Green Means

Windows that Perform

By Shannon Scott

Not much beats a room with a view.  Except a room with two views out different directions through responsibly manufactured, insulated, heat reflective windows.

 If you are building or remodeling, selecting windows will be one of the single most important, energy saving and esthetically pleasing decisions you make.  Heat loss is minimal with efficient windows in a well designed passive solar home.  There’s no longer any reason to limit the amount of glass.  So enjoy the views!

The best window options are low thermal emissivity (Low-E) coated, gas-filled, multi-paned made with solid framing materials.  Look for Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) labels.  Choose aluminum clad hardwood or pultruded fiberglass exterior frames for low maintenance.  

Window design and placement is referred to as fenestration.  National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) stickers on windows verify performance factors.  Some better makes and models are Sierra Pacific, Anderson Eagle series, and Marvin Integrity.   We were able to get SFI certified Sierra Pacific windows from Franklin Lumber.  Sierra Pacific windows are made here in the west, which minimizes the negative environmental impacts of long-distance distribution.  Whenever possible, buy locally or regionally made goods. 
                                                 Performance Factors

            U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping.  Ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.  U-factors are dependent upon the type and placement of the Low-E coating.  Some placements reflect heat into a room to prevent heat loss, while others reflect it out to keep interiors cooler.

            Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks the sun’s heat. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward.  SHCG is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits.  The SHGC is also dependent upon Low-E coating, type, and placement.  

            Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) gives credits for U-factors and SHGCs of .35 or less.  The smaller the number, the better the LEED rating.  

            Visible transmittance (Vt) is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted into a room. Vt is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the Vt, the more light available. 

            Condensation Resistance (CR) measures how well a window resists the formation of condensation. CR is expressed as a number between 1 and 100. A higher number indicates better resistance to condensation.  Quality windows are dry, year round.

Designs

Casement windows have cranks or knobs that turn to open the windows along a vertical plain.  This design captures and directs air flow better than other window styles.  Don’t believe the myth about this style not holding up in strong winds.

Double-hung windows slide up or down, and often tilt in at an angle to form a horizontal plain.  Some manufactures make at least one of the two pains easily removable for cleaning.

Awning windows are similar to double-hung except there is only one pane and usually only one opening option.  An awning window will usually hinge at the top and swing out. 

Fixed, picture, or plate glass windows are windows that don’t open.  Fixed windows are cheaper because there’s no operational hardware.  These can save you money in areas where you already have air flow, or emergency exit windows.  Combine fixed and opening styles to expand views more inexpensively than having all operational windows.  Bedrooms must have egress (exit) windows in case of fire, but you can certainly combine an egress with a fixed to maximize a tranquil bedroom view.

 Gliders or sliders are the cheapest models available and there’s a reason for it.  Tracks quickly and easily become dirt filled which makes their operation less smooth.  They do not open out either vertically or horizontally to capture air flow guiding it into the home.  Air flow must be fairly direct in to the windows.  These work well for interior pass through windows, or if space to open is extremely limited.

Placement

Windows on at least two sides of every room allow light to enter at different times of the day and change the way a room looks and feels.  Residents are offered views in more than one direction and better ventilation.  Plenty of glass reduces the need for artificial lighting, which further saves energy costs, and lifts spirits by making a home brighter. 

Window heights should be proportionate to room size, and offer views out when standing and sitting. Sills approximately 2 ft. above the floor are usually good.   Sill heights above 2 ft. can limit views.   Floor to ceiling windows are grand as long as they are high enough above exterior grade so that snow loads don’t pile up against glass. If privacy from neighbors is a concern, don’t reduce glass.  Instead, strategically place trees and shrubs to block unwanted gazes.

When installing windows, caulk well with a low or non-VOC caulk.  Caulking well disallows drafts, making the building envelop as tight as possible for maximum energy efficiency.  Diligently caulking and insulating window peripheries maximizes energy efficiency.

            Avoid solid metal, and vinyl clad windows.  Metal windows conduct cold and heat directly into interior spaces.  Vinyl releases toxins (off-gasses) urea-formaldehyde a carcinogen, and phthalates found in PVC (poly-vinyl chloride).  Phthalates are carcinogens, can interfere with normal fetal or child development, can harm reproductive health, and are allergens.

