Mary's Musings on Green Building, Renewables, Energy Efficiency and more....

Can you help?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:13:50 -0600

Little Girl Lost...

Can you help find her????

Maybe your posts.....

would help her find the way home.....

Yes, JaneAnne...the creative spirit awaits....................................

You.....

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:49:26 -0600

someone needs to be the first

to start

someone needs to be the first

to open the door

and say

hello

here i am...

hello world...

hello fellow friends

who have been called...

to bear their souls...

to share with others....

that...

which makes them whole...

that....

which has a profound effect on others.

You... have been invited...

to do the same.....

You... are among the select...

who have been chosen, requested.

You...

stand out among your peers....

You...

contribute...

and thus are asked...

Contribute here....

your thoughts...

your feelings...

are welcome...

Don't be afraid...

You....

and your thoughts...

are welcome here.....

Michigan Going Green Awards - Who is leading the way? - Nominees due November 6, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:12:37 -0600

Sorry, folks, for the late notice but it was brought to my attention tonight by one of my favorite technology news publications in Michigan that the Nomination Deadline for Michigan's Going Green Awards is tomorrow, November 6, 2009.

Self nominations are accepted....

This annual program hosted by Corp! magazine and sponsored by MITechNews.com honors companies and organizations leading the way for Michigan's green sector.

Mike Brennan, with MITechNews.com asked me if I would get the word out to my green, innovative friends!

Do you know a company, person, or organization in Michigan who demonstrates a commitment to green, sustainable and environmentally friendly practices?

Corp! and MITechNews are looking for

Green Industry drivers in innovation
Green Initiative Champions
Those who recycle, conserve energy and natural resources
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
Green Organizations that promote green education and training
Advocates green lawmaking and practices

the list goes on...you can find more and the application for nomination at the following link:

http://www.mitechnews.com/articles.asp?id=11015&sec=102

You can follow Mike on twitter to keep up with all the latest tech news and green tech news in Michigan.

Come on fellow Michigan Treehuggers...let's see who the top innovators and green folks in Michigan are!!!

Were you born a tree hugger?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:19:35 -0500

The age old question...

Heredity or Environment?

Were you born a tree hugger?

or did you just turn out that way?

From the looks of this photo...I would say I had a little influence!

Ya gotta love those slacks! I told my sister they must've been hand-me-downs!

Can you believe my Mother let me go out that way?

Just poking my head in to say helllloooooo!

It's been way too long!

Peace ~

The "New Normal" : Self Power Generation

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:51:24 -0500

ABC's 20/20 has been doing a series on the "New Normal."

In the feature this past Friday New Normal: Workers Learn New Skills ABC introduced to the nation two gentlemen who I have been fortunate enough to come to know during the past year and hold in high regard.

Mike Hess and John Holcomb.

A small part of what these two have accomplished over the past year is to bring affordable, self-generated power to the world. The Windspire is the newest appliance for your home.

The Radarrange by Amana received the

"Top 10 Gadgets That Changed the World" award.

Akin to Radarrange that was first introduced to households in 1967, I believe the Windspire will take it's spot in the top 10 Gadgets That Changed The World.

Photo Credit: Sang Nguyen

Latest statistics show that 25% of the world's population does not have power. This vertical axis wind turbine can have a huge affect on the lives in those areas of the world.

According to Global Issues 1.6 Billion people, one quarter of humanity, live without electricity. In Southeast Asia there are 706 million without electricity, 547 million in Sub-Saharan Africa, 224 million in East Asia, and 101 million in other areas of the world. The Windspire was designed and is being manufactured with these less fortunate in mind.

70% of the Windspire Wind Electric Appliances are planned for overseas installation, places where 2000 kilowatt hours per year will make a HUGE difference in a person's life.

This is the bigger part of what Mike Hess and John Holcomb are committed to.

Back in the U.S., Mike Hess and John Holcomb are committed to jobs and local economies.

In a conversation with John, you will learn that he has found a way to make the Windspire better and less expensively than it can be done overseas. This makes the appliance affordable to the average homeowner or business owner.

These gentlemen are committed to increasing jobs in the United States.

Throughout the country, Windspires will be installed by local contractors using local subs. This will keep the dollars local.

John Holcomb says he is doing this,

"for the veterans."

The veterans have fought for the United States, many have given their lives for our country.

Through John's eyes...the Windspire is for memory and honor to our Veterans.

Made by Americans.....For America

To hear more from Mike Hess and John Holcomb be sure to take 5 minutes to watch the ABC News 20/20 special:

New Normal: Workers Learn New Skills

**sidebar: the house in the 20/20 piece belongs to one of our happy homeowners, Gloria Noyce. Her windspire was installed by our own Devon O'Shea and his capable crew. Gloria and her sister Janie are both proud owners of our systems. Although they were taped for the 20/20 special, unfortunately, only Gloria's Windspire and house made the cut!

Here's a photo of the girls filming!

From left to right: sisters Linda, Gloria and Janie.

And of course...the film crew from ABC's 20/20!

It was a fun filled day!

For more information visit: Windows Wind and Solar

Sibling Rivalry ** Sisters Race for Renewable Energy!

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:33:28 -0500

Two Michigan sisters are beaming when they tell people they are on the “family plan” with CBS.

From Hastings to Harrison, Gloria and Janie are showing their commitment to the environment through energy saving measures and power production.

In Hastings, Gloria loves the Thermolock windows installed in her island home last year. Gloria says, “those windows are the best thing I ever did! What a difference they have made in the comfort of my home.” Gloria also gets free hot water, for herself and a tenant, with a solar hot water system.

In March, Gloria implemented phase three of her upgrades: a wind energy appliance, the Mariah Windspire™.

In Harrison, Janie heats the water for her pool as well as her home with a solar hot water system. Janie says her utility was reduced 50% when she put the solar hot water system on. Not to be outdone by her sister, Janie installed phase two in April: a hybrid wind energy appliance and solar system.

Janie’s system also features a Windspire™ wind energy appliance this time combined with 1000 W solar electric designed by CBS engineer Devon O’Shea. Gloria and Janie have opened up their homes and hearts to folks who want to learn more about renewable energy and energy efficiency in their own homes.

There is never a dull moment with these two! I wonder what these crazy sisters will cook up next! (sisters Linda, Janie and Gloria)

Welcome to the Blog Writers Guild!

Fri, 01 May 2009 10:37:35 -0500

Thank you JaneAnne Narrin for developing another great group idea!

This will bring the best writers from Active Rain together in a single forum where we can share and learn from one another!

With this new birth ~ renaissance if you will ~ you bring renewed energy as well as new relationships! I have developed many precious friendships and associates from across the country through Active Rain. This new group makes me feel like a spring chicken again! Waddle with me my friends! Lets have some fun in JaneAnne's new group!

Define Fuel Poverty

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:27:22 -0600

I had an interesting conversation today with a local stock broker. During our discussion I mentioned fuel poverty. He stopped me mid-sentence....

"What is that?" he asked.

What is what? I said.

What is fuel poverty? What is your definition of Fuel Poverty?" he asked.

I thought everyone had heard it yet he told me he had not heard the term before....

but it struck him....

"How do you define it?" he asked.

