Posts Tagged ‘green’
The green housing market is being repressed by appraisals.
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September 2nd, 2010 by
Grace
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The green real estate projects are rising fast, but developers would like to see them mushroom faster. While they are moving forward very quickly, appraisals are not keeping in step with this fast growing industry. Take a home that would typically cost half a million dollars to construct. You decide that you want the real estate to be more environmentally friendly, therefore you ask your architect to design the new property so it makes use of the sunshine and you put in high quality insulations and solar panels. This will cost you some large amounts of money, so let’s say the final costing goes up to $600,000.
Still, your bank’s appraiser values it a different way. David Snook says “It doesn’t do a lot of good to simply add value based on cost, but the question is, How much will the market pay on resale?’ , he should be in the know, as David is an appraiser and associate of the real property committee on education for the American Society of Appraisers.
Now we have talked about that, let’s look more into our example. Your bank or mortgage company will only recognize a $550,000 value. With a 20% down payment, you will have to have $160,000 instead of $110,000. In place of of having $27,500 to pay you would have $77,500, if you were looking for a high-ratio mortgage, as these demand a 5% down payment. That is a very large amount of outlay to find upfront. So with such a massive down payment you have to assess your priorities and these could be forgetting about going green, or only having cheaper and possibly inferior technology.
Nevertheless, as a green MLS professional I realize even though there is an increase in build cost going green does make a big difference Look at it this way, green houses sell over 20% quicker with an 8.5% increase on list price, according to Green Work Realty report. This information doesn’t help us though if you are dealing with bank or mortgage business appraisers who don’t have much if any experience with the green property technology.
Until appraisers gain the training, there is little that can be done. Whilst there is no standardization for environmental and energy productivity at this time, I think that they will soon be on their way. Green property is about price as well as the all important environment. When looking at buying a motor car, one of the first things you look at is its fuel consumption, how many miles to the gallon does it do. Making sense of house energy consumption is the normal next step.
What Are The Benefits Of Green Energy
Posted on
August 28th, 2010 by
Grace
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This is a question many people are asking themselves and they are turning to experts to try some greendiyenergy around their house, but what are the reasons that should make a person decide that it is the right thing for them to do.
It is possible that a person can get rid of their monthly electric bill or at least make it smaller by using the sun to power their home. By adding a renewable source of power, a homeowner can help conserve the nonrenewable sources that we rely on.
Green energy is not only not going to run out, it is much cleaner than others. Solar power does not pollute the air the way that other resources do. They are a major contributor to global climate change.
While there is some money that is put out for this power source, the costs to maintain and run it are negligible. A renewable energy source allows a person to fix their electric bill at a set amount without worrying about inflation or other things.
A growing solar industry provides local jobs and economic development opportunities for states and regions.
Many communities have trouble meeting the demands for electricity at various times and if a person is using the sun for their home they are easing the need at that time.
Solar energy systems have very little impact on the environment, making them one of the cleanest power-generating technologies available today. While they are converting the sun’s rays into electricity or hot fluids, they produce no air pollution, hazardous waste, or noise and he more electricity and heat that we convert from the sun’s rays decreases our reliance and dependence on fossil fuels and on imported sources of energy and if a person wants to learn more they can check out some greendiyenergy review that can be found on the internet.
The government has discovered the importance of using more renewable energy sources and the benefits that it can have on the economy and the environment and the future and are thus embracing the idea more and more. Because there is some equipment to purchase, it might mean that a homeowner will be spending more to power their home at first, although this does not last forever. The biggest barrier to consumers interested in adopting or oregon solar panels technologies is the initial cost of a solar hot water system so as a way to help defray those upfront costs, states are providing incentives to residential, industrial and commercial customers of solar power through tax credits, grants, loans, rebates, exemption from local property taxes, and other industry support mechanisms, such as installer training and certification programs.
