Green Living Tallahassee

GreenO'Ween Tallahassee

2008-09-25T21:19:12Z

Sustainable Tallahassee's Green Halloween Bash is going to be F-F-F-F-reeeeeeaAAKY!!!

Don't miss it!

Alex Mordas, LEED AP
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

LEED® Certified and Registered Projects in Tallahassee

2008-07-13T14:21:25Z

As I'm studying for my LEED® AP, I thought I would take a look at the current registered and certified LEED projects in Tallahassee, FL... the results were quite interesting!!!

We still have only one building that is listed as having fully achieved the LEED® certification (Silver level). However, there are a lot of projects in the pipeline!

[note: we're just talking commercial certifications here]

Certified Projects:

Project Name	Owner	City	State	Country	LEED® Rating
City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Building	CITY OF TALLAHASSEE	Tallahassee	FL	US	Silver

Registered projects in the process of LEED® certification:

Project Name	Owner	City	State	Country	LEED® Rating System
Arbor Centre		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED EB 2.0
Barkley Consulting Engineers Office Bldg		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED CI 2.0
Barkley Consulting Engineers, Inc. Offic		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
Capital Circle Office Complex - Phase 3		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Building	CITY OF TALLAHASSEE	Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
DMS - OLITS Data Center Renovation		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED CI 2.0
Evening Rose Town Ctr - FSU Credit Union		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
Evening Rose Town Ctr - Smith Building		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
First District Court of Appeals		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
FSU - Human Perform Lab & Track Facility	Florida State University	Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
FSU College of Education Addition		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
FSU Life Science Center		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
FSU MRB		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
Gunter Building		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED EB O&M
H2Engineering Building Addition	HinesHartman Consulting Engineers	Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
Mad Dog Design & Construction Co.		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED EB O&M
McKenzie Oil		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
Ruby Diamond Auditorium Renovation	FSU Design and Construction	Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
SESEC's Off-Grid Zero Emission Building	Sustainable Energy Science and Engineeri	Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2
Urbangreen Building		Tallahassee	FL	US	LEED NC 2.2

If you are interested in building a LEED® certified project in Tallahassee, FL, and need a LEED® AP to work with you through the process, give a call to EarthSTEPS, LLC (www.EarthSTEPS.org). EarthSTEPS has the experience, knowledge and skills to help you with your LEED® commercial or residential certification goals for all LEED® standards.

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Busy, but Green Mom - Simple Solution!

2008-07-11T12:06:23Z

So I was tabling at the Tally Moms event last night in Tallahassee, and I got to meet a lot of great folks and some really cool local businesses. One business in particular that my wife was excited about (and wanted me to write about) was a local diaper service that was providing all-natural diaper service to your front door! Cool!!!

Here's the description from the DoodleBug website:

" Doodle Bug Diaper Service uses environmentally safe and comfy, 100% cotton diapers. We offer weekly pickup & delivery complete with a diaper pail and deodorizing powder. Your child’s health and safety is important to us. That’s why we use a multi-step all natural sanitary wash process.

If you decide to give your baby the health and comfort of cotton, using our diaper service will make cotton diapering easy…no rinsing, no pins and a steady supply of freshly laundered diapers at your door. The cost is no more than disposables, and your baby will typically toilet-train sooner! "

For more information:

Phone:

850-321-1906.

Mailing address:

4910 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
Email: wendi@doodlebugdiaper.com
Fax: 850-562-4317

New "Boutique" Kids Toy and Clothing Store to open in Tallahassee!

2008-07-11T11:46:34Z

My Kids a la Mode

Grand Opening!

All you Moms (and Dads) looking for healthy, green or high-quality kids toys and clothing lines, look no further!!

My Kids a la Mode is coming to town!

When

Saturday, August 9th from 10am to Noon!

Where:

1410 A-2 Market Street

Tallahassee, FL, 32312

What:

Green toy lines will come from "Plan Toys"

Clothing Lines will come from "Sage Creek"

There will also be a line of bath and toiletry products designed and made by a pediatrician mom, called "Baby Silk".

For more information:

Gaelle Glass

(850) 894-3400

(850) 459-3678

mykidsalamode@embarqmail.com

Green Drinks Tallahassee - the date has moved!

2008-07-11T11:00:25Z

For newbies and old-timers alike, Tallahassee Green Drinks has moved to the last Wednesday of the month (from the 3rd Wednesday). If you have not yet been to one, it is a great place for networking with other green-minded folks!

