Denver Green Homes

NAHB Lobbying to Keep Feds Out of the State Building Code Process; Energy Efficiency Should be Market Driven

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:53:24 -0500

Today Realty Timesran a story about how the NAHB is trying to keep Congress from federalizing the state building codes and to keep it market driven. I couldn't agree more!

Frank Thompson, a Pennsylvania home builder, "urged lawmakers to remove a provision in energy bill H.R. 3221 that would create a new code-writing role for the Department Of Energy for states that fail to achieve significant above-code benchmarks."

Competition and public demand are the answers, not more big government.

National Radon Action Month

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:17:20 -0500

An Environmental Protection Specialist and I will be coordinating an event for National Radon Action Month in January. I'd like to have an event at a local public facility and have local radon testers and mitigators in attendance to answer questions or concerns that visitors may have about this silent killer. I would like to distribute a DVD explaining what radon is, how to test levels in the home and how to mitigate it. I would also like to have tests and/or coupons to purchase the test available for distribution. I thought that we could have fun things for kids such as face painting, coloring books/contests and so on.

I'd like to know if anyone of you have coordinated or sponsored similar events or plan anything like this in your area for next January. If so, would you please share your experience with me? I am open to suggestions.

Thanks!

The Push Button House

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:49:22 -0500

You will never believe what I just found on Grist.org. An American artist-architect by the name of Adam Kalkin built the 6-room apartment from recyclable industrial materials and a shipping container!

Hydraulic cylinders controlled by a computer inside the kitchen island power this house. It takes about 90 seconds for the house to pop open into a six-room apartment with a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, bedroom, living room and even a library.

See for yourself at http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=popuphouse23&date=20070623&query=push+button+house

It's incredible!

Denver Arts Week October 5-12, 2007

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:47:41 -0500

Denver Arts Week October 5-12, 2007 (http://www.denverartsweek.com/green.htm)

Denver artists have long been inspired by the stunning setting that makes our city so special. Ongoing efforts to protect this natural environment include programs such as the city's Greenprint Denver, and special educational programming from Denver Arts Week participants with "Green" themes, including these:

Date	Green Events
Oct. 5-12	Bugs, Bugs, Bugs \| The Children's Museum of Denver Join the Children's Museum of Denver all week long in learning all about the essential role bugs play in keeping our earth green and healthy. On Wednesday at 1:30 and Saturday at 3:00 join us for the super special "Dirty Decomposers" to honor Denver Arts Week. Come see some real decomposers, create your very own wacky, wormy art and even get a magnifying glass to take home and use in your own backyard!!
Oct. 5-12	Super First Friday Arts Walks \| ArtDistrict on Sante Fe First Friday continues all weekend with wine & beer gardens, live music, street performers, drum circles, fire dancers and spoken word artists. On Saturday: Plein Aire painting event and the unveiling of the World's largest vinyl print. On Sunday: join a bike-a-thon down Speer Blvd. to Cherry Creek. Monday - Thursday evenings: free outdoor films and picnics at 9th and Kalamath. Friday Oct. 12: the ArtDistrict Art Awards.
Oct. 6	Ride the RiNo \| RiNo River North Art District Join us for our next Open Studio Tour: Ride the RiNo. We are promoting the use of alternative forms of transportation to travel around our district. Ride your Bike, Scooter or Carpool. Peddy cabs will also be available. Check back for bike maps & more details on this family friendly event!
Oct. 6	Saturday-at-the-Movies \| Denver Film Society Free screening of a family film at the Starz Film Center, bring your own eco-responsible popcorn bowl (ceramic, glass, etc.) and the popcorn is on us.
Oct. 6-7	Going Green \| The Wildlife Experience The Wildlife Experience will host a two-day event that includes environmental presentations as well as host several vendors that cover "green" topics, and offer educational crafts that represent the "green" theme.
Oct. 7	Great to Be Green \| Denver Zoo Enjoy a fun family day at the Zoo with special activities and programs on October 7th emphasizing wildlife conservation & environment.
TBD	Grand Opening - Website Launch \| Vintage Renewal Vintagerenewal.com is an online upholstery-art boutique specializing in blending classic & modern objects. The upholstery is commonly covered in vintage fabrics and re-purposed fabrics such as former drapery & funky bedcovers. This is a self-inspired idea of green upholstery design. Each of the pieces are a unique expression of what is interesting enough to re-purpose.

http://www.denverartsweek.com/green.htm

I, personally, am happy to see our local art festival incorporating a few "green-themed" events! Education is the key and this is one way to get the whole family involved and have fun at the same time.