A residential PV power system enables a homeowner to generate some or all of their daily electrical energy demand on their own roof, exchanging daytime excess power for future energy needs. If a person wants to start small they can do a solar system that heats their hot water or they can have something that will give them power when the utilities have a breakdown of some sort. The green house gases that are created by fossil fuel burning are reduced because of the advances in the use of renewable energy. These GHG emissions reductions will in turn improve air quality and lessen the harmful impacts that contribute to climate change.
For the homeowner who decides to use the sun to power their home, they are doing their part for the planet. Three quarters of our country’s energy needs can be met through the power of the sun by the next decade. This is something that needs to be done, and those who don’t will be left on the side.
Turning Common Homes Into Eco Friendly Homes
Posted on
August 22nd, 2010 by
Grace
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There are many things that can be done to convert regular construction homes into eco homes. So don’t worry, no matter the age of your home, you can convert it into an eco-friendly home without having to tear it down and begin again from scratch.
One of the benefits of converting standard houses into eco homes is the improvement of air quality. In recent decades we have been building increasingly more energy efficient homes. While this is a good thing, the increased standards of insulation and the ability to have airtight homes has raised the levels of humidity pertaining to indoor air. Consequently, moist air draws in harmful chemical vapors from insulation, carpeting, furniture, paint, padding, solvents, and a range of construction materials.
To transform such afflicted homes into eco homes, you need to start by testing the indoor air quality of the home. This can be done quite inexpensively with a number of different testing kits. The air test will help you to pinpoint the containments in the home. Once identified, you can look for their source and start replacing them with healthier, greener, alternative building materials. You can find out about preferred green building materials at sites like BuildingGreen.com, where they offer specs on over 2,000 alternative building products for eco homes.
The conversion of common homes into green homes can also be achieved through modifications to the outside. For instance, it is a common practice to use pressure treated lumber when building exterior structures like fences and decks. Did you know that pressure treated lumber contains a form of cyanide introduced into the wood in order to keep away bugs and pests? This cyanide substance can cause severe skin irritation, rashes, and infection. A green alternative to pressure treated lumber is cedar, which is naturally bug and pest resistant.
There are lots of simple ways you can convert regular homes to eco friendly homes. You can start with something as simple as changing the light bulbs from incandescent to the compact fluorescents we have seen and heard so much about. You can also conserve water in eco homes by converting toilets and showerheads. By changing out your standard toilets and showerheads to water saving devices like pressurized low-flow units, you can conserve hundreds of gallons of water per year. Also, consider capturing rainwater to use for things like irrigating the garden and watering the lawn. Stop using chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn and in your garden. There are plenty of green alternatives for gardening that perform just as well or better than commercial chemicals.
If you are handy around the home, there are plenty of projects you can undertake to convert standard construction homes to eco homes. This can range from building backyard compost heaps to using alternative materials for repairs. Consider installing solar panels for energy conversion or solar heaters for hot water. Converting standard construction homes to eco homes can be a challenging and extremely rewarding project for any handyperson.
For those less handy, look toward hiring contractors with a background in green construction, green repair, and green maintenance. More and more home improvement contractors and repairmen are becoming versed at working with eco homes, as we turn the tide to more earth-friendly construction and repair.
If you are interested in learning more about ways to go green, save money and help the planet, go here to receive a FREE green living tip delivered to your email inbox daily: FreeTipsForGoingGreen.com
Why Go Solar
Posted on
August 20th, 2010 by
Grace
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This is a question many people are asking themselves and they are turning to experts to try some greendiyenergy around their house, but what are the reasons that should make a person decide that it is the right thing for them to do.
It is possible that a person can get rid of their monthly electric bill or at least make it smaller by using the sun to power their home. By adding a renewable source of power, a homeowner can help conserve the nonrenewable sources that we rely on.
The electricity generated by your solar power system is clean, renewable and reliable. It will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases. It is believed that those gasses are linked to the heating up of our world.