Every month there is a different speaker from one of many areas of sustainability. Usually, folks have time to get there, settle down, mingle, listen to a speaker for a short presentation, and then continue to enjoy the evening for an hour to three more..!

When:

The last Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm- ??

Formal introductions at 6:30pm

The next meeting will be July 30, 2008.

Where:

Where: WATERWORKS located at 1133 Thomasville Rd Tallahassee, FL. Venue is subject to change

Speaker: TBA

Come Have a Drink with us!

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Learn About Green Building Online!

2008-07-09T19:17:37Z

Just relaunched, GreenBuild365 is the USGBC's online portal to learning all about green building. Courses cover all aspects of LEED: schools, new construction, remodels, LEED for homes, etc...

Judging from the online poll that they are having, most folks are taking these online courses because they are studying for their LEED AP, while environmental interest is coming in second!?

(fig. 1. graph taken from the USGBC website: www.greenbuild365.org)

However, they have courses covering a wide range of green building issues. In total 81 course offerings covering topics such as architectural concrete, solar use, natural design, mold-remediation and many more...

I haven't signed on for any yet, but might come back later - I take my LEED AP exam monday, and already am a certifying agent for the LEED for homes standards. If you have any experience with these courses, please do leave a little message and let us know how they are..?

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Green Trends 2008

2008-07-06T20:48:35Z

Coming up in less than a month is the 2008 Green Trends Conference and Trade Show!

July 30th - August 2nd at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Florida

This year promises to be really exciting as we face the reality that green building may soon be the only building that gets done.

In addition to exciting building news, seminars, products and events, there will be a live music performance by the Charlie Daniels Band!

For more information, check out the Southeast Building Conference website.

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Tallahassee's most desirable neighborhoods

2008-07-06T14:31:53Z

Interestingly, in Tallahassee, were you to poll homelookers in the last few years on where they would most want to live, you would probably hear a long list of high-end neighborhoods on the far, far outskirts of town.

Not any more. As gas prices continue to increase, even the more affluent of us are getting hurt at the pump and starting to question our long commutes and arduous trips to the grocery stores. We are slowly, but surely, starting to see a revitalization and renewed interest in our more centrally-located nieghborhoods. Urban infill is becoming a part of our vocabulary. And, thanks to companies such as K2, New Urbanism is a term that many have now heard. (Check out K2's Evening Rose development!)

It's not just the cost of gas that is driving this change, but also the recognition that quality of life is, indeed, much higher in the downtown nieghborhoods where a short stroll to the park with the kids is within easy reach. Where restaurants can be walked to. Coffee shops abound. And if you have to drive, nothing is ever that far.

With projects, such as the Gaines Street Revitalization Project well underway, we are beginning to see Tallahassee's downtown and central neighborhoods get the attention, investment and activity that larger cities such as Atlanta, Seattle, Chicago and others have all had for quite some time.

If you are considering a new home (or an investment property) in Tallahassee, consider looking in a neighborhood that includes a lot of amenities. Consider looking for bike trails, parks, coffee shops, and other businesses and community services. The diversity of options for neighborhood styles, lot sizes, house design and age of construction may surprise even the most ardent suburban sprawl fan.

While interest is rapidly growing in these areas, prices have not yet caught up to reflect this growing value. Now is a great time to invest in downtown Tallahassee!

For a quick and dirty check of the local amenities in your neighborhood and to get a score on "how walkable" the neighborhood is, use this cool walkability assessment tool:

http://www.walkscore.com/

For help finding your perfect downtown home or investment property, call me today!

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Progress Energy's Green, Solar & Gas Rebates

2008-07-01T20:59:44Z

Due to numerous requests from folks for this information, I contacted Progress Energy to see if I could get a compiled overview of their rebates and green incentives. The following is their response:

Rebates and financial incentives covered are as follows:

1) Home Energy Check

2) Duct Check

3) Duct Repair

4) Insulation check

5) Heat Pump (HVAC) rebate program

6) Water Heater Check

7) Efficient Windows

8) Energy Wise (solar comes in here)

9) Seasonal Rate info

10) Surge Protection

<quote>

1) Home Energy Check

This is a comprehensive residential energy evaluation program. The program provides Progress Energy's residential customers with an analysis of energy consumption and recommendations on energy efficiency improvement. It acts as a motivational tool to identify, evaluate, and inform consumers on cost-effective energy saving measures. It serves as the foundation of the residential Home Energy Improvement Program and is a requirement for participation.