Hmmm...my definition of fuel poverty is that one spends so much of their disposible income on fuel - whether for keeping warm, driving to appointments or heating water - that they don't have enough money to enjoy the things they want to enjoy, or feed their family, or pay their mortgage.

The "official" Wikipedia definition of Fuel Poverty is, "A fuel poor household is one which cannot afford to keep adequately warm at reasonable cost." As the wiki says, this is a popular term in the UK. I think it is a term we need to become familiar with in the U.S.

Whether in the north...where heating is important....

or in the south...where cooling is important.....

Fuel poverty is real....

this is why I am happy to see incentives for not only energy efficiency, but renewable energy, in the stimulus bill...

How do you define, "Fuel Poverty??"

*photo courtesy Gary Hammerlund, HERS Rater, Certified Energy Efficient

How the Stimulus Benefits “Green” (And How You Can Position Yourself to Benefit as Well)

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:04:25 -0600

I've talked to a lot of realtors who don't understand how the stimulus can benefit their business...I'm sure you have heard the phrase, "What comes around, goes around."

This phrase really jumped out at me when I read Ryan's blog about the stimulus package, which, by the way, we are all paying for.

"Do you know someone on your lead list, or perhaps a past client, who could use some free insulation or some caulking around their windows? Why wouldn't you take the time to connect a potential client with free weatherization money for home improvements that will actually improve their comfort and quality of life?"

Let's think about not only the benefits to the homeowner but also the local jobs this creates! Contracting is not very easily outsourced. Make friends with your home remodelers...network with them...You will gain great benefits as well as the satisfaction you did something to prevent Fuel Poverty!!!

Via Ryan Moehring (EcoBroker International):

You may think there is too much "pork" in the recently signed stimulus bill. Or perhaps too much spending or too may tax cuts. Its passage may offend your Keynesian or Monetarist economic views, and may, you believe, lead to the very demise of capitalism itself (OK, that may be going too far). You may not think we need a stimulus at all-that we should let the free market recover on its own. Whatever your political and economic viewpoint, if you believe our country's energy policy needs a fundamental change, and that energy efficiency and renewable energy can simultaneously stimulate the economy and help the planet, chances are you are excited about the green provisions of the bill.

To say the stimulus is big is an understatement. It is huge, colossal, gargantuan even. It is the largest spending bill the world has ever seen, which is a frightening proposition to say the least. However, if you can get past the staggering debt created by the bill, you'll find unprecedented subsidies for the energy sector. Here is an abbreviated summary of some of the energy-related provisions that can impact your real estate business:

$6.3 billion for energy efficiency in multifamily housing getting federal assistance, such as HUD-sponsored low-income housing

$5 billion to weatherize more than 1 million homes owned by "modest-income" families

$4.5 billion to increase the energy efficiency of federal buildings

$4 billion to repair and modernize public housing units

$2 billion to increase the tax credit for hybrid cars to $7,500

$1.4 billion for bonds to carry out state and local renewable energy and conservation projects

$510 million to repair and modernize more than 4,000 Native American housing units

$500 million to train workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy

$300 million for consumer rebates for energy-efficient appliances

$268 million to remove caps on a 30 percent residential credit for solar, wind, and geothermal

$250 million to HUD to improve the efficiency of government-subsidized apartments

The New York Times released a detailed breakdown of the energy provisions here.

Interesting Facts About the $5 Billion Dedicated to Weatherization Assistance

This amount could weatherize 1 million homes and, directly and indirectly, create 375,000 jobs.

Low-income families will save an average of $350 annually from weatherization.

Every investment of $1 billion in clean energy programs creates nearly 5,000 more jobs than traditional infrastructure spending.

As a real estate professional, you may be wondering how you can benefit from all of this spending. Here are a few suggestions:

You can always contact your state energy office and obtain information about their weatherization program. Once you have this information, how can you apply it?

Do you know someone on your lead list, or perhaps a past client, who could use some free insulation or some caulking around their windows? Why wouldn't you take the time to connect a potential client with free weatherization money for home improvements that will actually improve their comfort and quality of life?

When the time comes to sell their home, who do you think they are going to call? Mr. Big Shot REALTOR^® with the huge advertising budget? Or the considerate agent who thoughtfully took the time to help make their winter a little more comfortable?

Maybe you've already helped a family move into a green home, or have helped them retrofit it. You already know that green topics are important to them, so why wouldn't you tell them about the $7,500 tax credit for purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle?

Do they already have a hybrid? Tell them about the rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

Even better, how about informing them about the removal of the 30 percent cap on residential solar systems? Combine this credit with local incentives currently offered by a number of states and your clients can start producing their own energy for around 1/4^th of the sticker price. Now that's exciting!

Whatever the scenario, you should know that your competition will be putting the stimulus to good use. How will your business benefit? Start planning today.

-------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

http://www.lohud.com/article/2008902120479

http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/02/12/what-stimulus-bill-can-and-can%E2%80%99t-do/

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laland/2009/02/an-8000-tax-cre.html

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iOG3Yk-jwqgGCWnZ__ek2Tktc7lgD96AR08G2

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/

http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2009/02/13/what_the_789b_stimulus_would_do_for_consumers/

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/02/recovery_plan_captures.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aygJM54SPDUE&refer=home

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-trillion-Senate-Fed-apf-14315831.html

http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/energy/22977/

http://projects.nytimes.com/44th_president/stimulus/energy

Who really WANTS to Live Green anyway?

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:04:44 -0600

When I read this title I raised my hand and said, "Me! Pick me!" These are great ideas! Steve gets right down to the heart of things and I can't wait to spend time on the Cultural Creatives website!!

What are Cultural Creatives??? Read on...Steve explains it well! Are you one?

Via Steve Miller REALTOR (Keller Williams Realty-Coeur d' Alene, North Idaho ):

Who really WANTS to Live Green anyway? Read on...

Just the other day I was at our local Realtor Association taking a CE course on Green Housing. This is a subject that I would naturally gravitate toward, regardless of the need for hours. Now, I have always figured that when attending any training event IF I come away with ONE PEARL, it was worth going. And, while this ‘overview' of the subject was very informative, one blessed pearl came to light that I didn't expect.

We had a discussion about the hypothetical ‘needs and wants' as they pertain to housing of the usual generational groups... you know, the Baby boomers, Generation X and Y.  This yielded the usual... location, size, efficiency etc. Then, just at the end of our class, the instructor revealed this new dynamic.  The light bulb was blinking in my head regarding this sub-group I had never heard of called "Cultural Creatives".  These people want the 'real thing' when it comes to Living Green, not all the trendy stuff.

Here are some typical attributes...

    1.)   Cultural Creatives are not typified by generational grouping.

    2.)   CC's are a Psychographic group based on values and behavior.

    3.)   Cultural Creatives are seriously concerned about the health of our planet.

    4.)   They tend toward holistic approaches, ie. health care, food, sustainability.

    5.)   These folks would prefer to buy green (not just the shade of) ie. Green homes

    6.)   There is a general rejection of 'overt' displays of materialism and status.

    7.)   They express dissatisfaction with large institutions and partisan politics.

    8.)   CC's are generally committed to spiritual and psychological development.

Do you tend to be an idealist? Are you someone who wants to put your values into action? Do you ever volunteer?  Do you have a special appreciation for authenticity and tend toward it yourself?  Are you a BIG PICTURE kind of person?

