“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Sponsor a Community — What is Localism? | Register or Sign In
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?
Home janeAnne Asheville Signature Finds in Mountain Homes and LAND

janeAnne Asheville Signature Finds in Mountain Homes and LAND

Blog_tag

What You Need to Know about High-Performance Homes

06-30-07
janeAnne Asheville Signature Finds in Mountain Homes and LAND

asheville, nc , green real estate, alternative energy

Not all THAT long ago, a phenomenon took place right here at Active Rain. A conversation that started as the simple sharing of information on a post by AR's own Jeff Geoghan , opened up a flood-gate of interest about high-performance homes and what real estate professionals need to know about them!

Soon, Gary Smith, Realtor®, e-PRO, RECS , Buzz Holtvluwer, Mary Bigelow ,Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS , Michael Eisenberg, (many of hwom yu may know) had something to say. And as of today, Jeff's post has elicited over hundreds of comments. ..in the AR community. This conversation , like a gigantic waterwheel, (see photo I took) really delivers!

AR members, here is news about the latest developments in high-performance homes that will help you be RED HOT Points: 1) financial , insurance, up front costs, longevity, mortgages, affordability 2) health benefits.3) the technology and physics behind the latest products our clients are demanding.

The ECO-All-Stars are ready, willing and able with a team-effort to create a resource guide for all the Active Rainers. You could use this to learn about high-performance buildings and eco-friendly land . When your clients ask you, as without a doubt they will, you will be "in-the-know". Typical subjects to be covered:

Resource Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Water Efficiency
Indoor Environmental Quality
Operation, Maintenance and Homeowner Education
Site Planning and Land Development,
Lot Design, Preparation and Development,
Environmental Impact, Ecology, Hydrology, Landscaping
Construction, Building materials and methods
Real Estate Services
Consulting Services
Financial Services
Global Impact

0 Comments
Blog_tag

10+ Simple Retrofits for Older Homes

03-29-07
janeAnne Asheville Signature Finds in Mountain Homes and LAND

When it comes to being an Eco-Star every home can shine
...even an old "castle"...

Simple changes at home can add up to real benefits for your family, neighborhood and the world. Here's an ever-expanding list of things you can do to retrofit or GreenUP an older home that Sharon Simms over at the ECO-All-Stars Group started .

Steve Dalton added to it, and that's how the "seed" that Sharon planted began to "sprout". Soon, John Cilladi, REALTOR, EcoBroker, e-PRO told us about a fluorescent light bulb he has had since 1994 that is still going strong after 13 years. WOW! Is that amazing, or what??

OK y'all! I'm liking this conversation.

It's Spring! And I got to thinking "Spring Cleaning" ...and recycling. Did you know that according to the National Institutes of Health we generate about 208 million tons of municipal solid waste a year! That's more than 4 pounds per person per day. GLUNK!

SO! Recycle in your castle. You could recycle glass bottles, save electricity and create countertops like this one by IceStone that offers " an environmentally friendly alternative to natural stone and solid surface materials. The non-porous, durable and heat-resistant qualities make them a good match for kitchens and bathrooms. <S> Because the material can be shaped, cut, inlaid or mounted it can used for of applications from backsplashes to countertops to flooring. Due to its high recycled content, IceStone materials can be used for LEED qualification."

By the way! IceStone received a Silver certification from Cradle To Cradle (one of my favorite organizations) for its commitment to environmentally intelligent design."

Here's the list...so far...
YOU ARE MOST WELCOME to add your Spring GreenUP Tip for Older Homes

1.Tankless water heaters. Very popular in Europe. Hmmmm. Maybe they know more about preserving castles.

2.Compact fluorescent bulbs. You can replace the incandescent bulbs, one at a time as they burn out. John's record for fluorescent bulb: 13 years! (see above)

3.Radiant Barriers. Reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss, and thus lower heating and cooling costs. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it.

4.Solar Panels . Modular panels that can be designed to meet any electrical requirement, no matter how large or how small.

5. Weather stripping. Caulk and check is as needed. And check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.

6. Natural stone and solid surface materials. Love this one (See link above)

7. Geothermal Heat Pump Systems. Replace your old one when the time comes. They use 25%-50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems and save money.

8.Task Lighting. Direct light where you need it. Save energy and money.Good for romantic cooking. Better than candlelight they tell me .

9. Renewable Energy. According to Wikipedia this is "energy derived from resources that are regenerative or for all practical purposes cannot be depleted." Try solar-powered outdoor lights . Consider, too choosing renewable energy from your utility to even producing solar electricity at home with photovoltaic (PV) cells. Also check out Wikipedia for more info on renewable energy in the form of:

10. Sayeth the U.S. Department of Energy

Green-o--Lina!

Photo courtesy of our Firm's photographer.

##

Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place Greenolina

##

3 Comments