Kichler. Design Pro Linear packages LED lighting in strings of thin, 1/4-inch pods for installation in tight spaces such as in and around corners, cabinets, toekicks, and tray ceilings. The LEDs offer up to 75% energy savings versus traditional incandescent lighting, the company says, and have a...
Merillat. The company is ESP and ISO 14001 certified, and its cabinets are EPP certified. Classic series cabinets come in cherry, hickory, maple, oak, and laminate; it is shown here in the Avenue door style in maple in the new chiffon finish. 517.263.0771. www.merillat.com.
Rheem. SRCC-labeled Solaraide passive solar water heating systems operate without pumps or controllers. A closed-loop, indirect heat exchange design wraps completely around the unit’s roof-mounted thermo-siphon exchange tank for optimum efficiency. Single or double flat-plate collectors in 47- or...
Caleffi. The SRCC-certified Solarie Solar Heat Pump is an all-in-one collector and storage tank system that eliminates the need for a separate backup water heater. Using demineralized water instead of refrigerant liquid as a heat exchanger, it pumps the water to its rooftop collectors only when...
Jeld-Wen. The company a 2010 Energy Star Partner of the Year, offers an energy resource section on its Web site with information on the energy tax credits, a tutorial on glass performance, guidelines on Energy Star zone requirements, and a list of qualified models. The site also lists thermal...
Pella. The companys Web site provides information about basic performance options and benefits the best use of its Insulshield windows energy tax credits and a complete list of products that qualify for those credits. Its Architectural Services Division also offers consultations and tools to select...
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A North Carolina construction-debris ordinance and Indianapolis’ new green building incentives were some of the green legislative issues in the news last month.
Stardust Glass. These glass mosaic tiles are handcrafted from reject windows and doors from a local factory, bumping the recycled content to 97%. The tiles are kiln-fired, which reduces energy costs, says the company. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, the products are made to order and...
CertainTeed. EnergyEdge insulates concrete slab edges, which the company says can account for 8% to 24% of a homes energy loss. The R-10 system consists of PVC rails, snap-on braces, and expanded polystyrene insulation. A retrofit product also is available. 800.233.8990. www.certainteed.com.
3form. The company that made resin cool has done it again. 3-form has now introduced V3, a design-integrated photovoltaic that allows the company’s resin panels to provide solar power. Applications containing V3 can be curved and will come available in many of the 3form XT standard color offerings...
Five years after the hurricane leveled much of the region, this ultra-green home is part of the Bay-Waveland chapter’s commitment to building sustainable, affordable dwellings.
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A roundup of green building news including GE’s smart homes research and the upcoming release of the FTC’s revised Green Guides.
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A new government report concludes that solar power will be cheaper than power from the electrical grid by 2030.
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Ecolabel online database aims to help companies and consumers navigate claims of environmental certifications and labels for a range of products.
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A roundup of green building news including the demise of the McMansion and consumer confusion over energy-saving measures.
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Within 20 years, clean water will be as valuable as oil is today, according to a leading green building expert.
Accu-Weld. The Haddon Signature series comprises three Energy Starlabeled and NFRC-rated window lines offering good-better-best performance. Accu-Vision windows feature a 15-chamber, foam-filled, beveled vinyl frame and come with Solarban60 insulating glass for an R-value of 3.33 and a U-factor of...
Kirei. These doors feature Kirei Board (center) and Kirei bamboo. Kirei Board is made with reclaimed sorghum straw—stalks that would have been discarded or burned—using no-added formaldehyde adhesives. Kirei bamboo, which also contains low- or no-added urea formaldehyde, is available with...
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Although the market for certified green homes is growing, a new national poll has found that consumer interest in owning a sustainable or energy-efficient home has declined.
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A roundup of green building news including a 15,000-square-foot carbon-neutral house planned in San Francisco and new energy efficiency standards for appliances.
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A green building product better begin as a good product. Here’s what to look for before diving deeper into a product’s green claims.
Bradford White. EcoStor SC hot water storage tanks are optimized for use with most solar water heating collector systems. For maximum efficiency, the units’ heating elements activate only when solar energy does not satisfy demand. The tanks feature an internal single-wall heat exchanger, dual 5...
Sage Electrochromics. The company now offers its electronically tintable glass, which uses nanotechnology to allow occupants to control daylight and solar heat transmittance, in combination with triple-pane construction for R-values greater than 8. The tintable glass can be controlled between...
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ELT. Consisting of modular planted panels, the EasyGreen Living Wall System provides for easy installation of a living wall. The panels angled cells hold soil and plants in place while creating maximum green surface area, the maker says, and the overall design allows water to move downward through...
A compact lot and small footprint don't stop this ultra-green demonstration home from living large.
A traditional barn-like exterior combines with an extensive list of sustainability-boosting details in this high-performance home.
A new setback second story, an opened-up layout, and an updated front facade modernize this 1930s cottage.
A modern take on a treehouse, this home's second-level great room, window walls, and balconies keep residents connected to lush outdoor space.
A gentle facelift of the existing home combines with a modern, edgy rear addition.