If you feel aligned with many of these attributes, you may just be a 'Cultural Creative' yourself and you're not alone. It is estimated that there are approximately 50 million adults of a like mind. Curiously, I felt like I never fit any of the generational labels nor am I inclined to ‘be' labeled. Yet, to my surprise, in this niche, I fit.  What about you?

For more information, check out Cultural Creative's Website.

Energy Bills Up? Conservation Tips Part 4

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:53:48 -0600

The stimulus bill passed both and the house and senate. It is expected to be signed into law February 17, 2009. While there is a lot of grumbling going on, there truly are some benefits for homeowners.

So many of us live in inefficient homes. Many of the contractors I speak with say that folks just can't upgrade because of the costs. Well, Washinton has passed a bill that will help out in the form of tax credits...

Here are some great ideas on steps you can take....

Via Jamie Carroll (Keller Williams Premier Partners):

It's February and it's chilly here in Washington - 28 degrees as I write this! (Okay, not as cold as Minnesota or anything, but still cold!) A lot of energy is used during the winter months and a lot is wasted due to inefficiency. This series has covered things you can do to conserve energy today, this week, this month, and now culminates with things you can do this year. Today's tips are more involved and more costly than the previous lists but with some planning and budgeting you can conserve energy and reduce your bills.

To do this year:

Have insulation blown into uninsulated walls. Many vintage home have little to no insulation which can make the inside feel surprisingly like the outside! Homes of ANY age will have areas of light or spotty insulation that could be beefed up. Have an energy audit (free through many utility companies) done to find where you're losing heat.

Replace old, inefficient appliances. There are often rebate incentives on EnergyStar qualified models and you can have your old appliances recycled, often free of charge. Also, remember that a well-stocked fridge and freezer operates much more efficiently than a nearly empty one so purchase the size that is right for your family.

Upgrade drafty windows. This is a costly investment but the increased efficiency of new windows will cut your energy bills and make you more comfortable to boot. If you can't afford to do them all at once, start with your draftiest ones and go from there.

Check for rebate and tax incentives. Some home improvements done for the sake of efficiency qualify for tax breaks, rebates, low interest loans, subsidies, etc. Check for programs that are available in your area by looking online or contacting your electric and gas company.

Not a do-it-yourselfer? We work with great vendors and can refer you to someone you can trust for your home improvements. Just call the JMC Group at 360-609-6775 or visit the "Contact Us" page at www.MyRealtorIsJamie.com. We are here to help!

Infill Lots - What Are They, and Why Are They Green?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:57:22 -0600

There are so many benefits of infill lots that Penny has pointed out in her blog! Many times a small lot in the city would be looked over but with a great builder on board with excellent design ideas just read how it can be a win-win situation!

Via Stanton Homes - Penny Hull Raleigh NC Custom Home Builders (Stanton Homes - Triangle NC New Homes):

Custom Homes Raleigh NC

Buying an Infill Lot - What is an Infill Lot, and Why is it Greener?

What To Look for with Infill Development

What is an Infill Lot?

"Fill In" Lots

Think of an infill lot as "filling in" available lots and land where infrastructure and services are already in place.

An infill lot might be an empty lot between homes in an existing newer subdivision.

An infill lot could also be an available piece of land between older homes, or between buildings.

Why is an Infill Lot Greener?

Revitalized Neighborhoods

The Urban Land Institute says that urban infill lots converted to new homes create neighborhood revitalization.

Public Transportation

An infill lot is more likely to have access to public transportation that has been put in place to service existing homes and businesses.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

An infill lot is more likely to be near local businesses and amenities, making walking or biking viable options - and reducing carbon footprints.

What Should I Be Aware Of When Buying an Infill Lot?

Architectural Design

Homebuyers will want to try to match the architectural designs in the existing neighborhood as much as possible. A 4000 sq ft home built in a neighborhood consisting of 1500 sq ft homes will probably not hold value well - and may not appraise well for financing.

HOA and Review Committees

As in many neighborhoods, potential homes may need to be reviewed and approved by any existing homeowners associations or review committees.

Shape and Size of Lot

The lot may be an odd size or shape, which has caused it to be passed over. Your builder may be able to recommend a type of home or floor plan that will fit well, or make modifications to your favorite plan.

Impervious Surface

The city or county may have a maximum impervious surface requirement. This means the foundation, walkways, and driveways can not cover more than a specific number of square feet. Again, the builder and/or architect can work to design or modify the home, driveway, and walkways so that the impervious surface requirement is met.

Sewer and Water

Don't assume that sewer and water are readily available - be sure to check on whether or not hookups already exist at your infill lot. If not, find out what the cost will be to make sure your new home has sewer and water (or a septic and well) available.

Get an Expert to Review Your Infill Lot - Then Enjoy Your New Home!

Work with a builder and/or agent with plenty of experience purchasing land and building on infill lots. There are some differences between infill lots and new neighborhoods, but there are advantages too! Knowing the right questions to ask and having a home that fits well can make all the difference.

Need help deciding on a lot or neighborhood?

Stanton Homes offers a free lot inspection to help you find the fit that works well for your budget - and provides a full cost analysis of site work, permits, fees, and sewer and water costs. Contact us today to find out more.

Other Available Land and Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area Information

Click on the links below to find information about other available lots and land, as well as an introduction to the area. A wide variety of price points are available.

Chatham County, NC (Jordan Lake/Chapel Hill)

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Garner, NC

Hillsborough, NC

Holly Springs, NC

Raleigh, NC

Copyright 2009 by Stanton Homes

Which Home Is Yours?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:25:06 -0600

These days the real estate industry is flooded with foreclosed homes. It's sad and who ever would have guessed we would find our nation in this state. I'm not telling you anything you don't know, you see it on the MLS every day.

So many of these homes were built before energy codes. Now, even the government is paying attention and giving inducements to homeowners who wish to greenovate their spaces by including incentives in the stimulus bill.

Is there really a need for it? I think Stephanie was ahead of the curve last year when she visited this question....

Via Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® Spring/Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®):

Let's pretend that the picture to the right is a snapshot of the homes for sale in your Community. There are a handful of homes available, but there are only 5 Buyers lurking around. It is a race for curb appeal, staging, and upgrades. A battle of advertising wits to get the most showings with Photos on MLS, Videos on YouTube and Virtual Tours online.

But most of these all have Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances and Plasma TV's staying with the home. There are some with upgraded carpet, extra crown moulding and pools or heavenly back yards.

Ok, back to the picture. Is there one that catches your eye, one that stands out more than the others? Why does green make it different?

I really am getting somewhere, just bear with me another minute. Here are a few things that I have NEVER heard from a client while showing homes:

"I am buying a home 45 miles from work and it would make me SO happy to find the home in this Community with the highest electric bill."

"Living in Houston for a long time, I have bad allergies/asthma and I enjoy it. Find me the home that will aggravate my allergies/asthma the most."

and last but not least:

"I absolutely LOVE home maintenance. I want a home with rotted wood, single pane windows and appliances that will need to be changed out next year."

I personally believe that these items are overlooked in separating homes while they are For Sale. All of the three points above are getting in to what Green Homes are about. Yes, what most would consider 'Environmentally Friendly Homes'. It is all over the News, every magazine, Reality TV Show, it doesn't end. Even if your home is NOT Green, let's look at what really could make it the Green one in the middle that sticks out.