People can reduce their electric bills by using the power of the son, and they do not have to worry that the costs will rise as time passes. A renewable energy source allows a person to fix their electric bill at a set amount without worrying about inflation or other things.
A growing solar industry provides local jobs and economic development opportunities for states and regions.
Renewable energy not only benefits the homeowner, but it benefits the people around him because he is not adding to the need for power especially at peak times when the supply is at its limit.
Not only is this resource renewable, but it is also better for the planet than the things that are currently used and will benefit future generations. While they are converting the sun’s rays into electricity or hot fluids, they produce no air pollution, hazardous waste, or noise and he more electricity and heat that we convert from the sun’s rays decreases our reliance and dependence on fossil fuels and on imported sources of energy and if a person wants to learn more they can check out some greendiyenergy review that can be found on the internet.
The government has discovered the importance of using more renewable energy sources and the benefits that it can have on the economy and the environment and the future and are thus embracing the idea more and more. Solar technologies are able to provide these benefits, but they currently cost more than conventional power from utilities. The biggest barrier to consumers interested in adopting or oregon solar panels technologies is the initial cost of a solar hot water system so as a way to help defray those upfront costs, states are providing incentives to residential, industrial and commercial customers of solar power through tax credits, grants, loans, rebates, exemption from local property taxes, and other industry support mechanisms, such as installer training and certification programs.
Homeowners can sell the extra energy they create during the day back to the utilities and use that to purchase power when they need it which can end up eliminating their power bill or even earning them a check from the utility company. Solar energy technologies can plan an important role in providing an alternative source of electricity, energy, and back-up power for homes, offices, commercial and industrial buildings. The green house gases that are created by fossil fuel burning are reduced because of the advances in the use of renewable energy. If we have fewer green house gasses in our atmosphere, the problems that are caused by it can be lessened or even eliminated.
For the homeowner who decides to use the sun to power their home, they are doing their part for the planet. Three quarters of our country’s energy needs can be met through the power of the sun by the next decade. It is the wave of the future and it is something that we should start thinking about now.
What Is A Green Funeral?
Posted on
August 18th, 2010 by
Grace
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Are you committed to living green? Have you considered, then, the option of green funerals? A green funeral is one of the final decisions you can make to exit in a thoughtful manner and completing the process of living green by minimizing your impact on the environment.
Green funerals are a dignified means of dealing with one’s final rest while considering the environmental impact of traditional burials.
In the past, green burial was a difficult option because many traditional funeral homes and funeral directors opposed it. Today, more green choice is being added to funeral services as a result of public preference. Ask your funeral director about green options or actively seek out a funeral home that provides such choices.
Make sure that your loved ones are aware that your final wishes are to return to the earth as naturally as possible. To ensure this, put a clause in your will detailing your choices.
Green funerals are not easy to arrange. Many U.S. cemeteries have regulations dictating the use of concrete vaults and coffin materials. Their policies make returning to nature via green funerals more difficult. As a result, you might want to choose cremation instead of burial.
Although cremation might seem counter-intuitive to green disposal, this isn’t necessarily the case. Today’s crematory standards are quite high when it comes to emissions. Even though burning something creates a pollution of sorts, if you remove the toxic substances by skipping the embalming, you risk less impact on the ecosystem. When comparing the efficiency of cremation to burial where concrete vaults, hardwood coffins, and other regulations requiring the use of natural resources and land space are enforced, cremation might be a sensible choice for greener funerals.
One thing that you might be able to do, in order to significantly decrease the environmental impact of your final rest, is to skip the embalming process, have a closed casket ceremony and a quick burial. This is often a preferred option for green funerals. Embalming uses highly toxic agents to slow the body’s decomposition. This is done mainly for the benefit of loved ones and isn’t absolutely necessary for a closed casket service, especially if burial is undertaken soon after death. By skipping the embalming process, you avoid release of toxins, either through the soil or in the atmosphere.
