11/7/2011

As proof that use of more energy efficient lighting can make a difference, a recent survey by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council confirmed that in 2010 $135 million was saved by electricity rate payers in the Pacific Northwest.  The survey included an analysis of efficiency measures which resulted in 254 megawatts saved, enough to power 153,900 homes. A portion of the savings, approximately 20%, is attributed to the use of compact fluorescent and LED lamps in residential lighting and to the increasing popularity of energy-efficient flat-screen televisions.  Another 50% of the savings was due to improvements in commerical lighting and better electric motors.  Even more energy efficient vending machines helped reduce energy use.
The overall savings in the region surpassed the NPCC goal for 2010 by 25%.  This is a great example of how informed choices of individuals and businesses can add up to something remarkable.  Power to the people!

 

10/6/2011

We will be taking the next couple of weeks to mention the green certifications, especially for products, that we find the most useful and accurate.  The fourth is Greenguard Certification.

Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) is a third-party organization that certifies products and materials for low chemical emissions and provides a resource for choosing healthier products and materials for indoor environments.  Greenguard certified products meet stringent chemical emissions standards based on established criteria from key public health agencies.  GREENGUARD Certification is broadly recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs including LEED.  GEI was founded in 2001 with the mission of improving human health and quality of life by enhancing indoor air quality and reducing people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollutants.

We find Greenguard to be a valuable tool for finding certified low-emitting materials and especially for furniture where there are fewer testing programs and certifications than common building materials.  The Greenguard website has a useful product search engine on their website to find a particular type or brand of material.

 

1/3/2011

We are excited to ring in the New Year and to watch the growth of the green building industry in 2011.  The trends for green building have remained strong, even with the economic downturn of the last few years.  This is how we see five major trends for 2011:

• Better Energy Codes: In October the ICC approved changes to their international codes that are predicted to result in a 30% increase in energy efficiency for homes and commercial buildings.  As more states and local jurisdictions adopt the new ICC, we will see better energy conservation for new construction and major remodels becoming mainstream.
• Improved Air Quality: Changes in air quality regulation in California and the adoption of the new LEED for Healthcare ratings system with tough new standards for interior materials and finishes means 2011 will be the year of better indoor air quality.  As we have seen before, regulatory and ratings system changes for IAQ mean the design, manufacturing and construction industries quickly follow suit to meet the demand.  Look for more choices in lower VOC products, natural finishes, and more rigorous testing and documentation.
• Building Information Modeling: BIM is an ongoing trend in the buidling industry, and we see 2011 as a big year for integrating green materials and methods into the BIM process.
• Integrated Process and Building Performance: This ongoing trend is a big part of the LEED 2012 draft currently being circulated for comment and eventual vote in 2011.  Design and construction teams will continue to get better at integrated delivery and more interested in actual building performance, as opposed to theoretical performance.  For information about the current LEED 2012 draft and comment periods, visit the USGBC web site.
• Climate Action is Hot: Business and environmental groups will push further, lobbying governments around the world to adopt climate change pacts and to move more affirmatively to investing in the built environment as an important strategy to reduce greenhouse gasses.  A new international network called Global Leadership in our Built Environment (GLOBE) is a good example of broad-based business, professional associations and environmental groups gathering together to have more influence in combatting climate change.

Happy New Year!  We hope 2011 is a more prosperous, safer, happy and green year for all.