens ane etn oye cnbemacoscerhy ome wten pane / oon Eeaoe ‘Srmteryte Te postLightweight Concrete Blocks Virtues Caveats + Ethane + Maynetbe oay ‘Durie ardicmnte may ees vanng “ ‘rouisoe cessed INSULATING CONCRETE FORMS Light and Tight Pouged concrete walls alone have very ile in sulating value. Yet concrete can lst forever, ot neatly so, if t's protected from erratic moisture changes and freeze-thaw cycles. That's what makes ICFs an excellent structural system ‘They enclose both sides ofa poured cement wall within a water resistant cocoon of rigid foam, ‘Another advantage to ICFs is that their assem bly is quite simple, and the completed walls have an average insulating value of ahout Raa, Rooting Structure Sng susan A Coro Windows / Heng /Apianecs Fou & Fetus Cabs 6 Tops ars Acces 6 Cau Ara rey Know the Lingo + Dimensional Lumber: Wood that has been cut and shaped trom a single tee, typicaly used for framing + Load-Bearing Wal: & wal that helps hold up the house. Interior walls may not be lad bearing, but external ones almost alvays are + Engineered Wood Produets (EWP): Sructural products ‘made inthe factory tom industria wood scrap or fast- growing species assersled with resins under extreme pressure + Oriented strand Board (058): ype of engineered wood parel The thickness of 58 used in most SIPS is 7/16 + Fly Ath: Controversial waste by-product from coal-fired Power pants Used asa flr in some—but no all— brands of ightweght concrete biocks. + Sound Transmission Cass (STC): Refers to how wells wal parstion atenvates sound. Produc such as ICs have high STC ratings and greatly recuce noe levels Inside ne home LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BLOCKS Lasting Value Lightweight conerete is a structural material that’s been around since at least the 19208, To create these blocks, the manufacturer replac es 4 portion of the concrete with something ighter ond better insulating, suchas an indus trial waste product like fly ash oF petroleam based polystyrene. Some companies such as Liteblak(wsewcrescocanerete.com) use a tem- porary agent that leaves nothing but air gaps Dbehind. Ifa produet does include tly ash make sue the manufactucer provides data showing that they have carefully tested and sereened the _material to keep heavy metals and other toxins fot ofthe end product. R-Control SIPS. Magen 53 arnt Iraston coe Cnt wn EB apo mols Matinee Net re Boise Cascade Conditioned Airspace HVAC Framing Boke Cazes now ing rey mate Asicksut of ‘Stare cetes aust an‘The Homeowner's Handbook EEITESINEN ioing/ Structre / Seng insilson Ar Con incown /Heaing/ planes Sauces Fats Casn Tope Pants banesves 6 Caulk Atenas STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS ‘Many Strengths Structural Insulated Panels The concept here is simple. Two sturdy pan els—typically oriented strand board (OSB)— are glued under pressure to a super insulating layer of plastic-based rigid foam (either polysty- ‘Virtwes ronson ses in —— Sn ae advo psy ie ros Steuben cn came cere a cnt pomings ungsare ng on Seat eee drywall. So why aren't they seen everywhere? “israsion Baier Bocas they ed west mae up ft han coven stom ondrest ty erty oe ctnuaor arity bent an Sree oto in som ese) ope the ongoing energy payback to homeowners, eat Yocasuth scone sn aoe heritage ae rs ee SIPs on the Roof? ‘The point where wall panels connect oan SIP roof sone of ne ticki detais when buicing 2 complete home shell wit these pre-mace anes. Get tight ang youlthave a super-strong, F) supernsulaed structure A se nnmnensinonicon D 5 Study: Embodied Energy in the Home Materials with higher embodied meen st ‘energy need toast longer to justly a tne costo the environment Ths study from the Universiy of Michigan ‘compared an energy-efficient house Feundato/eatemet (EH) with a standard nouse (SH)— and measured the energy cost for constuction, maintenance, ane ootcaing Improvement of home within a 50-year lWespan. The EEH does sightly better on fee these measurements, but greater savings Windowsiboor | {rot shown) wil come from eneray sentaning savings in the more efficient stuctur. - = Editor 50 $200 $400 S600 soo S200 gx200 S400 S466 wn! wnwowca imu .0003Armor for your home. KEY CONCEPTS & TIPS Maintenance should not be overlooked ‘when you consider whethera siding materials sustainable, spare Wood Property. As 8 renewable resource, wood siding is 8 good ‘environmental choice. but mus be stored and pre-primed property prior to instalation. Otherwise, it will require frequent ‘coating and repair, greatly increasing its ‘environmental impact. + Side with Rerearch, Fber-cement and ‘certain brands of PYC sding promise low-maintenance advantages over wood We recommend arands that can back up thei eco-friendly assertions with a eceyete anayss. + Accomplish Two Goats. For hioher wal Revalues and low maintenance, multi-layer systems such as EIFS, along with some stone ‘veneers, include insulation as part ofthe siding syster =‘The Homeowner's Handbook IESE Siding your house isn't just about good looks—it's easy to add R-value and recycled materials. IDING CHOICES ABOUND for today’s homes. Aestheties are im portant when choosing one option ‘over another, and when you take the environment into account, some choices just look a whole lot Detter than others, According to research from the Freedonia Group (www freedoniagroup, com), fiber cement, stuceo and brick siding will see rapid advances through 2034, Vinyl siding the largest segment, Although long lasting, i's conteoversial material made with will rem polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic that ati ee tly has had a poor recycling record. Atleast, ‘one company (CertainTeed) has now begun to recycle vinyl, and the industry is beginning to look more closely at vinyl’ lifecycle impacts ‘We haven't included ithere as a“green” option, Bricks come In many colors, textures and other variations. ‘Approximately 3 thick, brick veneer (Boral Bricks are shown) Creates an armored shel for your home. The durablty of brick isone oft reates assets. Boral for example, ofersa "two but we il continue to monitor the industys Yate waranty. More wa orate com ) Rick A Durablty Leader antic. The company reyes waste and uses Made of clay and shal, brick is very durable. air scrubbets to make sure emissions from Iisa solid arses against weather, and the plans are ean and particulate fre instalation of brick cretes a1 air apace be tween the brick andthe interior house W™49.——Virayeg < This provides insulation against temperarure NAS —— transfer andthe transfer of sound, and itaso pace red preventsmalsturefrom seepingintothehome, "canperageir > Nota bk Reeauseaf tsthicknes bik provides thermal" pepo trees have 8, making itslow to heat in thesuamerand _* Rasitstermton. fre, GAS SPs enuce flow tocol inthewintenwhichhelpsregulte TOLMAN Sade at 2 home's temperature Neurone’ Spee ‘Manufacturers such as Boral Bricks are mak- + Low-maintenance = Haney weignt ing brick manufacturing less environmentally LPsmartside CertsinTeed PVC Cedarboards Simatic prods ver be warm ard may of atonal wood sls te sry ane wonacty ofengneetes woo Ire ‘arto roe ee prekac t re cigrewad orator parormance Sno rtncton sam tng Sen ra waranty uneniccomeominmande rece ao ot ran Prsutes VCs ound at has Sr evtonmerta mosctsmiar tat corsurerang post nsusaeeyedfooting Sacre Sing ton Ae Corrine eating Agpnces Fuca Fate | Cabra Tope Pat hese & Cul AeatveCresy wood Green to the Core ‘Wood siding isan excellent green choice (not to mention beautifll Although people think of ‘won a valuable natural source we shoulda’. renewable product shat can be recycled, and: ift goes into the waste stream, biodegrades {quickly Ifyou use wood siding look fr ceria tion by either the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SF) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Wood produets don’t requite a lot of energy to produce when compared with brick oF siding, In fact, although wood makes up nessly half ofall aw materials man factuced in the United States ts share of energy consumption isa small 4% In addition 19 new wood siding, you can buy reclaimed wood, though more people opt for pre primed pine or weather resistant cedar. fibercems Virtues + Ronewtie + Recycle + Lie energy usd introducer” + Biosegaes quick in atone Caveats 1 Not select seaight when can causes problems + feasts ihe cargenter ans tres + Does oer inalve Benes) + ques maintenance areca shik ra ‘ese + Con be wee ab expense a engineered wood rte cement ENGINEERED WOOD Most Improved For peaple who lke the look of wood, engineered ‘word products area good green option. They are made fom wood strand that are coated wi resin binder and compressed to reatea strong, board. The products look like wood. They are free of knots, resist warping and cupping, and are factory pre primed to take paint well, which reduces field and labor time once installed. LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, as one exare ple, offers a special manufacturing process that helps protect against termite damage and fungal decay. The product also comes with a selfaligning edge design to make installation faster and easier. Another engineered product, KlipTech's EeoClad is made From bamboo f bers, recycled paper and recycled wood fiber. ‘According ta its manufacturer, i is as durable as metal, brick, and stueco, and resists bacteria Know the Lingo + Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS): A bulding product that provdes exterior walls wth an insuatedfnshed surface and waterproofing nan itegratac composte material system, + Embodied Energy: The energy consumed byallof the processes associated with the production ofa building. rom the acquisition of natural resources to product delivery + Engineered Wood: Clacding made ftom wood strange tna ae costes wth a resin binder and compressed to create a strong board + Fiber Cement Siding: Cladsng mde from a midure of Portland cement, celiose ‘or wood fer materia, sane and other components + Lap Siding: icing that looks ike naval boards, ypicaly 8-12 long. Each piace of slcig is apoee over the pece below io provide a waterproof covering forthe house + Portiand Cement: Fourd in stucco ane Aber cement siding requires intense heat land thas energy) to produce and fungus growth, Look for engineered wood products that are certified Virtwes += Ughter wegnt than Per cement or back += No speci cuttng oo or asters are equred Caveats + Moisture probes cn rest fom FIBER CEMENT Tough Stuff Fiber cement sing isa low maintenance prod clay and wood pulp fibers. I's very strong, long lasting, termite proof, fire resistant and rot proof. The product has the look of wood siding and comes {neither a smooth or wood laok finish, ‘The rub against ibercement is its high em- Dodie energy, though manufacturers are mov: ‘ng toward using more recyeled content in their products, At Teast one brand contains fly ash uct made From sand, Portland cement, 29‘The Homeowner’ Handbook For extra Rvalue, fer cement siding can be installed over foam insulation bowed, as on an ICF house, but caution must be taken to tensure