15 Green Business Founders

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:09:35 -0500

Grist.org published a list of 15 Green Business Founders. Some you will know, others you may not but interesting all the same. Personally I love the Pizza Fusion business idea. I can't wait for a franchise to open in my area!

I try to do what I can to promote and support these businesses and applaud them for doing the right thing. I have a list of green restaurants and hotels on my website as well as information on eco-travel.

http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2007/09/18/bizfounders/?source=biz

Sellers Need to Be Creative in the Market

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:07:24 -0500

In today's market, owners must have their eyes open and be creative when it comes to selling their property. Foreclosures has the current inventory bulging at the seams like a it just ate a 10 course Thanksgiving meal. If existing home Sellers are not paying attention to current trends, they could end up paying the price.

In a September 17, 2007 article in RealtyTimes, Sellers are advised that pricing right from the beginning is "more crucial than ever and there is no room or time for error".

Chasing the market by repeatedly lowering the price may not be enough to induce Buyers to take action because that behavior may not be able to keep pace with the rate in which prices are falling.

Even if your price is competitive, if your home has languished on the market too long, more than its price will be suspect. Talk to a real estate agent in your market about pricing a home today. You may leave your potential Buyers asking "Why has such a nice looking home been on the market so long?, instead of exclaiming, "What a deal!"

Your real estate agent should be able to examine recent sales and tell you how fast the market is moving (up or down) and price your house accordingly. That's where FSBO's miss the boat. They don't always have the most current or reliable date with which to determine the right price. The price should be set somewhere between houses that are on the market now and those that will come on the market during the time it is expected to take your house to sell.

Staging your house cannot be over emphasised. In a highly competitive market like the one we see now, it is imperative Seller do everything they can to make their property stand out from the rest. Broderick Perkins writes, "Stage your home, not to hide defects, but to present it in the best light. Clean it up, remove the clutter, erase all but neutral components. Polish the curb appeal and make sure everything is in working order."

Take cues from Builders who almost always has at least one staged model home to show and who offer

cash toward closing costs
gift cards for Home Depot Inc.
big screen flat panel TVs
upgraded appliances
picking up the cost of a "point"
offer a home warranty
pay for the title insurance, first year's property tax, HOA dues
do an energy audit and make appropriate fixes
any costs that will help reduce costs and motivate the Buyer to make an offer

In today's market, it takes more than a yard sign to sell a house. Having a well polished property and thinking outside the box are critical. If you are in the Denver area and want to find out what I can do to help you sell your house in the shortest amount of time and for the highest dollar the market will bare, contact me today.

For a free list of Things to do to Get Your House Ready to Sell, email me at Katharine@DenverGreenHomes.info.

Coal Ash Bricks

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:24:22 -0500

Green Bricks Made of Power Plant Coal Ash Move Closer to Market

As published in the Nation's Building News and NAHB, there is a potential "green" brick being developed as an alternative to the traditional clay brick. These alternative "green" bricks are made from the fly ash captured as a waste product by coal-fired power plants and are said to be safer than some had expected.

Instead of leaching minute amounts of mercury as researchers had predicted, the bricks apparently do the reverse, pulling tiny amounts of the toxic metal out of the ambient air. Further research is needed to determine how the mercury absorption occurs and how tightly the metal is trapped, but it is believed that the bricks will not have a negative impact on indoor air quality and will meet or exceed construction-material standards.

"Each year, roughly 25 million tons of fly ash from coal-fired plants are recycled, generally as additives in building materials such as concrete, but 45 million tons go to waste. Fly ash bricks both find a use for some of that waste and counter the environmental impact from the manufacture of standard bricks."

"Manufacturing clay brick requires kilns fired to high temperatures," says Henry Liu, president of Freight Pipeline Company, who has been working on the alternative bricks since 2004 with support from the Small Business Innovation Research program of the National Science Foundation (NSF). "That wastes energy, pollutes air and generates greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming."

By contrast, he says, "fly ash bricks are manufactured at room temperature. They conserve energy, cost less to manufacture and don't contribute to air pollution or global warming."

Liu is testing the brick material's safety and preparing it for market.

LONE TREE REAL ESTATE STATISTICS

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:12:31 -0500

LONE TREE REAL ESTATE

I continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep my clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Lone Tree real estate statistics for the week of September 3, 2007 through September 9, 2007.

Single Family Detached Homes:

Total number of homes currently on the market ($100,000 - $500,000) - 54

Total number of homes currently on the market ($500,000 - $1,000,000) - 59

Total number of homes currently on the market ($1,000,000 - $5,000,000) - 41

Number of new homes listed (active) this week - 3

Number of condos closed this week - 1

Number of homes under contract this week - 5

Number of homes expired this week - 2

Average days on the market - 5

Condos:

Total number of condos currently on the market - 33

Number of new condos listed (active) this week - 3

Number of condos closed this week - 1

Number of condos under contract this week - 2

Number of condos expired this week - 2

Average number of days to sell - 80

To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-internet home evaluation, please visit http://www.denvergreenhomes.info/.

