Green Living Tallahassee

2009 Tallahassee Parade of Homes

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:03:45 -0500

It is that time again!

It seems like only a few weeks ago since the 2008 Parade of Homes. This year promises to be even more exciting. With gorgeous weather upon us, and two full weekends of open houses, what are you waiting for. Come Check out the 2009 Tallahassee Parade of Homes!

This year's Parade of Homes has some spectacular entries. Many of this year's entries have gone green and received certifications for their energy-efficiency or sustainable building practices. Great examples exist of both affordable (BrackenChase) and high-end (GBGH Construction) examples of energy efficient ENERGY STAR buildings.

Builder's or homeowners wishing to build or remodel green: LEED, ENERGY STAR, Florida Green Building Coalition, or NAHB Green Certifications should contact North Florida's leading green professionals at EarthSTEPS.

For more information:

Alex Mordas, LEED AP

Vice President, EarthSTEPS

Senior Consultant, Green Building Division

amordas@earthsteps.org

www.earthsteps.org

850.559.4976

Hip-Hop Energy Audits!

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:28:47 -0500

What does it take to build a Sustainable City?

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:00:23 -0500

What are your ideas on how a Sustainable City should look?

How does your own city rank on the Sustainability scale?

What are the simplest, or most pressing changes that can/should be made in your area to move toward a better, more economically, socially, environmentally, and aesthetically viable city?

If sustainability and smarth growth are ideas that get you so excited they keep you up at night, or even if you simply envision improving your own neighborhood, the following video link will be something you do not want to miss (please excuse the limited commercial break - about 25 seconds at the start of the video).

Tax Incentives for greening your home

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:12:32 -0500

A recent article in the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/garden/09greenhome.html?emc=eta1) does a fantastic job of highlighting the new and improved tax incentives for 'greening' your home.

Given the state of the economy and a near-universal need to save money, these incentives could not come at a better time. With up to 30% of some improvements covered with a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, and hundreds to thousands of dollars in savings each year on your utility bills, these improvements simply make sense.

As advised by the NYTimes writer, the best place to start if you are considering an improvement of your home, is to get an Energy Audit. These are often available free or low cost from local utilities or governements. Here in Tallahassee, energy audits are available free from the City of Tallahassee, and provide access to some awesome energy-efficiency programs.

If you have taken advantage of the free audit, are interested in a more in-depth Energy Audit, and you would like guidance on the most cost-effective improvements that you can make, that is when it becomes worth it to employ the services of a Energy-Efficiency Company such as EarthSTEPS. Here in Tallahassee and the surrounding area, we provide energy audits with both residential and commercial clients to help them locate the most cost-effective improvements. For more info, please send a request to info@earthsteps.org or call 850.325.6505

Reinvigorating our construction/housing industry through recycling

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:31:56 -0500

I recently stumbled across a really great opportunity for developers, remodelers, house-flippers and homeowners to save some money, go green and avoid filling up our landfills: http://www.planetreuse.com/

This service offers - for free - the ability to either post offers of building materials, or to request specific building materials.

Skimming through the site, it is obvious that it is quickly gaining popularity. Listings covered free materials that were both high quality and offered all around the country.

This is definitely worth checking out, and a much better substitute than trashing those removed or excess building materials from your projects.

Federal Tax Credits - ENERGY STAR Windows

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:27:34 -0600

President Obama recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. One of the many changes of this bill is to extend and modify available tax credits for windows, doors and skylights.The modifications effectively:

extend the length of availability of the tax credits - through 2010
triple the available limits - from $500.00 through $1500.00
increase the available credit - to 30% of the total cost of the windows

As of February 17, 2009 tax credits are now eligible for new windows with a U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient of 0.30 or less.

[this information cannot be relied on for tax purposes... please contact a tax professional for your specific project]

Serving Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississipi. Contact us to obtain ENERGY STAR, LEED, NAHB, FGBC, or additional GREEN certifications on your multi or single family residence.