proper installation. If you decide to go this route, follow manufacturers recommenda sions closely Virtues + Proouct ie eragnter than wos sing + Superor soit kes the bling eveope + Low-mantnance product may hold tin ot Betsy Caveats + Hess han most ecings and can enc rraruactang procass + Requires speci sty valea, special gar ‘cating oot. EIFS Stucco on Steroids ‘Stueco is wellknown building product in many gions of the country but you can get the same stuceo look with more insulation value by using isting / Scie Siding nsabon Ae Con Windows/eaing/ pores] Faucets Pres / Cobre & Tos Paris hahesves 6 Cau / arabe rey EIFS (exterior insulation finish system} A recent Oak Ridge National Laboratory stay Tooked at how ELFS walls stacked up aginst brick, las, seco, concrete, wood and masonry ELPS Virtues + Ae nglstiono teeta os hams + Laid apples rer socks lene Caveats + Musto instal ty rane professors + Canentandcrace tnt ny aba or ther obact posted a higher Kvalue than the others at Ra. EIFS can control temperature and moisture ‘within the wall system and outperforms many ‘other claddings. Because itis applied to the ‘outside of a home, its an option for both new homes and reteofit The product's earbon footprint as compared with other common claddings is five times lower than brick and three times lower than. stucco, says a National Institute of Standards and Technology analysis EIFS is commonly thought of ay a stacco ook product, but finishes are quite flexible. Dryvit Otsulaton systems comes in Custom Brick and “Lymestone" finishes, and BASF has an attrac tive ‘AnticoGlaze" finish, reminiscent of the ‘Tuscany region in Tay. 68 AnEIFS Upgrade? ame uty insulation inslon board An Exterior Insulation and Finish System is a straightforward way to upgrade the R-value of a wood or steel-framed wall without tearing out the existing insulation and starting over. + The invention of high-tech moisture wras has made these systems far more fooeroo, nour view + The EFS concept simple (deserbed inthe text above butts beneis canbe mulifaceted Along wth an Reali increase of upto R20 wth 2° of igi oar) the upgraded wal typically has much lower arinfiraton. + Both factors reduce heating and cooling demand Inne home significant ~ EditorInsulation diferent materials. For example, basement F E EI E walls might be coveres with rg foam, and stud cavities filles with spray-in foam or Sberalas. ldrese Ale Infiltration. Ase from spray foam, most insulating materials do not ‘self seat’ against unwanted air movernent You wil ne to 20a some form of wrap or Revalues that wil result in years of eneray savings. Some also save on labor costs for instalation, In other words, look a an insulating system's iong-term pros and cons, not just is price per square fect,‘The Homeowner's Handbook EES The cost of heating or cooling your horne is probably your biggest energy expense. A one-time investment in insulation will save you money every year, and will also keep out unwanted noise. FYOU'VERVER opened up the wall of home built before about 1950, you've probably been shocked to find little oF no insuletion—or at best some ccumpled newspapers. And even the earliest serious attempts at insulation with fiber! often only partaly filled. Water from outside look quaint now: Cavities were often leaked in around windows and doors and damaged the insulation. OF course, homes were so leaky prior to the 1960s that walls dried cout quickly, so mold wasn't a big problem, The rules ofthe game ate very diferent today. Homes are built tight—with no tolerance for sloppy insulating Building scientists (a new breed of experss) now havea deep understanding of how insula- sion works. They've learned that factors such as Fiber Glass air infiltration, dampness end age can deamati Insulation cally affect performance, Virtues But they also recognize that insulation i part of an energy saving system, not a standalone rine | folitin: Good rete can be achieved with me, | nalting material fs combined with -fauponntr | the ight howe maps, pes and constriction oom details, Here's an oeriew of thelatest vane caveat ¢+ in insulation techno. sgoimer | ie GLASS “wore | ator Ftenaty ‘Seaton | begs Saulation in at form i probs ‘in oor ger ineuston hasan uni owner ier p erate avatar nt to righ etactet Raber ot see su Decinen send choco ot at (ss ted Kr hos epee he ul era ‘Sacer acylesandyes tho basse (Grd Ar arc heenirrertl pcs coin zodats bie oj ate bean ea tcobat rma Saacaeten cr / Glossary of Terms + R-Value: A measure of how etfectiely a materia, resists heat lw. Thus, higher numbers are better For fll st comparing various types of insulation, ‘st www coloradoeneray org + Batt: length of insulation tha is precut tof certain wal cavity mensions. Typical soldin a pre-packaged rll + Unfaced/Faced Insulation: Faced insulation (typically 8 fiberglass bat includes a vapor retaderon te interior ace that restricts moverent of most at nto wal. caves + Ridge Vent: An opening covered by arain-proof vent hat follows te peak ofthe roo, typical required by code. Some insiating methods, however. negate the red fora ridge vent. Cearit wth your local code oficial fist. + Blow-In: Method of introducing loose fergie, celuode of minera\ wool to framing cavities orate space, typically using a machine with an attached nose. + Blower Door: Equipment used to est he effectiveness ‘of ahome's insulation and a sealing systems, + Stud Cavity: Te space setween the vertical members of a conventionally tamed wood or lightweight steel home. Common stud ssacings include 16" and 24" on center ff stud ably the most familiar insulating product ‘Changes in recent years have alected the com. position of chemical binders that hold the prod uct together, along with the size of the glass fibers, Many brands have removed or reduced. toxins such as formaldehyde from theie products, Some of the largest manufactusers ‘of fiberglass products now offer hybrid sys tems that inclide an airsealing component. “They have improved the performance and han dling of blown-in fiber glass, and added tothe percentage of recycled content in all product lines (up 0 40%. ‘SPRAY FOAM Filing Every Void Insulating walls and ceilings with spray foam is Johns Manville Spider ‘semmadenys oe ayn fergie F rsuston Spe any ay wetsosnattnes quick rows a2 reustng eae na 26 tame coi, coc ae Ssaemaneone cormVirtues Caveats + Fas gens an + Mor eens than fnitescompletely competing reduc * mae baer " spect everett hilo ine + Hh Reval neh relatively expensive, typically more than twice the cost of fiberglass batts, and most often i’ 4 job best handled by pros. Why is foam green’? [Not because of what's in it. Even the socalled ecorfriendly brands replace only a small per ‘centage of their petroleum based chemical mix with biological products such as soy. But the ‘energy performance of foam is hued to beat Some brands offer insulating value of more than I6 per inch, atthe same time sealing ageins air infiltration. This makes spray foam «dual duty system ideal for both new and ret rofit construction. ‘CELLULOSE Paper Trail Cellulose has a good green story to tell, espe cially from the manufacturing side. I's made primarily with recycled paper, typically news BASF Comfort Foam “steady dee sry eam femineesemet npr BAS ansaeupresdison heathy cos ‘perapeal sion apes par. Brghtbarer gas a aon ‘Yocsand ses enone aay egos wneptancem | papers,and most brands are treated with boric acid as ire retardant, Research om the health effects of boric acid suggest that it i a minor instant in small doses. Cellulose canbe installed wet or dry. If installed wet, it should be alowed to dey properly before covering with drywall (typically less than 48 hours). The insulating value of cellulose is about the same as blows ‘ber glass (roughly 8.7 per inch) Virtues Caveats Fro esiart without» Requires care sVighinregled = Mayneed en ination baer Footng | Strate | Sng !intation/ i Conti! Windows / Heating ! Applances/ Faucets 6 Fixtures / Cabinets & Tops / Cean Fines /Ateratwe Energy Virtues ofreeyced| = Liter no tone otgasing 1 Rett e857 Caveats tresses eaetayo Fiagees + Wet roc problematic rot cues to fy propery‘The Homeowner's Handbook Footing Svcs ing inslaton Ar Cont! Windows | Hestng | Aspnes | Faucets 6 Fisues/Cabnes & Tops Gan Fishes | Atemaive Era MINERAL WOOL Nothing to Burn Rigid Foam Insulation Although mineral wool looks lke Sberglass, it's made from basalt rock and slag, not las. The resulting product, ether bats o loose fil, {non-flammable requiring no chemical lame retardants, Asa result, offgasing emissions tend tobe lowe. Mineral woo inelades high lv cis of post industrial ecyled content waste (op +0 90%) reducing the environmental impact of its production RIGID FOAM Water Resistive ‘You may have seen contractors in your area putting green or blue insulation right over the wood siding of an old house, Chances are they're applying extruded expanded polystyrene (XEPS) or polyisocyanurate closed cull foam, Both products are dense and durable. Some building experts suggest that foam used this way can an act as water resistive barziers (WRBs) negating the need for house wrap, but we recommend playing it safe and using house wrap as well. Rigid foam also is a good Virtues Caveats choice for insulating basement wi YS awe pernen ano 1 Ses agorst ar infitvaton verte + God soutien for + Produc ste foams resettle sauce hare proces Insulation R-Values (per inch) ‘Typectinniation VALE Ure trimer fom pended payer soar rut pttyene Petnmnnene rete) Paymceynarateoes) proximate R-value per Inch of various produets. Note. owaver that not all prosuct brands have ‘exact the same performance. More importantly, however. mary methods of insulating lean heavily on wht goes into the rest ofthe wall system to achieve good resus. For example, blown-in fiberglass o cellulose can provde great resus at avery reasonable cost as long as plumbing and ote penetrations are property Sealed, windows are caulked ana sealed and oveal ait Intitration is mnimized with buiding wrap or (in the case of some types ofl foom) careful taped seamsAir Control | Fresh air, yes, but manage the flow.