Another choice you could make for green funeral is to have the casket made from bamboo, jute, or even cardboard. These materials degrade quicker than hardwood. You can even choose a biodegradable urn, if you wish.
You can also opt to leave behind a living marker instead of one made of quarried stone. Plant a tree or bush to mark the site of a loved one’s burial place. There are even online memorial options where a tribute is posted in memory.
Green funerals feature programs made from recycled paper, organically grown flowers, and carpooling from services to final site. Any action that can be taken to lessen the impact of the event upon the environment is a green initiative.
Given all the options and choices available in green funerals, it is probably best to have such services pre-arranged. A traditional funeral can be difficult enough for family members and friends to put together without pre-planning. The alternatives and decisions involved in creating green funerals speak strongly to the logic of having all the plans made beforehand.
To learn more about ways to go green, save money and help the planet, go here to receive a FREE green living tip delivered to your email inbox daily: FreeTipsForGoingGreen.com
Natural Cleaning Products For Safe Guarding The Environment
Posted on
August 7th, 2010 by
Grace
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If you sincerely wish to lessen the damage to the environment by your house hold it is time that you think seriously about the natural cleaning products. As the name suggests these natural products only use the natural ingredients like citrus,coconut and some herbs. The effect of these products will be the same in a softer manner compared to the effect of chemical based cleaners.
The convenient results we expect from the cleaning products will be the same [/] whether it is the chemical based or with the natural components. The difference is the guarding of the environment by the natural cleaning materials where as the chemical based items making the progressive pollution of the same environment. The price difference also is significantly less.
The apparent difference again is,while the natural cleaning materials doing the same job you will be getting an over all pleasant feeling and a satisfying atmosphere. In addition to this,you can be sure of not getting the allergic reaction and most of the time the skin irritations too.
When you realize and start getting the benefit of natural cleaning products at your home,you will tend to think about the energy saving devices also which is another contributing factor for the environment. You will also think about other nature based convenient products like face cream,hair care products etc which naturally give you very soothing effects.
But at the same time you can not expect all the positive effects. Please take into consideration that all natural based products are not entirely free from the negative effects. Many of the natural products like the oil,herbs etc will give a very unpleasant feeling if you happened to consume by mistake or otherwise.
Natural or green products will mean that it is friendly to the environment or conducive towards a healthy environment. So to be an effective user of natural products you have to clearly understand them. We will have to read carefully of the instructions labeled for each of the products as a protection to your family. In spite of this small negative point,comparatively,the natural products are much safer than the chemical based substances.
When you have taken the decision to use natural cleaning materials,you have make it a practice to adopt the policy of recycling of the containers of the products. The habit of recycling is a big contribution towards the up keep of the environment.
The manufacturers who are conscious of their contribution towards the environment are using the containers which are recycled. There are still others who are using the containers of bio degradable properties especially for the products which are powder in nature.
The popularity of natural cleaning products are coming in a big way. The internet is playing a big role in that. There are specialized stores and fair trade programs which give enough publicity on this
Timothy Greensland
Find further info about green living products and natural cleaning product.
Should You Create Your Own Household Power
Posted on
August 5th, 2010 by
Grace
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When the sun starts setting before 5 p.m., solar power may be the last thing on your mind. But declining panel prices and a federal tax credit make now a good time to at least investigate whether solar power might make sense for your home, and your budget.
If you are thinking that you’d like to go solar within the next few years, right now is the time to do it because Oregon solar panels are on sale right now, and there is a sweet spot where the state rebates are still relatively high, but the costs have come down. It is possible that even during these chillier months a person can fit their house with solar power. It’s generally a slower time for the industry, which means companies may be willing to give you a better deal. If you’re thinking about going solar, here’s a checklist of things to think about.
Take a good, hard look at your electricity usage over the past year or several months. Usage is listed on the bill that you get from the local electric company or often can be found online if you look.