Energy Efficiency-

So, you have always been ahead of the curve in making a comfortable home with LOW Utility Bills. You chose Radiant Barrier when you replaced your roof, changed out your Windows to Double Pane to keep your Living Room or Master Bedroom cooler, upgraded to Energy Star Appliances AND put in a brand spankin' new 15 SEER A/C System last year. All of that made your bill 40-50% less than the Blue homes around you. Let's Frame it! Take that last Electric Bill and show it to the world! Loud and Proud!

Water Efficiency-

Do you live in an area with high Water Bills or a Water Shortage? What changes have you or can you make to your home that would appeal to a Potential Homebuyer? How about Sprinkler System with Rain Gauge, Low Flow faucets or toilets, or a landscaped yard that requires minimal watering and/or maintenance.

Indoor Air Quality-

This topic would appeal to that large group of homebuyers that need less dust or allergens in a home, a group that is growing in numbers every year. Did you opt for the Whole House HEPA Filter in your A/C System? How about very little or NO carpet, Low or No VOC Paints and adhesives when you put in Hardwood floors and remodeled? Home Buyers looking for these options REALLY do know that it will benefit them.

Home Maintenance-

Ahhh, the one item that really hits home. The Cost vs. Value report is put out once a year to show what upgrades and changes recuperate the most money within 12 months. Did you know that Double Pane windows in Houston on this report show that you can get over 80% of your money back within one year? New siding on the home is OVER 90%!! This also goes back to move in condition and Convenience, two topics that Potential Homebuyers LOVE to hear about. What makes your home different?

These four topics can really draw a crowd and statistics show that Home Buyers are willing to pay a Premium. Whether your home already has these items or you just know that changes are needed to sell, these are items to consider. What is IN your home can help your Listing Agent make it the one that Stands Out From The Crowd! Which Home Is Yours?

FEBRUARY Spread the Link Love CHALLENGE

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:52:16 -0600

JaneAnne truly has an knack for fun contests that get others involved while highlighting some of the great posts you may not normally see!

Here is a fun contest for February where you can Spread the Link Love! and have some fun!!! If you are a little weary and want to just send around some hugs.... Come on over to the ECO All Stars and check it out....

Via Asheville's GREEN BUYERS' Brokers- LAND & Fine Homes :

FEBRUARY Spread the Link Love CHALLENGE

UPDATE: The Eco-All-Stars
FEBRUARY Spread the Link Love CHALLENGE

MOST REBLOGGED POST Gets 3,000 points....

Add YOUR OWN link in the comment section below...the entry link with the most reBLOGS wins 3,000 points...so get your colleagues to endorse your work with a reBlog nod!

IF you are NOT a member of the Eco-All-Stars Group you can join and enter the contest...or simply pick a post that you have read at the ECO-All-Stars Groupand select it to reblog....

IF you ARE a member of the Eco-All-Stars Group Here's all you have to do.

·1)      SELECT "reBlog" on ANY TWO (2) posts YOU have written and submitted to the Eco-All-Stars Group in 2007, 2008 or 2009.

•2)      EDIT the post to make sure you have SELECTED the "reBlog" OK box.

·3)      ENTER the February link Love Challenge. PLACE a link to YOUR OWN POST  HERE: http://activerain.com/blogsview/918198/FEBRUARY-3000-Points-Spread-the-Link-Love-CHALLENGE

•4)      CORRESPOND with ECO -All-Star colleagues. REQUEST they read and reBlog your post!

•5)      Honor System: On February 26, 2009 check the reBlog arrow box to find the number of reblogs.

•6)      PLACE the number of reBlogs you have accumulated in the comment section HERE http://activerain.com/blogsview/918198/FEBRUARY-3000-Points-Spread-the-Link-Love-CHALLENGE

GOOD BACKGROUND INFO: I have been doing some research on reBlogging . If you have any questions, here are two (2) links that I have found to be helpful....

http://activerain.com/blogsview/633408/Whoops-there-it-is and http://activerain.com/blogsview/632756/Blog-Blog-and-Now-ReBlog

____________________________________________________________________________

Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to Convivial Blogger Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG and SUBSCRIBE

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

FEBRUARY Spread the Link Love CHALLENGE .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Being Green is easier than you think!

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:56:06 -0600

I love this post by Gary White who talks about green building and green remodeling....I especially love the energy saving easy modifications Gary talks about. With all the homes that were built before energy homes that currently exist in my community this post just makes "cents!"

Via Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FlexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan):

Most of think of being green as reserved for new construction.

New construction may have it's advantages because you start with a goal, a budget and fit the construction to your lifestyle.

When working with a green builder their are several questions to ask.

Have you built green homes before?

Are you willing to share the names of your past clients for me to speak too?

Can I have the names of some of your suppliers? You want to make sure your project doesn't end with a construction lean!

Ask the contractor if he has any certifications like, "LEED", any questions check here: http://www.usgbc.org

Ask the contractor for some recommendations.

Now the fact is if you already own your home and it doesn't have in floor heating like this home. Adding it can be a very expensive and mostly prohibitive venture.

Living GREEN is easier than you think!

Being GREEN can be as simple as updating your:

Windows, Replacement Windows

Furnace, Energy Efficient, Geo Thermal

Setback Furnace Thermostat

Flooring materials

Using Thermal blinds

Exterior Door Moldings

Attic & Side Wall Insulation

Roofing Materials

Low Flow Water Savers, Toilets, Showerheads, On-Demand Water Heaters

This can save you energy and pay for itself.
Did you know you could qualify for energy tax credits by turning green...now that is some green!

Living Green isn't just for new construction. Although the new materials are far superior and the construction methods have seen some vast improvements. Living green can be done on a daily basis impacting our environment for generations we will never meet!

Have you thought of using only recyclable products? Look at your shopping habits does the container recycle? When you are pushing your shopping cart down the isle can you see what will be left behind in land fills? Will the containers, packaging and wrappers degrade back to earth friendly components or become part of an ugly landscape?

Thinking of helping your heat bill and the furnace is already 90% efficient; windows updated? Look at your insulation...attic and side walls, hot water heater, hot water pipes, insulation where your home and foundation meet. These projects don't need to be done all at once, you can make a list and do them as your finances allow in order of importance and investment return. Look at what allows you a tax credit and lowers your living costs first.

Will these things make a difference? You bet, both in your daily living and our environmental lives. Look at your hot water heat temperature setting...turn down a few degrees...you'll hardly notice but your gas or electric consumption will drop and so will our national fuel usage and foreign oil dependency, IF each one of us turned back the dial a few degrees imagine the impact!

Look at the molding around your entry doors, you think "its a little drafty but it'll do"...think again. That draft could be costing you a $100.00 a year in energy costs! Think the only time you use energy is in the winter months? What about your air conditioning? Lighting is another area that canimpact your budget. You think energy efficient bulbs cost to much? Read the side panel...see the saving and life expectancy you may rethink that position too!

Living Green isn't just for NEW construction...existing homes can get a good dose of Green too! All you have to do is look at your home from a new perspective and reap the benefits. Kermit the Frog said, " It isn't easy being GREEN". Today with modern technology and a little work being GREEN is easier than ever!