‘The Homeowner's Handbook Controlling the flow of air in and out of a building is a key principle of eco-friendly construction. A combination of strategies is the best approach four or eka Snrerona, Scart aeas I-A NE OF THE confusing aspects of green building certification ‘programs is the way they lump together wo diferent aspeets of bi ing sciences saving en Isa igreen home one that saves energy, or one that has healthier indoor air than a conventional home? The answer is both. How did the two concepts get mashed together this way? Blame tight houses, As windows, walls and basements hhave become ess leaky the stuff that poliues air Inside the home—glues, carpets, paints, pressed board cabinets—suddenly became a lat more dangerous, So here's the deal. If you want to build or retrofit your home tobe greener, you'll have to contol the air quality atthe samme time, ‘There ace three ways to do this: fest, by elimi nating pollutants atthe point source; second, by keeping moisture levels healthy indoors and third, by mechanically “cleaning” the air. Here are some key products whose attri- butes help provide healthier indoor ait HOUSE WRAP Passive Resistance Some modern building products operate pas: sively. House weaps fall under this description, These weatheresistant barriers allow water vapor to escape living spaces and wall cavi ties (where it might condense and encourage ‘mold or mildew) atthe same time preventing ‘unwanted outdoor air from creeping into the home. House weap is only as good as is instal- Panasonic Whisper Comfort ERV “ws compact every rote version wt barapet tinger ie lation, however. The Department of Energy says ‘hat house wrap must be taped at every seam. Otherwise, it may be 20% less efficient. W's also important that house wrap not be left exposed. to sun and wind for too long, factors that can grade its esfectiveness overtime. CARPET Look Below the Surface Carpets have only in the last decade or so come under close serutiny for their environ ‘mental impacts—both in and out of the hame. Most commercial carpets are made from some variation of synthetic, petroleum based mate This material is often treated with other chemicals to improve stain resistance, wear or color retention, To make matters worse, many carpets are installed over highly toxie rubber ized pads. They may also be glued tothe floor ‘with pungent adhesives. That new carpets you recognize is not something you want ia House Wrap House wrap is only as effective ass instalation, For example, metal ashing above doors windows should be installed before the house wrap. noton top efit Virwes Caveats Beam Serenity Central Vacuum Te Srey 0S mod wile Poe Tomonecersaly ocd aplance The [O0W metoense leno omer ch [ntongsregaea The $9008 model iseRootea Sinecture Sing sulin / lr Contral Windows / Hes | planes / aucets& Fares / Cabra 6 Top I Clan Frahes | Ateratve Enea Carpet 1 Mest syntete erpets are petelaur sated + Oniy few caret compari tte rect sericusy ‘your home. I's a sign that your floor is releas ing unkown chemicals into your ling space [A few of the larger carpet makers notably Mohawk (blow), Interface and Shaw Industries (www.shawfloors.com) have begun to approach carpets from a more eco-friendly perspective, aot only recycling old carpets— ‘but offering less ‘oxi installation systems and products that have lower levels of offgassing ‘CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS Dust Deniers ‘The carpet industry suggests that the average American family uses a vacuum cleaner at least ‘once weekly, while about 10% of us vacuum our homes once or more per day. But the typical ‘upright household vacuum cleaner may not be the solution t clearing the air in a home. These ‘upright units are not created equal. Most lack an DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap “ys apsroach those Prine prermenee by ees Sno scesoner onset Know the Lingo + Felted Backing: A type of carpet underiayment that can bbe made greener i produced wits natural fers and lees tore binders, Otner harder to- green types include polyurethane foam ang sponge rubber. + Natural Flber Carpets: Products made with sisal woo! orother natural bers + Energy Recovery Ventilator/Heat Recovery Ventilator (ERV/HR: Device tat excrarges sta. air from inside the home win fesh air rom outside also exchanging some energy in the process + Vapor Barrer Typically 2 synthevc materi or coating that restricts or halt the flow of aibomne moisture. Not to be confused with house wrap, which s vapor permeable, + House Wrap: Syrthetc material that allows water vapor ta pass frominterior to exterior of a home, yet artects the buleing from rain and reduces dats, + Partleulates:/tborne patcies that may be a hazard to1numan neal, particulary if they ae very smal They Should be HEPAitered or removed rom ving areas ‘Centralized vacuum systems tate even the hardest-to-capture dust paricies away fom ining areas Cceling Options! mn mufer » 4 s | a a Mohawk SmartStrand Carpet ‘one he eae carpet companies tormste maorsteps onary Narankcesaopes Sara [brtson wits Outer 0509 renewaty ‘lure pares rom eam suse ed ‘ter sources ta syrent weave The osuctharegl sarees ‘imi Benenson tox chemca 37‘The Homeowner's Handbook Roofing Secs ing sulin / A Contra Windows /Hesing J Aoplances/ oucets& Fires / Cabral & Tops lan Fries | Aterave Ener effective HEPA filtering system—the only rel able way to eaptute the fine particles that have been shown to be harmful to human health, Onthe contrary 2 vacuum witha non HEPA fer ‘may simply tos tiny particles back into the ait, ‘A whole-house vacuum solves this problem by unwanted particles outside the lie ENERGY AND HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS. Key Component ‘You may have heard of energy recavery venth lator (ERVs) and their northern cousins, heat What Makes One Carpet Greener than Another? ‘The EPAotfersa few guidelines: + Lowor ne vot rgane compounds NOCH s Notonieajes 1 Recyeabie| 1 Reged content 1 Reduced energy use uring manutacrn 1 Reduced or proved seniors aurng anurans + Manure 0-968 waranty Recent EPA research found that carpet tes ean be a more sustainabie alternative than \wal-to-wall products. you stan a section, {for example, you can remove and replace [Aso you can ‘rotate ts rom heavy use fare8s fo ght use areas, The EPA test Buling used Milicen 3636" tile carpet and low-VOC ahesives to test nese principles Foor Area) ot 2s Lesetnan 800 os 3001-4500 © 7% 1S 6001-7500 9s aos Grestertnan7s00 0820580 ERV Transfers O-r i fe ww S An ERY transfers heat and mo'sturein hot climates toes incoming moist outdoor ar and transfers some ofthat unwanted hestinto the exhaust airstream thats leaving the home. recovery ventilators (HRVs).This heat transfer technology isa key component of any modern “tight” house, Without them, modera houses would probably not be worth the foam, tape caulking they'ee sealed with, These me ‘chanical wonders take hot, smeondltioned fresh air from outside, pass it over a heat collecting medium, where it gets a partial cooldown be fore entering the home, A study by Jobn Bower (visit wwwchealthyhouseinstinate.com) found that using a heat recovery ventilator with con tinuous ventilation cost a Minnesota home owner just $86 a year. It cost $188 to do the same ventilation without an HRV. GB Fresh Air Formula Indoor sir terdeto concentrate points quickly ‘As reaut oulng codes typaly nave cerain 7 requicements fr the amount of res ar that must be 90 exchanged wth stale indoor air vera gen pero “Typical this is expressed as cubic fet per minute 295 or CF An organization caled ASHRAE provides qo _culdelines for how much venation is needed, ‘though the best means for achieving tat vetlaton 185 __atectten debated. When in doubt, more ventlaton s ‘better than Les, but you nave to balance the resulting 150 energy loss with improved indoor as quality 65Windows | The high-tech advantages are transparent. + Orientation. Which compass direction wi the window face? Ist maximizing the potential for natural dayignting and solar {an in northern climates)? Is shades by root overnangsin hot, southern regions? + Installation Details improper flashing andlor a shoddy caulking job can easly neutralize a window's energy savings. + Long-Term Maintenance. Low maintenance does not mean “no maintenance" Folow the manufacturers recommendations for keeping your windows In good working conaiton.‘The Homeowner's Handbook EIULEINOM Window manufacturers are producing ever more efficient glazing systems, plus adding new features that enable passive ventilation and increase durability. INOW TECLINOLOGY IAS improved by leaps tndboundsoverepar HOw Windows Handle Energy few years Today, you ean ket high-performance window that looks good and performs well at any price point ‘The windows you select for your house— ‘whether revo or new-—must meet your local energy code requirements at a minimum, and should he Energy Starqualifed for your ENERGY COSTS ‘The Right Window 1 you want to reduce uty il, you need to conser the impact of windows. I clinates wvith a sigeificant heating season, windows have represented a major sores of unwanted heat los, discomfort and condensation prob lems. But today ti posible to have lower heat loss, lee ae leakage and warmer window surfaces that improve comfort and minimize Similac in elimates dat mainly sequire cooling, windows typiesly representa mor soureeof unwanted heat gin-bst low coat ings that jet solar heat without éarkening the glass have changed the rules. These lasings Significantly reduce solar heat gain and im. Mutt prove comfort a he sae time providing clear oy wicws an dvlght ‘Asan example.a stay by the Efcent Win dows Collaborative ro ficientwindowaorg) ‘hows that he anol heating cost of «typical house in Boston drops from about $7508 year Milgard Ultra Series Conner wt oases ‘ness auc tes ove Ura Seer noone he {te cunby sharing Hoes set Tp come areal acini ers ultetine waranty. BS Marvin integrity Windows Feros wedowsravemany spec fentrersoenar bakin steer ret tices harware contguators, ‘heghes constr nent ne emrahtine haste sates exit cee the oxi weteg Shaheen rome ain snRoofing Svea | Sing Inslion / Ar Corral / Windows Heating / Aplances Faucets 6 Freres Cabrel 6 Top / Clan Frahes | Ateratve Eroay to $550 (24%) by switehing from double-pane windows to eiple pane with high solar gain, Tow glass, Keep this in assessing the “first cos” of new windows mind when you are ‘COMFORT Know the Science For homeowners, how comfortable a house: feels can be just as important as its energy ef ficiency. An older window with a lower glass temperature feels colder because more heat is radiated from a person's body tothe window. Cold glass can also create uncomfortable drafts as ait next to the window is cooled and drops to the floor. This sets up an air move ment pattern that Fels drafty and accelerates heat loss. High-performance windows with lower U- values will result in a higher interior window temperature in winter and thus greater comfort. Proper installation along wit designed to seal tightly will also improve con fort by reducing cold air leakage. During the simmer, direct sunlight strikes ‘people and surfaces, creating overheating and discomfort. Windows with low solar hest gain coefficients will reduce the solar radiation com ing through the lass. That's where low emissiv ity {low-F) glass comes in—reducing heat gain while stil providing susficient ight and view: weathersteipping LESS FADING AND CONDENSATION Block the Rays igh performance windows wi wow glazing technologies make homes more comfortable ‘They create warmer interior glass surfaces, reducing fost and condensation. High-perfor mance windows with warm edge technology and insulating frames have uch a warm interior ‘surface that condensation on interior surfaces is ‘significantly reduced under al o ‘Another concern for homeowners is the ef fect of sunlight on the home and its contents, Many organic materials, such as carpet, fab work, paints and wood may fade ries, pape, ‘Andersen 100 Series Winclow with SmartSun Glass “he 10 Ser oto esos a9 Detormanca Famessremade of batener rate Saran gas ‘nates toreacredee Know the Lingo + Ar Infiltration: The amount ofa that passes between a window sash and frame, ‘measured in cubic fet per minute per Square foot of fame area, + Argon Gas: colorless odoriess, inert gas that fils the otherwise empty soace within an insulating glass unt, + Eficlent Windows Collaborative: (Organization that provides devas reports ad studs onthe value of using Ihgh- performance windows. Vist he webete at win etcientwincows 019 for ‘ore information on ine studies cited this arte + Insulating Gass corstructed of two of more glass panes separated by a hermeticaly seated soace + Low Emissivity Coating (low-E): Low-E coatings reduce eneray tarster through insulating glass unas, and tereby achieve nef the highest eves of energy performance possile for alas. + Solar Heat Gain Coetficent (SHC): ‘Measures the fraction of solar energy ‘admited and indicates how wel the product biocks neat caused by sunlight + nValue: The escape of STUs per square foot per hour, per degree Fahrenne'. + Warm Edge Technology The use of iow conductance spacers 1 reduce heat anster near the edge of nsulated glazing ‘upon exposure to sunlight, Window selection can influence the type and intensity of trans: mitted radiation, Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the most harmful ra Giotion in sunlight They are the most enexgetic and thus mos likely to break chemical bonds, leading to fading and degradation Coatings on glass can reduce the UV trans ‘mitted by up to 75%. UV absorbers can be in corporate into thin plastic fis in multilayer laminated glass In bath eases, the UV transmission can be re windows or as an interlayer duced to less than 2%. However, itis important to note that the remaining visible light that is ‘ansmitted can stl cause fading in some ma terials, Using low-E coated glass or windows Incorporating plasti layers rather than clear ‘uncoated glass will reduce fading,‘The Homeowner’ Handbook ANOTHER WINDOW PERK ‘Smaller HVAC Equipment High-performance windows can reduce utility bills, and they also reduce peak heating and cooling loads. The peak load for a building {s the maximum requleement for heating of ‘cooling ata given time, This oad is important, because it determines the size ofthe furnace, beat pump, air conditioner andjor ventilating fans that must be installed. Reducing the peak load may allow homeaweners to install a smaller HVAC system, which costs less up frant—and less to operate, Properly sized HVAC systems offer a n ber of advantages to homeowners. Firs, by running moze constantly, smaller equipment provides the best air quality and comfort Second, HVAC systems that are more closely matched to peak cooling loads achieve better Adehumidiation, which preven cralealeulating procedure ean be found to help with proper sizing of HVAC equipment. That's really the HVAC installers job, bu i you want to do your own calculations, there's a simple piece of saftwate out there called the HVAC Cale Residential 4.0 which costs $49 (available at yrwwehvaccomputer com). You enter in some information about your home (or proposed new home}, and it helps you figure out the mold, Sew Roofing | Sveciure | Sing inst A Corral! Windows / Healing / Aplarces Faucts 6 Foaures/ Cabra 6 Tops / Clan riches | AterativeEraray sone of the most common homeowner questions: ‘Shoule you fh up those oi, single-pane windows in your home—adeing storm windows, for example, ane caulking ane seaing around the of unter buy comlety new windows? Consider the following: + Climate: you Uve in an area with very cold winters oF ot summers, new windows wil pay fr tenseves in energy savings move qucky than temperate climes + Condition: Are your ols windows stuctualy sound? If hey'te roted Ike the one shown, repair may not bean ention Value: Arother key aspect 0 consider show your current window “ook” impacts the value of your home. Wi replacing them help or hinder a fature resale? + Cost vs. Labor: fre you prepared to switch out storm windows with the seasons? What about maintenance? ‘optimal size and type of equipment you need for best performance and energy efficiency. 68 (01d windows will need ongoing, ccasional TLC. Be sure to thnk about your ifestyie—not just your wallet, New Emphasis on Window Installation “To keep pace with increasingly advanced glazings, window and door makers have fine-tuned the clenes of installation. That's 2 go0d thing, because you can put the bests made, highest-rated window ina new home and stil feela cold aft next ‘oe frame. Buti nat happens chances are your ault—not the window maker's You did't folow the precise instructions they provide, fee of charge, Ir use tobe that window instalation tips were ohn simpistic—or considered the ble” responsibly. ut companies such as Migard and Matin have poured alot of research, experience and money ino educating end users about thelr products. “The Intemet.of course, as made that process much easier But the bulking science cof inetalaton has improved alongsice new flashing syste, expanging ‘oar sean, and cla and composte window frames. “Take a took at the webstes at right and the sample instructions we've pulled recy from the pages and youTe likly to learn some best practices that wil save you ator, esp you from having to renstal a window, andl even improve energy efficiency, ‘They aso include tps that wil help increase te produc’ durabity, Magara ‘ample Instruction: "a removing ceiting materi for retroft instalation] tiimporant rot to disturb the exsing weiner Darvas tw stile used” to oromigerd com Marvin integrity Line) Sample Instuction: "Fa flexible adhesive membrane ie not used toppan thes be sure to propery seal the bottom corners othe rough opening” wnwintegriywindowscomHeating bolie with n-floor tubing or radiators offers an ficient. comfortable form of heating + Duct Diligence. To improve the performance ofan exstng forced air furnace, seal and insulate the duct, then ciean or replace the fiters every three months + Upgrade and Save. Modern, high- efficiency equipment tends to burn far less fuel and pollution than older mode's, no matter what the uel ype. Big ticket energy consumer.‘The Homeowner's Handbook An efficient heating system will not just lower utility costs. It will make the home more comfortable. High Efficiency Modulating Gas Furnace Virtues caveats i Uponor Manifold System ot ceiinunct srt ot ne etn srom ths goes ste sting nto pono ened ‘Srearteonosonsndcriome kere Inver ses am 2108 oop ees ‘toch tow ters ness {Sagalors perme pm oer on / ‘THE HEART of most home heating systems is a farnace, a boiler ora heat pump. A furnace ‘burns fossil uel to heat ae that’s forced by a blower fan through a seties of ducts othe living spac ramped toa hydronic, or water-based, distribution system, ‘Most heat pumps run on electricity, They don’t create heat, but rather extract it from the ait fr the ground, Heat pumps are available for use with forced air and hydronie dsteibution systems. Ifyou want to minimize your fuel bill, an Energy Star rating is a minimum standard for these appliances esi boiler heats water that’s then GAS FURNACE ‘Super Efficiency ‘A modulating gas fornace isthe most techno Togically advanced fossil fuel-burning furnace yous can get, with efficiencies as high as 97% (that’s the percentage ofthe fuels potential en- cexgy delivered as heat) It achieve this feat with ‘series of technical innovations. Gas fs not as clean as we once believed, however, now that dirty methods of “fracking” are used in some extraction. The pollution may simply be hap pening a the front end ofthe pracess. No fosil fuel gets an environmental freeride. I's finite resource, not a renewable one One way that new technology squeezes more hei bhaust heat exchanger. This exchanger steals back heat from the furnace’ waste byproducts Another feature flame modulation, adjusts the flame size based on demand. These furnaces power from gas is with High Efficiency Boiler Virtues 1 Quel opeator-no ar Bowing + Upto SOX more expensive an { ackot fn mearsiouereectie There ae fewer igh-fciency ethans toced rqtem Soler to encase fom han there are ign-eticieny + Disnbuton stom asesup eee include variable-speed blower fans with high ‘efficiency electric motors. The ability to vary airflow and flame intensity also allows for nearly constant room temperatures and better air circulation, HIGH-EFFICIENCY BOILER Hot Water Wiz A boiler buens oil, natucal gas ar propane to heat water, That heated water is then pumped. through a system of pipes to radiators, base. board heaters, or a radiant for, ‘A good boiler will offer efficiencies of 90% to 195% and willincide many ofthe same technolo- ‘Trane XL20i Heat Pump “he match 20 are Bumps ull ha Eero of {Stars annseFof9 kato sepne ‘reat rty stehtRoofing Sirecture | Sidng sion / A Carval/ Windows / eating / Aplances Faucets @ Faces Cabs 6 Top Clan res | Aterave Eraray Virtues Caveats cwvemalyarergy = High tales cost + Good match fora requre otf and faerie sytem ies as ahigh efficiency furnace These inclode a ‘modulating burner that matches theheat output to whatever the thermostat i calling for atthe moment, advanced heat exchangers to extract more heat from the same amount of fuel, and the ability to recover eat from the exheust gas by condensing it The resi ‘enough tobe vented out ofa plastic pipe. Inthe best cases, this condensing process can squeeze 10%-12% more usable enesgy out ofthe fuel, ‘exhaust is cool ‘AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP. Reverse Motion ‘A heat pump is basically an air condi that works in reverse to provide heat. The heat pump captures and concentrates heat from one area, then releases i to another, Im heating mode the heat pump takes heat from the outdoor air and delivers it 10 the home's distribution system In cooling mode, it reverses direction to work like an air condition cr extracting heat from inside the house and ‘lowing it outside. In cooling mode, this waste heat can also be used for water heating. The ‘most common type is the split system, whieh uses separate indoor and outdoor units, bat you camalso get packaged systems that place every thing in a selfcontained outdoor wnt, While airsource heat pumps can offer efficiencies of 200% 300%, they're most efficient inthe south fer part of the country. A backup electric or _g0s heater may be needed when the outside ait drops below a certain temperature. Alough different versions are made for forced air and Know the Lingo + Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency AFUE): ‘The percentage of a fuels potential eneray that furnace or boiler converts to usable heat. Government standords that take effec in 2015 require AFUE levels of 82% for gas bers, 85% fr ol boilers, 80% for gas furnaces, nd 82% toro urnvees ‘i Handler: n 3 forced ar hestng or cooing ‘system, the ar hander unit moves heated or cooled ar through the home's ductwork + British Thermal Unit (BTU): The unit of measurement for heat whether its he heat ‘iver off by burning fue or extracted rom a home for