energy: How Green is the Future? Part 2
- 03/10/08 10:14 AM
This is a follow up on a post I wrote about
How Green is the Future?
In the February / March issue of Smart Energy Living - Energy Solutions for Colorado Home Owners, there is an article "Students Scrutinize Family Energy Use." In this short article Pam Packer writes about teacher April Lanotte of Simla High School. This teacher challenger her students to participate in the Smart Energy Livings Home Energy Investigation Contest. The students learn what happens when they use energy from flipping on a light switch to how to read the electric bill. What a practical application for kids saving … (4 comments)
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energy: Are you catching the green wave?
- 03/21/07 03:35 PM
The radio program Living on Earth reported a recent poll that said Americans are as or more concerned with the environment as they are with terrorism. It seems everywhere we turn we are reminded that the world is focused on green. Go to the movies, drive past the car lot, pick up a newspaper, listen to the radio, the environment is the topic of attention. Our collective conscience is growing strong roots.
The real question is - what is going to get you to turn green? Will it be concern for the future? Is it the fear of opening the power bill? … (7 comments)
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energy: A bright idea
- 03/10/07 01:42 PM
The program Living on Earth on National Public Radio did a segment on Compact Florescent Light bulbs. The Environmental Protect Agency has been telling us that if every house in America replaces just one bulb in our homes we could save the planet from tons and tons of CO2 pollution, the equivalent of taking thousands of cars of the roads. This is a good idea isn't?
A Bright Idea? from N.P.R.
Compact florescent bulbs contain tiny amounts of mercury, and when they end up in a landfill, the environment could be in trouble.
One of the things we need to … (2 comments)
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energy: Stuff
- 03/03/07 03:01 AM
Do you remember the last time you moved? You got rid of all the clutter and stuff you didn't want instead of packing it up and taking it to the next house. The spouse and the kids had to get rid of their stuff too. There were piles of old clothes, pens caps, bicycle parts, jars full of salvaged screws and pennies, boxes that stuff came in, saucers to cups you didn't have any more. I bet you felt good getting rid of all of that stuff by giving it to charity nor having the yard sale to beat all yard … (11 comments)
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energy: 5 reasons NOT to build green
- 03/01/07 01:51 PM
Top Five Bogus Reasons Not to Build Green
From http://www.builtgreen.com/ There are more than 100 Colorado Builders involved with Build Green program. From the high end custom builders to the large quality builder, there is something for everybody.
"IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO BUILD GREEN"If the design and construction of the house are thought out in advance any additional cost shouldn't be a deal breaker. The added value with a ‘green mortgage' add to the quality of life, quality of the house, the power bills and may help with the resale of the house. The EPA estimates that for every dollar spend … (8 comments)
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energy: Improve your Green Vocabulary
- 02/28/07 02:29 PM
Green Terms
Photovoltaic, or PV -Solar cells produce direct current electricity from the sun's rays, which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery. Think about your pocket calculators
Array - collection of Photovoltaic modules
Geothermal -Heat from the Earth
ICF -Insulated concrete forms
Energy Star-Pollution prevention partnerships that encourage the use of energy-efficient equipment to drastically reduce air pollution.
Renewable energy -Energy that can not be depleted.
HERS -Is the Home Energy Rating System or sometimes Score
Clerestory -An Architectural term originally from Egypt. Usually small windows very high in a building.
Radon - cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of … (1 comments)
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energy: Colorados Clean Energy?
- 02/19/07 01:54 PM
New Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is promoting E85 in Colorado by having more gas stations distributing the fuel. For anybody who does know what E85 is, it is a combination fuel for equipped cars that is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This product is a nice next step in not relying on foreign oil and reducing pollution, but I don't think it's the final step. E85 is made up in most part by ethanol. The corn that goes into producing the ethanol needs large qualities of water and fertilizer. While the promotion of corn is good for the farmer it is … (3 comments)
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energy: Passive or Active?
- 02/19/07 01:04 PM
Quite often I have conversations with people who know so much more about solar energy than I do. In fact some of these people are experts. I am not an expert, but I can carry on a conversation.
What's the difference between passive and active solar? The answer is easy - sound like an expert when you have a conversation.
Passive solar has no moving parts. The design of the building is what makes it a passive solar design. This picture is an example of passive solar design.
Active Solar has moving parts.Things that makes a building active: Photo voltaic (PV's) … (9 comments)
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energy: Colorado and Thermal mass
- 02/19/07 12:47 PM
Colorado and anywhere else on or near the 38 parallel is ideally suited for passive solar houses. Southern Colorado has 300 or more days of sunshine. Cloudy climates don't work as well.
About thermal mass:
Thermal mass materials have the ability to conduct and store energy, both heat and cold, and to release that energy back into the living space when it's needed.
Heat always moves to colder surfaces. In the solar home, the free solar energy first heats up the air. Since the mass floors and walls are cooler, the heat is absorbed and conducted into these materials. Later, when the sun … (2 comments)
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energy: Is the sky falling or not?
- 02/11/07 03:51 AM
Recently I received a rejection letter from a local newspaper editor. In the letter he not only rejected my newest submission but made some interesting points on why he was rejecting it. My articles are normally environmentally oriented. Usually I offer suggestions on improving the comfort of your home, energy savings or my opinion on the environment and the status of the planet.