You might know how much you pay, but are you aware of how much power you use? Electricity is charged by the kilowatt hour. Some people use as little as 300 kWh per month; others easily use more than 1,200 kWh a month so for some people greendiyenergy is a much better investment for people who use a lot of electricity. The idea of going green is gaining in popularity and a person can find that they are rewarded financially by various state agencies for doing so.
Take a look at the roof of your house. Do you need to do any repairs to your home on the outside? Take care of the repairs that need to be done before trying to go green with your house. And is your roof ideally situated for solar? What direction does the roof face? Are there trees that cover your house? There needs to be plenty of sun for the solar panels to collect the energy during the course of a normal day.
Get different prices. Ask friends and neighbors who have already installed solar power if they’ve been happy with their systems or go online and check out some greendiyenergy review to find out what has worked for others and what pitfalls you should be aware of.
Look into the different ways to pay for the system. Do you have to have the money for the entire system upfront, or does your installer offer a leasing option? Can you do some things now and other things later. Interview at least three potential installers and obtain bids in writing before making a decision. Whatever the salesperson tells you should be in writing in the contract.
Be sure to apply for the Solar Federal Tax Credit, which allows you to claim up to 30 percent of the costs for a new system. A buyer who installs a $25,000 solar-panel system on his or her roof will get $7,500 in income-tax credits.
Consider your long-term electricity needs, and find out if the solar technology you’re interested in allows you to add on more panels over time if necessary. If you do other renovations or add ons to your home you might find a need to create more electricity in the future.
The best thing a person can do is find out everything that they can. If everything about this project is favorable, then follow through. It is nice to know you are doing your part to protect the future.
Making The Choice To Go Green
Posted on
August 5th, 2010 by
Grace
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When the sun starts setting before 5 p.m., solar power may be the last thing on your mind. With the rebates that are being offered by manufactures and state, local and federal agencies, it might be the best time for someone to find out the facts.
If you are thinking that you’d like to go solar within the next few years, right now is the time to do it because Oregon solar panels are on sale right now, and there is a sweet spot where the state rebates are still relatively high, but the costs have come down. The coldest time of the year could be the right time for the best deal. During the winter, construction business tends to slow down and manufactures are more willing to cut the prices to keep working. If you’re thinking about going solar, here’s a checklist of things to think about.
Take a good, hard look at your electricity usage over the past year or several months. Usage is listed on the bill that you get from the local electric company or often can be found online if you look.
You might know how much you pay, but are you aware of how much power you use? Electricity is charged by the kilowatt hour. Some people use as little as 300 kWh per month; others easily use more than 1,200 kWh a month so for some people greendiyenergy is a much better investment for people who use a lot of electricity. Many local and state governments provide people who install energy saving things a tax incentive also.
Inspect the exterior of your abode. Is you house in good condition or are there issues that need to be addressed first? It is important for the basic repairs to be taken care of before tackling any type of renovation like this. Was your home designed in a way that would support a system? Does it face south? Be aware of other things that can block the sun. Your roof should have clear, unobstructed access to the sun for most of the day and be free from shade from trees or other buildings.
Don’t check with only one manufacture. Ask friends and neighbors who have already installed solar power if they’ve been happy with their systems or go online and check out some greendiyenergy review to find out what has worked for others and what pitfalls you should be aware of.
Learn about financing options. Are there ways that you can get the equity out of your home or does the manufacture have programs that will assist you in paying for it. Can you do some things now and other things later. Take the time to discuss your options with a couple of different manufactures to get the right system for you. Whatever the salesperson tells you should be in writing in the contract.
Follow up on all of the incentives that you are entitled to receive by taking on this project. These rebates can make the cost of a system a lot more palatable for most people.
Think about how your electricity needs are going to change in the future and have a plan for the changes. If you do other renovations or add ons to your home you might find a need to create more electricity in the future.
The bottom line is do your homework. If it is right for you, start using the sun to power your house. Every little built can help save the planet.