cooling, Technical, one BTU isthe ‘energy required 0 rase ore pound of water ‘one degree Fahrenet ‘Combustion Chamber: Te part of furnace Corolle where the fuels burned + Compressor: That par of the air coraliioner ‘orheat pump that compresses and pumps refrigerant ‘Condenser Colt That par of an ait conditioner or heat purp that releases heat {tom the surrounding arin cooing made anc collect itn heating mode. + Distribution System: The network of ait ‘ducts oF hot water pipes that delivers heat ‘om a furnace, bole or heat pump tothe + Evaporator Coll: Tht part of an ar ‘condtioner or heat pump that exchanges heat withthe arin the home, + Heat Exchanger: Located in the furnace of boiler, ranefers heat from the comburton ‘chamber tote ar or water in the heat distrbuton system, + Heating Seasonal Performance Factor {HSPFI: The heating efficiency ofa heat pump Isa ratio of he neat generates over the eating season. n BTUs, to the wat hours of elecrcity it consumes. Heat pumps ‘manufactured ater 2006 have to have an SPF of atleast 77, but he best uits have ratings as high a 10, ‘Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): ‘The cooing efficiency of an air conditioner ‘orneat pump. fs te rato of cooling output to elecrcity used. The minimum SEER requirement for uns manufactures beginning in 20061635 + Zoning: A method of patsoning a home's hyaronie oF forced-o distrbationsystern nto inependenty contoled comfort zones‘The Homeowner's Handbook ioofing | Secure | Sing nsdn A Corl / Windows Heating / Aplances Faucets Fuures/ Cabri 6 Tops lan Fishes | AteraiveEratay hydronic distribution, the forced type isthe Air-Source Heat Pump ‘most common Heat purnps don't get air as hot asa furnace or boiler, so may require more air flow ta maintain the same tem rate. ~ GEOTHERMAL aad Earth Energy ed ‘geothermal heat pump (GHE) uses refriger 1 Neves os antflled underground piping lops,insaled es horizontally of vertically, 1 exchange heat aera with the earth, These systems work well in tonetosaet both warm and cold climates. A good GIP is fumace or boler able to move three to five times more energy Caveats than it consumes, Models are avalible for use onErEERS with forced iro hydronie distribution systems. ‘While the hydronic models don’t get water as hota. conventional boiler (122°F, compared ta 150 For more) thei low temperature outputs 1 perfect match for radiant floor heat. Radiant Solutions: Hidden Warmth -Araiat flor const of oop ot hydronic tubing ‘rbodded inthe strctre othe floors at ‘Shumpastraugntne tg uch esr sing {tesurouen a aoe ol fared aloe ‘tepean ttern the oom Tee ubngcan beac Irie cnet san oon top wood ara ve uter tensa peat ous crams ore ‘rg toe lod sions Foreas snes ‘nays touse a produce uk Pak yom tears Foe ted ppwoos sesh read ve he enrg ‘Sean code for more info: wail Heating Technology Pollutant Comparison Newer solid fuel-burning heating ‘equipment produces far less pollution than unregulated wood fireplaces Frepiace 401m gr outdoor wood boilers. Fo:5\ fuels ‘NonCenined woodstove wadiions~—~=~*~*”*«R mat te cleanest burning aeratve but they deperd on non-renewable resources i's cleor that inerestin leaner Pret Stove 2agrams ways to burn wood, com and other Outdoor Wood Boer 20 rams Nor-Cenies Wood Stove (ational Come es Blast we mare mare ‘GusfPropane Boller 001 gameAppliances Machines for more efficient living.‘The Homeowner's Handbook EES Siding your house isn’t just about good looks. You can add R-value and include recycled content. Don't overtook the familiar yellow EnergyGuide sticker. Itholds a host of formation ‘tat can help you find the most efficent appiances avaiabe. (OME APPLIANCES SAVE time, make our homes more comfort able, and increase our quality of life. However, there is more to choosing an appliance than simply selecting the finish, eatuces and price Finding a washer dryer or efigeator that gets thejob done whilesinglessenesgy and raterhas ‘become much easier, thanks t programs sch as ENERGY STAR and the EnergyGuide label, These labels help you select an op performs wel, yet conserves natural resoutes, lance th ‘The Big Energy Hogs Of all the appliances in the home, the refrigera torcan be the mast wasteful of electricity. Un- ke other appliances that you can tuen of, the refrigerator is always on, Fortunately, modern ray refrigerators are more than 73% more cficent than ones bul just 15 years ago Upgrading your as7os-era fridge to a mod. em ENERGY STARlabeled option can save you over $200 annually in eneegy bi fr federal, state and local governments are often, Rebates Tocal utility companies, manufacturers, available, Visit worwidsireasa.org to see what's available in your area. Besides saving energy, some manufacturers ate producing refrigerators that simply doa bet ter job of storing food. Smart eefrigerators are ableta moderate the humidity of diferent bins within the unit, which reduces food spoilage and waste. Fruit and vegetables, for instance, requite higher levels of humidity and a constant ‘leculation of arto retain ther freshness color, \Whirtpool Gold ENERGY STAR- Qualified Refrigerator flavor and vitamis should be kept in dryer, more ar tight compa ments, While this technology can help yo pre serve your food, it does come ata higher price. Meats, on the other hand, What to Know * Ifyou have a refrigerator that’s more than 15 years ol, ceplace it + ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the appliance + Sige matters: One big refrigerator in the Lichen is better than two small ones the kitchen, one in the garage}. ‘Advances in Conservation ‘The average American family does mote than 4400 loads of laundry a year, so even modest ‘energy and water savings can greatly impact ‘overall natural resource conservation, Reducing ‘water while doing the laundry has gotten easier in the past decade, thanks in large part to the advancement and acceptance) of front loading ‘washing machines, ‘While top loading machines place in the ‘up to one-third less water, reduce the wear on clothes and require less detergent. By using ‘gravity to move the clothes inside the drum instead of a spindle, fron loading washers also I have tele rarket, front loading units wse Washing Machine ‘eds cine ot Fen orator met | ringers ey oi tea | fers en asap cet yer OS, eC Conacd caper heaves nbuccenseand ‘ronnie ee wnncecerage sn Tissier be capacty mache (hur aed overone Co. sana was rogers nd nae terpenes Ropes aso 186 8% |Roofing Sivecture Siang rustion Ar Conv | Widows /Hestg I Applances Faucets Faces Cabos 6 Tops / Clan Fishes J Aeratve Enea conserve electricity while providing more etfec: tive spin eyeles. ‘Two terms tobe Familiar with when evaluat ing washing machines ae modified energy fac tor (MEF) and water factor |WE}-The higher the MEE, the moze energy efcient the model. This, rating takes into account not only the energy used during the course of cleaning the clothes, ‘but also the energy wsed to heat the water and run the dryer. The WE rates the water efficiency of the unit based on its size, The lower the WE, the more water elicent the washer. Using the MEF and WF, along with an EN- ERGY STAR label and the EnergyGuide label ‘ean help you determine which washer set will conserve resources yet still perform well, What te Know ~ Dryers with moisture sensors ean greatly reduce energy use + Most HE (high efficiency] washers use spe allow sudsing detergent + ENERGY STAR does not ate clothes dryers. DISHWASHERS ‘Quiet and Efficient Energy savings and water savings ate dlosely linked; the appliances, the higher your energy bills. Dish ‘washers produced before 1994 typically use 10 gallons per load more water than modern units ‘Considering that the average home washes over 300 loads per year, reducing the amount of wa ler used can quickly lower utility bills. Dish ‘washers that offer cycle selections and energy saving options ean help reduce the amount of water you use. To dissolve detergent and remove grease, dishwashers require extremely hot water Many dishwashers now come with a “booster” of in te ng ‘water temperatore to the required 140 degrees. This can allow you to lower the temperature ‘on your water heater and still allow your dish washer to operate at optimum levels. Some dishwashers offer the booster eyele but only if ‘you sleet “heavy duty” ‘ong with energy and water savings, noise is factor in choosing a dishovasher, Measured. in decibel (43), the amount of sound produced, ‘an vary dramatically by make and model Normal conversation levels range around 6od8, so choosing a wnit that is quieter than that is important, Because of advances in ins lation and sound proofing, some dishwashers canbe whisper quiet, cresting as little as 42d re hot water you use in your heating element that eases the neo Know the Lingo + Modified Energy Factor (MEF): MEF isthe oficial eneray efciency metric ued 10 compare relative efficiencies of ftlerentclomnes washers. MEF considers the energy used to run the washer neat the wate and run the dryer The higher the MEF, the more eficent he clothes washer + Water Factor (WF}: WF isa measurement of water ficiency tats caiculated as galions of water used por cubic foot of capacity. The lower the number the more water efficient the clothes washer. + High Eficlency (HE): HE is usec to describe closes washers that typcaly use 50% less water than traditional, Unis Specal Low-sudsing detergent is used with these models + EnergyGiulde Label: Tis yllow abet created by the US. Federal Trade Commission on most home appliances and withe\p you compare the energy use land cost of ‘operating one appliance relative to anotner + Induetion Cooking: Induction heating elements neat only the pan and ts content and offer energy etScency by reducing wasted neat wnen compared to radiant and 2s cooktops. The actual induction element stays coo, ‘white tne metal pot or pan up rapidly making induction heating safer and more energy effcient shan traditional cooking method. + Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE): The CEE is 8 consortium of elieieney program agiministatos trom ‘across the United States and Canada who evaluate and rate appliances, electrons and HVAC systems on energy efficiency. win ceel og + Hydrochlorofluorecarbon (HCFC): HCFC based refrigerants are the most common type of efgerant Used in the United States today and are considered significant contriautors to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming ‘operation, That isthe ast slighlly louder than the hur of your refrigerator. What to Know ~ Dishwashers have two EnergyGuide cost bls: one for consumers who use electric water Dheaters and one for natural gas users + Boost heaters generally inerease the cost ‘of the unit, but the energy savings can pay for ‘the upgrade in about one year. + Dishwashers fll into two categories com pact and standard RANGES AND OVENS ‘Smart Cooking Saves Enersy Refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry units‘The Homeowner's Handbook say be considered “major” appliances but they aren't the only nits your may have to purchase or replace, Thoughtful selection of ranges, ov