If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area, would like more information about Lone Tree or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers, then call me at 303-883-4147 or email me at Katharine@DenverGreenHomes.info.

The CRC proudly presents Boulder Solar Week 2007

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 09:54:27 -0500

The Boulder Solar Week Conference & Expo

Sunday September 23rd, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

The St. Julien Hotel

900 Walnut Street

Boulder - get directions

cost: $25 (all day pass)

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:39:12 -0500

Offered at $800,000

                                                           9000 BLUFFTOP WAY
                                                           LONE TREE, CO 80124
                                                              MLS ID# 560553

This majestic Toll Brothers home is nestled in the hills just steps from Bluffs Regional Park, Lone Tree Recreational Center, Sky Ridge Medical Center. Conveniently located near Lone Tree Entertainment District, Park Meadows Mall, Light Rail, I-25, C-470, E-470 and the Centennial Airport.

At the front door, turn around to see the city view!

Enter into a foyer area with 2-story ceilings. To the left of you is an enormous bonus room. Turn that into a media room, exercise room or game room. Use your imagination! To the right is a main floor study. Straight down the main hall, you will be greeted by graceful arches offering themselves to the formal dining room with vaulted ceilings. Just beyond that, you will find the gourmet kitchen and family room with lots of windows facing south to view the hills behind and a fireplace to keep you cozy in the winter. Lots of windows and vaulted ceilings make this home light and bright.

Double doors open to the main floor master. Immediately you notice the tray ceiling. You will also find separate his/hers walk-in closets and a 5-piece bath with Jacuzzi tub and water closet.

At the top of the stairs, the room opens into a huge loft area that overlooks the main foyer/main hallway, dining area, kitchen and family room. This is a perfect space for the children's play area. Each will have his own bedroom and share a Jack-and-Jill bath.

The basement is 25% complete so you can bring your imagination with you to make this space your own.

Imagine the lifestyle you will have and entertaining you could do in this home!

Single Family Property, Area: Douglas Co West, Subdivision: RIDGEGATE SECTION 15 FILING 9, County: DOUG, Approximately 0.25 acre(s), Year Built: 2006, Two story, Basement, Fireplace(s), Dining room

To access this page directly, use http://homes.realtor.com/prop/1087920629

Property Features
Single Family Property Status: ACTIVE Area: Douglas Co West County: DOUG Subdivision: RIDGEGATE SECTION 15 FILING 9 Year Built: 2006 3 total bedroom(s) 2.5 total bath(s) Approximately 4560 sq. ft. Two story Type: Detached home Style: Mountain contemporary	Master bedroom Dining room Family room Kitchen Basement Basement level is 1112 sq. ft. Fireplace(s) 3 car garage Attached parking Heating features: Forced air heat, Gas heating Interior features: Cable available, Cable installed, Cook top, Dishwasher, Disposal, Double Pane windows, Eating Space/kit, Five Piece Bath, Formal Dining, Garage Dr Opener, Gas Logs, Great Room, High speed access, Jack & Jill bath, Kitchen Island, Loft, Master bathroom, Master suite, Microwave oven, New Home, Newer carpet, Newer paint, Pet free, Quick possession, Self-cleaning oven, Smoke alarm, Smoke free, Tile Floor, Vaulted ceiling, Walk-in closets, Wall/wall carpet, Wood floors, Partial basement, Partially finished basement Exterior features: Patio, Attached parking, Public sewer service, Public water supply	Exterior construction: Frame Roofing: Concrete Tile roof Approximate lot is 10890 Approximately 0.25 acre(s) Lot size is less than 1/2 acre Zoning: RES Call agent for details on association fee info. School District: DOUGLAS Elementary School: EAGLE RIDGE Jr. High School: CRESTHILL High School: HIGHLANDS RANCH

Photo Gallery

Arches in Dining Room

Family Room with Fireplace and Lots of Windows

Huge Loft Area for the Children

Gourmet Kitchen with Slider to Back Patio

Huge Gourmet Kitchen w/ Vaulted Ceiling

Main Hallway w/2-Story Ceilings

Arches in Dining Room/Main Hall

Dining Room

Enormous Bonus Room

Main Hall to Entry way

View From Front Door

Wall of Windows in Family Room

"Radon: The Invisible Killer" video and coupons

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:39:44 -0500

I have received so many comments about the Radon: The Invisible Killer video and the coupons from my website! If you'd like a coupon, just email me and I'll send that to you. Then you just mail the coupon with your check and get the test kit in the mail.