The Home Energy Check consists of four levels of energy audits:

Level 1: Mail-In Audit (Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Check)

Get energy-saving recommendations customized for your home when you participate in our free Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Check. After you complete and mail the survey, you will receive your energy report in the mail. It's based on your answers and includes an estimate of your home's electric billing history and the electric consumption of your appliances. It includes no- and low-cost energy-saving measures you can make to reduce your electric bill.

Level 2: Free Walk-Through Audit (Home Energy Check)

Our free energy inspection is conducted by a Progress Energy representative at your home. You receive energy-saving recommendations that include no-cost and low-cost practices and other cost-effective energy efficient measures.

Level 3: (Phone-Assisted Audit)

A Certified Residential Energy Auditor will contact you via telephone within 7 - 10 business days. The call will take approximately 15-20 minutes and you will be asked a series of energy related questions. Your personalized results will be mailed to you along with any Home Energy Improvements recommended.

Level 4: (Online Home Energy Check)

This Web-based energy check enables you to quickly answer common questions regarding your energy usage and provides a full range of personalized recommendations for managing your energy costs. You will receive specific recommendations for your household with detailed approaches for better managing your energy use and saving money. Your analysis will also include an automatic download of your actual electric bill history. Begin your Online Home Energy Check by visiting http://www.progress-energy.com/custservice/flares/energyhome/index.asp

<note> As with the City of Tallahassee's energy audits, the above options are a great place to start, but for a more comprehensive audit that will give you detailed information, you may want to consider paying for a nationally approved HERS rating: www.natresnet.org <end note>

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2) Duct Check

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

If recommended through a Progress Energy Home Energy Check. A Progress Energy technician or a qualified contractor will do the check in the home to identify any leaks in the ductwork. If leaks are found, you have the option to have them repaired and Progress Energy will pay a portion of the test and repair costs.

TO QUALIFY:
· Home must have centrally-ducted electric cooling and electric heat
· Must be an Progress Energy approved audit recommendation
· Work must be performed by a participating Progress Energy contractor

INCENTIVES:
(Duct Test)
· Total cost: $60 for first unit and $40 for each additional unit
· 50% of test cost up to $30 for the first unit tested
· 50% of test cost up to $20 for each additional unit at same address
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3) Duct Repair

· 25% of the repair cost up to maximum of $50 per unit for homes with non-ducted electric heat.
· 50% of the repair cost up to maximum of $100 per unit for homes with ducted electric heat.
· Supplemental Bonus - An additional $25 credit on the electric bill for installing high efficiency electric heat pump and either ceiling insulation or duct leakage repair; or additional $50 credit on the electric bill for high efficiency electric heat pump and ceiling insulation and duct leakage repair.

IN ADDITION:
· The Duct Test procedure is simple, safe and can be completed in just about an hour.
· Once the Duct Test is complete, you will receive a written report that includes helpful diagrams outlining problem areas, and an estimate of the repair costs.
· If you wish to have repairs done, the technician will also contact a participating Progress Energy approved contractor to perform the work.
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4) Insulation Check

Program Overview:

This program provides a complete money saving analysis of your attic insulation. As a homeowner, you know that the amount of insulation contained in the attic of your home can affect your monthly energy bill. Without the proper levels of insulation, heating and cooling costs literally go right through the roof. During the Insulation Check, your Progress Energy representative will evaluate your home's insulation levels to see if they meet energy efficiency standards. Following the check, you'll receive a written assessment of these insulation levels. You'll also receive an Insulation Upgrade Form and a list of pre-approved contractors from which you may obtain an estimate to install additional insulation, if needed.

We even help pay for the insulation. After a participating contractor has installed your new insulation and filled out the Insulation Upgrade Form, a portion of the cost of the installation will be deducted from your insulation bill. Progress Energy actually helps pay to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

TO QUALIFY:
· Eligible residences must have whole house electric air conditioning and/or whole house electric heating
· Must select a contractor from our participating contractor list
· Existing insulation must be less than R-12 to be eligible for Progress Energy incentive
· Area to be insulated must be greater than 500 square feet

INCENTIVES:
· If final insulation level is equal to or greater than R-19, PE incentive equals $75
· If final insulation level is equal to or greater than R-30, PE incentive equals $100
· Supplemental Bonus - An additional $25 credit on the electric bill for installing high efficiency electric heat pump and either ceiling insulation or duct leakage repair; or additional $50 credit on the electric bill for high efficiency electric heat pump and ceiling insulation and duct leakage repair
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5) Heat Pump (HVAC) Rebate Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Progress Energy customers replacing an electric strip heat or less efficient heat pump with a high efficiency heat pump are eligible to receive a credit on their electric bill depending on the efficiency level of the heat pump installed and the existing HVAC system replaced.