10 green-built homes that creatively balance beauty and performance.
Arts-and-Crafts details mingle with an abundance of healthy and efficient products in this top-rated infill home.
Vertical integration and abundant indoor-outdoor connections help this rustic-modern home work in harmony with its steep infll lot.
LEED-Platinum prototype production home combines high-performance features with flexible design details.
Sustainbly built waterfront home connects residents to the outdoors while retaining some inspirations--and materials--from the cabin it replaced.
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Spatial separation and flexible mechanical zoning help balance seasonal occupancy swings in this custom home overlooking Cape Cod Bay.
Flexible home designs offer range of sustainability features to bring thoughtfully designed green living to a broader audience.
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A roundup of green building news, including new appliance efficiency standards, the tiny house movement, and 15,800 Floridians await overdue solar rebates.
Determined to use his home as a demonstration of the many green building possibilities, architect Jay DeChesere left no option untouched when designing this LEED-Platinum gut rehab.
Owens Corning. The Fold-Form system of preassembled interlocking blocks enable walls from 4 to 16 inches thick. Universal Corner Kits and hardware/accessory packages allow for faster and complete installations and a wide variety of shapes, including curved walls, brick ledges, and offsets. The...
North Carolina green builder discusses how a manageable size, employee profit-sharing, and a work/life balance help keep his company nimble and sustainable.
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A roundup of green building news including an impending Senate vote on the energy bill and California’s appliance rebate program.
CoveringsETC. Bio-Luminum tiles are crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum from reclaimed aircraft parts; the material is melted into a block and then sliced into tiles. The tiles, for which the company is seeking Cradle to Cradle certification, feature a bevel on one side and a straight...
Kraftmaid. Products from this ISO 14001, ESP-certified company use at least 95% recycled-content, EPP-certified particleboard and MDF with 100% recovered or recycled wood fibers. The kitchen shown here features the Putnam door style in willow with cinnamon trim. 888.562.7744. www.kraftmaid.com.
Andersen. The EcoExcel energy performance package includes all windows that qualify for the federal energy tax credit and an online service to verify compliance with the tax credit and save the manufacturer’s certification statement. Andersen also sponsors “Windows in Sustainable Design: Design...
Kit homes were designed using the same set of materials, each of which fits into a single shipping container for easy transport to disaster sites.
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A roundup of green building news including increasing risk to U.S. water supplies and the first Passive House retrofit in the country.
High-performance Florida home meets requirements of the National Green Building Standard and the Florida Green Building Coalition, as well as achieving a Fortified for Safer Living designation.
EnerWorks. Designed for climates where temperatures remain above 27 degrees F, the Focus Pre-Heat Appliance pipes potable water through roof-, rack-, or wall-mounted collectors to the home’s storage tank. The system includes an Energy Station that automatically calculates the amount of heating oil...
Niagara Conservation. With full-time 0.8 gpf, the Stealth toilet uses 37% less water than standard high-efficiency toilets. According to the firm, the WaterSense-certified unit's hydraulic technology--a combination of water and air pressure--creates a larger water spot and produces a flush powerful...
Cali Bamboo. BamDeck Fossilized Strand bamboo deck boards offer density, strength, and durability comparable to Brazilian ipe, the firm says, but with the rapid renewability of bamboo. The decking is made with no-urea-formaldehyde glues, tests below E1 emissions standards, and has passed California...
Blanco. The Solon compost system allows homeowners to more easily store organic waste for composting. The stainless steel container installs into the countertop and includes a sealed lid to contain odors; the unit lifts out for emptying and washing. The product comes in a drop-in design or a flush...
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A roundup of green building news including the Building Star program for apartment retrofits and Toll Bros.’ new solar home community.
The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. SafePaint has the properties of the companys original milk paint, but is suitable for non-porous surfaces and offers a more uniform look over large areas. Made with milk protein, lime, clay, and earth pigments, the interior wall paint is solvent-free, contains zero...
Danze. Reminiscent of a waterfall spout, Wynstone lavatory faucets deliver a wide, flat flow of water. The WaterSense-certified faucets come in single-hole and single-control models in vessel or standard heights; wide-spread offerings will be added later this year. Finishes include polished chrome...
American Hometec. The C10 electric tankless water heater features coil-less technology, which heats water indirectly with quartz tubes; because electric components are not in direct contact with the water, lime-scale buildup is eliminated, says the company, increasing durability and helping to...
Veteran urban designer advocates a long-term approach to sustainable neighborhood design.
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A roundup of green building news including price premiums for third-party-certified homes and the importance of educating consumers about the smart grid.
Production builder maintains low price point--starting in the mid-$170s--for homes in Arizona’s Lyon’s Gate community, which include a super-efficient solar system and tight envelope to exceed Energy Star requirements.
AMSCO. The company provides performance data for all of its window products online and offers a section to help educate consumers about high-performance windows, including a glossary of window terminology. Demonstration kits for its dealer network show the difference between clear glass and the...