Having GREEN thoughts...hope this helped you see how being GREEN can help you in your daily life even when your home isn't new construction.

Gary White, Associate Broker FlexIt Realty, Grand Rapids, Michgian              Tell me about your GREEN projects.

A Cozy Michigan Day with Friends!!!! Thanks AR!

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:15:33 -0600

A beautiful white blanket covers the scenery in Micihgan this time of year. I don't recall a winter in the last 20 years that has provided white cover as often or as much as we have seen this year. If you are one to venture in the woods this is the type of view you will find. It's breathtaking...it's beautiful....

it's cold!!!!

Ah...a cozy 76 degrees F inside staving off a 7.6 degree F temp outside!!!

You may ask....what is making it so warm inside? I must confess, I have a fire going in the old wood stove!That keeps the heat in...so does soup on the stove...mmmm...potato soup and vegetable soup! There is nothing like a steaming hot bowl of fresh soup to warm the soul! and then there are the ECO~All~Stars on Active Rain!

They are a little like Chicken Soup for the Soul!

Today I have talked with:

Dave Roberts and his great ideas for sustainable building desings!

Amy Le and I had a conversation about retrofitting homes and making them more energy efficient!

I learned today from Mike Kelly that Catawaba County is refunding permit money for homes that are being built with third party certification.

Greg Gardner shared his information on land trusts and gave me a starting point for learning about them!

Gary White in Grand Rapids who offers great tips for greening and energizing an existing home!

These friends and others kept me warm today with their articles! So many interesting things to read!

Who says I don't have friends! I have so many when I play in the Rain!!!

Active Rain and the Eco~All~Stars....

what a great Bridge to the Future of the Industry!!!

Are you crossing the bridge????

Thanks to AR and all my friends from around the country who kept me warm today!

If you had conversations in the rain today please feel free to leave a synopsis and link in your comment! Let's spread the warmth!!!

Yes! I do have a life!!!

Michigan Product Puts Spin on the Inauguration~ Windspires™ from Capital Hill to Cobo Hall!!!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:46:13 -0600

Michigan is putting a spin on Capitol Hill for the Inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama Tuesday January 20, 2008. A Windspire™ installed on Capital Hill in Washington D.C. will be visible from the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama January 20, 2009.

The Windspire™ which will be visible from the Presidential Inauguration will showcase Michigan Made Products to the world.

This working Windspire™ has been on display at the botanical gardens in Washington since May 2008. This is a display that pays for itself! Not only does the Windspire™ attract interest from visitors from around the world, it also supplies power back to the grid in Washington D.C.!

Talk about a display that gives added value!!! This is truly

~ a Working Display~

(if only my kids would work for me as hard!)

In honor of the election and to show support for the promises made by this next administration, Michigan's lower penisula will commission the first Windspire in the Copemish, Michigan Monday, January 19, 2009 in Copemish, Michigan. The very first installation in Michigan was in St. Ignace, Michigan ~ the upper penisula ~ during 70 mph winds in December 2008.

Contractor Devon O'Shea installed the first Windspire in Michigan's UP and will also be commissioning the second tower, said the Windspire, "Took off so fast in those winds I jumped back!" Yes, we are making Devon work through the winter. Last week he was racing to trench and beat the frost lines that are moving down about an inch a day to get the electric buried! Even my cable guy didn't do that!!

The Windspire™, developed by Nevada based Mariah Power will be manufactured in Manistee, Michigan through a partnership with Mastech Technologies.

The Windspire™ on Capital Hill represents important progress for Michigan in the renewable energy field. The partnership between Mariah Power and Mastech being formed with the assistance of city, county and state of Michigan economic development groups is the teamwork that leads to success.

Mastech will be able to consolidate all manufacturing operations under one roof in Manistee, Michigan offering cost efficient production that is reflected in the price to the consumer. Operations are expected to bring 120 new “green” jobs to Manistee over the next three years.

This photo was take at the North American Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit Michigan ~ going on through January 25, 2009 it shows a practical application for the Windspire™ in a not ~ to ~ distant future.

Applications such as these demonstrate the teamwork that the auto industry and the renewable energy industry will incorporate to resolve the problems we can not deny in our economy.

Michigan is full of skilled trade workers and manufacturers who can make so much possible...

The Windspire™ is a practical example of progress for the great State of Michigan!

The Windspire™ offers an aesthetically pleasing design. This 30 foot vertical structure is very quiet, maintenance free and is “plug in Play” making installation a breeze. The system in Copemish will be tied to the electric grid, sending power back to the local utility company and resulting in a credit on the business owner’s electric utility bill. The Windsprire™ is elible for new federal tax credits.

The Windspire™ installation will take place at "high" noon on Monday January 19, 2009 at Contractors Building Supply Headquarters in Copemish, Michigan. I will look forward to meeting you in person there!

The Windspire™ should be generating power around 1pm.

CBS is inviting public and press are welcome to attend the commissioning of the system in Copemish,MI.

For more information you may contact Devon O'Shea (until he gets on the jobsite!!! 888-378-3160) or you may contact me.

Photos courtesy of Mariah Power

Green Home Affordability ~ January 2009 Eco~All~Stars Making It Right Challenge!!!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:01:37 -0600

True to JaneAnne's educator spirit of challenging her students, the ECO~All~Stars' January 2009 Challenge has been a real stumper and caused me some grief!!!

I suspect I am not alone~ but I rise to the challenge....

I began by making a visit to the Build America website. The studies provided demonstrate there are at least 5 different building climates in the United States. Through Build America, a building technology program from the Department of Energy (DOE), best practices have been studied for each of these climates. In addition, the DOE has studied solar thermal and solar photovoltaics (PV) best practices. These best practice case studies were prepared with your tax dollars and are available to you, consumers, builders and developers at no cost from the DOE, you have already paid for them.

Then I turned to Brad Pitt's Making It Right Project. I am not privy to the LEED – H checklist submitted to USGBC for certifying the homes Mr. Pitt is building in New Orleans, but I suspect that many of the points for certification have been garnered from site specific building practices. I am not going to explain the whole point system here, that will make a series of articles for me in the future. In the meantime, you can research the information on the USGBC website.

What I would like to call attention to is that a large part of what makes a home sustainable comes from site specific design. This is a basic premise of the US Green Building Council and correlates with the mission to have a profound impact not only on our economy, health and productivity ~ but also

~on our natural environment~

Over 50% of the points of the minimum 45 for a LEED-H certification can be achieved by meeting the following site specific goals:

Compact development – building in areas with high housing density – up to 3 points
Site selection – building is built close to existing infrastructure - up to 3 points
Limiting use of outdoor water – this is automatically earned by those homes built in compact development – 1 point
Homes with ready access to community resources such as restaurants, groceries and schools and being near open space – up to 3 points
And the biggie – up to 10 points for homes smaller than the national average

A goal of the LEED-H program is that homes are affordable.

Part of the equation to build homes affordable are energy efficiency and durability. If a homeowner cannot afford the utilites after they move into the home they purchased at whatever costs, even if they were given the home in exchange for sweat equity, the home is truly not affordable. This is the part of the equation most people miss.

Up front cost does not make a home affordable!

To demonstrate this first part of JaneAnne's Challenge:

•1) REVEAL HOW members of yourcommunity might benefit from sustainable (green) designs

Come learn about a real example from my community.