TO QUALIFY:
· Choose an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) dealer who participates in the Progress Energy Heat Pump Incentive Program
· Complete a Home Energy Check either before or after the installation. You must have had a Home Energy Check completed within the past two years or schedule a Home Energy Check within 30 days of the installation of the heat pump.
· Replace electric strip heat or less efficient heat pump. (Both air handler and condensing units must be replaced)

INCENTIVES:

If eligible, you will receive incentive amounts as follows:

Heat Pump replacing less efficient heat pump:

$100 for a 14 SEER or higher with 7.8 HSPF
$150 for a 15 SEER or higher with 8.0 HSPF

Heat Pump replacing straight resistance heat (strip heat):

$250 for a 14 SEER or higher with 7.8 HSPF
$350 for a 15 SEER or higher with 8.0 HSPF

The rebate is credited to your electric bill within 60 days of installation completion date. (Depending on when paperwork is received from contractor, date of billing cycle and audit completion)

A/C contractors within Progress Energy's service territory are familiar with the program and should be able to answer any questions that you have regarding the program or eligibility.
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6) Water Heater Check

Progress Energy customers installing a heat recovery unit or heat pump water heater are eligible for an incentive paid as a credit on their electric bill after a Home Energy Check is performed.

TO QUALIFY:
· Choose an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) dealer who participates in the Florida Power High Efficiency Water Heating Program
· Heat recovery unit must be installed on an electric water heater
· Contact Progress Energy for a free Home Energy Check either before or after the installation. Be sure you mention participation in this service.

INCENTIVES:
· $100 rebate for heat recovery unit
· $200 rebate for heat pump water heaters (Can be used to heat pool)
· Rebate is generally credited to the your electric bill within 60 days of installation (Depending on when paperwork is received from contractor, date of billing cycle and audit completion)
· Rebate is not payable on more than one heat recovery unit per account
· Heat Recovery unit must be ARDM certified and have a circulating pump
· Installation must be on an electric water heater and meet manufacturer's specifications

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7) Efficient Windows

Reduce the amount of the sun’s heat that enters your home, increase your comfort, and lower your energy costs by installing energy-efficient windows, window film or screen on your home.

Solar window screens - do a much better job of minimizing solar gain and keeping bugs out than traditional screens

Window film - reduces glare, provides daytime privacy and lowers indoor temperatures without air conditioning.

Replacement windows:

a) Eliminate hot spots in rooms
b) Protect carpets, upholstery, wood, papers and artwork from fading and UV rays
c) High-efficiency double-paned windows can also reduce sound
d)You may even be able to reduce the size and cost of a new HVAC system, thanks to the increased efficiency of your windows
e) When you install a new heating and air system, it’s strongly recommended to upgrade your windows at the same time and maximize your energy-efficiency advantages

How Do I Qualify?

1) Complete a Home Energy Check
2) Installation according to Progress Energy standards by a contractor meeting all Progress Energy requirements
3) Window film or Screening:
The residence must have whole-house electric air conditioning to be eligible
Product must have a shading coefficient of less than or equal to 0.45 or a solar heat gain coefficient of equal to or less than 0.40
Window film or screen must be installed on all windows facing east, west and south. (This does not include decorative glass that covers less than 15 percent of the total glass area.)
4) Replacement Windows:
The residence must have whole-house electric heating and air conditioning to be eligible.
Windows must have a solar heat gain coefficient of equal to or less than 0.50 and a U-value of equal to or less than 0.75 as shown on the window NFRC label
All windows must be replaced (This does not include decorative glass that covers less than 15 percent of the total glass area.)
5) Other restrictions may apply
Please note that customers may want to check with their homeowner’s association before making exterior improvements to the home

What Incentives Are Available? (For installation of Progress Energy approved products.)

You may qualify for only one of these incentives; window film, window screen or replacements windows)

1) High-performance replacement windows - $1 per square foot of window area, up to $250.
2) Window film or screen - 50 percent of the cost, up to $100.

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8) Energy Wise

Our Energy Wise program is a voluntary energy conservation program that allows Progress Energy to temporarily interrupt the electricity to the water heater (up to 5 continuous hours) and/or central heating and air (as long as 16.5 minutes out of every 30 minutes) during peak periods (generally considered to be the hours of 6:00 am - 10:00 am and 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm). Progress Energy may also control for longer periods of time and/or outside the given times during critical capacity emergencies on Progress Energy's system. In return, we provide a monthly credit on the customer's bill. The maximum credit is given provided the customer uses at least 1,470 kWh of power in a billing period. A pro-rated credit will show on the customer's bill during these months when at least 600 kilowatts of power is used. Below are three convenient program options.

