Practical Eco

Vast Permeable Pavers win EcoHome magazine's 2009 Editor's Choice

I've been representing Vast locally for a couple months now and love this product for its double whammy of using recycled materials and reducing storm water run off.

The pavers come in permeable and non-permeable varieties. And, they offer both commercial and residential landscapers an excellent choice that can provide more LEED points than any other paving solution.

The speed and ease of installation also means installers can satisfy clients better while profiting more from a job. Though the pavers are made from 95% recycled materials, they look and feel like traditional pavers. In fact, most professionals can't tell the difference once they're in place.

Typical applications include driveways, parking lots, patios, sidewalks, pool areas, decks, flat roofs and other Green Building applications. VAST Composite Pavers are incredibly durable and withstand even the harshest environments. Unlike concrete, they are not affected by salt and are guaranteed not to crack. Residential applications are backed by a 10-year limited warranty and a LIFETIME warranty against cracking.

I'm delighted that Eco Home Magazine chose this as one of their ten best green building products.

Contact me anytime to discuss permeable pavers, energy efficient lighting or insulation for commercial and residential jobs.

Atmospheric Water Generator: saves money, saves energy

Anyone using bottled water in an office or clinic should consider the Atmospheric Water Generator as a way to save money on water while helping protect the environment and reduce energy use.

Bottled water use increased rapidly over the past 20 years and we're starting to realize now what a profound impact that has had.

For more details and to order your Atmospheric Water Generator visit this site here, and enter the ID code "58".  Or just contact me to learn more.

RainReserve is a clever downspout diverter for your rain barrels

I've actually been wondering where to find these for a few months now. I saw one on the rain barrel at the Carrboro Town Commons structure and was impressed at the idea.

The device attaches to a downspout and will divert water to the rain barrel until it fills up. Thereafter water flows normally down the spout as before. This gets around one of the problems I have with rain barrels which is that too often the overflows don't get far enough away from foundations. I have a 6 foot hose on mine but for some reason it gets stopped up now and then. So I have to check it regularly.

With a RainReserve^TM I could just forget about the overflow worries. Oddly, their website doesn't sell this benefit. Rather they focus on the fact that it allows leaves and other large debris to pass through the diverter and out the downspout.  It seems easy to install and maintain, and is adaptable to any 2"x3" or 3"x4" downspout.

Efficient Features Beat Luxury in Today’s Kitchens and Baths

Demand for luxury kitchen and bath items has fallen significantly, says the recently released quarterly home design trends survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

“Because of concerns over affordability and re-sale value, it’s not surprising that there has been a sharp decline in demand for high-end kitchen and bath products,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker in a press release.

The survey also found that buyers are increasingly interested in building products that are renewable and energy-efficient.

”People are both budget-conscious and environmentally-conscious. They ask a lot more questions,” said custom builder Phil Kean of Phil Kean Designs, in Winter Park, Fla. “People look at [green products] as a long-term investment.”

Kean said that some of his buyers are choosing energy-efficient designs expressly for cost management. “This year I’ve actually had people say, ‘I don’t want as high ceilings because I don’t want to have to heat that space,’” said Kean. However, he added, “people that are more environmentally conscious from the start are most likely to ask about green options, but I think people are moving that direction.”

Status may provide part of the motivation. “Consumer awareness of ‘green’ products” has made eco-friendly features this season’s must-haves in kitchen and bath design. “There is a real cache in being able to show your neighbors your very cool recycling center or countertops made from recycled products,” Edwards said.

Source: Buider Online

Most hotels have potential to benefit from solar thermal

A recent article in GreenerBuildings.com explores the growing potential for hotels and resorts to save by installing solar thermal solutions. The Proximity Hotel, in Greensboro NC, which I've written about more than once, is heavily featured. Its 100-panel installation covers 4,000 square feet on the LEED Platinum building delivering about 5,000 gallons of hot water each day. This is saving the hotel about $16,000 per year , according to Dennis Quaintance, of Quaintance-Weaver, the company that owns the property.

The company expects to recover its investment in the system within five years. When you total up energy savings, renewable energy credits of $20,000 a year, a 30 percent federal tax credit, 35 percent state tax credit, and accelerated depreciation it's a rapid return on investment. The solar hot water heating system is backed up by a natural gas system, but has been meeting 60 percent of the hotel’s domestic hot water needs.

An even larger system has been installed on the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa. This one goes to 166-panels heating 100,000 gallons of water each day. The installers estimate the hotel's owners should get a return on their $550,000 investment in less than three years. In this case, Arizona Public Service is offsetting 60% of the cost through its purchase of RECs.  The hotel owners are now planning a possible additional 212 panels, which would make it the largest solar thermal installation on any hotel in the United States.  The heated water from phase two will be used for the resort’s restaurants, laundry and pool. Because so much water is used for these, payback time on phase two will be just six months

Hotels are clearly catching on to the sizeable savings they can gain from solar hot water implentations. And it seems to work in almost every part of the country.