Windows connect us to the outdoors, while protecting us from the elements.   How enjoyable it is to watch hawks soar, bluebirds perch, an orange sunset, or swirling snows.  Choose environmentally responsibly manufactured windows and enjoy the view with peace of mind.

Green Means  

Packing Lunch Can Be Good for the Environment

By Shannon Scott
 deepgreenresults@gmail.com  

      Go green? Green up? Live green? What does all this trendy lingo mean?

Every day everything we do has an impact on the planet and our health. As individuals we have control over choices and the impact we create – from the healthiness and energy efficiency of our homes, the clothes on our backs, and what we eat to how we vacation, shop, and dispose of unwanted items.

Going green means taking conscious actions to reduce consumption, minimize pollution, and conserve resources and energy. It means considering where things come from, how they’re made, how far they traveled from source to consumer, and what their overall environmental and human health impacts are – from origin to end to origin again.

We can’t stop going to work or eating, but there are ways to minimize negative impacts on human and environmental health.

Let’s reduce consumption. 

Reuse containers. Don’t buy individually wrapped anything. Most all processed foods, foods that we buy pre-made, are often heavily packaged. These packages end up in landfills, along highways, littering schools and neighborhood streets.

Pack lunch using food safe plastic containers, washable drink bottles, and reusable lunch carriers. Avoid plastic wrap, zip plastic bags, paper sacks, and individual beverage containers.

Some savvy schools, dotted across the U.S., have banned plastic wrap, Zip-loc bags, and paper lunch sacks. Students must use recyclable materials, such as Tupperware or other washables. The schools are cleaner with less trash, thus less trash pick-up costs, and young people learn important lessons in conservation. As a direct result, lunches are healthier. Instead of eating high salt, highly preserved Lunchables, non-nutritious sacks of Cheetos, or cups of minimally nutritious noodles in non biodegradable Styrofoam, kids and adults are eating something better – minimally processed sandwiches, fresh fruit, or leftovers from dinner.

Studies conducted across the U.S. recognize fast food containers as the primary identifiable source of urban litter. (Based upon hiking local hills, I’d say Bud Light cans are the primary source of rural litter.) Not only is fast food a poor health and quality-of-life choice, but it’s also a poor earth-friendly and socially responsible choice.

   There used to be an ad slogan: “Diamonds are Forever”. Not true. Carbon has a half life and breaks down. However, Styrofoam is forever – opt not to buy cups or anything packaged in it. Even in the landfills, they may crumble slightly, but those fast food containers are here to stay.

     We, Americans, use 84 billion plastic bags per year, about twenty percent of the world’s total. Plastic bags are not biodegradable nor are most plastics recycled. Recycling plastic is difficult because of the separation process for the different chemical compositions and colors. It’s simply not cost effective for producers. Reuse plastic grocery bags for trash can liners, carrying lunch, or cleaning up after the dog, until they disintegrate as much can be expected, then avoid getting more.

   Pulp and paper mills are the third largest industrial polluters to air, water, and land in both Canada and the United States. Pulp mill excretions contain hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals, such as chlorinated phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Pulp mills are a significant source of airborne dioxins and furans - among the most carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances known. If everyone used reusable bags for even one trip to the store, we’d save 60,000 trees, and cut down on the toxins released into our air, water, and soil. I consistently use shopping totes I received for making the minimum donation to a wild lands association. Reusable totes must be washed periodically as random swab tests conducted at grocery stores tested positive for harmful e-coli. bacteria that may be on produce or meats.

     Purchasing fewer packaged products is a small individual step that results in a huge collective impact. When we use less, container manufacturers need fewer natural and chemical resources, and use less energy. Supply and distribution transportation are reduced, fossil fuel use is minimized, and we create a cleaner environment. Speaking of transportation, driving less, obviously, reduces consumption. Make fewer trips out, carpool, or consolidate runs to the store.