1) NEW! Year-round: Earn credits all year long by enrolling your central electric heating and AC in the year-round EnergyWise program. For maximum monthly credits - up to $14 in winter and up to $11 in summer - include your electric water heater and pool pump.

2) Winter-only: Earn credits of up to $11.50 November-March1 by enrolling your central electric heating system and electric water heater in the program.

3) Add solar for ultimate savings: Interested in really going green - and saving green? Earn an upfront credit of $450, plus up to $60 a year in EnergyWise savings by enrolling in EnergyWise and installing a solar water heater. You may also be eligible for state and federal incentives of up to $2,500. What's more, solar water heating systems can cut your water heating costs by 85 percent.

If you are interested in participating in EnergyWise please call 1-888-302-8348 to schedule an appointment for installation at your home.

Already a participant? Upgrade to boost your savings: If you are already enrolled in the program (you may have signed up when the program was called Energy Management), you may be eligible to increase your savings by transferring to the new year-round program or adding additional qualified systems to the program. Call 888-302-8348 for details.

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9) Seasonal Rate Information

The seasonal rate is designed to assist customers who are away at least three months during the months of March through October. Rather than disconnect service, you may stay connected for a monthly customer charge of $4.20 plus tax. This is $3.83 off of the regular $8.03 monthly customer charge. Leaving the service active also allows you to avoid a $28 reconnection charge. In addition, it allows you to use a small amount of power to keep security lights on while you are away. This is a savings on the customer charge only. You will still pay the same Energy and Fuel rates for any electricity used.

TO QUALIFY:
· The rate is available throughout the entire service territory served by the company.
· The rate is available only to current and future customers receiving residential service under the residential (RS-1) or residential Load Management Rate (RSL-1). This may include boat slips, rental properties, and RV parks where the account is in the park's name.
· For you to be eligible for the seasonal rate, you must be absent from your residence for at least three months during the period from March through October.
· The maximum allowable consumption for a seasonal billing period is 210 kWhs. However, if the seasonal billing period exceeds 30 days, the maximum allowable consumption is increased by seven (7) kWh per day.
· The seasonal customer charge of $4.20 only applies during the billing months between March and October. During the non-seasonal months of November through February, the customer charge reverts back to $8.03. If electric consumption exceeds 210 kWh during the seasonal billing months (March -October) the $8.03 customer charge will apply.
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10) Surge Protection

Plug-in Suppressor Model/Pricing Information:

Meter Treater
This device by itself will offer excellent protection to electro-mechanical (motor) equipment such as: washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens (not microwave) and air conditioners. It also offers a degree of protection to all the electrical equipment, but where sensitive electronics are involved, a second stage of protection, the plug-in suppressor is necessary. The meter-based suppressor does not offer total whole house protection.
$5.95 plus tax (Monthly Rental)
$44.95 plus tax (One-time Installation/Ground Inspection)

EDCO TS1200
This is a standard suppressor that does not have any cable or phone line protection. Its primary use would be for stereos, microwave ovens, and garage door openers.
$49 plus tax

EDCO TS1200V / EDCO TS1200T
This is a two outlet plug-in suppressor that comes with either phone line (TS1200T) protection or cable protection (TS1200V). The main application for these suppressors is computers, TV's, VCR's, answering machines, and fax machines.
$69 plus tax

Brooks KSSP-8 COAX / Brooks KSSP-8 FAX
This is an (8) outlet strip suppressor that has an on/off switch and a resettable circuit breaker. It is available with either phone line or cable TV line protection. This high quality suppressor's main application will be for entertainment centers and for those customer with computer related equipment who need a strip suppressor.
$85 plus tax

Panamax SDP0410 Dish
This is a (4) outlet strip suppressor for small 18" satellite dishes. This suppressor will accommodate (3) sets of cable lines and a phone line. It also has 4 electric outlets. This suppressor is not for large satellite dish systems.
$98 plus tax

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<end quote>

While there are quite a few rebates available here, the scope and size of them are somewhat lacking in comparison to what we have in Tallahassee. However, don't let this be a deterrent to building green or improving the enrgy-efficiency of your home. The payoffs simply from doing this are great!

As always, please call me if I can help with any of your certification, consulting or real estate needs!

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Thomasville's organic market

2008-07-01T16:36:59Z

Thomasville, GA is a beautiful town and a lovely place to visit with the family for short shopping trips, or fine dining.