EcoDrain cuts down hot water use in showers

In a recent post on inhabitat I came across a brilliant concept that recaptures the heat from your shower water as it runs down the drain. That heat is then recirculated back to the shower mixing valve, thus cutting down your use of hot water from your water heater. Just plain clever. I'm wondering how feasible it is on a retrofit though. More likely it's a feature for new construction.

See the full story on inhabitat here.

Raintube gutter protection with Cradle-to-Cradle Gold certification

I've long felt slightly skeptical about gutter protection systems. A couple years ago I got a price for my house that was around $3000, and I've heard higher prices quoted from other systems for similar sized homes. Considering it cost me less than $100 to have some guys come clean out my gutters (Or I can do it myself in about 3 hours) and assuming I do that twice each year, it would still take about 10-15 years to pay back my initial cost. Plus, the systems out there are anything but green.

Until now that is. The Raintube claims to cost half of what other systems cost, which brings it into the realm of reasonableness. Plus, it's made from 100% recycled HDPE which is virtually indestructible and comes with a transferable lifetime warranty.

RainTube is one of only eleven companies worldwide to achieve a Cradle to Cradle Gold Tier Certification and the only Eco-Friendly gutter protection product out there!  They have won some impressive awards for their sustainability work including:

• The Sustainable Product Award for the highest overall product sustainability rating
• The Global Climate Change Award
• The End of Product Life Award

The patented RainTube material is porous and fits snugly into the body of the gutter keeping debris high up out of the water where it can dry out quickly. Water flows in great volumes around and through the tube via thousands of tiny passageways. In most installations, RainTube crowns slightly above the top of the gutter creating a slippery aerodynamic surface that allows most debris to blow away in a light breeze.

This will finally cause me to rethink my stance on gutter protection systems. However, there isn't an installer in North Carolina yet. Anyone want to partner up to start one?

Great Solar Hot Water Overview

Fine Homebuilding magazine ran an excellent 6-page overview of solar hot water technology which is available free - click here to view it.

The author, Scot Gibson, highlights the different technologies and the benefits of each.  He also gives a brief run down of what is involved in the installation of a typical system.

This is also a good place to remind readers that we're now installing both Solahart thermosiphon units and Apricus evacuated tube units in the NC Triangle area as well as Solahart units in the Charlotte NC area.

Rainwater Pillow: Going Beyond Rain Barrels

It has been raining quite a bit recently so it's easy to forget that we're still facing quite sever water shortages around North Carolina. Rain barrels are great, but quite limited in their capacity. If you want to go big but aren't ready for a big cistern here's an alternative.   

The Rainwater Pillow™ is basically a great big heavy duty water bag that you can keep in your crawlspace, or under a deck or porch. They come standard in 1000, 2000 and 3000 gallon kits which measure 10x10, 13.5x12.5 or 15.5x14.5 feet by 2-2.5 feet high. The kits come with the "pillow", filter, pump, remote control, ground fault protector and all necessary fittings.  And they're made nearby in Alpharetta Georgia where they know a thing or two about drought conditions too. 

Since you can easily collect 1000 gallons or more of water from just an inch rainfall on a typical roof, this is a great way to save water and still be able to maintain a healthy garden or lawn.

Honda's Aircraft facility in Greensboro on track for LEED

Honda say they're trying to reduce their environmental footprint. They're specifically focused on factories and buildings through a "Green Factory and Green Buildings" initiatives.

They're on track to earn four more LEED Certifications from the USGBC for the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif., the Midwestern Consolidation Center in Troy, Ohio, the Honda Data Center in Longmont, Colo., and the Honda Aircraft facility in Greensboro, N.C. 

Each facility features innovative sustainable concepts in its design,     construction and operation.

• A significant portion of construction materials were harvested and manufactured locally, reducing fuel use and emissions associated with shipping.
• Rainwater harvested from the roof is stored and used to flush the low-flow toilets, reducing potable water consumption
• Renewable bio-diesel fuel is used to power the emergency generator with up to a 75 percent reduction in emissions compared to mineral-based diesel.
• Other innovative design features include passive heating and air conditioning system, intelligent lighting system, extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, and a radiant underfloor heating system.         

Water Saving Strategies for Builders

Wednesday, February 6 from 9 am to 10:30 am is a chance to learn all about rainwater harvesting systems, rain gardens and water conservation.

The event is aimed at Triangle area builders and is being presented by the Green Home Builders of the Triangle, a Home Builders Association program.