There are many examples of homes that have not registered for LEED certification but possibly could have met certification if they had gone through the process. One of these homes I am familiar with is in Muskegon, Michigan.

This Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity home is built in a high density neighborhood. It is close to schools and hospitals and is within walking distance of an existing transportation infrastructure. The lot size and orientation is such that the footprint of the home only had one possible orientation on the site. Thus, other design changes were made to give it the best possible passive solar design.

This Muskegon Habitat for Humanity Home sports sleek, low profile solar hot water panels. This will give the homeowners, with all their children, FREE hot water for bathing, dishes, laundry and other household needs.

This is not the only design feature that will bring affordability to the large family moving into this home.

The design incorporates insulated concrete forms for the foundation, features highly efficient windows, programmable thermostats, and low flow water fixtures. It is an attractive home. This was a major goal. Homeowners will take more pride in an attractive house.

The home and Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity truly deserve a blog dedicated (coming in February) to put a spotlight on this successful project!

I’m fairly certain, this home that was built within budget, did not have a $15,000 design budget. I will check with Mike McIntyre at Muskegon Habitat to verify that information.

I suspect quite the opposite is true, it was built with intelligence, building science and existing resources which add to the sustainability of the project.

A major contributor to project success is Integrated Team Work from all members from the beginning of the project. This home demonstrates the dedication Michigan and Habitat for Humanity has to affordable housing.

And for the EASY part of JaneAnne's Challenge?

•2) REVEAL HOW members of the Active Rain Community can demonstrate to Brad Pitt the benefit of making the designs from his New Orleans project available for a nominal price to Individuals, Eco-communities, and/or Builders and Developers. EX. The availability might raise enough money to sponsor the remaining 62 homes that Brad Pitt has left to do.

My Dad always says, KISS....Keep It Simple Sweetheart!

As for Brad Pitt’s designs? They probably wouldn’t be much help any Michigan communities – the designs on stilts would need to be modified for our building and energy codes which would again increase the cost. We build most of our homes with the foundations below ground, not above ground! Engineering would need to be done for snow loads on the roofs.There would also be other design considerations.

This would not be very sustainable in practice.

But may I suggest?

The International Builder’s Show is just getting started in Las Vegas. This event promises to bring 90,000+ industry professionals together. Some of those professionals may find value in owning one of Mr. Pitt’s designs, if just to showcase a piece of a celebrity project and to support a good cause. They would probably get a charitable tax deduction to boot!

The Make It Right Project has 62 more homes to build at a cost of 200K each. Simple math tells me the project needs $12.4M to be completed. If Mr. Pitt’s entourage gave his designs away at the builder’s show in exchange for a minimum $1000 donation each he would need to secure 12,400 donations to attain his goal. At 5K each, Pitt would only need to attain 2,480. Seems rather simple and achievable.

I suppose if Mr. Pitt flew me out and provided accomodations I could reschedule my week to go take care of this for him.

~or~

How about a better idea that is likely more sustainable and would bring MORE VALUE to New Orleans?

I don't have the counts but I assume there are somewhere "in the neighborhood" (pun intended) 200,000+ homes that need to be rebuilt in New Orleans. Mr. Pitt’s designs were created specifically for New Orleans. Why not team up and share those plans with other builders and developers in NEW ORLEANS for a nominal fee of $500 or $1000 with rights to build from the designer/architect.

Seems a pretty simple solution that will best serve the New Orleans community….

Good luck, Mr. Pitt, I hope you attain your goal!

Thank you JaneAnne, Stephanie and the ECO~All~Stars for the challenge!!!

Good Jobs, Green Jobs...show me the money!!!

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:35:46 -0600

The venue? Washington DC

The focus? Green Jobs..and I'm not talking about the Presidential Inauguration, although I find the timing uncanny. Remember Joe the Plumber? Now he is...Joe the Solar Guy!!!

The Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference is scheduled for February 3 - 6, 2009.

The event promises "government decision-makers and elected officials will join labor, environmental and business advocates to forge and agenda and share ideas and strategies for a refashioned, green economy."

Many I talk to are skeptical about how many jobs can be created by this burgeoning industry we call "green." On the conference website, you will be able to download two very important reports. One is from the US Conference of Mayors, Current and Potential Green Jobs in the US. The other is a report out of the UN, Emerging Green Economy Could Create Tens of Millions of "Green Jobs." Personally, I have downloaded these for later reading. The report from the UN is several hundred pages!

There is a lot of hope that green jobs will be part of the answer to the economic woes that plague our country.

AND....Much Skepticism....

When we look at the small scale, two guys constructing a foundation for a small wind generator it seems, well, small scale.

It's hard to believe that this is going to get our country out of trouble.

Like the conference, let's focus on the jobs for a moment. Let's take just a quick walk through ~

Cliff Notes if you will ~

Just like the foundation on a building, site preparation is very important. It takes man hours to move that dirt around and get it right.

The crew of two we see has assembled different materials just for the foundation...various woods for the forms, rebar or rerod, a sonatube....these materials were all manufactured, transported and sold to the contractors. Commerce at it's finest. The man hours in assembling the foundation were also numerous.

Next comes our cement....(another fine Consumers Concrete job!)

Behind the scenes...permits from municipalities, foundation and electrical inspections, engineering designs....

All this before the first blade on the wind generator turns......

There are also manufacturing jobs to create and assemble the materials...wire, tower, rotor, blades, inverter, and the list goes on...

Now, I want to try to make sense of this in numbers the average person can understand....

It is said that installation of one small wind energy system can provide a 40 hour work week, for one month, for one person. That is 160 hours into one installation. These numbers do not include the manufacturing process work hours.

A full time work week adds up to 2000 hours over a year. So if we extrapolate those numbers, 1000 small wind energy systems would provide 80 jobs for a year....

10,000 systems would provide 800 jobs for a year.

... not including manufacturing.

These numbers are still too small to have a major effect on the economy alone.

But just think of it!!! Extrapolate on your own. Isn't it exciting???

This example only focused on a very small but growing portion of the new green industry...

Small Wind Energy Systems....would 800 jobs help your community? your state?

I am in Michigan...we are losing that many jobs by the week. It has been said of Michigan,

"Last one out turn out the lights."

There are many in Michigan who will not leave, but will stay and keep the lights on with the new technologies in the market that will provide local jobs for local folks who will spend their money locally.

The end product is a beautiful example of independence...

what this country was founded on.

Let us once again declare independence...

I will be watching and listening to what comes out of the 2009 Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference.

I will also be watching and listening to you when you tell me,

What is going on in YOUR local area!

The Story of David and the Champions

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:46:36 -0600

The Story of David and the Black Willow!!!

Tucked away in a very small community in northern Michigan, Copemish, is a very large project! A quaint little non-profit called the Champion Tree Project.

What is a champion tree? A champion tree is judged to be the largest of it's species.

So why a project? According to David Milarch, co-founder of the Champion Tree Project, the group was formed, "in 1996 in northern Michigan to essentially archive genetics and Arichival Living Libraries across the country and around the world of the last of the Old Growth Forest Genetics of Trees."