Green Builder Spotlight

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:53:58 -0600

I recently started a newsletter for the EarthSTEPS Green Building Division. As part of that newsletter, I am going to be highlighting a green builder in every issue. Here's a copy of the first Green Builder Spotlight. A copy of the entire newsletter can be found here.

I would love to get feedback on the newsletter... what kind of information do you want to hear about green building in Florida!?

If you would like to sign up to receive news on green building in Florida, please register here.

Green Builder Spotlight

LD Callaghan, Inc. of Crawfordville, FL, build their homes to FGBC Green Home standards. Now, they have recently added ENERGY STAR to their list of certifications, and will soon complete their first ENERGY STAR certified home.

LD Callaghan homes incorporate simple, practical, green building practices with stunning custom touches such as made-to-order stained glass windows. While relatively new to the green building world, they have quickly earned a reputation for building high quality, energy efficient homes. An example of a recent and stunning green spec home (sold!!!) can be found here.

----For each newsletter, we aim to highlight a different green builder. The intent of this section is to inform and connect builders, and to highlight the different scales and approaches to green building - from custom single-family builders to production-scale developers. From focusing entirely on energy-efficient practices, to the most eco-friendly products and techniques available. If you or someone you know would be interested in being spotlighted in a future issue, please contact us.

EarthSTEPS Green Building Division looks forward to working with you. Together, we can help to shape the built environment of Florida.

Sincerely,

Alex Mordas, LEED AP

Vice President, EarthSTEPS

Senior Consultant, Green Building Division

amordas@earthsteps.org

www.earthsteps.org

850.559.4976

Earth Cents

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:29:01 -0600

Earth Cents

Gulf Power has recently created the new Earth Cents program to help their customers lower their utility bills and increase comfort and value of the home.

This new program encompasses many different energy saving practices compiled into one set of guidelines for building or remodeling an energy-efficient home. According to Gulf Power "Earth Cents Homes offer superior quality and performance while addressing the need to preserve our natural resources."

To see the detailed requirements for the program, please follow this link

For more information on the program, or to get started contact a HERS rater and green building consultant.

Alex Mordas, LEED AP
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

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

Florida HOP Part 5. Homebuyer Loan Process

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:38:43 -0600

Florida’s HOP program

For a brief overview of the program, please see my first posting

Homebuyer Loan Process:

Keeping it simple, keeps you happy!

1. Contact a HOP educated REALTOR and Lender to assist you with your homebuying process

2. Once construction on the Unit has begun, Members (HOP builders) will reserve your homebuyer financing (provided on a loan-by-loan basis) by providing the required date of foundation inspection on the HOP Homebuyer Reservation (“HOPRES201 (5/01/08”) - for more information, please see http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/Developers/HomeownershipPrograms/HOP.

3. Within fourteen (14) Calendar Days of making the reservation, Members (HOP Builders) must submit a copy of the building permit and the completed Environmental Checklist (“HOPENV301 (5/1/08”) must be approved (which is available here) or the reservation will be cancelled.

4. Available funds can only be reserved for a maximum of one hundred eighty (180) Calendar Days. If funds are not drawn within that period, they will be cancelled and the Builder must submit a new reservation.

5. For more information on the process, please go to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Website.

Introduction to HOP Program:

Requirements for Building Eligibility:

Additional Building Requirements:

Eligible Homebuyer Requirements:

Homebuyer Loan Process:

Become a HOP Builder:

Florida HOP Part 4. Eligible Homebuyer Requirements

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:10:41 -0600

Florida’s HOP program

For a brief overview of the program, please see my first posting

Eligible Homebuyer Requirements:

1. In order to receive a HOP Loan under the HOP program, the Eligible Homebuyer must:

(1) Have an Adjusted Income that does not exceed eighty

percent (80%) AMI

(2) Qualify as an Eligible Homebuyer at the time of the

execution of the purchase contract

(3) Occupy the Unit as their principal residence

(4) Provide a minimum down payment of $500, except when participating in a Self-Help program

(5) Not have Personal Assets in excess of $30,000 and Retirement Assets in excess of $100,000,

excluding equity contributions toward the Unit

(6) Complete a HUD approved or SHIP approved face to face homebuyer education course

(7) Comply with the HOP Homebuyer Underwriting Guidelines (5/1/08), which are adopted and

incorporated herein by reference and available at:

http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/Developers/HomeownershipPrograms/HOP.

