Green Materials
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| Flooring |
| Photo |
Material/Object |
Brand Name |
Phone Number |
Additional
Notes / Website |
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Bamboo |
Teragren |
800.929.6333 |
Teragren's "product
lines have expanded to include Teragren bamboo
flooring in random lengths, wide plank and floating
applications as well as bamboo accessories and
stair parts."
http://www.teragren.com |
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Cork |
FPI |
608.526.2557 |
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Recycled
Rubber |
ExPanko |
800.345.6202 |
"Designed
for high traffic areas where durability and easy
maintenance are desired, [ExPanko Rubber] offers
a unique palette of neutrals, primary, and predominately
black colors."
http://www.expanko.com |
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Marmoleum |
Forbo |
41.1.868.2525 |
This specially
designed material, a blend of wood flour, linseed
oil, pine rosins, and jute fibres, makes for
a bio-degradable, allergen-free, and bacteria-resistant
floor.
http://www.forbo-industries.com |
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Ceramic
and Plastic Tiles |
Terragreen |
765.935.4760 |
http://www.terragreenceramics.com |
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Woolen
Carpets |
Earth Weave |
706.278.8200 |
http://www.earthweave.com/index.html |
| Lighting |
| Photo |
Material/Object |
Brand Name |
Phone Number |
Additional
Notes / Website |
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Sun
Tubes |
Velux Solatube |
800.88.VELUX. 800.966.7652 518.287.1428 |
These
innovative sun tubes can provide a flood of natural
light into hallways, bathrooms, walk-in closets-
anywhere that lacks windows. On sunny days, they
can reduce the need for artifical light.
http://www.veluxusa.com http://www.solatube.com http://www.cetsolar.com/naturallight1.htm |
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Compact-fluorescent
Bulbs |
Philips |
|
These
bulbs are so highly energy efficient that they
can last up to ten times longer than the traditional
incandescent bulb.
http://www.philips.com/index.htm |
| Windows
Skylights |
| Photo |
Material/Object |
Brand Name |
Phone Number |
Additional
Notes / Website |
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Residential
Window Films |
Sun-Gard |
|
These
window films provide energy efficiency, enhanced
beauty, and comfort. Because they eliminate 99%
of UV light, they decrease the fading of carpeting,
furniture, and artwork.
http://www.ftitechnical.com |
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Energy-Conserving
Skylights |
Sun
Optics |
1-800.289.4700 |
These
skylights eliminates damaging direct sunlight
with 98% ultraviolet screening.
http://www.sunoptics.com |
| Energy
Generation |
| Photo |
Material/Object |
Brand Name |
Phone Number |
Additional
Notes / Website |
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Windmills |
Bergey
Wind Powe |
|
Harnessing
the power of the wind utilizes a cheap renewable
form of energy and ultimately protects you from
rising gas prices and oil shortages.
http://www.bergey.com |
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Solar
Electric Power |
Kyocera |
|
With
a system of roof-mounted panels containing photovoltaic
modules, the Kyocera MyGen system provides a
source of clean energy.
http://www.kyocerasolar.com/products |
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Solar
Pool Heaters |
Heliocol |
|
Heliocol's
Individual Tube Design brings creativity, long-term
manageability, and severe-weather resistance
to your poolside.
http://www.heliocol.com |
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Solar
PV system |
Thermomax |
|
Harnessing
solar energy is an Earth-friendly and unique
way to power your home. One benefit of having
solar panels is that it can protect you from
power outages.
http://thermomax.com |
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Kitchen
Design |
Snaidero |
|
http://www.snaidero-usa.com |
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Recycled
Fabrics |
Design
Tex |
800.221.1540 |
http://www.dtex.com |
| Appliances |
| Photo |
Material/Object |
Brand Name |
Phone Number |
Additional
Notes / Website |
 |
Washer-dryer
combos, Dishwashers, Refrigerators |
Equator |
800.935.1955 |
Equator
greatly popularized these energy, space, and
water-efficient models. Washer-dryer combos
do both jobs in one unit.
http://www.equatorappliance.com |
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Tankless
Hot Water Heate |
Rinnai |
800.Rinnai-1 |
Rinnai
Continuum is up to 50 percent more energy efficient
than a traditional natural gas water heater and
up to 70 percent more efficient than an electric
water heater.
http://www.foreverhotwater.com |
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Cooktops |
Caldera |
802.244.3000 |
They
feature multiple instantaneous heat settings,
detailed heat settings, timers, cooktop fan control,
and child safety locks.
http://www.calderacorp.com |
| Bathroom
Products |
| Photo |
Material/Object |
Brand Name |
Phone Number |
Additional
Notes / Website |
 |
Bathtubs |
Neo Metro |
800.591.9050 |
With style and innovation,
Neo Metro offers all types of products for the
bathrooms.
http://www.neo-metro.com/index.html |
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Toliets |
Caroma |
800.325.4148 |
Pioneers of the dual-flush
system, Caroma toilets are the designed tto reduce
the overall water usage of your toilet by up
to 67%.
http://www.caroma.com.au/index.html |
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Sinks |
InStone
Gallery |
|
http://www.instonegallery.com/index.htm |
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Faucets |
Pioneer |
|
|
| Siding |
| Photo |
Material/Object |
Brand Name |
Phone Number |
Additional
Notes / Website |
 |
Siding |
HardiPlank |
1.888.542.7343 |
Made
of concrete, HardiPlank siding is the stable
burn-resistant replacement for the older vinyl
siding. Resists weathering damage.
http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner.htm |
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Green Technologies
Solar Energy
Solar energy can be harvested in two ways. The first
is Solar Photovoltaic. The second is Solar Hot Water.
While both of these methods of collecting solar energy
cost money to purchase and install, the major savings
can make the upfront cost worthwhile. For example, switching
to solar hot water can reduce your water bill anywhere
from 50 to 85%. In addition, the state of Maryland and
the District of Columbia both offer significant grants
for those businesses and residences interested in installing
solar technology. |
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Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Solar photovoltaic systems (PVs) can collect
and convert the sun’s rays into
usable electricity for your home. Setting up a PV system in a home involves the
installation of solar panels onto the outside of the house, usually on the
roof. PV panels can be connected into local power grids which allow for
net metering. Net metering allows excess electricity to be sold back to the
local power company. When your solar array is producing more electricity than
you’re using, your electric meter runs backwards. |
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Solar
Hot Water
Solar Hot Water involves the installation of
solar collectors and a collection tank into your
home. The tank stores the water heated by the
panels until the
water is ready to be used. “Passive” solar water heating systems, for mild climates,
use natural convection or municipal waterline pressure to circulate the fluid
through the collector to the storage tank. They have no pumps or controllers,
and are less expensive, more reliable, and easier to maintain than active systems. “Active” systems,
preferable for colder climates, work by pumping cold water from the water tank
(usually in the basement) up to the roof and through the system. The solar
collectors are warmed by the sun, and in turn heat the water as it flows through.
Gravity
then sends the hot water back to the tank and into your home. While more expensive
than passive systems, active systems are more efficient.
This
diagram shows how an active solar hot water system works. Aside from providing
hot water for bathing, a solar water heater
can heat your pool or Jacuzzi.
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GFX
Heat Recovery System
The Gravity Film
Heat Exchanger (GFX) is a system that captures
the heat in the warm,
drain water that falls down a vertical section
of copper drainpipe and transfers it to cold
water.
This saves energy otherwise used to generate
hot water and, by extending the recovery performance
of the water heater itself, saves money and increases
shower capacity. Up to 60% of the heat energy
from
taking showers and doing laundry can be reused.
The heat exchanger was designed through a grant
from
the U.S. Department of Energy and comes in 30”, 40” and
60” sizes.
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Whole House Fans
Whole house fans are usually mounted in the attic and draw air through open windows
in the house and exhaust it to the attic. For pleasant evenings when there
is little or no breeze, the whole house fan provides a flow of cool air. Whole
house fans are best for one or two story homes with unfinished attics. A fan
for your house should be able to draw three times the number of square feet
that you are trying to cool. For example, a 2000 square foot house should use
a fan that can deliver 6000 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Attic-mounted fans
also need at least 10 square feet of free-venting area to exhaust the air out
of your attic. Insufficient vent area will cause the fan to work too hard and
will cause your attic to over-pressurize.
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Geothermal Heat Pumps
The ground below the frost line, about 3 to 5 feet
below the surface, maintains a nearly constant
temperature between 50° and 60°F (10°–16°C).
This ground temperature is warmer than the air
above it in the winter and cooler than the air
in the summer. Geothermal heat pumps take advantage
of this resource to heat and cool buildings.
Geothermal heat pump systems consist of basically three parts:
the ground heat exchanger, the heat pump unit, and the air
delivery system (ductwork). The heat exchanger is basically
a system of pipes called a loop, which is buried in the shallow
ground near the building. A fluid (usually water or a mixture
of water and antifreeze) circulates through the pipes to absorb
or relinquish heat within the ground.
In the winter, the heat pump removes heat from the heat exchanger
and pumps it into the indoor air delivery system. In the summer,
the process is reversed, and the heat pump moves heat from
the indoor air into the heat exchanger. The heat removed from
the indoor air during the summer can also be used to heat water,
providing a free source of hot water.
Geothermal heat pumps use much less energy than conventional
heating systems, since they draw heat from the ground. They
are also more efficient when cooling your home. Not only does
this save energy and money, it reduces air pollution.
