Energy Efficiency Series: How Solar Cells Work
In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable. Nearly all of our electricity…
Energy Efficiency Series: Recoup 30 Percent More When You Remodel Green
In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable. How much do our buildings…
Energy Efficiency Series: The Passivhaus Standard
In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable. A Passivhaus (or Passive…
Would You Like a Green Mortgage With That?
The trend toward green living has finally caught the attention of the banking industry. Banks have watched as consumers have made greener choices in everything from washing detergent and light bulbs…
Your Yard: Are You Ready to Loose the Lawn?
contemporary patio design by seattle landscape architect Alan Burke Many of us spend countless hours, dollars and patience on a perfectly kept lawn. Watering needs can be high, fertilizing can get…
Energy Efficiency Series: Add Energy Savings to Your Summer Vacation
In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable. Energy efficiency is not only…
How to Collect Water With Rainbarrels
"The population is growing, but the water supply is not," says Bill Hoffman, a coordinator for the City of Austin Water Conservation Program, in Texas. That's why people around the country are…
Energy Efficiency Series: Energy Star Qualified Homes
In our energy efficiency series of articles featured each Thursday, we provide strategies or information on how to make your new home energy efficient and comfortable. ENERGY STAR® for New Homes,…
8 Reasons Why New Homes Beat Used Homes Every Time
With great pricing and availability today in new home communities, why would you ever buy a used home? While short sales and foreclosures may sound like a great deal, there are so many more reasons…
What House Upgrades Will Increase its Value
Two types of renovations exist: the kind you do purely for your own family's comfort and satisfaction, and the kind you do because you want to increase the value of your property. Your home is a…
Energy Efficiency Series: Going Green Inside and Out
Two Builders Discuss the Future of Eco-Friendly Construction We have, in part, the energy crisis of the 1970s to thank for many of the green building practices currently in our collective toolboxes.…
How to Improve Home Cooling with Trees
While green homes often sport all manner of technical solutions to keep them optimized and efficient, the landscaping can have a significant effect on the building and its energy use. Site…
Energy Efficiency Series – What makes a “Built-Green” Home Different?
Built Green™ promotes construction of buildings that are healthier for the occupants and healthier for the environment. Sustainable or “green” building practices can reduce the tremendous…
Understanding energy efficiency – A house is a system
A house is made up of components that work together to form an integrated system. The performance of one component depends on its relationship with other components in the same system. Your home's…
EnerGuide Rating for New Homes
There are a number of different construction standards for low energy and/or green homes in Canada. Depending on the region of Canada you are in, you may be familiar with one or more of the following…