Green Toronto Award Goes to the Best Innovators in Toronto
Posted on
July 27th, 2010 by
Grace
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The three prizewinners of the green inventor awards have been declared. Mayor David Miller, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone and CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss reported the best green innovators on April 23 during the Green Living Show at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. The prize of $50,000 was shared between the innovators and they each were handed the coveted Green Toronto Award.
Although, it was not the award to drive the young scientist and innovators, but the purpose to help our environment. Three winners may have been revealed but the ideas for green improvements was at a very high standard. The brief for these scientists was to find real time, affordable solutions, therefore you may see these inventions readily available to buy soon.
The winners are:
* Olivier Trescases, PhD and Chris Lea, with Green Gym: An exercise fitness centre that is specially built to take energy and send it to the grid.
* Sarah Lazarovic and her concept GreenHouseTO; Not just for architects but for the average citizens comes a web and mobile renovation application that is for Toronto buildings.
* Robert Kori Golding, for his concept My Green City: For people that fancy gaming on the iPhone or Facebook Build a virtual town on these applications and claim reward points to use on your town by giving to the environment.
Greener wins!
Besides Green Innovation Awards there were 9 Green Toronto Awards announced; for Community Projects Award, Energy Conservation Award, Environmental Awareness Award and another six. All finalists received $5,000 reward to share with a registered charity of their own choosing.
Article prepared by Julie Kinnear, Toronto Royal LePage
Generating Power For Yourself
Posted on
July 14th, 2010 by
Grace
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The way that a person decides to create their own sources of electricity relies on the choices of the individual homeowner. If you want to go full tilt and generate usable electricity from your home’s rooftop by building a solar panel, and even possibly contribute power back to the larger grid, tried and true photovoltaic arrays might be just the ticket with a typical installation that involves the panels, which are constructed of many individual silicon-based photovoltaic cells and their support structures along with an inverter, electrical conduit piping and AC/DC disconnect switches.
Everyone wants to get there electricity for nothing, but when the initial costs of some of these plans is added in, the electricity that is generated cannot be considered free. The advantages of generating your own electricity do include a lesser dependence on your local power company and a supply of electricity when others have lost theirs.
If a person wants to find out how they could outfit their home with a solar power generator they can turn to people who have the expertise to determine what they need to do. U.S. homeowners can find qualified photovoltaic installers through the internet. A homeowner does not need to become totally reliant on solar energy, there are also steps that can be taken to reduce their dependency on traditional power sources. A person can create a hot water heater that uses the power of the sun without a lot of difficulty. That is basically a small metal box with a glass or plastic cover and a black copper or aluminum absorber plate inside. This simple system is able to provide a home with the hot water they require when it is tapped into the home. These types of solar collectors are usually mounted on rooftops.
For just three grand or so a person can put together this type of passive solar energy collector. While the savings in your electric bill may be small, homeowners in it for the long haul will definitely save over time, all the while enjoying the fact that you have lowered your family’s carbon footprint significantly. If hiring a professional is something that you don’t want to do, it is possible to do the project by yourself and advice on how to accomplish this can be found at greendiyenergy
Homeowners looking to find out more about residential solar systems should be sure to check out all the information that they can find whether that is at the library or on the internet at sites such as greendiyenergy review to learn the latest nuts-and-bolts information on how to harvest renewable energy in a variety of ways depending on need. There is a lot of material that helps a person find everything that they need to turn their home into a solar power haven.
Many places now give a person who uses renewable sources of energy in their house a tax break for doing so. 17 states now offer homeowners some kind of tax rebate or incentive for the purchase or installation of solar power equipment of any kind. Check with your accountant or the Internal Revenue Service to see what you can qualify for.
We can not rely on getting our power from fossil fuels forever. The incentives that are being offered to people to change their home over to this will go away also so don’t wait too long. You won’t make your money back overnight. What a person does get is the knowledge that they are heading into the future in the right way. There is the monthly gratification when you see that the price you pay for power has dropped and you can keep the money in your wallet.
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