2. The Eligible Homebuyer must maintain the following types of insurance, naming the Corporation as an additional insured:

(1) Replacement cost hazard insurance

(2) Title insurance in the amount of the HOP Loan

(3) Flood insurance if the Unit is located within the 100-Year Floodplain.

3. Repayment of principal on the HOP Loan shall be deferred until maturity or if the homebuyer sells, transfers or disposes of the Unit either voluntarily or involuntarily, or ceases to occupy the Unit as a principal residence pursuant to 24 CFR § 92.254(4) or 420.5088, F.S.

4. The Corporation will consider resubordinating its HOP Loan to a first mortgage loan when a refinancing occurs. In making a determination, the Corporation will review the following terms of the new transaction: loan type; term of the loan; fixed interest rate percentage; principal balance of the loan; reason for the request and whether or not the terms of the new loan are beneficial to the homebuyer. The homebuyer is subject to the following:

(1) The homebuyer must have resided in the property for at least one year

(2) No additional debt can be refinanced into the new first mortgage, with the exception of

Unit repairs or improvements which require that these funds be escrowed

(3) The homebuyer cannot receive any cash out as a result of the refinancing

(4) The homebuyer is limited to a single approved resubordination prior to repayment of the

mortgage

(5) The homebuyer is subject to a processing fee not to exceed $50. In the event it is determined

that the homebuyer is not eligible, fifty percent (50%) of the processing fee will be returned.

Introduction to HOP Program:

Requirements for Building Eligibility:

Additional Building Requirements:

Eligible Homebuyer Requirements:

Homebuyer Loan Process:

Become a HOP Builder:

Florida HOP Part 3. Additional Builder Requirements

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:36:24 -0600

Florida’s HOP program

For a brief overview of the program, please see my first posting

Additional Building Requirements:

All Units must be new construction which have not been previously occupied except that Members that are counties and eligible municipalities that are administrators of SHIP funding may make reservations for Eligible Homebuyers for HOP funds on Units that are currently in the process of Substantial Rehabilitation.

