Building Green Communities(How to create your own green

utopia)

Who are you and why are

you here right now?

Who am I?

a member of your community...

Defining Utopia...

“an ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, and moral aspects”

HealthierSafer

Less expensiveHigh-performance

Inspired, conscious living

Community is:

“a group with common interests”

LoveHealthWealth

SexSafety

Companionship

Steps to building your

green community:

Steps:

•Learn•Do•Teach•Repeat

Today:

LearnCreate

Fundamentals of Healthy Green Environments

• Less toxic• More efficient• Polar bear friendly

Green thinking:• House as a ‘system’• “Whole systems” approach • Consume less energy and water • Use resource efficient techniques

and materials• Healthier, safer, more

comfortable

Green buildings:

•Energy efficiency•Water efficiency•Resource conservation•Indoor environmental quality

Key Points:•Remove, Replace, Relax•Remove toxic materials•Ventilate the air•Use renewable resources

Some green stats:

Environmental impacts of buildings

•The United States comprises 5% of the total world population

•We use 25% of the world’s energy resources

Environmental impacts

of buildings (2)• In the U.S., buildings:• Consume 65% of electricity• Create 30% of total green house gas emissions• Create 136 million tons of C & D waste each

year• Consume 12% of potable water• Use 40% of raw materials globally1.Wood constitutes 84% of residential

construction

Environmental impacts of buildings (3)

•Construction of a 2,085 sq ft home uses up to 1.5 acres of forest (16,000 board feet, 23 20” diameter trees)

Waste Generation• In the U.S. Construction & Demolition

waste accounts for 12-50% of the entire waste stream

• 4.3 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generated per year in California alone

Indoor Air• Indoor air pollution is 2-5 times

worse than outside• We spend over 90% of our time

indoors• 60% of homes and 30% of

commercial buildings are classified as “sick”

Average residential energy use:

• Electric• 22% lighting

• 19% refrigerators/freezers

• 15% TV, computers and office equipment

• 10% air conditioning

• Gas– 44% space heating– 44% water heating– 7% cooking– 6% dryer/misc.

Pesticide facts• The likelihood of a child getting leukemia is 6X

greater when herbicides are used on lawn• More children with cancers had exposure to

pesticides than children without cancer• Pesticide links exist to infertility, birth defects,

learning and neurological disorders, allergies, MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities)

• Come in on shoes and stay in carpet• Moth balls (naphthalene) are one of the most

dangerous chemicals available

The relationship between water and

energy:• Only 2.5% of the world’s water is fresh water• 20% of CA electricity and 32% of CA natural gas

is used for water pumping, cleaning and heating• 14% of home energy is used for heating water• Average water use per person is 70-100 gallons a

day• 40-60% of potable water is used in landscapes• Water is used in virtually every industrial process• So by conserving resources you’re saving water

Where does indoor water go?

• Average house usage:• 27% toilets

• 22% clothes washer

• 17% showers

• 16% faucets

• 14% leaks

• 5% baths/dishwashers/other

• The average U.S. household uses 350 gallons per day (inside)

Where does outdoor water go?

• 40-60% of potable water goes into the landscape

efficiency is everything

Energy efficiency• Structural system• Increased insulation• Air sealing• Windows• Lighting• Energystar appliances• HVAC design, installation and testing• Renewable energy

Water efficiencyInterior

Water conserving appliancesAerators on faucets

Low-flow fixturesPlumbing effectively designed and insulated

ExteriorMinimized grass

Native and drought resistant vegetationHigh efficiency irrigation

Hydro-zoning

What is energy?

• Energy is the “go” of things• Energy takes many forms:

• Electrical

• Chemical

• Mechanical (motion, friction, etc)

Energy Key Points•Use what is available ( sun, wind

or temperature)•Conserve your use of what is

there•Only augment with

concentrated energy (electricity, gas, oil) when necessary

Water Conservation

• Install water conserving appliances• EnergyStar and WaterSense rated

• Install water conserving fixtures/systems• Optimize irrigation system• Rainwater harvesting• Greywater plumbing

Indoor Air Quality(IAQ)

Indoor air/environmental

quality IAQ/IEQ• Materials and finishes• Combustion gas safety• Ventilation and moisture management• ‘Sick’ Building syndrome

Impact of negative IAQ

• 15% of homeowners may be allergic to elements in their own homes.

• 40% of children born today will develop some form of respiratory disease.

• Prevalence of asthma has doubled since 1976. • Increased links to ADD and asthma in children.• Of all the chemicals that EPA monitors, only

ozone and sulphur dioxide are more prevalent outdoors than indoors

Indoor Air Quality• Toxins• Off-gassing• Plastics• Ventilation• Plants

What is off-gassing?