     What does it mean to go green? It means living better. Individually and collectively we make a difference. By simply packing lunches we just might eat a little healthier. Reusing containers reduces trash in our neighborhoods and pollution in our environment. Driving less reduces oil dependency and saves our bank accounts. When we green up, we wise up.

Green Means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 

By Shannon Scott
deepgreenresults@gmail.com

Want to build a green home?

The guidelines from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) are an excellent place to start. LEED encourages environmentally sustainable design, construction and development practices through a building rating system. Buildings are awarded points in several categories, based upon their total ecological impact and energy efficiency.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed LEED guidelines in 2000. Despite the name, it is a private corporation, not a government agency. The USGBC offers support for green industries by educating architects and engineers who are interested, or have a demand from clients, for more sustainable structures. LEED design professionals create homes and commercial buildings that will qualify for one of several LEED ratings. Owners pay substantially higher fees for LEED certified professionals, and pay additionally to apply for one of the LEED ratings. Many developers, schools, and corporations want to save energy costs and wear the LEED label for marketing purposes. You don’t need LEED pros unless you care about your home having a designer LEED label or your construction budget has nearly unlimited funds. An efficient healthy home can be designed and built by one’s own self, or using local engineers and builders, without pricey middlemen or advertising that further supports the USGBC.

The USGBC was granted 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit. It is a business that makes money off membership, classes, publications, and certifying trade professionals – a lot of money. 2007 revenue totaled just over $46 million. $10 million of this went to general administration costs (mostly salaries). Conferences and membership advocacy (soliciting membership) cost the organization just over $11 million. Only $5 million went into education courses – most all of which were fee based and factor back in to revenue.

If you are an owner-builder LEED for Homes will inform you about what factors make a home sustainable, green and efficient. Know LEED guidelines and incorporate them into your design and construction process. Your home will be energy efficient, environmentally responsible, and sustainable for generations. That said, be reasonable when looking at LEED. LEED encourages minimal site disruption. However, we followed U.S. Forest Service fire protection tips, and made certain that we had 100 feet of defensible space. We live in wildfire country and aren’t about to lose our home. LEED rating guidelines for homes, adapted from the USGBC website:  

Site Sustainability

When selecting a building site or constructing: reduce human impact on waterways and ecosystems; use area appropriate landscaping; manage precipitation runoff; reduce erosion; minimizes light pollution (excess lighting) and heat islands (urban areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding natural environments); maximize construction materials; avoid construction on previously undeveloped land; and consider smart transportation options.
 
Water Efficiency

  LEED promotes efficient water use inside and outside of buildings. This means more efficient appliances, quality water saving plumbing fixtures, drip irrigation, shade trees, water catchments, and perhaps grey water recycling. Grey water is used water from sink basins, showers, or laundry. Grey water systems must be appropriately designed for health concerns as they can have significant e-coli numbers and other harmful bacteria.  

Energy Efficiency and Air Quality

  Install energy use monitoring systems; ensure efficient design (passive solar) and construction (consider how much energy is used during actual construction); energy smart appliances; efficient mechanical systems; energy saving lighting; and renewable and clean sources of energy; and electrical sources other than grid supported.  

Materials and Resources

Savvy, budget conscious builders know how to reduce waste and get the maximum use out of materials. We reused much of our lumber from building concrete forms to use as studs or framing. Anyone who has built anything knows that you don’t want to get the sawdust from chemically treated lumber in eyes or accidently breathe it. LEED strongly supports the use of sustainably grown, harvested, produced, and transported products. Materials should also be minimally treated or treated with non-volatile organic chemicals that don’t off gas into interior spaces. Recycle construction materials and reduce waste. Indoor Air Quality The EPA estimates that we spend up to 90% of our day indoors. This is terrible, considering how nice the outdoor environment is. Indoor air quality can often be significantly worse than outside air. Take actions and buy products to make indoor air safer, provide access to natural light (windows) and improve acoustics (reduce noise pollution). All elements that make indoor living space feel good. Locations A home’s location significantly impacts its natural environment. Home builders or developers should not build on virgin, previously undeveloped land, or in environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands. Homes built near existing developments or services receive credit in that they affect overall energy use impact when considering transportation. A home’s outdoor environment should also offer access to open space for walking, biking, or other activities and space for time outdoors.  