At no time shall the HOME financing exceed the Maximum Per Unit Subsidy Limits pursuant to 24 CFR § 92.250.
The maximum per-unit subsidy of HOP funding is limited to the lesser of twenty five percent (25%) of the purchase price of the Unit, $70,000, or the amount necessary to meet the borrower analysis criteria, with the exception of Eligible Homebuyers with disabilities and those at fifty percent (50%) AMI or below, which shall not exceed the lesser of thirty five percent (35%) of the purchase price, $80,000, or the amount necessary to meet the borrower analysis criteria.
Eligible participants include non-profit organizations, as defined in Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 USC 42, subsection 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4)) and organized under Chapter 617, F.S., if a Florida Corporation, or under similar state law if organized in a jurisdiction other than Florida, for-profit organizations acting solely as the developer / builder, Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) approved by Florida Housing Finance Corporation, counties and eligible municipalities that are administrators of SHIP funding, and the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (USDA-RD), which has been approved by the Corporation to participate in the HOP program.
A Member may not be a Financial Beneficiary of another Member.
Members shall be limited to a maximum of 60 Units per calendar year and no more than 10 Units in the reservation system at a time.
The HOP Loan shall be evidenced by a properly executed and recorded note and secured by a properly executed and recorded mortgage provided by the Corporation.
The HOP Loan should not be in lower than a second lien position; however, it may occupy a lien position lower than second if another source of down payment assistance from a local government is provided to the Eligible Homebuyer in an amount that exceeds the HOP Loan. The HOP Loan shall not share priority with any other liens unless approved by the Board.
The combined loan-to-value ratio cannot exceed one hundred five percent (105%) of the after construction or appraised value of the Unit with the exception of Eligible Homebuyers with disabilities for which the ratio cannot exceed one hundred twenty percent (120%). In the loan-to-value calculation, the Corporation will not include any subsidy that contains forgivable terms within a five (5) year period or any portion of a subsidy that is forgivable within a five (5) year period.
In the case of Community Land Trusts, Eligible Homebuyers may assume HOP Loans, subject to further approval by Corporation staff.
When HOP funds are used with other Corporation programs, the more stringent borrower analysis criteria will apply as it relates to eligibility requirements; however, in no instance can the HOP Loan be combined with any other Corporation down payment assistance funds.
All Units must undergo any inspections required under 24 C.F.R. § 92.251(a)(2)24.
A Unit shall qualify as affordable housing if:
1. The value or initial purchase price of the property after construction does not exceed ninety-five percent (95%) of the median purchase price for the area
2. The purchase price of the property after construction must not exceed the appraised value of the property
3. The Model Energy Code requirements are met or exceeded as enumerated in 2007 Florida State Energy Code (which exceeds 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.
Members are responsible for providing the assigned servicing entity with completed documentation of the homebuyer.
Homebuyer reservations will be denied or cancelled if a Member or any Principal, or Affiliate of a Member has any existing developments participating in any Corporation programs that remain in non-compliance with the Code, the applicable Florida Statutes and rule chapters, loan documents, or any loan commitment after any applicable cure period granted for correcting such non-compliance has ended.
If the Board determines that any Member or any Affiliate of a Member has:
1. Engaged in fraudulent actions
2. Materially misrepresented information to the Corporation regarding any of its developments within the current Application or in any previous applications for financing or an allocation of Housing Credits administered by the Corporation
3. Been convicted of fraud, theft or misappropriation of funds
4. Been excluded from federal or Florida procurement programs
5. Been convicted of a felony, and upon determination by the Board that such action substantially increases the likelihood that the Member will not be able to produce quality affordable housing, the Member or any Principal, or Affiliate of a Member or developer will be ineligible for funding or allocation in any program administered by the Corporation for a period of two (2) years, which will begin from the date the Board makes such determination, pursuant to Sections 420.507(14) and (34), F.S. Such determination shall be made either pursuant to a proceeding conducted pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, F.S., or as a result of a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Introduction to HOP Program:

Requirements for Building Eligibility:

Additional Building Requirements:

Eligible Homebuyer Requirements:

Homebuyer Loan Process:

Become a HOP Builder:

Florida HOP Part 2. Builder Requirements

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:48:03 -0600

Florida’s HOP program

For a brief overview of the program, please see my first posting

Requirements for Building Eligibility:

1. All New Construction Units are required to meet the more stringent of the State or Local Building Code, as well as accomplish/include the following:

a. Range and oven

b. ENERGY STAR rated refrigerator

c. ENERGY STAR rated dishwasher (which may be waived for self help units)

d. Lever-handled faucet with removable spout or lever-handled faucet with separate sprayer (spout or sprayer must have at least a 9-inch hose)

e. No exposed urea formaldehyde particle board

f. Washer and dryer hookups

g. Telephone hook-ups, with electrical outlet located within 12″ of each telephone jack (minimum of 2)

h. Cable or satellite TV hookups (minimum of 2) located within 12” of an electrical outlet

i. Light switches should be no more than 48'' above floor level

j. Midpoint on electrical outlets should be located no less than 18'' above finished floor level

k. Reinforced walls for future installation of horizontal grab bars in toilet, bathtub, and shower walls

l. Lever handled faucets with anti-scald in each tub/shower fixture

m. Lever-action handles on all doors and faucets in Units and public areas

n. Toggle-type or rocker style switches for lights and fans

o. All living spaces must be equipped with overhead lighting

p. All doors used for ingress/egress must be 34″ (2’ x 10”) or larger. Any door other than a traditional hinged door such as: pocket doors, bi-fold doors, and double doors, must provide for at least a 32” minimum clear width entry

q. At least one accessible means of egress/ingress, which may be waived for manufactured housing Units and Units built in Area(s) of Critical State Concern

r. For Units consisting of two or more levels, all space on the entry level of the Unit must meet the requirements of paragraphs (1)(a)-(q). On the second level at least one full bathroom and one bedroom must meet the requirements of paragraphs (1)(a)-(q) if there is not a full bathroom and a bedroom on the entry level

s. Provide a home maintenance manual that includes information on basic home maintenance; manuals for all installed appliances, and information on how to use and maintain the green features of the home.