• The release of toxic chemicals from common household materials (paint, furniture finishes, plastic, vinyl, etc)

Formaldehyde

• Two main types:• Phenol formaldehyde / Used

outside• (Plywood, Oriented strand board)

• Urea formaldehyde / Used inside• (Particle board, cabinet fiberboard, etc)

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)

• VOCs are typically in solvents in fluid or flexible products• Paints, sealers, adhesives and caulks

• Most of the ‘enes’ are VOCs • Gasoline• Kerosene• Benzene– Xylene– toluene

Vinyl Chloride

• The principle element in PVC products• “Beach ball smell”

• Problems with off-gassing, disposal

• Human carcinogen

• Dioxin and hydrogen chloride is emitted from production and during burning

Carpeting contains• Toxic chemicals in the fiber bonding material,

dyes, backing glues, fire retardant, fungicides, antistatic and stain resistant treatments• 120 chemicals; some of which are

neurotoxic• They last at least 3 years• Carpet is neither renewable or

biodegradable

Carpeting • Carpet is anathema to good air quality• Offgasing and absorption issues• Dust magnet (old carpet weighs more

than new)• Dust mites love it (if humidity is over

53%)• Bacteria hide here• It holds everything from bottom of shoes

Solutions

Elimination • Reduce the type and number of products and issues that off-gas

into the living space• Adhesives

• Paints and finishes

• Carpet and fabrics

• Engineered wood products

• Combustion appliances

• Pesticides

• Cleaners

• Humidity

• Hobbies

• Pets and teenagers

Ventilation

• Ventilation is the second way to reduce the impact of high concentrations of toxic gases• Natural ventilation (windows, etc)• Mechanical ventilation (fans, etc)

Indoor air toxins1.What are they?2.Where do they come from?

What are they?a.Formaldehyde (urea-particleboard/phenol-osb,exterior grade plywood

b.VOC’s (gasoline, kerosene,xylene,Toluene)

c.Vinyl chloride (human carcinigen, found in PVC)

d.Nerotoxinse.Carbon monoxide

Where do they come from?1.Where do they come from?

a.Formaldehyde (urea-particleboard/phenol-osb,exterior grade plywood

b.VOC’s- paint, sealers, adhesives, caulks, can be absorbed by carpets/furnitures

c.Vinyl chloride (human carcinigen, found in PVC)d.Nerotoxins-carpet (backing, glues, fire

retardants, styrene,latex binders, fungicides, anti-static and stain-resistant treatments)

e.Carbon monoxide- stove,furnace,gas water heater, gas dryer

Air leak issues1.Where do they come from?

1.duct work leaks

2.faulty insulation

3.windows, door frames

4.plumbing penetrations

5.fireplaces

6.floors, walls and ceilings

FIX Air leak issues1.Seal all holes in building envelop

including: sill plates, top plates, electrical openings, plumbing openings, boxes around windows, attic hatches, HVAC closet, door-frames,

2.Use: spray foam insulation, weatherstripping, foam gaskets on electrical openings, etc.

Filtration

• Filtration takes the micro particulates out of the air

• Residential filtration does not capture gases

• Use HEPA* air filters• *High Efficiency Particulate Air

Low energy cooling• Ceiling fans• Standing in moving air under a ceiling fan

makes the body feel 4 degrees cooler, thereby reducing air conditioning needs

• Increased comfort with the same temperature• Choose EnergyStar fans (50% more efficient;

have improved motor and blade designs; efficient lighting)

Duct issues• Ducts leak avg. of 30%• Leaky ducts waste energy and hurt

comfort• Leaky air ducts can cause negative

pressure- this can pull CO out of gas appliances into the home

• Use duct mastic on all duct joints• Do not use duct tape!

Insulating pipesHot

Reduces standby pipe lossSaves water by reducing waste while

waiting for hot water at the fixtureCold

Reduces condensation and freezing problems

green materials and

recommendations

Choosing green materials

InsulationFlooring

AppliancesLighting

Natural linoleum flooring

• Durable, stain resistant• Made of rapidly renewable materials• Linseed oil, limestone, pine rosins, wood

powder and jute

Renewable cork flooring

• Cork is rapidly renewable (7-10 yrs), naturally fire and moisture resistant as well as sound absorbing

• hypoallergenic• no trees are cut down

Rapidly renewable bamboo• A renewable resource is replenished by

natural processes• Bamboo is fast growing (7-10 years)

comparable to wood• Full grown stalks are cut lengthwise into

narrow strips and glued together either horizontally or vertically• Can be re-sanded and sealed• Lots of products in market place

Carpet Alternatives• Untreated natural fiber carpets:• Wool, seagrass, sisal• Make sure wool is NOT treated

with toxic moth proofing chemicals• Install with low or non toxic backing

The best of synthetic carpets

• Recycled PET fiber carpets available• Avoid styrene-butadiene latex backing (get

woven backing)• Low pile – high density may be more durable

and hold less dirt• Look for the carpet and rug institute’s

“green label” and “green label plus” logos

LED’s: the facts

• LED’s (light emitting diodes) are making a fast entrance into the residential market

• LED’s produce more light with less electricity• LED’s can last 35,000-50,000 hrs.

• (CFL’s last 8000-10,000 hrs)

Refrigerator and freezer

• Single largest power user in most households

• EnergyStar is minimum goal• Size matters; small saves•www.energystar.gov

Washer/dryer

• Horizontal axis washer (Front Loading)• Use 40% less water & 50% less

energy than most models• Faster final spin- reduces drying

time and cost

Free Money

What money is available?

• Rebates• Tax Credits• Incentives• Grant money

Where is it?

• City• County• State• Federal• NGO’s

DSIREUSA.ORGThe Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is an ongoing project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), primarily through the Office of Planning, Budget and Analysis (PBA). It is the first place to look for rebates, credits and incentives for all 50 states. www.dsireusa.org

GRANTS.GOV

Grants.gov is the Federal Government’s web site for posting funding opportunities from all Federal Agencies. It is a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $500 billion in annual awards. www.grants.gov

ENERGYSTAR.GOVENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. This website also offers a list of Federal Tax Credits and Rebates. For example, if you install solar panels you can receive a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost. www.energystar.gov/

IncentivesIncentives: These are things that a city or county is willing to do to encourage green building or renovation in their jurisdiction. They will give you cash incentives or a cash offset such as waiving permitting fees. If the city or county gets homes built that are LEED certified or built to Build it Green standards as in (Encinitas CA) they will provide grant money to encourage builders to make this happen.

GrantsGrants:A city or county gives money for a specific project and specific to a particular building, builder and renovator. Detroit offers an example of eco-friendly, low housing complexes. The builder had to write a business case for the money. An organizational expert and a grant writer put this plan for a non-profit together that resulted in subsidies for combined green, low income housing. Once this pool of money is gone it can be replaced based on experience and success. These programs have a very specific value. Once established, they are hard to eliminate but are harder to win without experienced grant winning expertise. Advice for best legal structuring and for assessing and winning a grant is essential.

RebatesRebates – This is simply a discount for buying something or doing something that is defined as green. The example is Energy Star appliances or something agreed to be energy or water efficient. Changing the light bulbs, buying a washing machine and getting a $50 rebate by proving you bought it with a receipt. These plans have been around for a long time in many forms by the energy saving and green movement emphasizing these as investor friendly.

Tax CreditsTax Credits – These are available at an LLC, entity and personal level as an earned tax incentive by way of a discount or a refund. The magic number is $1500 for going energy efficient in a specific area such as insulation upgrades. There are much higher allowances for adopting alternative energy sources such as solar and wind (popular) or geo-thermal (less frequent) and offer uncapped tax incentives up to 30% of the capital costs of the upgrade for residential or commercial properties.

RemoveReplaceRelax

Remove1.Indoor air toxins2.Air leak issues3.Inefficient

systems/appliances

Inefficient systems1.Old appliances

2.Old systems (ex- non-programmable thermostat)

3.Old duct work

4.Old water heaters (install water heater insulation jacket)

Replace1.Flooring

2.Paint

3.Materials

4.Adhesives/Glues/Sealants

5.Appliances

Flooring1.Alternative flooring:

1.bamboo- fast growing, comparable to wood (actually a ‘grass’)

2.cork-rapidly renewable, hypoallergenic, fire and moisture resistant, comfortable, sound absorbing, tough

3.natural linoleum- made from linseed oil, limestone, pine rosins, wood powder and jute

Carpet alternatives1.Think of regular carpet as GIANT SPONGES (dust

magnet, dust mites, bacteria, everything from the bottom of your shoes)

2.Best alternatives: wool, seagrass, sisal. make sure wool is NOT treated with moth-proofing chemicals

3.Install with low or non-toxic backing.4.Buy US made. 45% of worlds carpet comes from

US, 80% of which comes from Georgia

Paint1.Chose No-VOC or LOW-VOC paint2.Available at most most home stores3.Very comparable to regular paint

Materials1.Use natural/solid woods when possible

2.Stay away from OSB and pressed wood products

3.Glues and sealants used are toxic4.Other great materials: brick, tile,

metal.5.The more natural, the better

Adhesives/Glues/Sealants

1.Typical ones are very toxic and off-gas2.Found in cabinets, floor sealants,

caulking, spray foam, carpet backing3.Look for all-natural alternatives4.Greenbuildingsupply.com5.greendepot.com

Appliances1.Replace old/faulty appliances2.Look for Energy Star appliances3.Washers, Dryers, Hot-Water

heaters, Dishwashers

Relax1.Think in PHASES2.Perfect process:

1.Building envelop2.Fix Systems

3.Mistakes to avoid

Mistakes to avoid1.Spend too much2.Do too much3.Don’t consider payback4.Don’t consider end-

buyer’s wants/needs5.Don’t have a clear plan

PHASE Thinking

Exercise: Build it nowHow do we define utopia?

What does it look like?Why do it?

Where do we start?What do YOU need to be the

expert?

8 First Steps...

What to do next

ActionsAudit your surroundings (home/work)

Determine your ‘must-haves’Create a plan

Get helpStart small

Start talkingStart teaching

Questions?Jim Simcoe

JimSimcoe.com760-271-7128