EarthNet Energy. Because not all rooftops are suitable for solar collector placement, the company offers a Ground Mount Pedestal mounting system adaptable to most types of flat-panel and evacuated-tube solar collectors. The heavy duty, powder-coated-steel pedestals are available in 5-foot-tall...
Greenfiber. Premium Grade Retrofit cellulose blown-in wall and attic insulation features an all-borate, fire-resistant formula. The new formulation also provides a higher level of dust suppressant, the firm says, and is easy to install over any existing insulation. It provides an installed R-value...
Mikron. Featuring tri-extruded frames and an air-cell insulating core, EnergyCore vinyl replacement windows offer nearly 15% improved full-window U-factors over hollow vinyl, the company says, while blocking thermal conductivity six times better than fiberglass, four times better than rigid PVC...
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A roundup of green building news including the country’s largest NGBS-certified project and mixed demand for appliance rebate programs.
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Five years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, home builders are still working to rebuild the city, many with sustainability in mind.
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Early registrants can save 40% on training fee.
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A roundup of local, state, and federal legislation and government news affecting green home building.
Gaco Western. HFC-blown WallFoam 184 BIO spray-foam insulation is derived from naturally renewable oils, post-consumer recycled plastics, and pre-consumer recycled materials. The Class I fire-rated foam offers an average R-value of 6.2 per inch, the firm says, and can reduce a home’s carbon...
Oregon Scientific. Available later this year the Advanced Wireless Appliance Manager monitors realtime costs power consumption and carbon emissions for up to eight electrical appliances. Remote sensors plug into any outlet and communicate consumption data to the base unit shown. Features include a...
Cree. Designed for the residential market, the CR6 LED downlight features TrueWhite technology, which the company says provides for warm light and beautiful color rendering. The 12-watt lamp delivers 48 lumens per watt, replacing a 65-watt incandescent. It boasts a color rendering index of 90 and a...
Manufacturer’s payment for the carbon footprint from plane, train, and truck deliveries to be invested into environment rehabilitation programs.
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A roundup of green building news including EPA changes regarding lead paint, worldwide increase in green certifications, and top green building products.
Pardee Homes houses built and bought this summer in select California developments include a sunny deal: free solar power packages.
Broan-NuTone. The company’s recessed fan/lights now include a sensor that turns the fan on when it senses a quick rise in humidity then turns it off automatically. The Energy Star–rated unit looks like a traditional recessed light, but contains a concealed 70-cfm ventilation fan that operates at...
Simonton. Online tools include PDFs of the company’s Energy Star–qualified glass options across all product lines by climate zone and of those that qualify for federal tax credits. The site features a description of the components employed to achieve efficient windows and a downloadable consumer...
Stiebel Eltron. A trio of one-, two-, or three-collector SolKit solar water heating packages are available to meet the needs of most households. The SRCC-labeled ceramic/metal-coated collectors feature anodized aluminum enclosures and low-iron tempered glazing for optimum performance and long...
Kingspan. SRCC-certified “Solar in a Box” packages of Thermomax solar thermal systems are available direct to contractors or through area distributors. Each package is designed for a typical household size and contains all parts, materials, and equipment needed for installation and operation in all...
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The amount of building space that is certified green will leap more than 780% worldwide during the next 10 years, but only a fraction of the upsurge will be residential structures, according to a new study by Pike Research.
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A roundup of green building news including the dynamic growth of the sustainable building industry and a tuition discount program for green jobs training.
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New credential from the Green Building Certification Institute designates specialized knowledge and experience of professionals participating in the planning and development of environmentally responsible communities.
Hanover. The company’s 4x9 permeable pavers allow water to penetrate into the soil, reducing stormwater runoff. The pavers, which are ADA-compliant for minimal openings, measure 4?5/8 inches by 9?1/14 inches by 3 inches thick, feature a 1/16-inch bevel and hidden spacers, and can support heavy...
Viessmann. The Vitosol 200-T vacuum-tube system for residential or commercial installations offers versatility for horizontal or vertical mounting options in roof, wall, or freestanding installations. Direct-flow solar collectors have sol-titanium-coated copper absorbers, thick borosilicate tubes...
The Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainable Housing honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary, lasting, and far reaching contributions to the advancement of sustainable housing in the United States.
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A roundup of green building news including a new solar leasing program in Philadelphia and the DOE’s clarification on shower systems.
Anaheim, Calif., luxury apartment community taps into renters’ desire for sustainable, healthy living and walkable access to public transportation.
A new option for the builder’s eSMART green-home program allows buyers to reap some of the utility-saving benefits of solar power without paying the upfront installation costs.
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The newly released LEED-ND will be used to score the location efficiency of HUD grant applications.
Icynene. MD-R-200 medium-density spray-foam insulation uses 100% water-blown technology. The insulation provides an R-value of 5.2 per inch and offers a low vapor permeance for use in areas with higher levels of humidity; according to the company, it also is ideal for projects requiring the...
Fontenay. Flooring in the Vintage Barrel collection is made with wood reclaimed from old wine barrels. The line includes Cooperage (shown), which features markings from barrel heads; Wine Infusion, with wood from the inside of the barrel and boasting the rich color of wine staining; and Stave, the...