2. Effective January 1, 2009 all new construction Units, excluding Self Help Units, must be certified to one of the following green building practices (for more information and to obtain certification, please contact a green certification and consulting company):

a. ENERGY STAR

b. Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)

c. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Also effective January 1, 2009, excluding Self Help Units, paragraph (e) listed in subsection (1) of the Property Standards will no longer be applicable

3. All Units must include at a minimum the following exterior features:

a. Minimal landscaping

b. Paved/surfaced driveway and walkway to one entry door

c. Off-street parking.

4. Site standards must include:

a. Slope and terrain must be suitable for development. There shall be no problems with drainage, steep slopes or waterways on the site

b. Access to site must be compatible with existing traffic patterns and street capacity. Site shall not enter or exit onto a major high-volume traffic artery that would create problems for resident access or hazards to children

c. Site must be free from excessive traffic and noise, including that from cars, trains and airplanes. Members must submit a mitigation plan to the Corporation, detailing the proposed means and methods of risk reduction, if a Unit is:

i. located within 3,000 feet of an active railroad line and/or subject to high railroad noise levels

ii. located within 1,000 feet of a major 9 high-volume traffic artery, freeway, or other highway

would carry a daily volume of 25,000 motor vehicles or more

iii. within 500 feet if the highway that would carry more than 10,000 vehicles but fewer than

25,000. The site must not be located in an airport clear zone

d. The site must be free from significant industrial or agricultural hazards, including hazardous substances; toxic chemicals; gas, oil and chemical storage tanks and facilities; runoff; spills; odors; noise; and airborne particulates

e. The neighborhood shall be primarily residential and adjacent areas should be compatible with residential development.

5. Manufactured homes must meet or exceed the following standards:

a. Meet the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS) pursuant to 24 CFR Part 3280

b. Be sited on a permanent foundation in accordance with the Permanent Foundation Guide fo Manufactured Housing (HUD-007487)

c. Be built to the increased standards in the HOP Manufactured Housing Standards

d. Be considered real property by the local property appraiser and the land and home must be taxed together

e. Be connected to permanent utility hook-ups

f. All purchase contracts must be turn-key.

Introduction to HOP Program:

Requirements for Building Eligibility:

Additional Building Requirements:

Eligible Homebuyer Requirements:

Homebuyer Loan Process:

Become a HOP Builder:

Florida HOP Part 1. Homeownership Pool Program clarified

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:58:56 -0600

Thinking outside the box when it comes to buying homes in Florida!!!

Florida’s HOP program

What is it?

The Florida Home Ownership Pool Program, a program of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, provides matching funds and down payment assistance to Eligible Homebuyers for the purchase of new construction or substantially rehabilitated units.

Are you eligible as a homebuyer?

If your income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), then, yes, you are potentially eligible for this program (contact the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for more information on eligibility).

What do you get?

Eligible homebuyers in the HOP program receive up to $80,000 towards the purchase of their home in a 0% deferred second mortgage loan!!!

http://www.floridahousing.org/Home/Developers/HomeownershipPrograms/HOP

I'm a builder, how do I get involved with the program?

Builders interested in the HOP program are required to build healthy, energy-efficient homes that meet the specific criteria as well as to obtain a certification in one or more of the following recognized programs (for more information or to obtain a certification please contact a green consulting and certification company):

Sounds great, but I am a for profit company, am I eligible?

The HOP Program is available to both non-profit and for-profit organizations, Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), counties and eligible municipalities that are recipients of SHIP funding and the United States Department of Agriculture - Rural Development (USDA-RD). HOP funds are primarily available for the construction of new homes; however, they may also be used for Substantial Rehabilitation by eligible Members who are recipients of SHIP funding.