Not only is it full of one-of-a-kind boutique shops, restaurants, and old-south charm, but Thomasville also is host to many fine markets, fairs, and events.

Thursdays from 11am-2pm, Thomasville is host to the downtown organic market featuring fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, baked goods, coffees and more!

Location:

In the breezeway at Jackson & Crawford Sts (beside Thomasville Visitor's Center).

According to their website, the market will open on the following dates:

July 3, 2008
11:00 am	to	2:00 pm
July 10, 2008
11:00 am	to	2:00 pm
July 17, 2008
11:00 am	to	2:00 pm
July 31, 2008
11:00 am	to	2:00 pm

For more information go to their website: Downtown Market

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

HIV/AIDS still exist ...What!?

2008-07-01T13:43:01Z

I just read an article in the Tallahassee Democrat (it’s a few days old now, but when you’re a REALTOR these days, reading news is somewhat of a catch-up game) entitled “Because AIDS isn’t over”. …WHAT, It’s not!?

It seems to me that I haven’t heard anything about AIDS/HIV for quite some time. Last time I can remember giving it much thought was… wow, now I feel old!

These days, I’m married, two kids, a mortgage, and an alarmingly spreading waist. My thoughts are too often taken up with the hum-drum of early-parental life: “do we have enough diapers?”, “Will we make next months mortgage and still be able to cover the growing costs of two small children?” “What’s for dinner, and WHO is going to cook it!?”

So it was with an uneasy jolt to my world-view and my general sense of well-being that I allowed myself to remember Barbara …I was 12 years old and an ocean apart when I learned of my cousin’s untimely death. Barbara was quite a few years older than me, street-smart, hip and my idol in every way. When I was 7 she took me to a music store in London, and offered to buy me my first record. Anything I wanted. I chose “pass the dutchie”, by the musical youth. I remember fondly her smiling and cracking jokes with my dad (she was closer in age to him than me) on summer weekends as we strolled along the Thames River, stopping for a quick pint and a bag of crisps (The pints for them, shandy for me) at one of my dad’s favorite pubs.

Barbara was, in all accounts, what most would consider beautiful. She was strong-minded and intelligent. A leader not a follower. A giver not a taker. Always smiling, always fun. She was into the punk scene back in the 80’s in London… Something my conservative, Polish-immigrant, catholic family frowned upon in public, and cried about behind closed doors.

I was at that age that AIDS, to my friends and I, was still considered synonymous with the “lurgy” (in the US this approximates Kudies). Something to tease people about. Not a cold, cruel killer that could actually take a person away. This was the first death in my family. My great grandma – who lived across the street from Barbara - still would walk a few miles to church every morning. She was in her mid-late 90’s when she finally left us.

I remember that day that something changed within. I remember feeling older. Sadder. Different.

It’s been a while since I last thought of Barbara. But as I read the article, and as I write this, the loss and emotions that I felt when I heard the news are still here… different, much quieter, but not gone.

So it is with a little shame that I write this story. I’m admitting that I have shared in our silent cultural consensus that “AIDS is so over”. If you, like me, missed not only paying attention to a continuing national and global pandemic, but also missed the fabulous sounding, Big Bend Cares Artopia: Hats and Tails event this last week, please consider donating to Big Bend cares, our local education and care services provider for those affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. www.bigbendcares.org.

City of Tallahassee Green Initiatives, Rebates and Incentive Programs

2008-06-29T20:41:28Z

Here in Tallahassee we are lucky to have one the most generous city rebate & incentive programs for building or remodeling green. e.g. if you are building an energy-efficient home and you are interested in getting it ENERGY STAR certified, the city of Tallahassee will pay you up to $1/square foot of conditioned space, up to $2,000 dollars!

This not only covers the cost of the certification, but will put money in your pocket!

For more information on these and other rebates & home-improvement grants in Tallahassee, go here, or check out the website for Tallahassee's "Go Green" Program. Included are links to green building information, green power options, and the available gas rebates that the city provides if you are going to switch to natural gas.

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

On another note...

2008-06-29T08:57:57Z

You do have at least 3 minutes...

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

THE greenest home in the South! ...by far!

2008-06-28T23:41:12Z

For more photos on this listing, check out this site: Discover House

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Free Home Energy Audit

2008-06-24T21:01:45Z

With all of the different options out there for going green and all of the ideas about where it is most cost-effective to invest in improvements, what and who are we supposed to buy or believe!?