Also, it is recommended you test your home every two years. I give this coupon or the actual test to clients every two years who either bought or sold with me. Just one more reason to stay in touch and also show you care about their health and well being.

Katharine@DenverGreenHomes.info

http://www.denvergreenhomes.info/

Trees Offsetting Greenhouse Gases - Not Nearly Enough!

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:07:00 -0500

An article on grist.org reports that a 10 year Duke University study revealed that trees are not offsetting greenhouse gases as well as hoped. They exposed "North Carolina loblolly pines with higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide; they found that the foliaged friends grew more than non-gassed trees, but did not consistently absorb significantly higher levels of CO2." Heather McCarthy, a researcher, goes on to say that the rate of growth depended on other variables such as water and nutrients. They determined that the trees do not offset greenhouse gases "anywhere near the magnitude that we would really need to offset emissions." The amount of fertilizer required to achieve a discernible offsetting effect, under the conditions they tested, would impact groundwater quality at a level "intolerable to society," says project director Ram Oren.

Radon - The Invisible Killer

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:04:24 -0500

"Radon - The Invisible Killer" is a video that was given to me by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to explain what radon is and why we should test for it in our home and work place.

Please visit my website at http://www.denvergreenhomes.info/ to view the video.

If after watching this 33 minute video you decide you would like to test your home, contact me and I'll send you a coupon for your choice of either the short-term testing kit ($7 each) or the long-term testing kit ($20).

Pomegranate Cards

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:45:57 -0500

Here's an idea I am going to look into for myself, but thought I'd share it will you all as well. This sounds like a good small ticket item for gift baskets, Christmas gifts or open house give aways. If you already have these, I'd love to hear from you.

Pomegranate.com has 2 decks of cards that can be used as gifts. One is called The EarthFriendly House Knowledge Cards. It's a quiz deck on green home essentials. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to International Rivers Network, Natural Resources Defense Council, and WildAid.

The other deck is called Save the Planet Knowledge Cards. It has tips for saving energy and ecosystems, water & wildlife. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product supports Sierra Club's efforts to preserve and protect the planet.

Both decks sell for $9.95 and are printed on recycled paper.

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:11:34 -0500

According to Yahoo, the average American emits 9.44 tons of CO2 each year. Calculate your carbon footprint - http://green.yahoo.com/index.php?q=calculator

Find more calculators and games at my website www.DenverGreenHomes.info.

Thought provoking question..

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:34:20 -0500

If money became worthless, how many days at home could you survive?

Shaklee - Get Clean!

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:33:01 -0500

After learning about and using the H2 non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning product, I have decided to become a Skaklee member so that I may provide extended customer service to my real estate customers and clients. This is a no-brainer for closing gifts and open house raffle gifts for those eco-minded folks we try to reach out to as EcoBrokers. Please look at this Product Guide to see what I mean. The Get Clean home care products begin on page 78. These products not only reduce landfill waste, but are non-toxic and promote good indoor air quality.

These products have been featured on Good Morning America as well as Oprah. Please look for the upcoming ad in Homes and Garden's August edition.

If, after looking at the Product Guide, you decide you would like to purchase products, please visit the Shopping page and begin your order. Until I can get my website up and running, please let me know that you would like to place an order so that I may get credit for the referral. If you decide to become a member as I did, please contact me for that as well. I would love to have a network of Shaklee EcoBrokers!

I look forward to doing more to reduce waste for the landfills! How about you?

YOUR HOME	OUR PRODUCTS	OUR CONVICTIONS	GET STARTED
What's the big deal about toxins you ask? You'd be surprised. Find out where they are in your home and, more importantly, how to replace them.	From the kitchen to the laundry to, actually, the whole household, there's a powerful Get Clean cleaner that beats what you're using now. Buy Get Clean... Starter Kit! Household Cleaners Kitchen Cleaners Laundry Cleaners Accessories Original Household	We believe that the small act of scouring the sink can be part of the giant act of changing the world. Find out about us and a few more things we believe.	You'd have to shell out more than $3,400 to get the same amount of clean in the Get Clean Starter Kit. Why not order one now?

100% Shaklee Guarantee.
We stand behind each and every one of our products. The ingredients, purity, safety, and performance of all our Nutrition, Healthy Home, and Personal Care products are 100% guaranteed. And of course, Shaklee does not test its products on animals.

SMART CLEAN

We believe in saving you money, while we go about saving the earth.