ens, cooktops, microwaves and range hoods can help reduce energy use while improving the quality of life around your home, Ranges. The kitchen range is a dual oven) cooktop, and is available in electri natal gas and dual fuel, The benefit ofa dual fuel range fs that it has the benefits of gas burners on the cooktop, but offers the stable temperatures of ‘oven cooking with electricity. Cooktops are also available using electrical induction, which creates a magnetic eld that heats pans directly, ‘unlike traditional eletrc resistance coils which tase conduction to transfer heat Microwaves. often an afterthought when finishing a kitchen, microwaves can create a more energy eficent and comfortable kitchen when used propery. Energy consumption can De reduced by up to 80% when smaller portions are heated up in the mievowave instead ofthe ‘oven, Also, using 2 microwave instead of the ‘oven will reduce the amount of hest generated in the kitchen. Roofing Secs Sing sulin / Ar Conv | Widows | Heating! Appllances Faucets 6 Faces Cabrel 6 Tops / Clean Fishes J Aerrave Ene) ing above the range, which will Increase safety seound hot burners What to Know ~ Induction rangesare more energy ecient than traditional ranges but can only be used with ferrous (steel o ion} cookware + Flat cooktops are not necessarily induction es. + Most flatsurfaced cooktops simply use elec trie resistance heaters under a ceramic cover + There is no ENERGY STAR label for res: dential ovens, ranges or microwave ovens at this time, 6 E ‘This GE induction range creates rragneti ela that cconcenirates ne nest ‘only on the pot, keeping the kitchen cooler and saving energy Range Hoods. These are important in we kitehen for several reasons. First, the ventilation removes unwanted moisture, which could lead to mold issues in the home, I also fexhausts heat, smoke and cooking odors rom the home. quality hood also offers task light How Much Electricity Do Appliances Use? THEN Chart chow! how much energy const su asst ee atypical appliance Bea uses per year and smite its corresponding a cost, based on sewers national averages. mene Coat For expe a retngeratoruses rome simost ve tmesthe electrety permet the average television ues. Not Son turangy poor psa sernentr energy hogs. Sespunp inane Vist rn aneraysavers.g or “_ — ——— ineructons on calelatg the lctrical use of your appliancesFaucets & Fixtures | Making the most of every drop. KEY CONCEPTS & TIPS Saving water doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find eco-friendly options at alt price points. + Dual Flush. For new construction, instal, only dual-lush toilets; f retvotting, upgrade existing tots with okt, , ands. When choosing faucets, select estabished brands with single or double cartridge mechanics. Wit fixtures. It's the design ane mecharies that determine performance. + The Right Pipes. For plumbing, PEX or copper are the most durable types of supp side piping. Copper s pricey, but ast almost ‘forever. PEX can be easy repair. an :‘The Homeowner's Handbook Water-saving devices have become reliable, affordable and widely available. Now it's your turn to slow the flow. HE FAUCET AND fixture indus tty has consistently delivered the eco-friendly goods. Their products get more efficient and yet remain remarkably afford able. Every year, bath, kitchen and laundry gadgets help us reduce water usage by abou 5% But asa nation, we're stil slipping-—using bout the same volume of fresh water every year, Why? Because the U.S. population grows at about §% per year. The problem, says author and water expert Robert Glennon, i that the total amount of vailable i getting smaller, Some sources have become polluted, Groundwa tor that takes decades to replenish is being fresh wate ‘sno tomorrow. Dry times lie ahead, unless we all change our habits along with our fixtures. I's time to treat fresh water ike blue gold 1s important to make sure all the faucets, fixtures, and showerheads in your home are fom their best behavior, That means installing the most durable, water stingy, appropriately priced models available. f you're not sure hove to recognize these parameters, here's a quick FAUCET FUNCTION Better Technology In modern faucets, ceramic washers have largely replaced rubber on hard discs should last forever, But in our experience, that's not always the case. We've These diamond. Kohier Refinia Faucet ry lorgeaty stands 90 es wowianercer feet should ae eter (duc techciogy fecal pars (atcha Fear par (rrepaeemens seen less expensive faucets and shower handles, even ones with ceramic dises, develop leaks within a year or two of installation, possibly because other pars of the assembly are not as tough. Fortunately, many faucets ones—now come with limited lifetime even low warranties that cover all part failures for the original owner, Stil who wants to chase doven ‘warranties? The easiest solution: Spend alitle ‘more up front for a brand that cares about its reputation, and chances are you'll get a better made, more durable product FAUCET FINISHES New Durability Ever heard of physical vapor deposition fin Ish? I's just one ofthe high tech coatings being. used on faucets, With these advanced surface Delta Transitional Water Efficient Showerhead lecvolog i ews ate psi ora wn Saeco“Sa lameterubing technology such PEK raschangoste seen of ping Aone cn Second it aca mania Gee poner Unt p #2 at asus water more cea to herpes treatments alternatives to chrome fone of the longest lasting finishes) make more sense, In ‘some cases, metals such as bronze and brushed nickel are simply protected with a polymer coating, In others—Delta’s “Brilliance” finish ‘comes to mind—the coating emulates a metal such a8 brass ‘The green angle? Durability: Wh corrode, people throw them away, whether or not the mechanics sill perform properly. Tas {ng functional hardware inthe landfill isnot a {green choice faucets PLUMBING. Think Flexible Flexible PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) plumb- ‘ng has become widely accepted as a substitute for other standards of household plumbing. —_— t lergertros amr Sree Sine stine ame ne meen (eto tow Le gp sansa ‘pectin nora bane we Roafea Sirectre Sang suai Ar Corral Windows J Heng | Appancos | Faucets Fstres/ Cabinet & Tops Clean Fires | Ateratve Enea Know the Lingo + Low-Flow Tolle: Aso known as alow-consumption tolets, these fintures typically using a maximum (of 6 gallons per lush + Ultra-Low Flush: Another term to seserie low-flow fires, ths may also refer toa sinle- or dua-fush model tna uses as iti 88 gph + Aerator: Small creenee device that fits insige a faucet nozze, mixing ar into water so lessisrequited to do the same chore, + Widespread Lavatory Faucet: Refers to the syle of faucet. typical one with two separate hancles. 8" apar. + Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): High-tech fishing technique that allows for fauce's with many dierent looks, including "metal on meta surfaces tha ae exremely corrasion and wear-resistant. polyethylene paste pipe. Increasingly popular asa replacement for PVC oF copper plumbing, + Cartridge Faucet: Most modern faucets contain ceramic carticges that alow water to flow, whereas older fucets used comoression = squeezing a rubber o-ring that would leventuaty wear out Fittings have improved, problems are rare, and most plumbers have come to embrace the technology. From a green perspective, tubing made from high-grade plastic is a welcome alter native to vinyl-based PVC pipe. And from a practical perspective, PEX is ideal for tricky ‘retrofit jobs because the flexible tubing can snake around obstacles, so you can avoid un necessary demolition SUPER TOILETS Water Misers The toilet efficiency race has been abig win for ‘theenvizonment. We've seen models with water usage of less than 8 gpf in dualush models, anda gpf singleflush model, Fash technol ogy is probably approaching its bottom limit.‘The Homeowner's Handbook icatng Site Singin’ fr Conve | Windows bing / Apples Foust tare / Caines Toe Gan Fes Ate Eo But other approaches may squeeze water savings, For example, graywater fed toilet tanks are now on the market (ones that use lavatory water to fil the toilet tank}, along with handwashing faucets built right into the top of the tank. Manufacturers will continue to tweak toilet ficiency. no doubt, but the biggest gains could probably be made by simply adjusting our be havior: "If its yellow, lett mellow" os Tooke ter ( Tne teaucton fa hn nemo ett ap rer fotos eat ot cred unr tose ere wet: Dasa Asn ety easly Por eae re Fyeroigntaysem shown abana ase crwncrwen-ousocon shou iOmruee wine gone cn Is this as tow as toilets can go? The Toto Drake W £6 tele uses only 1 gallon of water per futh, The secret? The interior ofthe ov Is coated witha super glossy surface to which sols wont sek Daily Residential Indoor Water Use (before conservation measures) Other 5% allUS. households netales vst saving features, water use would decrease by 30% This would save an estimated 54 bilo gallons of water er day, resulting in daily Golar-volume ‘savings of $113 milion, er more than ‘S4bitlon per year ‘The largest dally user of water inthe home's the tolet By repacing this one product with high-efficiency tole {HET you can greatly reduce s home's total water use 267% 168% a See eee 157%Cabinets & Tops — Odor-free, renewable and recycled. KEY CONCEPTS & TIPS Cabinets not only make design but can alzo have a major impact iy. ur Nose Knows. Ifyou can smell the cabinets now, it’ kel that they are cofgassing toxins such as urea formaldehyde. Purchase brangs that minimize the use of tone resins or stains. + Full Disclosure. Choose 3 company that ‘what chemicals ate found ints finishes. + High and Dry. The back or bo:tom of cabinets must be kept from direct contact with the back wall or floor to prevent mold growth, Instaling rust-resistant metal feet is ‘one easy way to get the job done, can telyou wheres wood is harvested and fi r ra TT‘The Homeowner's Handbook EEEEEXEITENN Many small cabinet makers have made great strides toward wise resource management, and reduced indoor pollutants in their products—and some of the big players are (finally) getting serious. ACK IN THE mid.19905, it was almost impossible to find off Ces the-shelf cabinetry that didn’t contain particleboard saturated with formaldehyde, with the pga oe enps vores exception of ome or two semi together with resins that equenty custom high end or European manufacturers, ee It's easier now, but primarily because of the ene efforts of smallscale cabinet shops. The US. yqgium Density Flberboard (MDF): cabinet industey at large lke the carpet in- areraiaares Wes orenaed dustry, has been a folloner—not a leader Cabinet door constriction, MOF ray ‘he arena of environmental responsibility nd 380 contain voatie ar potuants polltion control + Veneer: Tin aero wood piealy 1m 2006, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers ‘glued to a less valuable substrate Assocation (KCMA) launched an inhouse sus Both the adhesive an the ubtate tainabilty beachmark called the Environmen- can contribute to indoor ar