Awesome! …so how does it work?

An eligible organization becomes a “Member” of the HOP Pool by simply completing a membership application. Once members, they can then reserve financing for qualified homebuyers. To do so, simply submit a HOP reservation and, once the home is under construction, an Environmental Checklist (Go here for more information).

As a home nears completion, a borrower analysis package must be completed and sent in for each eligible homebuyer that you have signed up. Once approved, Florida Housing then provides the necessary funds to reduce the purchase price to an affordable amount, as well as providing closing costs assistance at the closing. Simple as that!!!

You sold me on the program, but now I need the nitty-gritty details!? Great! To find out more information on the program, whether a potential homebuyer or builder, please see the following:

Introduction to HOP Program:

Requirements for Building Eligibility:

Additional Building Requirements:

Eligible Homebuyer Requirements:

Homebuyer Loan Process:

Become a HOP Builder:

Florida Mortgage Bankers that Stand Out!!! Green Financing in your Area

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:26:05 -0600

Attention Mortgage Brokers!!!

I just went online to use the Florida Solar Energy Center's database that lists Mortgage Bankers who do green financing in Florida. I wanted to see who can provide this financing option in Leon County. Only one broker was listed!!!

Energy Efficient Mortgage Banker Search Results
The following mortgage lenders offer Energy Efficiency Mortgages

Loan Officer and Bank Contact Information Address

Kerry Gaby
Norwest Mortgage

Business: 904-906-0022
Fax: 904-906-0033

1495 Market Street
Tallahassee FL 32312
County: Leon

Is there really no more than one broker in the area who can provide Energy Efficient Financing?

NO!

So what's wrong? Why did only one broker come up in the database? This database is accessible and used regularly by all Home Energy Raters in the State of Florida - the guys doing ENERGY STAR certifications, HERS ratings, and interacting with homeowners/homebuyers who may be looking for financing options that reward their green choices.

With hundreds to thousands of homes each year getting certified in each major urban area, this is a potential source of business that you are completely missing out on. Get into it. Stand out from the crowd!!!

To sign up and become listed as a mortgage broker that can provide green financing, or to find a green mortgage broker in your county, check out this website.

And if you are not yet doing green mortgages... START! Let's work together to rebuild our housing market in a positive way!

ENERGY STAR water heaters

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:28:06 -0600

The DOE recently announced that residential water heaters are now available as ENERGY STAR certified products for the following 5 types of water heater:

1) high-efficiency gas storage water heaters

2) gas condensing water heaters

3) whole-home gas tankless water heaters

4) heat pump water heaters

5) solar water heaters.

With water heating contributing around 15% of the nations residential energy consumption, the cost savings and environmental benefits of this could be enormous!!!

If you are buying a new hot water system for your home, looking for the ENERGY STAR label will help you to achieve water heating savings from between 7.5% - 55% ..!

Check out the EPA ENERGY STAR website for more information.

Financial Incentives for Going Green

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:05:47 -0600

Wondering what rebates and incentives are available to you or your clients on a green building project or an installation of solar?

Look no further!

http://www.dsireusa.org/

DSIRE claims to be a "comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency."

Click on the link above to find out what rebates and incentives are available in your area.

While it is not quite as comprehensive as it claims to be, this site does provide a fantastic resource and a great starting point to finding out what is available to you or your client on a green or energy efficient project.

Green Design Charrettes

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 16:05:00 -0600

An important and often-overlooked component of green design is the design charrette.

While not a mandatory requirement for most residential green certifications (e.g. LEED-H), it is a valuable practice that can help to save money and time down the road.

The design charrette enables members of the design/construction team and other stakeholders to come together at an early stage and develop an integrated design goal and schedule.

The charrette is typically an intensive single to multi-day effort, involving all interested parties in a comprehensive overview of the project. This process enables all parties to have input into the project design.

Major benefits of conducting a charrette, even for single unit residential projects, include: the creation of momentum and enthusiasm for the project; the early definition and agreement on project goals; the cost saving benefits of design integration; and the formalized cooperation of all interested parties. In effect, it lets you put together all pieces of the puzzle at the front end, rather than by trial and error during the project implementation phase.