Education

Home owners should know exactly how their homes function, why they are green and energy efficient. Real estate professionals, current owners, and potential buyers need to know a particular home’s features and how it compares to a built-to-code home. Every one need to know how best to care for and operate their homes for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Green Means Wood Stoves that Are EPA Certified By Shannon Scott Can using a wood stove be green? It depends. Oil, gas, coal, and wood all emit carbon dioxide when burned, however, if one tree is planted for every tree that is burned this offsets CO2 emissions. Trees absorb CO2 and produce oxygen. Wood burning emits microscopic particulates that can cause serious lung and circulatory problems. This is one reason it’s essential to use a newer Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated stove that burns more efficiently reducing these particulates. New wood burning stoves have lower emissions, and fewer air pollutants than older ones, but can still emit up to 100 times more pollution than some gas or oil furnaces. Some counties have banned wood stoves for this reason. The following tips will help you select an efficient, clean burning wood or pellet stove. EPA Rated Don’t use an older, pre 1988, wood stove that vents straight up a chimney. Older stoves can emit up to 300 percent more soot than newer ones. Check the back of your current stove. The date of manufacture along with a permanent EPA tag ought to be there. EPA ratings differ depending upon size and model. Check and compare. Size Matters Wood stoves need to be burned fairly hot. Burning at close to stove’s maximum temperature rating ensures efficiency and burns up as much soot or creosote as possible. Select a stove based upon the square footage it will heat at maximum Btu output. If your home has an open floor plan, then consider all the square footage the wood stove’s heat will reach. If rooms are more enclosed, select a smaller wood stove. If a home is huge with an open floor plan, high ceilings, and excellent breeze pathways you may select a larger stove. If you can’t decide between two sizes, go smaller. Don’t install a big stove in a small area, only to burn it at half capacity. This not only burns fuel less efficiently and creates a greater build up of soot, but you’ve wasted your money on a too-big stove. Never buy a big stove just to open windows if interior space gets too hot. This is wasting wood, and not a sound environmental practice – don’t’ do it. Think green. Our home is 2,888 square feet, but the main area the wood stove heats is about 1,200 square feet – the larger common room, entry, and library. We selected a Vermont Castings “Resolute Acclaim” non-catalytic model that is rated for 1,600 square feet. On cold winter days and nights, we burn it hot, around 500 degrees. It’s efficient, and it’s just right. I recommend double walled pipes for safety, even if your local codes don’t mandate them. Double walled chimneys get hot, but if someone does accidently touch them they won’t get severely burned as with single walled pipes. Stoves are labeled with their EPA efficiency rating and the amount of heat they’re capable of producing. You can compare manufacturers and models on line then locate a dealer for the model you choose. Shop wisely. Catalytic or Non-Catalytic Catalytic stoves have converters inside that re-burn gasses and particulates that would otherwise go up the chimney. Catalytic stoves cost more, and the catalytic feature must be replaced every five years or so for an additional expense, use of resources, and recycling issue. The converters can be damaged by foreign matter like plastic or other refuse that should not be burned in a wood stove – or anywhere else. Wood or Pellets Pellet stoves don’t require you to head out wood cutting or buy cord wood. These stoves burn small compacted wood or corn pellets, purchased by the ton. They generally burn cleaner and convert more energy to heat than wood stoves. Pellet stoves don’t always require a standard chimney as they can be vented outdoors through a pipe in an outside wall. As a result these stoves can be installed in nearly any room. These stoves are a little more complex in that they have thermostats and require electricity to feed the pellets. They lack some of the esthetics of wood stoves and release more dust into indoor air. Installation Wood stoves can be installed by savvy do-it-yourselfers. They must be placed on noncombustible materials, such as tile, brick, or stone. Clearances from walls will depend upon installation instructions included with the wood stove and local codes. Wood burning and pellet stoves must be placed away from anything combustible or flammable. Pipes and chimneys must also be installed properly. Clean Equals Safe Chimneys need to be cleaned annually. Built up