Am I buying into media hype? And am I running around yelling the sky is falling without proof? Maybe, Mr. Newspaper Editor, maybe. What do I really know for fact? Am I promoting the latest propaganda?
… (5 comments)
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energy: More Free Information
- 02/08/07 02:57 PM
For those of you interested in saving a few dollars on your energy bills, and who isn't? Another free information source; Smart Energy Living Magazine. http://smartenergyliving.org/cm/Resources/Magazine.html
Stop wasting energy, stop wasting money and improve the quality of your life. Besides a little knowledge never hurt anybody.
For other freebies I've written about:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/33678/A-little-FREE-knowledge Eco Structure Magazine
http://activerain.com/blogsview/36753/More-Free-Knowledge Common Grounds
… (5 comments)
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energy: The Sum of my Experience
- 02/06/07 02:30 PM
My passion for real estate brought me to where I am today. I love this business and most everything involved with it. Remember when someone told you to find your passion and then find a way to get paid for it? Well, I know I have found my niche in life. Not only is real estate my job but it is also my passion. It constantly challenges me. I love talking to new people, overcoming problems, tracking thru properties and having fun doing what I was meant to do. I believe that I am a balance of all my experiences, good … (1 comments)
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energy: The Answer is in the Energy Stars
- 02/06/07 01:47 PM
Most everyone has seen the Energy Star symbol by now. But did you know that you can buy a variety of products endorsed by the Energy Star program? Keep this list handy and use it the next time you use your purchasing dollars. Improve the quality of your home, and improve the quality of your life. In the long run purchasing products with the Energy Star will improve your wallet.
Resource: www.energystar.gov
Appliances
Battery Chargers Clothes Washers Dehumidifiers Dishwashers Refrigerators & Freezers Room AC Room Air Cleaners Water Coolers Heating & Cooling Air-source Heat Pumps Boilers Central AC Ceiling Fans … (6 comments)
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energy: The Hot Topic of 2007
- 02/03/07 02:05 PM
The hot topic for 2007 seems to be global warming. Although it's not a new subject it is one that is finally gaining speed. Al Gore's movie An inconvenient Truth has been nominated for numerous awards including the Nobel Peace Prize. Hybrid cars are becoming a familiar site and more available to the consumer. And who doesn't worry about the polar bears every time they are mentioned on the evening news.
Things the average person can do to slow global warming:
Replace your light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY … (6 comments)
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energy: Should you pay a premium for HERS?
- 01/21/07 08:06 AM
The Home Energy Rating System is an Environmental Protect Agency program. Houses are rated on the following features:
1. Effective Insulation
Properly installed, climate-appropriate insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, less energy consumption, and increased comfort.
2.High-Performance Windows
Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Lea
3. Tight Construction and Ducts
Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and … (10 comments)
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energy: A little FREE knowledge.........
- 01/10/07 09:31 AM
For professionals in the real estate industry there is a wonderful FREE product out there. Eco-Structure Magazine not only educates those interested in the newest technologies in the industry they also encourage article submissions. If you are interested in such things or believe that the eco movement is just a fad, polish your casual conversations on such matters by reading this magazine. A little knowledge never hurt anybody!
… (6 comments)
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energy: What's in it for me?
- 01/09/07 03:49 AM
For those of you who are still thinking ‘Green' is a fad and will be gone soon here is a primer on what green can do for both you and your customers. Special thanks to janeAnne Narrin from ECO Steward Realty in Asheville N.C. for her continued support and her part of this list.
Benefits of being & selling GREEN!
Improved comfort-an energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuationsHomes can be designed to continue functioning even during blackouts Security-a home that produces energy protects its owner from fluctuations in energy prices Environmental sustainability-Saves energy and reduces pollution. Save Money and Add Value to … (1 comments)
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energy: Building America
- 01/05/07 07:38 AM
Built Green type programs are becoming more the standard than the exception. Building America is part of the U.S. Department of Energy program. Next time you have the opportunity to be apart a Habitat for Humanity Home look at the standards in building they are using. I think you will be impressed.
For those who are interested:
The long-term goal of the Building America program is to develop cost-effective systems for homes that can produce as much energy as they use-a zero energy home.
Building America Homes have a Number of Advantages Improved comfort-an energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuations Reliability-BA homes … (4 comments)
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energy: Ideal Bite
- 01/05/07 06:59 AM
For those of you interested in living life in a more informed way I've found a great web site. The Ideal Bite has suggestions of living life in a better, healthier more energy efficient way. From "The Ideal Bite" some great ideas.
Are you all about the '10 items or fewer' line?
The BiteIt's overrated. It might save a couple minutes, but if you fill up your cart and later, your fridge, you'll make fewer overall trips to the store, and save energy, cash and (dare we say?) even time in the process.
The Benefits
Pollute less. 1/2 of the pollution associated with … (3 comments)
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energy: SUV verses ICF
- 01/02/07 10:42 AM
In these times when gas prices seem to be bouncing around like the proverbial jumping bean, I think we tend to worry more about the price to operate our cars than we do about heating our houses. But in case it got past you, the gas, propane and electric bills are going up too! Ok, in Colorado most of us don't use oil to heat our houses like they do on the east coast. But is it time to turn in your SUV for an ICF?
Insulated Concrete Form or ICF houses are becoming more and more popular. And maybe … (7 comments)
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This is a follow up on a post I wrote about 
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