If you have a green building project underway and are interested in how to save money and time... consider incorporating a design charrette. The upfront costs will undoubtedly generate considerable ROI in project savings (both time and money).

If you are purchasing a green home, or are a realtor listing a green home, ask "did this project involve a design charrette?" While it is not a necessary prerequisite to green building, projects that did involve a charrette, generally produce less waste during construction due to improved design and are therefore a "greener" option.

For more information on green building principles, practices and certifications, please contact EarthSTEPS at: info@earthsteps.org

images by: http://www.lumaxart.com/

Green MLS: ENERGY STAR and Green Homes in Tallahassee

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:09:52 -0600

The Tallahassee MLS is GREEN!!!!

As of this last November, the Tallahassee Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service (MLS) has included new searchable fields for ENERGY STAR and third-party verified Green Certified homes.

The current options available are:

LEED for homes
ENERGY STAR
Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) green home
NAHB
HERS rated
Green Candidate (for homes that are in the process of obtaining a certification/rating).

As part of the quality control process, Realtors submitting homes to the MLS as a green home will be required to attach an associated document that confirms the certification for the listed property.

While it is always best to work with a certified EcoBroker if you are looking for a healthy, energy-efficient, or eco-friendly home, now any and all Realtors can look up what green homes are currently available on the market. Additionally, builders that want to distinguish themselves from the crowd with their new homes can immediately stand apart by building to one of these standards and working with a third-party certification company to obtain the certifications.

In Tallahassee, Green Certifications on homes can be obtained from EarthSTEPS, LLC a fully licensed and insured company providing ENERGY STAR, LEED (for homes and commercial), FGBC (for homes and commercial) and Class I or II HERS ratings.

Alex Mordas, LEED AP
EcoBroker® & REALTOR®
www.tallahassee-ecobroker.com
alexmordas@kw.com
(850) 559-4976

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

Building Green in Tallahassee

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:21:16 -0500

I just received an email from a builder/homeowner that I am working with in the Tallahassee area. He is planning on building a certified green home, and is only a few weeks from receiving his permits and breaking gound on the project.

He emailed me to let me know that he has just created a really cool blog to document the process! For those of you reading this that are interested in green building, planning on building green yourself, or just plain curious about the process, this blog is sure to be a detailed and fun account of the whole process.

So check out the blog, and ask Chad any questions that come to mind. He's a great guy, and I'm sure would be glad to answer any and all questions regarding the process as it develops!

GreenO'Ween Tallahassee

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:19:12 -0500

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

Don't miss it!

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

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

LEED® Certified and Registered Projects in Tallahassee

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:21:25 -0500

[for updates since publication of this blog, please send a request here]

Way back when I was studying for my LEED® AP, I thought I would take a look at the list of registered and certified LEED projects in Tallahassee, FL... the results were quite interesting!!!

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

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

Certified Projects:

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

Registered projects in the process of LEED® certification:

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

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

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

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

Busy, but Green Mom - Simple Solution!

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:06:23 -0500

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

Here's the description from the DoodleBug website:

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

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

For more information:

Phone:

850-321-1906.

Mailing address:

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

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

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:46:34 -0500

My Kids a la Mode

Grand Opening!

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

My Kids a la Mode is coming to town!

When

Saturday, August 9th from 10am to Noon!

Where:

1410 A-2 Market Street

Tallahassee, FL, 32312

What:

Green toy lines will come from "Plan Toys"

Clothing Lines will come from "Sage Creek"

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

For more information:

Gaelle Glass

(850) 894-3400

(850) 459-3678

mykidsalamode@embarqmail.com

Green Drinks Tallahassee - the date has moved!

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:25 -0500

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

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

When:

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

Formal introductions at 6:30pm

The next meeting will be July 30, 2008.

Where:

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

Speaker: TBA

Come Have a Drink with us!

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

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

Learn About Green Building Online!

Alex Mordas - Green Building Consultant (EarthSTEPS) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:17:37 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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