According to David, who was in the shade tree nursery business, they noticed that many of their stock was dying off and changing. Nursery stock that had always done well was not surviving. Through research they found that they were losing many species mainly to changes in the environment, "air and water quality, acid rain and new diseases. They began a quest for trees that had immune systems that were much stronger to take the climate change, take the attack from the air of acid rain and ozone pollution and be able to withstand the changing challenges that all trees are going through."

Have you ever heard a variety of willow tree called the Black Willow?

I hadn't until just recently.

What an interesting tree.

David Milarch is cloning a Champion Black Willow found smack dab in Traverse City, Michigan. This tree measures about 11 foot in diameter across the trunk.

So what is so great about this tree? Science has proven, according to Milarch, the Black Willows are a tree that extract mercuries, heavy metals, dioxins and the really bad stuff out of water and soil.

Can you imagine using the environment to clean the environment of all the stuff we have dumped into it?

Can you imagine a living organism that can actually survive on mercury?

I will be bringing you more information on the Champion Tree Project in coming months. In the meantime, you can follow this link to read an interview, from Turtle Creek Casino, with David Milarch. This interview gave the basic framework for my article.

Mr. Milarch and the Champion Tree Project is cloning THOUSANDS of trees with the tribe at Turtle Creek Casino in Manistee, Michigan to distribute to schools and environmental groups all over Northern Michigan...and throughout the world.

To what end? Remediation of rivers, streams, lakes and watersheds, naturally. Is that really important in Michigan?

YES! Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes which contain about 84 percent of North America's surface fresh water and about 21 percent of the world's supply. Yes. This is very important.

To steal from Paul Harvey...stay tuned for "the rest of the story!"

Wishing you a RENEWABLE year!!!

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:01:49 -0600

HI Everyone!!!

It's been a long time since I've written and just want you to know it has gone

from green..

to WHITE~ in such a short time! (and this was taken before the BLIZZARD this past week! Quadruple that!)

Where has 2008 gotten away to?

Soon (if not already) Michigan skies will cloud over and sunshine will be a rare site!

Ah but I will find sunshine here with the ECO All Stars and everyone else on Active Rain!!!

Keep the good posts coming and if I don't talk to you sooner...

A blessed Christmas season and a RENEWABLE Year to you!!!

Is my house ready for a small wind energy system? Let's do a walk through! Part I

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:16:08 -0500

Pick up any newspaper across the US these days and I will bet you a dollar to a donut you will find at least one article about energy. It is also very likely you will find at least one article about Wind Energy in particular.

Wind is very exciting! Wind is CLEAN ENERGY!

It is a very powerful feeling to leave a house and know the homeowner is producing their own energy!!! They have their own private power plant!!!

I smile as my phone rings with calls from consumers inquiring about wind. It gives me a chance to share what I have learned and it is rare when I don't learn something from the party on the phone.

I also hear questions that tell me there is confusion being created by so many articles, points of view and the variety of wind energy systems available.

This is a map from KHOU in Houston showing Centerpoint Energy's expected completion of power restoration in the areas of Texas affected by IKE. (I hope Stephanie is fairing ok!)

Something I hear quite often is that people expect with a wind energy system they will have power in times of outages like this.

I have to explain that is not necessarily so.

There are basically two different types of connections with residential wind generators

1. off grid - Georgina and Pete can probably give a lot of help with this! Off the grid systems require some type of battery storage for the energy created.

2. grid tied - the majority of small wind energy systems feed the energy produced to the power company. These are required to have an automatic shut off when the grid is down. Otherwise, you could produce energy and feed it back to the grid while some poor line worker is trying to restore power to your neighbors. The poor line worker would get a heck of a shock!

So this takes care of misconception #1.

The majority of wind energy systems my company installs are Grid Tied. For most households the best source of backup power is the electric companies grid! Why? There will be times when the wind doesn't blow so you won't create any energy and for the average household the draw will normally be more than their wind generator can produce.

Now the conversation moves toward, "So then I can sell the extra I make to the electric company?"**

Well...another deep subject! (sorry, I had to say it!)

This is where I play badminten and volley the shuttlecock back over the net,

"How many kilowatts a month (year) do you use?"

Wow! you would think I asked a question about the periodic table. It's unfortunate...most people simply don't know.

I must confess, I never knew until I got into this field and that's ok! I know now! (and obviously this family needs to work on some things!!!) and this is what is important! Awareness is half the battle!

So help me out here...How many average kilowatts does your household use in a year? There are a couple of ways to find out.

1. Many utility companies now have an online site where you can check your history. You will need to register and will normally you will need your billing handy because you will need your account number and some other personal information. I have found this to be the simplest way.

2. If you don't have access to the internet you can go through your records of paper bills (ugh!) add the kilowatt hours you have used over "x" number of months, divide by "x" number of months and walla! you have an average. The kilowatt hours on my bill - Consumers Energy - are listed in the upper right hand corner. Each utility will vary where place kilowatt hours on the bill.

3. If you can't access the internet or paper billing records you will have to call your utility company (double ugh!) and have them send it to you. This is always last resort!

In climates like Michigan and other parts of the midwest it is good to get a 12 month average.

Why? We use a fair amount of air conditioning in the summer, which is electric. Most of our homes are heated with some type of gas or fuel oil so the electric utility is normally lower during winter months. A twelve month average works best.

One note (I have to get my rant in...) Many people pay their utilities on a "budget" program. There are several reasons I disagree with this plan. The most important reason is that people tend to look at the dollar amount of their bill and not the kilowatt hours used. If the bill stays the same for 10 months out of the year most people are unaware of times when they are using more energy.

This causes less conservation again due to unawareness. (read: higher utility bills)

So I'll just wait right here while you go get that information! This is the really important part!! Then we can get on to part II and find out,

"Is your home ready for a small wind energy system?"

**Currently 30 states require net metering. If you can't wait the American Wind Energy Association has a nice write up on net metering and explains each states policy!

Picture: SkyStream 3.7 Small Wind Energy System, Manistee, Michigan

Don't let the sun go down - Federal Tax Credits for Solar expire soon! New Energy Policy Introduced

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:49:32 -0500

Don't let the sun go down on our Federal Tax Credits!!!

Thanks to Paul Rekow of Iowa who is a member of the small wind group I belong to. Paul forwarded this information this morning.

As you can see from the counter on my right side panel, federal solar tax credits expire in less than 104 days. It is very important for renewable energy to be viable and affordable that these credits are extended as well as the $2000 cap for residential installations removed.

Additionally, this energy package introduced would include a provision for small wind. Currently there are no incentives at the federal level for small wind.

Last but certainly not least, this policy addresses "CLEAN" coal.

You will find a link on my right hand side to contact your representatives.

I don't wish this post to evolve into a political discussion. I am merely getting the information out.

Please consider reading the highlights of the policy introduced and contact your representatives if you support this policy (and if you don't! for that matter!)

It is important as citizen's we continue to guide our reps not just during the voting process but also through out their term in office! Thanks! Ma

ENERGY POLICY:

Details emerge on Senate tax extenders package

Noelle Straub, E&ENews PM reporter (09/17/2008)

Wind and solar tax credits would be extended and "clean coal" credits created under a $17 billion energy package that leaders of the Finance Committee fleshed out today. Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and ranking member Charles Grassley (R- Iowa) and the Democratic leadership struck the new compromise.

