When it comes to being an Eco-Starevery home can shine, even an "Oldie but Goodie" like this one in an historic and sustainable community in Asheville, NC.
Simple changes at home can add up to real benefits for your family, neighborhood and contribute to a sustainable community.
Here, for example, are at least 10 "re-greens' ( things you can do) to retrofit an older home that I collected as part of an on-going series I am doing to highlight Active Rain bloggers who have caught my attention with their wit and wisdom(Look for my reBLOGS)
Here, from your AR colleagues at the ECO-All-Stars Group are examples that represent value-added opportunities for real estate professionals and our clients in terms of sustainable living alternatives.
•1. Tony ZimmermanReGreen Tips
•2. Stephanie Edwards-Musa
•3. Mary Bigelow Energy Efficiency
•4. Jonathan Blackwell Green Bathroom Renovation
"5. Deb Hurt Perspective
•6. Diane Daley Linoleum!
•7. Tricia Jumonville Which home is Greenest?
•8. Johnathan Mullaney GREEN Living Tips
•9. Kimo Stowell Beautiful Revival
•10. Sharon Simms NEAT Features in Old Homes
OK I'm liking this conversation.! It's Winter! And I am thinking "Time for Creative GREENING Projects" ...and recycling. Did you know that according to the National Institutes of Health we generate about 208 million tons of municipal solid waste a year! That's more than 4 pounds per person per day of GLUNK!
SO! Recycle and Re-Green is the by-word for 2009. You could recycle glass bottles, save electricity and create countertops like this one by IceStone that offers " an environmentally friendly alternative to natural stone and solid surface materials. The non-porous, durable and heat-resistant qualities make them a good match for kitchens and bathrooms. ... Because the material can be shaped, cut, inlaid or mounted it can used for of applications from backsplashes to countertops to flooring. Due to its high recycled content, IceStone materials can be used for LEED qualification."
By the way! IceStone received a Silver certification from Cradle To Cradle (one of my favorite organizations) for its commitment to environmentally intelligent design."
So here are the 10+++++ (pluses) to add to our Winter Re-GREEN Tip for Older Homes:
1.Tankless water heaters. Very popular in Europe. Hmmmm. Maybe they know more about preserving castles.
2.Compact fluorescent bulbs. You can replace the incandescent bulbs, one at a time as they burn out. John's record for fluorescent bulb: 13 years! (see above)
3.Radiant Barriers. Reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss, and thus lower heating and cooling costs. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it.
4.Solar Panels . Modular panels that can be designed to meet any electrical requirement, no matter how large or how small.
5. Weather stripping. Caulk and check is as needed. And check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.
6. Natural stone and solid surface materials. Love this one (See link above)
7. Geothermal Heat Pump Systems. Replace your old one when the time comes. They use 25%-50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems and save money.
8.Task Lighting. Direct light where you need it. Save energy and money.Good for romantic cooking. Better than candlelight they tell me .
9. Renewable Energy. According to Wikipedia this is "energy derived from resources that are regenerative or for all practical purposes cannot be depleted." Try solar-powered outdoor lights . Consider, too choosing renewable energy from your utility to even producing solar electricity at home with photovoltaic (PV) cells. Also check out Wikipedia for more info on renewable energy in the form of:
10. Sayeth the U.S. Department of Energy
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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to Convivial Blogger Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG and SUBSCRIBE
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10 + "Re-GREENs" Breathe New Value Into Old Homes. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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When it comes to being an Eco-Star every home can shine, even an "Oldie but Goodie"..I'd like to know about such jewels in your neighborhoods.
You are brillant and generous. Thank you for taking the time to put his series together. I reblogged this post because it is such a great collection of information. There are so many really good folks in the AR community with such great information to share that we all miss a lot because we never find everything. Thank you for doing it for us.
Deb~
I am on a mission to find and feature the posts of special people who take the time and devote the energy to share life-affirming information with our readers! As you say, " There are so many really good folks in the AR community with such great information to share that we all miss a lot because we never find everything..."
JaneAnne,
It's an honor and privilege to be on your top 10. Thank You for putting it together and sharing!
Johnathan
janeAnne, I could spend days just reading all of the great informaton you provide. Thanks so much for highlight these posts...I'll read them all!
janeAnne - this is a great resource. It is difficult to find all the information and you have made it so much easier to access. I have a lot of reading to catch up on.
Johnathan~
It's a new year and possibly also a time to re-think. That (to me) indicates regreening homes. It is economical and adds value, eh? Thanks for the information you provided.
Diane~
I am taking this month to unearth special gems to share with the Active Rain community. Expect to see your writing on my Things to Consider Series from my BLOG...and highlighted in posts I write. Thanks for your green awareness!...and for what that means to your colleagues and clients...
Joan~
HAPPY NEW YEAR. You know I subscribe to your BLOG because you offer pearls of wisdom and offer these with a smile. I repeat what I said to Diane...I am taking this month to unearth special gems to share with the Active Rain community. Expect to see your writing on my Things to Consider Seriesfrom my BLOG...and highlighted in posts I write. Thanks for your green awareness!...and for what that means to your colleagues and clients...
Many feel it always too costly and do not see the benefit of the re-do and staying put.....green is good.
Hopefully, green retrofits for old inefficient buildings will be a part of any stimulus package.
Just think of all the jobs this would create.
We seem to have had plenty of (borrowed) billions for other endeavours.
We could have retrofitted half the world by now.
I'm holding back in this comment, to say the least.
JT
Dan~
Important point you make: "Many feel it always too costly and do not see the benefit of the re-do and staying put..." What we do in the way of education ...do you think that is helpful?
JT~
Another excellent point (or 2) You say, "Hopefully, green retrofits for old inefficient buildings will be a part of any stimulus package. Just think of all the jobs this would create.
Now a question: How?
janeAnne, in response to your question "How?", one way is through such things as the City of Austin already has available (and has had for some time) - rebates for retrofitting older houses with energy-efficient upgraades (solar, rainwater harvesting, etc.). Simply on a national scale. Also, of course, including such opportunities for those who are buying resale rather than new built.
I love your idea of pulling these posts together in one place. I've already seen a few that I've missed - thanks!
Tricia~
The more we expand the possibilities and "possibility thinking", it seems,especially in difficult days, the more we also expand opportunity..and not just for home buyers/sellers...but for those who represent them ..
Good point you make about : " rebates for retrofitting older houses with energy-efficient upgraades (solar, rainwater harvesting, etc [AND]on a national scale. ..."