palution, tal Stewardship Program (ESP). The program depending on the glues used has some flaws, but at eas itsa move tveard + Subatrata: poet that's uses {he ight. Many firms have used FSP guidelines underneath higher value finish as abaseline forhow to improve sustainability. ‘materials in cabnetry substrates Keep in mind that not every green cabinet ine ‘ypicaly ae made of sywood. will be KCMA certified, any more than every parteledoard or other engineered cco-riendly builder's work is LEED certified wood products Fut those that do get the ESP seal have atleast» Surface Seal Paint: Some costns, taken some steps to clean up their practices suc as AFM Safecost Hard Seal rave a low enough permestliy thst ey can be used to prevent or sow the elease ‘fair polutants from particle board ang ‘tne rerin-Donded materai and products. ESP offers manufacturers 105 possible points They have to get 8 to qualify fr certifation. It should be noted that they self certifyby sending {in documentation (often from other industry friendly organizat Panel Association) to prove that they have met such a8 the Composite certain criteria, it should be noted, does not guarantee any ‘A.cabinet company looking for the ESP label changes. Unfortunately, other point criteria, ‘must achieve a minimum numberof points in tinued on page 58 ach of the following categories: Air Quality, 30 Product Resource Management, 30 Vetrazzo Recycled Top Process Resource Management, 20 ale Environmental Stewardship, 35 Stage pecarage freee Community Relations 40 tse: terns Cry Bue oduct smash 8% Inpeoume! eyed is and Some points are sound—such as the 5 points awarded under ESP for "reviewing the environmental practices and policies of its key vendors and contractors” although reviewingfooting | Strate | Sing insulation / Air Contret! Windows / Heating ! Appliances / Faucets & Firtires/ Cabinets ® Tops / Clean Fishes /Ateratve Eneray What Makes a Cabinet Green? KCMA Certification ‘The ktcen Cavin Mautner Ascent osm gen carteaton| [pose calla te Erormeria Seward rogram ESP cot ory, Engineered Wood Veneer ‘Aseswtacn option Win woodverae onsoered yee because canbe mace fom Jourger grote orth over soaps Low-Impact Paint or Stain raters youre 9 Spore youre sean Pe seme rs aveson ane 7, sree tan ayn re oe VOC te Sous be ec, Molsture-Proof Feet By puung etter payer et na cabret youteop to. of Reriswny-tore spec lescdevops maitre ort hie Scunceto rant bosom panel nv mir mew ond Fronering tee ofheunt Neil Kelly Cabinets Trecompany/sresouce Clean Core Materials Tre orraliehyse-bores parlour and synced akan trator nena eb tr Brausty New procs naude Se pant ipa sa ma teow YC Beers (Gres amas gn Irs st asessment ESP ceteaton shoud be aedasebasine Toidenty green-minses compares nota guaaéee tht precusr Tard wl met of yur sitar excess Susnrasecaey and shel do not Certified Wood Doors “nctne sets trormcorpanes ceed by fc Strano cece Saws retacng woos naar ype acaba KraftMaid Recycled Content Cabinets An SP-contnd Masco company. trove ssanatiotereg ‘rear ean oferng veyed 1% jel ers ncaa“The Homecwner’s Handbook Roofing Sires Sing sulin / hr Conv | Widows | Heating! Aoglances Faucets 6 Fates / Cabinets 6 Tops / Clan Fishes | AeraiveEneay act as loapholes that weaken the program. For example, company ean earn 10 points in Air Quality i€"75% of finished products are fin {shed domestically and finishes used emit no sreater HAPs (hazardous air pollutants} than Allowed by local plant operating permits” We'd call that simply playing by the rules. They also can earn § Community Relations pe not getting any citations “from any federal, state or local environmental regulatory agency Jn the previous 12 months.” Again, they can rack up paints simply for staying on the right slide of regulations. Our point is not to bash the KCMA, but to arge its many think much bigger about what it means to be igreen, You'll notice we've included some ESP. Certified cabinet brands with this atile. We know these companies, and they've indicated nts for rmbers to that they want to get real about sustainability. We believe they're sincere Homeowners and builders have been frus trated too long by the lack of realy available ‘green cabinetry end shelving. It's time to give them more options. For people with asthma, ‘chemical sensitivity or infants in the house the ‘only alternative in the past has been to take matters into theie own hands, to have theie cabinets custom built and finished with low YOC paints or to seal in VOCs and formalde hhyde with surface sealing paints. They shouldn't have to work so hard ‘A few brands are pointing the way by offer ing low VOC water borne Finishes and safer ad hesives, along with straw core shelves and wood for both door faces and veneers that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, We believe these are the cabinet makers of the future, G8 Countertops: What's the Difference? @ excellent © Very good @ Good @Fair OPoor Material ies i Eogcks eas jzal Quartz (engineered stone) $50-100 _'' © @©@© Granite 45-200 (EE ©8860 Laminate 10-30 e@oeco Solid surfacing 35-10 I COOC Tile (ceramic and porcelain) 10-30 e@eece Concrete (topical sealer) 80-120 eo@eo Stainless steel 100-150 e@eo0 Concrete (penetrating sealer) 80-120 ee ° Limestone 60-100 eeco Marble 50-140 @o0o Consumer Reports analyzed various attributes of common countertap materals, including how it handles staring, heat, abrasions and impact. Quarz (engineered stone) go the hignest mais, wth marble coming in last, prmarly because itdoesrt hole up well against abrasions and impact Whe both quartz and granite gerne high scores. ifs important to remember that arge amounts of energy are require to ansport these stones, 0 I's best 000k fo a ocalfabicator. Staines steeihas become quite popular in contemporary btchens but ts susceptible to Scratching = EditorClean Finishes More than meets the eye. product, but be sure that species what compounds are usee to B reolace the binders and solvents. + Go with Factory Finishes. Wherever possible order pre: primed products so tnat otfgassing has already nappened inthe Seok out pains with ‘oF GreenGuard labels The LEED-H program also offers a ood reference guide for VOC content‘The Homeowner's Handbook EEEEEXEITENN It's much easier to find paints and adhesives that contain fewer VOCs and metals than their predecessors, but make sure you read the fine print. AINTS AND ADHESIVES in the United States have come along away, They no longer contain lead or other hheavy metals. Most contain only 2 fraction of the volatile organic com- pounds (VOCS) they did ten years ago. Oi based {alkyd} paints have largely been replaced by water based latex products, But the conversion hasnt always been smooth, andi’ far too early todeclare “mission accomplished Some ofthe first brands of ultra low-VOC. products got a bad rap a few years ago, These new paints were not as stable, haeder to apply and almost impossible to find. They set back ‘he transition to “green” paint especially among, ut those quality problems have been solved. Most of the latest generation of low-impact paints and adh asthe solvent counterparts But beware of ex faggerated green claims. Some companies like tohint that their paint brands are eco-friendly, when they're relly just doing the bare mini ‘um—meeting regulatory standards. The same wes perform almost as well consumer caution should apply to adhesives, Remind yourself thatthe color of prodiet’s container of labeling may have nothing to do with what's inside, [As you consider low:VOC, noVOC and oth- er emissions claims, here are some points to consider, vocs ‘They're Not the Only Vilains Just because a pai volatile organic ‘compounds, doesn't mean it's safe to apply it is low General Electric Silicone It Paintable Sealant “his product re fw YOC ees an ply Crea at 9pm ssn OES organ area sos anedacon oveson quay sotcanSeeiponed tose" CS + Volatite Organic Compounds (VOCs): ‘Tox ingredients common in paints adhesives, and mary housenol items ‘that ae released into the ai + Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs): ‘These sunstances were stein tne 13990 Clean Air Act Amendments Here= the EPA ist nip www 2p3.gou! ttratw01/t87pos emt + Alkyd: Commonty relerred to 35 ‘ol ‘based this type of coatings typically higher in VOCs than water-borne paint Containing 2 petroieum-based solvent anda binder of synthetic resi, + ery Latex: This widely used Sin uses water ae a solvent, ang tends to be lower in VOC content tnan ays products, although it may ofgass ‘ote slowly, + Breathe: How wella pat lows ater vapor to passthrough twathout biisterng or fling. + Back Priming: Coating the back or hidden face of sicing or trim prorto Installation as an added measure of protection trom moisture in yourhome without wearing property safety _geor--or that it won't release other dangerous pollutants, VOCS are just one category of paint ingredient, Even if a paint contains no VOCs tall it may contain hazardous airborne pol Iutants (HAPS). These take the form of both. ‘gases and tiny particles that have beea shows to cause respiratory trouble, especially for peo ple with asthma, Household cleaners and bath, products often contain both VOCs and HAPs as well, so you can't blame paint forall your ‘Olympic Premium Interior Paint (grmse prem ino pet ther higher by puting “dose bow te ngredts al he resend etx ones na here wine alrecanRoofing Sivectare Jiang! rutin Ar Conv | Widows /Heatg I Appaces | Faucets & Fates / Cabins & Tops Caan Frshes | Altera Enea ‘Cover Up Quickly sta ew ys of exposure ta as ‘an soos comage the abt wood Sconas posse penis aomic, sth Uv ones Unfortunatly painting yourhome snot (rem ctvy iy? Bota pretest neh ‘Bucylebletrove avery hgh emboues ‘ner proaucng rm nts ao on ‘rerorenet uy tater ornate omtauaoity Yourmgre nk at smrrg {outeing amore ‘pormanent sls. uti aru comet acierntaet at “roronmentlsatacle Teno eect make se parts asa as poste on your ew sceg Os ong.r3 ge lenge Se ‘genera, he sane es 8 Use Durable Fasteners season fd ‘Order Pre-Primed Ine eratorine best Pre ‘ Gaerenyouom eel ‘Wood or Fiber Cement ours aayeas to Boas ttre repre naan to sevanisy each eke paetiongeran sng assorted aes pace Th refer sonal ars ee hei pepe ecloy-pabtd wana tobe cosas ony wran ne woosresees an (perl of aurea payout 15 A thepmesusuayapteao ero Sos acne arden fen bose Noe st oteyioecoatprmadends ote ates No Freezes Please tolong may osetor ‘Gemcalcorateny. Play Rough Resancnte shown bat boar wth edo a Sine roaenue rd oholspart thee petomarce much coer nan emacs ares ‘ay ae on Seder caer re rote ratelTies, ‘porsng waa ‘about atorert tome odors. ompomsedcan ot faint Toe smn 3 (Frem pct mae Choose Cool Colors Paes exposes repays of ferme nestunsega mat Shorting et ust span One Smeesoision sto spect rer Schrsovooderintrs epesalyin (atgeerthourst sien Seal End Grain ‘chen sdeg anatnooace western “hey wore at cased propery aan Mythic Paint reso rome as med a a Mythic ae bean aac ne Monae co them god ser ro-VOC cate of pas. tele aliten ‘hecomawry ac ctles sre Intoraton abo ote toe sn {formas at are ret "product atiowgh