soot can cause chimney fires and catch your house on fire. You can buy chimney brushes, hop on the roof and do it yourself, or hire a chimney sweep. Winter’s coming. Burn clean and think green.Green Means Wood Stoves that Are EPA Certified By Shannon Scott Can using a wood stove be green? It depends. Oil, gas, coal, and wood all emit carbon dioxide when burned, however, if one tree is planted for every tree that is burned this offsets CO2 emissions. Trees absorb CO2 and produce oxygen. Wood burning emits microscopic particulates that can cause serious lung and circulatory problems. This is one reason it’s essential to use a newer Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated stove that burns more efficiently reducing these particulates. New wood burning stoves have lower emissions, and fewer air pollutants than older ones, but can still emit up to 100 times more pollution than some gas or oil furnaces. Some counties have banned wood stoves for this reason. The following tips will help you select an efficient, clean burning wood or pellet stove. EPA Rated Don’t use an older, pre 1988, wood stove that vents straight up a chimney. Older stoves can emit up to 300 percent more soot than newer ones. Check the back of your current stove. The date of manufacture along with a permanent EPA tag ought to be there. EPA ratings differ depending upon size and model. Check and compare. Size Matters Wood stoves need to be burned fairly hot. Burning at close to stove’s maximum temperature rating ensures efficiency and burns up as much soot or creosote as possible. Select a stove based upon the square footage it will heat at maximum Btu output. If your home has an open floor plan, then consider all the square footage the wood stove’s heat will reach. If rooms are more enclosed, select a smaller wood stove. If a home is huge with an open floor plan, high ceilings, and excellent breeze pathways you may select a larger stove. If you can’t decide between two sizes, go smaller. Don’t install a big stove in a small area, only to burn it at half capacity. This not only burns fuel less efficiently and creates a greater build up of soot, but you’ve wasted your money on a too-big stove. Never buy a big stove just to open windows if interior space gets too hot. This is wasting wood, and not a sound environmental practice – don’t’ do it. Think green. Our home is 2,888 square feet, but the main area the wood stove heats is about 1,200 square feet – the larger common room, entry, and library. We selected a Vermont Castings “Resolute Acclaim” non-catalytic model that is rated for 1,600 square feet. On cold winter days and nights, we burn it hot, around 500 degrees. It’s efficient, and it’s just right. I recommend double walled pipes for safety, even if your local codes don’t mandate them. Double walled chimneys get hot, but if someone does accidently touch them they won’t get severely burned as with single walled pipes. Stoves are labeled with their EPA efficiency rating and the amount of heat they’re capable of producing. You can compare manufacturers and models on line then locate a dealer for the model you choose. Shop wisely. Catalytic or Non-Catalytic Catalytic stoves have converters inside that re-burn gasses and particulates that would otherwise go up the chimney. Catalytic stoves cost more, and the catalytic feature must be replaced every five years or so for an additional expense, use of resources, and recycling issue. The converters can be damaged by foreign matter like plastic or other refuse that should not be burned in a wood stove – or anywhere else. Wood or Pellets Pellet stoves don’t require you to head out wood cutting or buy cord wood. These stoves burn small compacted wood or corn pellets, purchased by the ton. They generally burn cleaner and convert more energy to heat than wood stoves. Pellet stoves don’t always require a standard chimney as they can be vented outdoors through a pipe in an outside wall. As a result these stoves can be installed in nearly any room. These stoves are a little more complex in that they have thermostats and require electricity to feed the pellets. They lack some of the esthetics of wood stoves and release more dust into indoor air. Installation Wood stoves can be installed by savvy do-it-yourselfers. They must be placed on noncombustible materials, such as tile, brick, or stone. Clearances from walls will depend upon installation instructions included with the wood stove and local codes. Wood burning and pellet stoves must be placed away from anything combustible or flammable. Pipes and chimneys must also be installed properly. Clean Equals Safe Chimneys need to be cleaned annually. Built up soot can cause chimney fires and catch your house on fire. You can buy chimney brushes, hop on the roof and do it yourself, or hire a chimney sweep. Winter’s coming. Burn clean and think green.