The event is being held at the offices of Rain Water Solutions, 2315 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27604

You'll learn:

• What are rainwater harvesting systems and their components (see them up close!)
• How can a rainwater harvesting system be incorporated into residential design
• How can harvested rainwater be used, and how should it be treated or disinfected
• How much rainwater can be collected from a home's roof in NC
• What are some innovative ways that builders can use to conserve water in new homes
• How can builders achieve water conservation goals in green building certification programs
• What are rain gardens, and how can they be used to handle stormwater runoff
• How does unchecked stormwater runoff affect areas downstream
• And more!

Presented by The Green Home Builders of the Triangle (a joint program of the HBA of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties and the HBA of Raleigh/Wake County)
$20 for members of the Green Home Builders of the Triangle
$25 for nonmembers

Speakers: Michael Chandler, Chandler Design Build. Michael has been building solar and green homes for over 30 years. He is a General Contractor, licensed Master Plumber and also master tile setter and cabinetmaker. Michael also writes for Fine Homebuilding Magazine on structural, plumbing, and aging-in- place design topics.

Mike Ruck, Rain Water Solutions. As co-founders of Rain Water Solutions, Mike and his wife, Lynn, manufacture their own rain barrels from 100% recycled content. They also design and install complete rain water harvesting systems for residential and commercial clients.

Contact Leigh Scott at 919-493-8899 to register or click here for the flyer.

Low flow showerheads

I don't usually get excited about shower heads. In fact my excitement about this one is second hand, but the source is excellent.  I've been clued on to the Delta H2OKinetic shower head technology by a friend and builder.

Apparently this low flow shower head, delivering only 1.6 gallons per minute (gpm), also delivers an uncompromising shower experience.  It's all in the science. By controlling the water’s shape, velocity and thermal dynamics, Delta Faucet Company claims to have "reinvented the showering experience." They also say that their 1.6 gpm actually feels like 2.5 gpm. Aside from wondering how 2.5 gpm feels and wanting to rush to check my own shower's deliver I'm impressed. Now if I hadn't just replaced my shower head less than 6 months ago I'd be tempted.

On a related note, I was brushing my teeth and thinking it wasn't that long ago that I used to let the water run when brushing or shaving. Wondering how much water I'm saving I did a calculation. Based on a 1.5 gpm bathroom faucet and two 2-minute brushings per day that's over 2000 gallons per year. Looked at another way it's almost 4% of my total consumption. Hey, 4% for a minor behavioral change sounds like a pretty good return. Looked at yet another way 2000 gallons is about half of our average monthly use, which with bills around $45 per month, I figure I've also saved about $20 each year.

Brac grey water systems in the news a lot

I wrote about Brac back on Oct 31. It's a marvelous piece of technology that can save homes or businesses about 30% of their water consumption by recycling water from sinks, baths and showers for use to flush toilets. The "grey water" can also be used to water plants. 

Now TreeHugger, one of my most watched blogs, ran a piece yesterday about Brac.

The next issue of New Homes and Ideas will highlight ways to cut water use and will mention Brac in the article, I'm told.

Yes, it's a great solution to cutting water use without changing your lifestyle. And yes, I sell them in North Carolina. Get in touch with me now if you are interested as there's an end of year sale on for the last remaining units in stock before the 2008 models come in at a price that's likely to be around $500 more. For now, at least, you can get one of these installed into a new construction for under $2000. Retrofits will typically cost a few hundred more for plumbing alterations.

Water conservation becoming more and more important

One of my regular reads, Treehugger, carries a post today titled A New Era of Water Conservation, and it makes specific reference to North Carolina.

That puts me in the mind of an excellent product, Brac grey water recycling systems.  There are simply no other viable competitors in North America for what they offer, apart perhaps from Aqus, which is simpler but doesn't offer nearly as much savings or as much safety. Brac's systems not only capture water from sinks, baths, showers and even laundry if needed, but they have state of the art purification in place to deliver clean water to be used for either toilet flushing or irrigation.

It should, and may someday, become mandatory to have such systems in place for new construction. Certainly builders today have every reason to consider using either a grey water recycling system like Brac or a rain water collection system, like Brae or both.

Metropolis Next Generation Design competition

Metropolis is once again sponsoring a sustainable design competition "Next Generation Design". The 2008 competition focuses on WATER. Underlining the fact that water is a finite resource, they are calling for better design solutions that account for potable water, gray water, black water—its uses, re-uses, controls, management, efficiency, and conservation.