Get Clean^TM Starter Kit
One of the nice things about using Get Clean is that once you get rid of all those undesirable cleaners you may have in your home, you won't have to replace them with 27 more. You'd have to spend more than $3,400 to get the same amount of clean.
Learn More »

Don't forget to visit my website at www.DenverGreenHomes.info.

Free Trees!

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:08:54 -0500

Did you know that just for joining the National Arbor Day Foundation, you could order 10 free trees? That's right! Plus there's a bonus right now of a free Red maple tree with any order. There are 2 levels of membership: 6 month membership at 10 whopping dollars or 1 year membership at 15 whopping dollars. You can have a membership for yourself or you can gift a membeship to someone else. I think this is a wonderful gift for children, new home owners or for "those that have everything". Now that's the way to "go green". Please visit http://www.arborday.org/ for more information and to become a member. Happy planting!

Another way to get free trees...

Frito Lay Free Tree Opportunity

Frito Lay is giving away another 50,000 trees to nonprofit organizations all over America.

Last fall, Frito gave 25,000 seedlings to nonprofit organizations. This year, they're giving away 50,000 more.

Apply NOW for free trees

Eco-Travel Tips

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:17:10 -0500

I was doing an Internet search today for local "green" hotels to post to my website for relocating clients and came across this information on Orbitz. I was so excited about it and wanted to share it with you. There is even more information about eco-tourism on the site that you should check out!

Making big contributions to the environment on your own can seem overwhelming, but there are plenty of simple things any traveler can do to make a difference when you're on the road.

Start conserving before you leave home. On the day you leave for vacation, turn down the thermostat, lower the water heater and stop newspaper delivery.

Use the hotel's towel and linen recycling service. Just like you don't change your sheets everyday at home, you don't need to have them changed everyday in the hotel.

Rent a hybrid car. Some eco-friendly hotels even offer free parking for hybrids.

Toxic Alert

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:53:25 -0500

According to Shaklee, an average home generates over 25 pounds of toxic hazardous waste each year. Much of this waste can be attributed to household cleaning products.

The EPA says that only a fraction of the more than 75,000 registered chemicals have gone through testing for human health concerns.

According to the 15-year study presented at the Toronto Indoor Air Conference, women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from home. The study concluded that this was a direct result of the increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which are found in common household products.

More than 9 out of 10 suspected poison exposures occur at home with household products.

For more information about environmentally friendly cleaning products that are safe for you, your home, and your plantet, email me at Katharine@DenverGreenHomes.info.

Advice About Your Refrigerator

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:21:21 -0500

Refrigerator are amond the top three users of energy in your home, after heating systems and water heaters. Set your fridge at 38-42 degrees and your freezer at 10-15 degrees. (Test by putting a thermometer in a glass of water in the middle of the fridge for 24 hours. A thermometer in the freezer will register a temperature within minutes.) If you have an old fridge in the basement or the garage, consider getting rid of it.

Cover your food in the refrigerator so the compressor doesn't have to work so hard due to the added moisture.

Once a year, roll your fridge away from the wall and vacuum the condenser coils at the bottom of the back. When you return it, make sure it's at least four inches from the wall so air can circulate.

Proper Disposal of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury

Mon, 28 May 2007 11:52:28 -0500

Here is what Energy Star has to say about CFLs -
Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury
Why should people use CFLs?

Switching from traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, accessible change every American can make right now to reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home's electric bill. Changing to CFLs costs little upfront and provides a quick return on investment.

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually.

Do CFLs contain mercury?

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - an average of 5 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to an amount that would cover the tip of a ball-point pen. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.

Mercury currently is an essential component of CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. In fact, the average amount of mercury in a CFL is anticipated to drop by the end of 2007, thanks to technology advances and a commitment from the members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

What precautions should I take when using CFLs in my home?

CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up recommendations below. Used CFLs should be disposed of properly (see below).

What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?

EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs, where available. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to www.lamprecycle.org and click on "State Lamp Recycling Regulations & Contacts" to identify local recycling options.

If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash. CFLs should not be disposed of in an incinerator.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?

EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:

1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.
2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner.

􀂃 Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands).

􀂃 Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.

􀂃 Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.

􀂃 Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.

3. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it.

􀂃 If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash (if no other disposal or recycling options are available).

􀂃 Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.

4. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.
What is mercury?

Mercury is an element (Hg on the periodic table) found naturally in the environment. Mercury emissions in the air can come from both natural and man-made sources. Utility power plants (mainly coal-fired) are the largest man-made source, because mercury that naturally exists in coal is released into the air when coal is burned to make electricity. Energy efficient CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury emissions from entering the environment because they help to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40 percent of the mercury emissions in the U.S.