The duo introduced a $40 billion energy tax package last week, but it was whittled down and combined with other measures. Those include alternative minimum tax relief for more taxpayers at a cost of $62 billion, a host of tax credits for businesses and individuals, tax disaster relief, and mental health parity legislation. The Senate may hold separate votes on the energy provisions and the rest of the package.

The package would extend the production tax credit for wind and refined coal for one year and for other alternative power sources for two years. Also included was an eight-year extension of the 30 percent investment tax credit for solar installations.
It would extend for eight years the residential solar credit and remove the cap on that credit, which is $2,000. It also adds residential small wind projects and geothermal heat pumps to the credit, capped at $4,000 and $2,000, respectively.
The bill also would authorize $800 million of new clean renewable energy bonds, with that total split in thirds for local and state governments, public power providers and electric cooperatives.
It would provide $1.5 billion in new tax credits for advanced coal electricity projects and coal gasification projects and provide credits to industrial facilities for capturing and storing carbon dioxide.
For the steel industry, it adds a credit for coal used in the manufacture of coke.
A new consumer credit of up to $7,500 for plug-in electric vehicles would be created, along with incentives for bicycle commuting and idling reduction units for trucks.
The bill would extend the biodiesel production credit and alternative fuels excise credit for one year.
A new category of conservation bonds providing up to $800 million for state and local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would be created.
On energy efficiency, it would extend the credit for improvements to homes for one year, the appliance credit for two years and the buildings deduction for five years.
Lawmakers included revenue-raising provisions for the energy provisions. The measure would freeze at 6 percent the Section 199 domestic manufacturing deduction for oil and gas companies.
It would also extend the oil spill tax, alter tax rules on oil-and-gas companies' income on overseas projects and tighten rules on brokers to report to the IRS transactions involving trading of stock and other securities.
The bill also would reauthorize through 2011 the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act and readjust its funding distribution formula. The act paid out millions to rural communities hit by the decline in timber sales on federal lands to pay for basic municipal services such as schools and infrastructure.
It would also provide full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program for 2009.

Windspire by Mariah Power - Renewable energy creates new Michigan jobs!! Part II

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:55:42 -0500

Looking up Mariah WindSpire!!!

Last month I spoke of a new manufacturing venture between MasTech Manufacturing and Mariah Wind Power and the possibility of the partnership bringing jobs to Manistee County in my blog Windspire by Mariah Power Part I.

Many in Michigan, including myself, have been sitting on pins and needles to hear the decision of this joint venture.

Where will the new home for the manufacturing of this Vertical Axis Wind Turbine be?

This began quietly in early June 2008. While working on the Michigan Energy Fair Allan O'Shea, co-chair of the Michigan Energy Fair and Chair of the Manistee County Commission received a lead that this company called Mariah Power was looking for a permanent home to manufacture the Windspire VAWT.

Since June 2008 the both the city and county of Manistee, the state of Michigan and private venture capitalists have come together to make it possible.

I received the joyous news today from Allan O'Shea. In a meeting of the Mariah board Monday September 15 locating manufacturing operations in Manistee Michigan was approved contingent on the passing of a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant (CBDG). The Manistee County Board of Commissioners approved the Community Block Devevelopment Grant at the regular commission meeting Tuesday morning.

Mr. O'Shea was very excited in our conversation today. He stressed the lengths that Michigan communities will go to in order to bring jobs to Michigan and to create a win-win situation for businesses. Renee Ihlenfeldt, Executive Director of the Alliance for Economic Success in Manistee has said that Mariah was very pleased with the way the community backed this project.

"They're extremely pleased with what they see talent-wise at MasTech," Ihlenfeldt said. "They know the product, the marketing and the engineering." Renee has been very instrumental in putting together the team that has worked with Mariah and MasTech. O'Shea credits Renee with "taking the ball and running with it."

Mariah currently has backorders for 3500 WindSpires, a year of work for the new partnership. The 30-foot tall wind energy system offers an alternative for urban residences and businesses. It is attractive and quiet and offers easy installation with minimal maintenence.

The WindSpire was one of the highlights at the Michigan Energy Fair this year. It was spinning all weekend long!!! If you are in Washington you can see the WindSpire on display at Capitol Hill!! Windspire is on display near the Capitol Building at the US Botanic Gardens through October 2008!

You can check in with Mike Brennan over at MITECHNEWS to hear a podcast recorded at the Michigan Energy Fair discussing the Mariah WindSpire.

Congrats Manistee and Michigan for bringing a projected 116 new jobs and tremendous technology to this community and this state! Bookmark my blog for new information on the WindSpire as manufacturing operations gear up!!!

PS...check out the solar tax credit expiration counter to the right...your 30% federal tax credit on Solar expires in less than 106 days!

Photocredits: Mariah Wind Power

Great Lakes Green 2008 - ECO August Challenge

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:30:46 -0500

Great Lakes Green 2008 promises to help me meet Stephanie's challenge for August.

Stephanie announced the ECO August Challenge is to

"figure out how green fits in to the Localism Picture!"

Oh boy did I find it in Michigan this weekend!

Fortunately for all of us, 'green' is not a fad, 'green' is not going away anytime soon.

This could be witnessed this evening when I attended the VIP reception for Great Lakes Green 2008 being held at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids Michigan.

One of my dealers, FCB Solar invited me to assist in his booth this weekend.

The exhibit hall looks empty in this picture. Actually, it was. We took this photo before the big night started. Tomorrow and Saturday we expect the exhibit halls will be packed with industry professionals and consumers who are eager to learn more about 'going green!'

Great Lakes Green 2008 is the brainchild of a partnership between Michigan Association of Home Builders and GreenBuilt Michigan. In it's first year Great Lakes Green 2008 promises to not only bring great information to consumers but to industry professionals as well.

(Mayor George Heartwell kicks off Great Lakes Green 2008)

Arn McIntyre, President of GreenBuilt Michigan, the nations first statewide green building program, opened this evening by introducing Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell who kicked off this event. Mayor Heartwell is well known for his support of sustainability and the city that has gone green, Grand Rapids Michigan. With great leaders in our area it is no wonder Great Lakes Green 2008 will be one of the best efforts in the midwest to educate consumers as well as bring new industry professionals on board and up to speed with energy efficiency and green building.

I had the pleasure this evening of meeting and speaking with Mayor Heartwell as well as Michigan Senators Patricia Birkholz and Mark Jansen about the future of Michigan and renewable energy. It is very interesting speaking with our elected officials to find out they have the same concerns as the general public and to discover they are facing the same struggles with the economy, housing market and rising energy costs. I applaud these Michigan senators for the effort they made this evening to visit Great Lakes Green 2008 and take part in the opening night. It is important that they continue to attend public events and talk to the small business owners in Michigan.

Senator Wayne Kuipers was also in the house but snuck out before I could bore him!! I'll get him next time!

If you are in the midwest this weekend, Great Lakes Green 2008 should be a destination for you! Even if you have to drive 3 hours...do it! You will find great information on new building or regreening your current home! This is not just a show to walk around but a premier even with educational seminars all weekend!!! It will help you walk the talk!

By the way, Ed Bagley is the Keynote Speaker on Saturday! If that doesn't get you there, nothing will!

Only in Michigan....

And of course! Stop by to see me either at the FCB Solar Booth or Standale Lumber Booth! Stay tuned!