While nothing is going to be as comprehensive and beneficial to you as a full on class 1 Home Energy Rating (HERS), here's a simple and free online energy audit that might help point you in the right direction:

Free Home Energy Audit

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Tallahassee's Green Realtor®

2008-06-24T19:41:07Z

Thinking about buying or selling a home..? Working with an EcoBroker^®is about much more than just green. As a REALTOR^®, with the additional designation of an EcoBroker^®, I bring value-added knowledge to the sale or purchase of any home.

Use my services in the purchase or sale of your home.

Call me today to set up an appointment: (850) 559-4976

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Green Drinks - June

2008-06-22T09:11:00Z

IT"S THAT TIME AGAIN!

Green drinks! This Wednesday at 5:30pm. To be held at the usual location: Waterworks bar, 1133 Thomasville Rd.

Everyone welcome! For those who have not yet been to one, it is a stimulating mix of folks from all walks of life - the common thread being that (in one way or another) we are all interested in creating a greener future for our community. Come network. Come chat. Come find out what green events, initiatives or businesses are growing right here in Tallahassee!

This weeks speaker is going to be Sustainable Tallahassee!

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Rainwater Collection, Rain Gardens and Green Roofs...

2008-06-16T14:52:45Z

For many of us, rain gardens, green roofs, and rainwater collection systems are awfully fun to think about, stand out as being exceptionally green, and yet we've never really seen any of them in action..!?

As popular of an idea as rainwater collection is, very few people are actually installing or using these systems. Why not?

Who knows..!?

Maybe because we don't know enough about them... Maybe because we don't see a direct benefit in terms of dollar savings...

Most of us would probably put changing lightbulbs, changing out windows, adding insulation as priorities well above using a rainwater collection system... I wonder how that might change if we continue to experience water shortages, such as that in Atlanta, GA over this last year?

Here in Tallahassee, we are lucky to have North Florida's first commercial company that provides services in rainwater harvesting and landscaping: Sustainable Irrigation and Landscaping, is a family-owned and operated business with a lot of experience.

Get in on the cutting edge of green, impress your friends and neighbors, and give them a call!

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Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

The logic behind energy-efficient improvements...

2008-06-16T14:22:03Z

Thinking about upgrading your old (or new) home..?

Wondering what the difference is in cost between your current home payments and your future costs if you invest in Energy-Star appliances, upgraded insulation, windows, etc..?

Here's the plain and simple logic:

Home costs = mortgage + utilities

(sure there are other payments in there, but let's keep this simple)

If your utility bills are high, but you bought a cheap house, you might be paying close to the cost of owning an expensive home with low-to-no utility costs!

Let's look at the chart:

On the X-axis we have increasing home performance - from code compliance to best possible home.

On the Y-axis, we have increasing costs.

Remember... home costs = mortgage + utilities

The red line is Energy cost ...as we expect, it goes down as technology improves along the X-axis (utilities)

PLUS

The thin blue line is your mortgage cost ...also as to be expected, it increases with improved technology (mortgage)

EQUALS

The thick blue line is the your home cost... it is the sum of the mortgage plus the utility lines!

(home costs)

What we clearly see, is that, given values for the points along this line, we can calculate a point of minimum cost.

What is really cool, is that if we look at the red arrow indicating the cost of the code-compliant home, and we travel along the thick blue line (total home cost line), we can go WAY PAST the minimum cost point and quite some distance along the line of increasing performance before we are at a cost that meets or exceeds your home payments for an unimproved home!!!

Conclusion:

It's not just green to improve the energy-efficiency of your home, but it saves green to do so, even if you put quite a bit in!!!

This is not even taking into consideration Return On Investment (ROI). I'll leave this for a later post, but there are quite good numbers out there now showing that green homes sell quicker and for a higher price-point than equivalent standard homes.

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Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Have a home you can't rent or sell? ...why not donate it!?!

2008-06-15T10:48:47Z

If you have not yet heard of Rainbow Rehab (RR), check them out: http://www.rainbowrehab.org/

Rainbow Rehab is in the business of taking old, dilapidated homes in not-the-best neighborhoods ...and transforming them into solid, attractive homes. In the process helping to improve the neighborhood and the community at large.

Rehabbed home get sold to qualified, low-income families at affordable prices. If you have a home that is simply not selling, not renting, and becoming a headache that you would like to get rid of. Please consider donating the home to RR. Because RR is an IRS recognized non-profit, donations may well be tax deductible.

