We attended the Dwell on Design Exhibition in Los Angeles and saw many great manufacturers and services providers of green products. http://www.dwellondesign.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=12&Itemid=244
Noteworthy exhibitors were:
ECO STUCCO- http://www.ecostucco.com/
KOHLER- http://www.us.kohler.com/savewater/home.htm
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Asbestos information- Safe alternatives
San Diego Homeowners Striving for Green Living
Living in the 21st century, many cities are adapting to the new green paradigm, updating old homes and buildings to suit the needs of a healthier environment and home. With a growing amount of education and technology in eco-sustainable resources, the state of California is leading the way towards a green paradigm of building and construction.
It is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation. As citizens of Earth, we are obligated to nurture and sustain this planet.
Known for a large industrial history, California’s economy has had success in areas such as ship-building, mining and power generation. These industries found many usages for asbestos, as the material has fire and heat resistant qualities. Utilized in homes as a form of piping and insulation throughout the 20th century, asbestos manufacterers were aware of the corrosive effects of the substance, but continued manufacturing it anyways. This obsolete building material can easily be replaced with green methods of insulation that can even reduce annual energy costs!
Many homes, buildings and public facilities built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. In many instances, the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can potentially lead to the development of related lung ailments such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer that accounts for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, Diagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter.
Go Green in the Home
“Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health.
Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.
Most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 % per year. The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.
There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos, yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods. Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These green options have the same beneficial qualities as asbestos, minus the health deteriorating and toxic components. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.
“Credit to Paul James of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for
submitting the article.”
Living in the 21st century, many cities are adapting to the new green paradigm, updating old homes and buildings to suit the needs of a healthier environment and home. With a growing amount of education and technology in eco-sustainable resources, the state of California is leading the way towards a green paradigm of building and construction.
It is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation. As citizens of Earth, we are obligated to nurture and sustain this planet.
Known for a large industrial history, California’s economy has had success in areas such as ship-building, mining and power generation. These industries found many usages for asbestos, as the material has fire and heat resistant qualities. Utilized in homes as a form of piping and insulation throughout the 20th century, asbestos manufacterers were aware of the corrosive effects of the substance, but continued manufacturing it anyways. This obsolete building material can easily be replaced with green methods of insulation that can even reduce annual energy costs!
Many homes, buildings and public facilities built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. In many instances, the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can potentially lead to the development of related lung ailments such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer that accounts for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, Diagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter.
Go Green in the Home
“Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health.
Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.
Most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 % per year. The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.
There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos, yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods. Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These green options have the same beneficial qualities as asbestos, minus the health deteriorating and toxic components. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.
“Credit to Paul James of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for
submitting the article.”
Sunday, May 10, 2009
california coastal commission
After two years of waiting we have finally made it through Coastal!
See below for our approval:
Application No. 6-08-86 (Gautsch & Matsui, Solana Beach) Application of Pollie Gautsch & Darryl Matsui to construct 2-story, 4,012 sq.ft., single-family home, 283 sq.ft. workshop, and 590 sq.ft., 2-car garage, with associated grading and landscaping, on 59,533 sq.ft. vacant lot, at 445 Holmwood Lane, Solana Beach, San Diego County. (EL-SD) [APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS, moved to Consent Calendar]
We still have some conditions to complete but as soon as we get the building permits from the City of Solana Beach we will be able to break ground.
See below for our approval:
Application No. 6-08-86 (Gautsch & Matsui, Solana Beach) Application of Pollie Gautsch & Darryl Matsui to construct 2-story, 4,012 sq.ft., single-family home, 283 sq.ft. workshop, and 590 sq.ft., 2-car garage, with associated grading and landscaping, on 59,533 sq.ft. vacant lot, at 445 Holmwood Lane, Solana Beach, San Diego County. (EL-SD) [APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS, moved to Consent Calendar]
We still have some conditions to complete but as soon as we get the building permits from the City of Solana Beach we will be able to break ground.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Green Stuff used in our project
THE GREEN STUFF
ENERGY
Heating/Cooking System: hydronic space heating
Active Solar - Solar (photovoltaic) electric power generation, solar hot water heating
Passive Solar – Skylights
Lighting: Low-voltage recessed cans plus florescent and compact fluorescent fixtures, daylight controls
Appliances: Energy Star appliances and front-loading high efficiency clothing washer
Insulation: formaldehyde-free insulation made from recycled jeans by Bonded Logic
BUILDING MATERIALS
Exterior Materials: Recycled siding, FSC certified lumber
Interior Materials: Recycled trim, doors and cabinetry, FSC-certified cabinets, concrete countertops, reclaimed materials used for flooring, High Efficient Ceiling Fans, Double-Pane windows, Fly ash concrete walls and floors, Low VOC paint, non combustible building materials
INTERIOR PRODUCTS
Bamboo sinks, Recycled Concrete Sinks, Vintage Reclaimed Furniture, Compressed Paper Countertops, Recycled glass tiles
WATER
Fixtures: Low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets
CONSTRUCTION
Waste Reduction: Recycled waste products, recycle job site construction waste, use recycled content
Recycling: Separated and recycled waste products
Construction Methods: Standard framing with FSC-certified cabinets, apply optimal value engineering
LANDSCAPING
Plants: Native Landscaping
Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater collection in cisterns
Irrigation: Weather based automated irrigation control system
Friday, February 27, 2009
1st Green Point Rated House in Solana Beach
We have submitted our final set of plans in the City of Solana Beach and we are going to be the 1st to be Green Point Rated in Solana Beach! So exciting. Green Point rating is a program through Build It Green www.builditgreen.org.
Residential Guidelines
Build It Green's Green Building Guidelines
Build It Green offers Green Building Guidelines for New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, and Multifamily Construction. The Guidelines' recommended measures were specifically developed to address climate and market conditions in California, are endorsed by credible third-party sources, and are backed by sound building science.
The Guidelines were developed and refined by a diverse set of residential building stakeholders including production builders, contractors, architects and designers, multifamily home developers, state and local government leaders, regional and national building-science experts, product manufacturers and suppliers, and green building advocates. In the past six years, numerous local governments have adopted and use the Guidelines.
GreenPoint Rated
GreenPoint Rated is a third-party verification system for the green building measures referenced in the Green Building Guidelines. GreenPoint Rated is an outgrowth of successful green building programs and resources that have been serving Californians since 2000.
The points in GreenPoint Rated correspond to recommended green building measures in Build It Green's New Home Construction and Multifamily Green Building Guidelines. Point values are assigned based on their benefits to the homeowner and the environment and reflect construction practices that exceed California's building and energy code requirements.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
GREEN BUILDING FAIR INFORMATION
Solana Beach
Green Building Fair
When: Friday, February 27, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Fletcher Cove Park
100 S. Sierra Avenue, Solana Beach
Local experts on sustainable building and energy
Learn more about Build it Green and LEED
Latest building materials and design
Free Prize Drawings
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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