Green Means Wood Stoves that Are EPA Certified

By Shannon Scott: deepgreenresults@gmail.com


      Can using a wood stove be green?

       It depends.

      Oil, gas, coal, and wood all emit carbon dioxide when burned, however, if one tree is planted for every tree that is burned this offsets CO2 emissions. Trees absorb CO2 and produce oxygen.

     Wood burning emits microscopic particulates that can cause serious lung and circulatory problems. This is one reason it’s essential to use a newer Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated stove that burns more efficiently reducing these particulates.

     New wood burning stoves have lower emissions, and fewer air pollutants than older ones, but can still emit up to 100 times more pollution than some gas or oil furnaces. Some counties have banned wood stoves for this reason.

     The following tips will help you select an efficient, clean burning wood or pellet stove.

EPA Rated

     Don’t use an older, pre 1988, wood stove that vents straight up a chimney. Older stoves can emit up to 300 percent more soot than newer ones. Check the back of your current stove. The date of manufacture along with a permanent EPA tag ought to be there. EPA ratings differ depending upon size and model. Check and compare.

Size Matters
     Wood stoves need to be burned fairly hot. Burning at close to stove’s maximum temperature rating ensures efficiency and burns up as much soot or creosote as possible. Select a stove based upon the square footage it will heat at maximum Btu output. If your home has an open floor plan, then consider all the square footage the wood stove’s heat will reach. If rooms are more enclosed, select a smaller wood stove. If a home is huge with an open floor plan, high ceilings, and excellent breeze pathways you may select a larger stove. If you can’t decide between two sizes, go smaller. 
     Don’t install a big stove in a small area, only to burn it at half capacity. This not only burns fuel less efficiently and creates a greater build up of soot, but you’ve wasted your money on a too-big stove. Never buy a big stove just to open windows if interior space gets too hot. This is wasting wood, and not a sound environmental practice – don’t’ do it. Think green. 

     Our home is 2,888 square feet, but the main area the wood stove heats is about 1,200 square feet – the larger common room, entry, and library. We selected a Vermont Castings “Resolute Acclaim” non-catalytic model that is rated for 1,600 square feet. On cold winter days and nights, we burn it hot, around 500 degrees. It’s efficient, and it’s just right.

    I recommend double walled pipes for safety, even if your local codes don’t mandate them. Double walled chimneys get hot, but if someone does accidently touch them they won’t get severely burned as with single walled pipes. Stoves are labeled with their EPA efficiency rating and the amount of heat they’re capable of producing. You can compare manufacturers and models on line then locate a dealer for the model you choose. Shop wisely.

Catalytic or Non-Catalytic

      Catalytic stoves have converters inside that re-burn gasses and particulates that would otherwise go up the chimney. Catalytic stoves cost more, and the catalytic feature must be replaced every five years or so for an additional expense, use of resources, and recycling issue. The converters can be damaged by foreign matter like plastic or other refuse that should not be burned in a wood stove – or anywhere else.

Wood or Pellets

     Pellet stoves don’t require you to head out wood cutting or buy cord wood. These stoves burn small compacted wood or corn pellets, purchased by the ton. They generally burn cleaner and convert more energy to heat than wood stoves. Pellet stoves don’t always require a standard chimney as they can be vented outdoors through a pipe in an outside wall. As a result these stoves can be installed in nearly any room. These stoves are a little more complex in that they have thermostats and require electricity to feed the pellets. They lack some of the esthetics of wood stoves and release more dust into indoor air.

Installation

     Wood stoves can be installed by savvy do-it-yourselfers. They must be placed on noncombustible materials, such as tile, brick, or stone. Clearances from walls will depend upon installation instructions included with the wood stove and local codes. Wood burning and pellet stoves must be placed away from anything combustible or flammable. Pipes and chimneys must also be installed properly. Clean Equals Safe Chimneys need to be cleaned annually. Built up soot can cause chimney fires and catch your house on fire. You can buy chimney brushes, hop on the roof and do it yourself, or hire a chimney sweep.

     Winter’s coming. Burn clean and think green.

Green Means
Beware the VOCs! 