EPA is implementing policies to reduce airborne mercury emissions. Under regulations EPA issued in 2005, mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants will drop by nearly 70 percent by 2018.

For more information on all sources of mercury, visit http://www.epa.gov/mercury.

EPA is continually reviewing its clean-up and disposal recommendations for CFLs to ensure that the Agency presents the most up-to-date information for consumers and businesses.

For more information about compact fluorescent bulbs, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

Here's the info from http://www.lamprecycle.org/

Colorado

Department of Public Health & Environment
Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division
Customer Technical Assistance
303-692-3320

Fact Sheet
http://cdphe.state.co.us/hm/UWRgeneral.pdf
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/lighting.pdf

Universal Waste Rule
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/op/regs/hazwaste/10073273universalwastemanagement.pdf

Thank you so much for your question on proper disposal of CFLs, Mark. I hope this answers your question. I don't know why your CFLs are burning out so quickly. You may want to consider having that checked out by a licensed electrician.

16 Ways to Green Your Home

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:01:41 -0500

16 WAYS TO GREEN YOUR HOME

Lower Your Utility Bills

1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandescent bulbs with fluorescents and enjoy reductions in heat production, energy use, and electric bills! Savings: Changing five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year on electric bills!

2. Program Your Thermostat

When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78°F or higher in the summer and 62°F or lower in the winter. Programmable thermostats allow you to program the systems to reduce output when they are not needed (e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the evening when everyone is sleeping). Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!

3. Plug Air Leaks

This simple step can go a long way toward keeping your home at the temperature you desire, saving money on heating and air conditioning bills and more. Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with weather stripping and caulk can be a simple task for anyone! Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!

4. Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System

Have a checkup for your HVAC system every 2 years to make sure it is running efficiently. Be sure to clean the filter monthly during times of peak usage; a dirty filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC. Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!

5. Choose ENERGY STAR® Appliances

ENERGY STAR® qualified products meet a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings on electric bills. When considering the price of a new appliance, take into account not only the purchase price, but also the long-term savings associated with an energy-efficient appliance. Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $50 per appliance per year or more!

6. Reduce Water Use

• Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (available for a few dollars at your local home supply store) to your sink faucets and changing to low-flow showerheads.

• Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your landscape plan and minimize high-maintenance landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn. Savings: Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per year!

7. Switch to Green Power

Green Power is an optional utility service for customers who want to help expand the production and distribution of renewable energy technologies. With green power, you do not have to change your electricity provider. Instead, customers choose to pay a premium on their electricity bill to cover the extra cost of purchasing clean, sustainable energy. More info on green power can be found at: http://www.eere.energy/ and gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml.

Choose Green Products

8. Buy Local

Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil fuels required for the transportation of products from other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying local reduces consumption of valuable natural resources.

9. Use Low-VOC Products

Improve your indoor air quality by switching to products that don't give off "volatile organic compounds" (VOCs). Some common low-VOC or no-VOC products include:

• Paint: A low-VOC paint is available from most major paint brands

• Cleaning products: Low-VOC cleaning alternatives are available for sale, or you can make your own VOC-free cleaning products using simple household materials like baking soda, vinegar and borax.

10. Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certified Wood Products

The type of flooring and cabinetry materials you use can have a positive effect on your health and pocketbook while reducing your environmental impacts.

• Consider using environmentally preferable and rapidly renewable products such as linoleum, bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet.

• Choose wood products from sustainably managed forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

• Use locally sourced products when possible to reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of those products.

11. Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials

Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking flooring options made from grasses and trees that mature in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes hardwoods to reach market size. Bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus flooring products are a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods.

Green Your Yard

12. Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House

This simple step can help you save money on heating and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful views around your home.

13. Use Native Plantings

Native plants have been growing and evolving in your area for thousands of years and, as a result, have adapted to the local soils and climate. As a result they are more likely to thrive with minimal care, unlike exotic plants. That can mean less need for water, fertilizer and pesticides. Additional info on green landscaping techniques can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/garden/.

14. Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques

Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households have pesticides stored within reach of children. About 230,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are affected by pesticides and garden equipment emissions.

Green Your Transportation

15. Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible

Environmental responsibility does not begin and end at your doorstep; green transportation means can greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon emissions from your daily routine.

16. Buy a High-efficiency Car.

See the U.S. Department of Energy's list of most fuel efficient cars at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml.

About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED® for Homes

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. With the help of a cadre of national experts and experienced green homebuilders, USGBC has developed LEED for Homes as a voluntary initiative to promote the transformation of the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices. It provides a much-needed nationally applicable tool for homebuilders and other professionals in the residential industry for building environmentally sound, healthy, and resource-efficient places to live. For more information about LEED for Homes, visit the USGBC Web site at www.usgbc.org./leed/homes.