For more information, contact:

Rainbow Rehab, Inc.
2198 N. Meridian Rd,
Tallahassee FL 32303

850-385-0494

President:
president@rainbowrehab.org

Volunteer Coordinator
Scheduler@rainbowrehab.org

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Habitat for Humanity Builds LEED® certified homes

2008-06-15T10:08:38Z

Habitat for Humanity, in Tallahassee, FL, is currently in the process of obtaining LEED® certification for a home they are building. The home is sponsored by the Brinkmeyer Family and the Episcopalian and Methodist Communities.

This is the first LEED® certified (or any green certified) building to be built by Big Bend Habitat for Humanity. With a focus on energy-efficiency, indoor air quality, and environmental impact, this is going to be a great example of how green can be accessible for low-income housing. Let's hope we see many more of these to come!

For more info on this, or any other Habitat project in our area, or to get involved and volunteer your time, resources, or money, contact habitat for humanity at: Karennixon@bigbendhabitat.org

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

FGBC/TBA Green Council meeting was a big success!

2008-06-12T16:12:40Z

The Tallahassee Green Building Council (GBC) meeting that I wrote about a few days ago was a great success!

The place was packed with builders, realtors, home inspectors, and other professionals coming to learn more about the Florida Green Building Coalition Green Home Standards certification. Many had already had a little experience and were there for networking purposes. Others were new, or relatively new, to green building and were coming to learn about associated costs, obstacles, and what types of market advantage green homes might have.

Suzanne Cook, of the Florida Green Building Coalition, gave a great presentation and overview of the whole certification process and fielded questions from the audience.

This particular GBC meeting/event was graciously hosted by Mike Rogers, out at his green development: Southern Oaks.

If you are reading this post, and are a builder, homeowner, homebuyer, or anyone interested in green in the Big Bend area - whether to buy, sell, build, or simply improve your own home, please do not hesitate to contact me for more information on going green.

I am a licensed green home certifying agent with the LEED for homes standards and the Florida Green Building Coalition standards - starting next month I will also be able to assist with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) guidelines, and will be a class 1 HERS rater (energy rater), and (fingers crossed) will finish my LEED, AP (in case you have any commercial projects and need assistance. And of course, I am a licensed REALTOR and certified EcoBroker!

I would also recommend checking out the following group: www.EarthSTEPS.org EarthSTEPS is an Enviro-Consulting group that can help with residential and commercial projects, land issues, and much, much more.

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Guilt Free Disposables... Why use anything else!?!

2008-06-10T17:07:11Z

For those of you who have read the lazy environmentalist - or at least heard of him - this local company provides a product that epitomizes that approach... one, which I have to admit, I vastly prefer over the old image of green involving extra work, time, thought, and cost.

Located in Tallahassee, FL, Bioplastic Supply (BPS) provides all sorts of high-quality, biodegradable alternatives to traditional disposable plates, cups, containers, bags, and cutlery.

Now, when you want to have that wedding and cater to a couple hundred friends and family AND get started on the right foot by going green, you can. Guilt free!

Bioplastics sold here are made out of Potato, Corn, SugarCane, and other plant products. All Bioplastic products are 100% compostable, and will biodegrade if thrown in a landfill.

To check out a display of BPS' products, stop on by the Green Living Center 1020 N. Monroe St. Or check out their website at http://www.bioplasticsupply.org/

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Downtown recycling pilot

2008-06-10T15:55:42Z

In a collaborative effort, the city of Tallahassee, is now offering a new recycling program for downtown businesses - I've heard through the grapevine, but not yet confirmed that this offer can include businesses located outside of the target zone also! So definitely call if you are interested!!

The downtown area, defined for this program includes all businesses located within the confines of Gaines, Tennessee, Gadsden and Bronough.

Businesses wanting recycling services may register and receive a 96-gallon recycling bin for weekly pickup. Recyclable materials included in this program are as follows:

Paper and cardboard only - excluding paper with greasy or wet food like pizza boxes or drink cartons.

Plastic bottles or aluminum cans will be possible for certain downtown locations. Call for info: 850-891-4YOU

For more info, or to sign up, please click here.

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.

Community Gardens in Tallahassee

2008-06-09T23:25:02Z

I recently became aware of the Damayan Garden Project (DGP). This is a great group of individuals - primarily commited volunteers - that work in Tallahassee to create a more liveable community.

The DGP focuses on three core area: Edible Schoolyards, Family Gardens for low-income families, and Community Gardens. If you want more information, or are interested in getting involved, go to their website at: http://www.damayan.org/ or on their myspace site: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=188659403

Alex Mordas, M.Sc.
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
LEED for homes, Field Agent
Green Home Certifying Agent, FGBC
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

Referrals are an important part of my business. If you or someone you know is in need of real estate services, please give me a call. Thank you.