By Shannon Scott

Beware the VOCs!  VOCs are volatile organic compounds a whole class of carbon based chemicals that give off vapors at normal indoor temperature.  Part of making our homes greener is eliminating materials that off-gas or emit VOCs into interior living spaces.  Eliminating VOCs helps to protect not just our health, but soil, water, and air quality.  Opt for family-safe biodegradable cleaning and finish products in your home.  Local stores now carry low or no VOC paints and biodegradable cleaning supplies – because there is demand.  Elko residents are greening up!

Last week I mentioned the passive solar matrix for helping home owners and owner-builders save money when remodeling or building.  Keep the passive solar element of breeze pathways and ventilation in mind for improved indoor air quality. 

The most common VOC pollutant in indoor air is airborne formaldehyde.  Remember the FEMA trailers after Hurricane Katrina?  The adhesives and vinyl used in manufacturing the trailers made residents ill with headaches, nausea, and nose bleeds.  High formaldehyde off-gassing in a small area coupled with poor ventilation, created yet more problems for those poor hurricane victims. 

Urea-formaldehyde containing materials may include: vinyl clad windows, particle board, plywood, paneling, flooring, shelving, furniture, spray foam, carpet pads or backings, and older insulation.  Rid what you can, and if you are in the process of remodeling or building use responsibly sourced and manufactured products such as Sierra Pacific windows, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber, and particle boards with zero VOCs such as Kirei, Agriboard, Teramica, and others.

If you’re not ready to incur the expense of replacing vinyl clad windows with exterior clad aluminum wood ones, or get rid of glued-down linoleum, or replace nice hickory cabinets that were new ten years ago, then make sure you have plenty of ventilation.  Indoor air quality can be improved simply by using exhaust fans vented to the outdoors on a regular basis and opening windows for breeze pathways. 

Mold spores are another indoor air quality hazard.  Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions, so don’t give it a chance to grow.  When showering, bathing, or cooking, always turn on exhaust fans to eliminate moisture.  Keeping your home dry and aerated will help your family breathe easier. 

Gas appliances such as stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, and heaters emit carbon monoxide as a byproduct of the fuel they burn.  When running any gas appliance make sure interior areas are well ventilated.  Turn on exhaust fans.  When breathed in, carbon monoxide fills cells needed to carry oxygen – thus it replaces oxygen.  Carbon monoxide poisoning causes flu like symptoms, headaches, nausea, confusion, and irritability.  At increased levels it causes vomiting, brain damage, and death.   Ventilate.

Tile, and hardwood floors that have been sealed with non-volatile organic chemical sealants, are far better for reducing indoor toxins and pollutants than carpets.  Anyone who has shampooed or replaced indoor carpeting knows how much dust, dirt, and filth embeds in carpet fibers and padding underneath.  Vacuum or mop regularly to reduce outdoor contaminants from floors.  Keep a mat or shoe rack by doors so dirt and pollutants don’t get tracked inside.  Make those dusty miners brush off or strip down before entering.

All cleaning products have clearly labeled warnings.  Be selective by buying safer, biodegradable, earth friendly products.  Many local area stores, especially Raley’s, are now carrying green cleaning products that are safe for children, pets, and the environment.  Just like when you buy food, read labels carefully and choose wisely. 

When remodeling or building choose high cubic feet per minute (CFM) fans with low sones ratings (sound).  Poorer quality fans may move a lot of air, but are often noisy.  Loud, irritating fans do not get used.  A good fan will be Energy Star rated for efficiency, move more than 200 CFM for a standard full size bathroom, approximately 100 square ft., and have a sone rating of less than 2.   Panasonic and Fantech make some excellent quality exhaust fans and can be ordered through Western Nevada Supply. 

So open your windows, turn on the fans, avoid harsh chemicals, and make the family take off their shoes.  Training the dog to keep the dirt out might be a little harder, but keeping a towel by the door to dust off Rover may be a fine start. 

Green Means

A Passive Solar Design Matrix

By Shannon Scott,

Green Home Owner, Designer, Builder

            Kermit the Frog said, “It’s not easy being green.”  I like Kermit, but have to disagree with him on this point.  Building and living “green” is a lot easier and cheaper than people may think.  Building a green home, or living greener in an existing home, will save money, make you and your family feel better, and help to sustain the natural environment.