1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW

Suite 300

Washington, DC 20036

202 828-7422 t

202 828-5110 f

www.usgbc.org

Energy Star Builders in the Denver area

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:15:20 -0500

There are many builders associated with ENERGY STAR at varying levels. Some offer an optional ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package (ALP) while others offer an optional ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package (IAP).

I chose to focus on the following home builders or developers who have made a commitment to building 100% of their homes to ENERGY STAR performance guidelines and have built at least two ENERGY STAR qualified new homes.

In the coming weeks I will be posting information on these builders and their products so please check back for that.

Archer Homes, Inc.	Ft. Collin; Loveland; Greeley, CO	(970) 227-7588
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc.	Loveland, CO	(970) 461-9696
Campbell Homes, LLC	Colorado Springs, CO	(719) 266-9780
Colorado Custom Homes	Northern, CO	(970) 674-0200
David Weekley Homes	Denver, CO	(303) 850-9801
Harvard Communities, Inc.	Denver, CO	(303) 740-9018
Infinity Communities	Denver, CO	(720) 489-1050
Jamestown Builders	Fort Collins, CO	(970) 226-1500
Keller Homes	Colorado Springs, CO	(719)-388-2322
McStain Neighborhoods	Boulder, CO	(303)-494-5900
Neumann Homes	Denver, CO	(630)-281-2000
Plum Creek Builders, LLC	Denver, CO	(303)-514-3172
Sopris Homes, LLC	Boulder, CO	(303)-527-0000
Vantage Homes	Colorado Springs, CO	(719)-534-0984

Frequently Asked Questions

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 12:54:04 -0500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Built Green Colorado?

Built Green Colorado is a voluntary program that uses buyer demand, market education and builder training to encourage builders to build homes that:

Have better energy efficiency
Have improved durability and reduced maintenance
Have healthier indoor air
Reduce water usage
Preserve natural resources
Reduce pollution

What is Built Green?

Built Green is the official designation of homes registered in the program and meeting the criteria of Built Green Colorado.

What is the Built Green Checklist?

This is the list of green building features from which builders choose their building options. There are over 205 separate features in 22 categories covering energy efficiency, materials, health and safety, and resource conservation. Builders must choose a minimum number of points from the Checklist.

Who runs Built Green Colorado?

Built Green Colorado is administered by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA), and supported by the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC), E-Star Colorado, and the Colorado Association of Home Builders and many local HBAs around the state.

Why buy "regional" or "local" products?

Buying regional products reduces transportation costs and energy, and keeps dollars in the local economy. A major tenet of sustainability is making use of resources from the immediate region; an indirect result of this activity is a greater understanding of the region, its characteristics and resources, and the community's impact on that region.

Why are "engineered" wood products better?

Engineered wood products use smaller, younger trees, and parts of the tree that were not previously used, to reach the same or better structural characteristics of solid dimensional lumber. This makes better use of the resource and avoids the use of larger, older trees. The use of engineered wood products also eliminates the waste associated with warped, twisted or otherwise unusable lumber.

What about . . .