cous go ‘utero ory oe areas sumycpaecom | 7{indoor aie quality issues, but when seleeting a finish or an adhesive of eaulk, make sure the manufactacer gives a fll account of all poten tial pollotants, not just VOCs, FACTORY FINISH AGreen Idea For certain painting and finishing projects, do ing the job at home may not be the best op sion if you want to limit the volume of polit ants released inside. For cabinets, shelves and looting, you often have the option of a"baked fn factory finish. This may eequire an extra day fr two for del and cost for people s At the factory high heat speeds the paint or stain’s release of VOCs and other toxins, That accelerated pollution happens in a controlled environment, nat inside your home. ery but i ADHESIVES ‘The Fine Print Like paints, adhesives are now marketed as low VOC and eco friendly. But as with paint, W's Important to get all of the facts—not sim- ply to accept the branding pitch, For example, Gorilla brand just released “Gorilla PVC" an auhesive for use in PVG plumbing—a prod uct it markets as eco-friendly” Bue if you toad the fine print, the glue contains contains N methylpyrrolidone (NMP), ‘a chemical known, to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.” CAULKING Sealthe Deal For the most part latex based caulkings tend to release less toxins during application and intial drying than their solvent-based counterparts But the verdict i still out about how latex products impact air quality over the long term, Ws important, however, with both paints and ‘caulkings, never to use exterior products in doors. They tend to contain more volatiles, “There's also the question of durability While 10% silicone caulk produces tong iil ofgas- sing (some of which is from vinegar in the mix) it’ als likely to perform better than an acrylic. Intex based product, particularly in wet areas, [As you can see, choosing a green paint or adhesives not always s easy as reading a label You have to shop carefully, understand how and ‘when this product shouldbe applied, and weigh whether the product's ir quality beneSits ate 8 good as they sound, 68 Low-Emitting Materials: Paints and Coatings Requirements For architectural paints, coatings and primers applied to interior walls and ceilings, these are the Green Seal standards for VOC content limit (in grams per Uter). Fat rishes: Non-fat rishes: Foranti-corrsie and ant-ust paints applied to interlor ferrous metal substrates, the Unt is somewhat higher S0a/t 350 9/L 250 g/t For clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, sealers and shellacs applied to Interior elements, the VOC content limit is as follows: lear wood finishes: Foor costings: Seater, shale: Staines 350 g/L for varnish 580 gL forlacquer s009/L 250 g/L for waterproofing sealers 275g) for sancing eaters "200 g/L forall other sealers 730 9/Lforclear 550 g/L for plamented 250 ftAlternative Energy . Today’s replacement for yesterday’s fuels. KEY CONCEPTS & TIPS water system is a good fist step toward solar + Audit Firat Before instaling a wine turbine or PY system, do an eneray audit of all electrical tems in your house, and make sure you'e living efficiently + Stay on the Grid, Unti battery tecrnology improves, we recommend rd: tied PV systems as a supplement to your rrormal uty service. Remember tat wing turbines won" make sense in every region, F 3 ia s‘The Homeowner's Handbook EES Renewable and alternative energy sources make sense for many homeowners, especially if the home is well built and well designed, with efficient appliances. RODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY and hot water at home using nat ral enezgy from the sun is nothing new But technologies have greatly Improved over the past few years Nat only do they cos ess to instal, but they're more reliable, more eficent —and simply better deal. In addition, the supporting hardware is vastly superior to the old stl. The politics of alternative energy is changing too, bit more slowly than many would like. In many states, utlitis are now required to buy back any “extra” electricity you produce. And both wind turbines and solar installations are eligible for 40% tax credits with no upper limit From the Federal government, plus certain state and wil ity incentives. If you're looking at alternative systems, here's some essential information. Lighter Wind Demands Small scale wind turbines that erate eeeticty hhave always been a fairly specialized form of power generation —most valuable n mountain ‘ous and coastal regions. The challenge has been to build a turbine that produces adequate elec trieity, even in low wind, to make it worth the cost, We'ee getling much closer For example, both the Swift (www.swiftwindturbine com) and the Skystream {www skysteamenergy.com) turbines begin producing power in winds of just 8 miles per ho The advani “The WinPro hybrid power generation system has wind and solar power generation modules. wi winproc0 9 (The Japanese ste includes English tranlaions) ¢ of wind power over PV? ) ‘AO. Smith Cirex solar Electric hot water system “Te irex Slr water atng sem . comprehen adar ston cong < ‘rau ang easy rslaton Pope Sed solar water esing Sts ca frovde upto 7% at Be ee newed ‘orwnterresing ret Fortin - EnerGen Solar PV Roof Shingles (CertainTeed/Uni-Sotar) ‘soot rey BV system comes iRepreengneooaht wah othe pare esaed or nano 07 {Sinsation poi eroughnct Sen ven stereos /Rootea Site / Sang nsdston (Ax Cont! Windows / Hea planes Foucts 8 Futures / Cates & Tops Caan Fishes / Alternative Eneray ‘Typical Solar Electric System Cresingeecy wheter aotovtse ane rain tures call bepns wen erosion (fare cree DCl deerey Tet crent {hen suse rough a vastoret to bcc ‘ety seratngcuret A usenet [homestand tom some sar ose Mosimedem sens dor nce btery storage. spy beau ay eer. Pas otmaturad enough werart ne expe ood ‘Correo ptr tat can tbe ecard ‘oramancedtateres ‘Typical Solar Hot Water System seg ine nin ohest your home otters ‘inetd Typ, te igud creusg ay suonas gyal TPereatstarsered ‘oynurhemmintnr neds etnk snot (whe sere of te bet ew echcgy eu athe bet ones ones no as egre per our Tateat jou colt rr th suneante Steed oa. ‘The wind often blows when i's dask outside. you can now have a solar generating system But before you buy, take a Took atthe national ‘wind map published by he National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL]. You'll see that not ‘every area ofthe United States is wel suited for ‘wind powered living. I fact, if you ive in any of the Southeast states—and you don't have a place right on the water wind isa Tong shot You will make a lot more power with a good. solar PV setup, PHOTOVOLTAICS Looking Sharp ‘The race is on to build better FV cells that convert sunlight to electricity, New solar fms and panels are being tested that are more eff nt, less expensive, and lighter than ever. The ‘current challenge isto find a more affordable alternative to the polycrystalline silicon based panels that dominate the market, But wile that R&D is going on, existing solar products are becoming more practical For example, Sanyo ‘recently came out with double sided solar pan ls that an simultaneously provide shade (in the form of an awning) and take in sunlight on. ‘both the top and bottom surfaces At the same time, the range of building in tegrated photovoltaics (BIPV) has exploded ‘That's good news for homeowners, It means bil ight ito your roof that looks like asphalt shingles or architectural metal oreven clay tiles, ‘You don't need battery storage to get started And, a8 we mentioned earlier, many states te uit ulilities to buy any leftover electiity you generate, One ofthe key improvements in [BIPV in recent years has been the way they connect to each other and your home's power system. The early products were co-dependent. {In other words, when the connection broke on ‘solar shingle, the whole roof stopped produc ing. Newer systems have builtin eedundancy in their wiring, and most are more modular, ‘making replacement of a single faulty tile or panel less ofa hassle SOLAR HOT WATER ‘Smart Storage ‘The availability of extremely durable hot water storage tanks-—which in some cases also serve as water heaters —has made solar hot water col lection even more viable. Many tanks now in clude a separate closed loop ofa feeze-resistant liquid. That extee loop is specifically for solar hot water—so thal when the sun is shining, the solar panels on the roof heat the clean water inthe tank, ut when the sun is not sfficentThe Homeowner's Handbook 66 Sytemenvnes ster. {or you have teenagers using up the “ree” hot water} an external boiler or heating system bu {nto the tank kicks onto make wp the diference One of the great advantages of a solar hot water system isthe relatively rapid payback Im other words, if you install this year, it may py Tor itself in less than three years, espe cially once you figure in the tax eredits and rebates available, ‘COGENERATION Waste Not Cogeneration has been common at lange facto decades. I's basically a way of squee ing more work out of fossil fuels Also knoven as combined heat and power (CIP) genera tion systems, these mechanical wonders put the waste heat generated by a home furnace or boiler to work making electricity. By some es timates they achieve 90% efficiency, compared with 30%6-40% from your loel power stato If you're alrady replacing ar installing a new boil level and try cogeneration? 6B for furace, why not take it to another + Cogener Know the Lingo electri into aterating curren AC) the type of ower most commonly used by US. applances and light matures. GrldTied: Electricity produced on site rom photovoltaic panels, wind turbines etc) i fed rec into lal power lines rater than being stored in batteries n: Production of elect trom heat gases produced by a gas-powered furnace or boler ‘Wind Maps: Usofl for sting fand evaluating the vablty of wird turbines, wind maps show how ‘much wind can be expected ina geographic region or specie ste + Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): lectity generating solar panels that nave been designes to resembie vanousfariarypes of rooting + Standby Heat Los: Heat lost ay hot mater thats siting passively ina storage tank or pipes. Super insulated hot water tanks grealy reduce his loss Double-Duty PV System the same panels to generate both elect 4 50% effisen panel by moving a across the panel 1 cool system supplies pre-heated ventlaton a on winter days and pre-coated ver ety and neat increase Heated and cooled air are supplied tough the home's duct system or ‘geolarelecric/thermal systems capture a wider spectrum of the suns eneray than standard PV panels by using cording os maker, eno Wanstoens a 15% efcient PV pane nto lation airon summer rights. wir echteee aC eeu eo RETA emcee hese neha ity include a suite of tools for building professionals, Deiter seed emit iF a ied ee eae Snes) Sees ne's losing energy Rene lc Presume na Ceres ec See ae ei) ee aoe Sa ee eee cee eee eer eer eee Sees eeu Pisum ata) - Put it Together with Greenbuildermag.com You can see why we think we've got a winning combination~: