Practical Eco

Move your furniture to save energy

Energy Boomer, a site I like to keep an eye on, just ran an interesting post. "Save Energy by Moving Your Furniture". Click the link for the full story.  The basic points are:

• Use bookshelves to add insulation to exterior walls.
• Place seating away from drafts but near enough to windows to gain light.
• Keep air ducts and return vents clear of obstruction
• Use wall art, like quilts, to add insulation to walls

North Carolina ranks 29th for energy efficiency

A list released this week by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ranks North Carolina 29th in the nation. The ACEEE says it advances the cause of energy efficiency.

The States were ranked on metrics that included public policies on energy conservation, building codes, transportation policies, emissions standards, transit funding and tax incentives for hybrid vehicles.

NC didn’t rank well in any of the metrics, though we got credit for strict building codes and for a 2007 law that requires utilities to get a percentage of their power from renewable sources beginning in 2012. That law isn’t aggressive enough on actually saving energy versus merely getting energy from alternative sources, the ACEEE report says.

See full story on BizJournals.  Or Click here for the press release on the ACEEE site.

Proximity Hotel in Greensboro: a LEED Platinum

The Proximity Hotel in Greensboro is an inspired and inspiring building. They earned a LEED Platinum rating, and is the only hotel to hold a Platinum level so far. I came across this video from National Geographic Intelligent Traveler, I couldn't resist posting it.

The Proximity uses 36.5% less energy than conventional hotels. They then supply 60% of their hot water through solar panels. And they have the first Regenerative Drive Otis elevator in North America. The list of green and sustainable features is simply awesome. Which is what you'd expect from a Gold or Platinum rated building. Check out their site here for the full list of sustainable and green features of the build.

Greenspiration - a showcase home in Greensboro

Husband and wife, Mark Raines and Trish Holder were inspired back in 2007 to build a showcase green home. They had a vision of a traditional home that was truly green without looking one bit out of place in a suburban neighborhood. They also believed it could be done within a normal middle-class budget. So that’s exactly what they set out to do; and today the house is well on its way. Trish and Mark and their children should be moved in to the home in the Pleasant Oaks subdivision of Greensboro before Christmas. 

What makes this house a bit extra special is that they chose to make a showcase of the home so others right here in Greensboro, and elsewhere, could see the potential for affordable green suburban homes.  They setup a website at www.Greenspirationhome.com where visitors have the opportunity to share the owners’ journey as they make critical decisions regarding design, hvac systems, building materials, and more. The site also offers product information and demonstrations, on-site training for builders and contractors and notification of open houses.