Recycled plastic or composite "lumber"?
A number of recycled-content and composite material deck products are currently on the market. An attractive alternative to chemically treated wood and valuable naturally-durable woods like redwood and cedar, recycled-content and composite material decks are very low-maintenance and highly durable. These products are made either entirely or partially from recycled plastic, which helps close the recycling loop by finding useful end products for recycled materials.
Fiber-cement siding and other exterior finish alternatives?
Fiber-cement siding is highly durable; it doesn't split, holds paint longer and is more moisture-resistant than typical hardwood siding. Other green building siding options include recycled-content hardboard, natural or synthetic stucco and locally produced brick and natural or faux stone. Long lasting, low maintenance exterior finish products reduce replacement frequency, which means cost savings, reduced landfill impact, and fewer resources and time devoted to maintenance and replacement.
High-performance windows?
Perhaps more than any other building component, windows have seen a significant increase in performance resulting from new technologies, including "low-e" glass coatings, and gas-filled windows. While high performance windows may cost slightly more, when the rest of the home's heating system is adjusted accordingly these costs can be offset and the on-going energy savings and comfort gains will pay back that extra cost quickly.
Water heaters and pipe insulation?
Why do we insulate the water pipes for just the first three feet at the water heater? The greatest loss of heat from the pipes is close to the water heater, where the temperature is being maintained at the water heater's set point. The higher the temperature, the greater the heat loss through un-insulated pipes. Water heaters with an Energy Factor (EF) of at least 0.62 are most efficient and readily available.
Insulation?
You can choose between several types of insulation, and all of them can have recycled content. Blown-in products or the installation of batts by certified installers typically provide a better insulated home, because there is less opportunity for air leakage. Typical insulation levels are R-15 in the walls, R-38 in the attic, and R-11 on basement walls. Appropriate insulation levels in walls, attics and on basement or foundation walls make the home more resistant to energy loss, lowering energy bills, improving comfort, reducing pollution related to energy production and saving precious resources.
Energy ratings?
An energy rating from a qualified Home Energy Rating Provider gives you information on the cost and associated savings of energy improvements in your home. And Energy Rater also helps builders decide the best energy package for their homes while giving them an additional tool to highlight their energy features. With an energy rating of 80 points or more, the home is qualified for a energy efficient mortgage, which can make the energy features even more affordable.
Energy heels?
The point at which typical roof rafters connect with the top plate of the exterior wall leaves little room for the full depth of attic insulation, creating compressed insulation and reduced performance. A raised heel truss, or "energy heel," raises the truss at that point (at least 6 inches) to allow the insulation enough room to produce its full R-value at this critical location.
Air infiltration?
Techniques like blown cellulose insulation, advanced air sealing and sill plate sealing are effective methods for tightening a home to reduce unwanted air infiltration and loss of conditioned air. Sealing the home with an advanced sealing technique (new construction) or with basic sealing from the inside (existing home) can make a big difference in winter heating bills and overall comfort, as well as reduce the infiltration of dust and other outside pollutants, such as pollen.
Leaky ducts?
Your duct system has numerous opportunities to be leaky. Studies have shown that an unsealed duct system leaks from 20-40% of the heated air that's supposed to be getting to the rooms of your house. This is bad for your comfort and energy bill, but it could be worse for your health and safety; a leaky duct system can create pressure differences in your heating system that can draw in contaminants like dust, soil gasses or flue gasses. A well-designed, well-sealed duct system should be a fundamental part of your otherwise energy-efficient home. The duct system should be entirely hard-ducted and sealed at all joints and penetrations with brush-on, low-/non- toxic mastic, not duct tape.
Carpet from pop bottles?
Carpet made from fibers spun from recycled plastic soda bottles is now commonly available. This carpet performs as good or better than carpet made from other materials, and costs about the same. The advantages include excellent stain resistance and durability. This carpet is a useful product made from material often thrown in the landfill. 500 square yards of carpet divert about 20,000 pop bottles from landfills. Carpet pad made from recycled fibers reduces the need for petrochemicals and off-gases less than a typical foam pad.
VOCs and indoor air quality?
VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds and can be released by human or natural sources. They can react with the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, and to a lesser degree, acid rain. Some VOCs, like the fumes from numerous interior products (glues, paints, cabinets, carpets and pads, furniture, etc.) are toxic, and could possibly cause a range of health problems from occasional headaches to allergic reactions, depending on the concentration and the sensitivity of the individual. "Least toxic" products are those that contain levels of VOCs below what the EPA or other credible sources have determined to be safe levels. In some cases, a "least toxic" product may be preferable to a "non-toxic" product for performance reasons. Additional indoor air quality protection can include controlled mechanical ventilation with an air-to-air heat exchanger or heat recovery ventilator to bring in fresh air without wasting heat.
Xeriscape^TM?
Simply put, Xeriscape means the use of native, drought-tolerant plantings that can survive in our climate without lots of watering, appropriate turf areas, and using irrigation techniques that optimize the water you do supply. In general, Xeriscape should be the landscape option of choice. Beautiful designs abound, and the choices in flowering plants and turf grasses make this the only reasonable landscaping strategy in this high desert climate. Water is a precious resource, and shouldn't be wasted on inappropriate landscapes. Information can be found at city water departments around the state, and on the Internet. One excellent resource is Denver Water's website, http://www.denverwater.org/.
Solar energy?
Good passive solar design will save energy from the day you move in by taking advantage of the sun's "free" energy to help heat your home. Solar water heating is already cheaper than using electricity or gas to heat water, and solar electric (photovoltaics, or PVs) is becoming less expensive.
Efficient appliances?
The refrigerator is always on. The washing machine and dishwasher consume water as well as the energy to heat that water and to run the appliance. Huge strides have been made in recent years to improve the efficiency of all home appliances. Look for appliances qualified under the Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR^® program for the highest performing models.

2007 Built Green Colorado

Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, 1400 S. Emerson, Denver, CO 80210
(303) 778-1400 fax: (303) 733-9440 info@builtgr

een.org