 

Pledge to Stop using Bottled Water

The Carbon Conscious Consumer (C3) group at the New American Dream are raising awareness of the rapidly increasing impact of plastic water bottles. I have to admit I was a bit numb to this issue until recently. After all, I can only focus on so many eco issues at one time.  But I'm now convinced it's real, relevant and takes very little effort to change.  My wife and I bought ourselves reusable water containers and have completely stopped buying bottled water.  Along side, we installed a Multi Pure water filter to ensure we've got the purest tastiest water straight from the tap.

Here are the key facts surrounding bottled water.  Americans consumed more than 31 billion liters of bottled water in 2006 – nearly 28 gallons for every man, woman, and child. Manufacturing all those bottles required 900,000 tons of plastic, which in turn required 20 million barrels of oil, and emitted as much greenhouse gas as 500,000 cars. Trucking a bottle of water 500 miles can double its climate impact – and some are shipped much, much farther. Water is a very heavy product to ship and trucks can not carry a full load of it.

We also know that both Coca Cola and Pepsi have owned up to selling tap water in their bottled waters at thousands of times the cost. Democracy Now did an interesting story on this recently, which is full of compelling facts.

So join me in rejecting bottled water and saving millions of barrels of oil and millions of tons of CO2 emissions. Take the C3 pledge.

APT permeable pavers stop storm water runoff

The Advanced Pavement Technology (APT) Ecological Paver System reduces storm-water run-off while it promotes rainwater infiltration and natural groundwater recharge.  The Permeable Pavement System is engineered to support heavy axle loads for roadways and parking lots. Yet, it's a flexible, paver system that adapts to changes in the ground and changes in the weather that would damage conventional pavements.

The Bio-Aquifer Storm System, BASS™, method of construction integrates specifically designed pavers in an engineered system that will allow for collection of stormwater runoff and support heavy axle loads for roadways and parking lots. In addition, due to the types of aggregate used, a natural filtration process will occur and pollutants that are removed from the runoff will be broken down by bacteria contained in the aggregates.

For housing developments this system can reduce the requirement for retention ponds and make more land available for building. That means it can far more than pay for itself and that should be music to the ears of developers and municipal storm water personnel too.

Solar Hot Water from Solahart

There are several different systems for solar hot water. The Home Power web site has an excellent primer on the different types and benefits of each. For residential applications in this area (NC), I tend to favor the Solahart Thermosyphon models. Though the Home Power prime summary says Thermosyphons are not freeze tolerant, the Solahart is, making it well suited to a climate like ours where there are occasional freezing days.

Simpler Flat Plat collectors may be cheaper but they're much less efficient. In places like Florida where there isn't much of a Winter, that can be the right choice.  Evacuated tube collectors are also great, but a bit pricier. They're so efficient that they often need a heat dissipator to prevent over heating. They're excellent where there are a lot of cloudy or rainy days or where there is a need for very hot water. I recommend them for many commercial situations in this climate, or larger homes.

One of the great things about the Solahart Free Heat series thermosyphon systems is that they're passive which means there's no need for pumps and fewer moving parts. That also means less maintenance and longer life span. Some people really like the fact that it comes with its own tank, so in a new construction you can avoid installing a hot water tank at all. Just rig a tankless hot water heater, like the Rheem model discussed earlier, saving space, money and time.

Eco-Rubber Pavers, Tiles and matts

Eco-Rubber Impact Absorbing Pavers provide a slip resistant, comfortable surface for patios, decks, and walkways.  These Pavers are suitable for indoor or outdoor applications in apartment complexes,  office buildings, schools, senior centers and hospitals, even private homes. They're light-weight, impact absorbing, slip-resistant and low maintenance,  But most importantly from the environmental perspective, they're water permeable, so can reduce run off into storm drains. Plus they're made from recycled rubber, so reduce the pollution of incineration and the waste of landfill. 

Interlocking, self-aligning tiles are easy to install and require no adhesive, making them ideal for installation over existing surfacing materials. Manufactured from recycled materials, Eco-Rubber Surfacing products are impact absorbing on the environment as well and qualify for LEED credits. 

Save money on hot water

Your hot water heater accounts     for about 20% of all the energy used in your home. There are a few simple things you can     do to save energy and save money.

First, turn your water heater down to 130 degrees F, which is     hot enough to kill deadly bacteria, and still save energy. Also, insulate your heater with     a pre-fab 'blanket,' but be careful not to block off air vents on gas heaters. This can     save you 7-8% of your energy usage.

Another idea is to wash hand in cold water. Letting the tap run till it gets hot wastes water and energy. Unless you've been handling meats you will probably get your hands just as clean with soap and cold water anyhow.  And it's surprising how much water is wasted as we let the tap run while brushing our teeth.

But if you're in the market for a new water heater consider a tankless heater from Rheem. In most cases this will save considerable energy, plus you'll save space too. The water is heated instantly as you require it rather than keeping a tank hot all day and night. Contact me for more information.