All areas of the United States have nearly constant shallow-ground
temperatures, which are suitable for geothermal heat pumps.
|
| Home Size |
With
a Geothermal System |
With
a Natural Gas System* |
With
a Propane/Oil System** |
| 1,800 sq. ft. |
$470 |
$1,550 |
$2,400 |
| 2,400 sq. ft. |
$580 |
$1,900 |
$3,000 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. |
$710 |
$2,300 |
$3,600 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. |
$940 |
$2,900 |
$4,800 |
|
* Based on 90% efficient
gas furnace, gas water heater, and electric
central air conditioning
**Based on 90% efficient propane furnace, propane water heater, and
electric central air conditioning |
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The Heating Cycle:
A. Ground loop: An
environmentally safe water/antifreeze solution
is pumped
through a system of buried, polyethylene
loops. As it courses through the system,
the solution absorbs the earth's heat.
B.Pump: The
pump forces the water/antifreeze solution
through the buried loop system.
C. Refrigerant
loop: Liquid refrigerant
flows through this tube, headed toward
the evaporator.
D. Evaporator: As
the liquid regrigerant flows through the
evaporator (at this point,
it's in a tube within a tube) and absorbs
the heat of the ground water, it changes
state from liquid to a gas.
E. Compressor: In
the compressor, gas from the evaporator
is pressurized, raising
the gas to a temperature of 180 degrees.
F.Refrigerant
loop outlet: The 180-degree
gas is conveyed from the compressor to
the radiator.
G. Radiator: As
the heated gas from the refrigerant loop
circulates through the
radiator, the fins of the radiator absorb
the heat of the gas through conduction.
H. Distribution fan: This fan
pulls air over the radiator fins which have
absorbed heat from the compressed gas. The warm
air
is then distributed throughout the house,
via the house's ductwork system. The
gas in the loop system, as it loses its heat,
changes back to a liquid, and the cycle
starts
all over again.
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Water Filtration
Water is a resource which we tend to take for granted like the air we breathe and the soil which supports us. However, we are living in an increasingly polluted environment. The liquid spilling from our kitchen faucets and up from our wells can carry a variety of contaminates.
The five broad groups of contaminates which need to be considered when installing any sort of water filtration system are: (1) chlorine and its byproducts, (2) heavy metals, (3) organic chemicals including pesticides and herbicides, (4) bacteria; and (5) cysts. Having your water tested can help you decide amongst the various options.
There are a number of water filtration systems and within each category there are generally a plethora of products on the market to choose some. Here's a brief description of the water filtration systems on the market:
Carbon Filtration
The most commonly used filtration system, but also paired with systems below as either a pre or post filter. They're designed to eliminate foul tastes and odors, chlorine and chlorine byproducts and volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Carbon acts a magnet for molecules of unwanted chemicals.
- Cost
- Carbon filters, as a stand alone product, are the most inexpensive filter and are available in under sink, in sink and pitcher models (such as Brita). Under $100 for most units.
- Efficiency - Very energy and water efficient, but stand along carbon filters do not typically filter the water as well as the other methods below which incorporate Carbon filters as a pre and/or post filter. Efficacy depends upon the model and composition of the filter.
- Maintenance - Depends upon the model
Distillation
Home units have two chambers; the first chamber boils the water leaving behind most of the contaminates and minerals and the steam condenses in the second chamber leaving behind most of the contaminates. Distillation removes 99.5 percent of the source water impurities, according to Water Tech Online, including nitrates, bacteria and heavy metals. A carbon post filter is often added for removing organic compounds.
- Cost - Countertop distillers start at $350 + installation; Automatic units start at $1500 + installation
- Efficiency - Little water is waste, however it requires electricity. Produced anywhere from 3 to 11 gallons per day.
- Maintenance - Un-evaporated pollutants remaining in the boiling chamber need to be regularly flushed to the septic or sewage system. Calcium and magnesium scale collecting at the bottom of the boiling chamber needs to be removed by hand scrubbing or acid.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane. Often, one or two post filters are used to further remove pollutants.
- Cost - Starting at $150 for countertop units and upwards of $500 for under sink units + installation.
- Efficiency - Produces between 2-15 gallons of drinking water. Up to 4 gallons of water are wasted per day flushing the membrane, but requires no electricity.
- Maintenance - Replace pre/post filters and reverse osmosis filter every 6 months – 2 years depending upon model.
Hollow Form Multibore Technology
A new technology from Aquacore, it removes particles as small as .02 microns using synthetic fibers that form a membrane. Like reverse osmosis, the membrane gets flushed clean periodically based upon settings on its "smart meter" Ultra filtration ensures water safety at point of entry into the home by removing cysts, protozoa, turbidity and algae.
- Cost - Pricy. Aquacore's AC 10, whole home ultra filtration system costs $3500+installation
- Efficiency - Produces 10 gallons of drinking water per minute. Uses only a minimal amount water to keep the membrane clean, but requires electricity.
- Maintenance - Cartridge needs to be replaced once every 3-5 years.
Compiled from the following sources:
EcologicalHomeIdeas Magazine - www.Ecologicalhomeideasmagazine.com
University of Michigan Website - http://www.gem.msu.edu/pubs/msue/wq22p1.html
Aquacore - http://www.aquacore.com/
Water Quality Association www.wqa.org
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