            Going green includes: increasing energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources, reducing fossil fuel dependence; using products that are sourced or manufactured using environmentally sustainable practices; and creating healthier indoor and outdoor home environments.

            My husband and I built our own energy efficient green home a few years ago.  I designed the home and the two of us built it with zero hired help.  We filled our 250 gallon propane tank in the fall of 2008 and just had it filled for the second time last month.  This made our average propane cost over the last three years $12.50 per month. 

            We use electricity from the grid, but the three primary factors that make our home efficient are passive solar, active solar, and energy efficient appliances and fixtures. 

            The most critical, influential element for energy efficiency is sound passive solar design. Passive solar differs from active solar in that there are no solar collectors, no moving parts, and no mechanical features – except maybe an attic fan.  Passive solar elements must work together in what I have termed a solar matrix.  Solar features will not be effective in isolation. A passive solar design matrix includes:

Southern Orientation

            If you are designing or planning to build a home, orient the longest wall along an east-west axis so that the wall is facing as close to true south as possible – within 15 degrees either way is good.   For our northeastern Nevada location, orienting slightly to the east keeps hot afternoon sun out during late summer and early fall.  Our home is oriented 12 degrees east of true south.  We capture grand views of the Ruby Mountains and the open spaces south of Spring Creek.

 Adequate Glass

            Glaze the south wall (glazing is another word glass) with 7-12% of the home’s total square footage. Windows must be energy efficient, low-E, double or triple paned, argon filled and not vinyl clad.  Windows that are vinyl clad on the interior give off airborne urea-formaldehyde and pollute indoor air quality.  I’ll write more about indoor air quality in a later column.  Use top quality wood windows with aluminum exterior cladding.  Good windows make a house.  Spend the money.  In our home the south wall has 11% glazing, 264 square feet of glass, which includes big windows and a couple of French doors.  This affords good winter sun penetration and connection with the outdoors.

Appropriately Sized Roof Overhangs or Eave Depths

            Sun is highest in the sky during hot summer months and lowest, traversing the southern horizon during winter. To keep hot summer sun out you need adequate or roof eaves depths.  Correct eave depths are based on the height of window sills off the porch or base of the wall, and the site’s latitude.  For our Elko location, about 41 degrees north latitude, with a sill height of 2 ft. above the floor, and an 8 ft. wall to the roof, eave depth should be about 2’8”. 

Thermal Mass

            Thermal masses are dense, medium to dark colored floors and walls that absorb sun’s heat as it enters south facing windows during the day.  The mass, such as concrete or tile, holds heat and radiates it back into the room after the sun has set.  We built a concrete slab 2 ft. above grade, and tiled the entire floor with Mexican Saltillo tile that is a medium terra cotta color.  6 inches of base sand, 4 inches of concrete (thicker on edges), and slightly more than 1 inch of tile make 11 inches of heat retaining mass.

Breeze Pathways

            In our high desert environment we don’t need air conditioning if we incorporate adequate breeze pathways throughout the house.  Floor plan layouts should allow breezes to circulate from room to room, or across rooms, so prevailing breezes flush the home with fresh cool air.  During summer months, windows should be opened at night and shut first thing in the morning.  Breeze pathways also help improve indoor air quality.

Beefy Attic and Wall Insulation

            Insulate the heck out of your attic.  Use R-50 or greater Green Fiber cellulose, Whisper Wool, Warmcel 100, Ultratouch, or other green, sustainably manufactured, family safe insulation.  We opted for Green Fiber insulation blown in deep enough to achieve a value of R-60.  Walls are 18 in thick, tightly compressed, straw bales for an approximate R-40 value. 

Reflective Roofing Material Color

            Roofs should reflect heat up, not absorb it into attic or living space.  Choose a light colored and/or reflective roof material.  We used ASC’s Galvalume.  It’s excellent quality, silver-grey in color, and fits well with our rural environment.

Tight Building Envelop

            Seal windows and doors well with non urea-formaldehyde caulk and/or weather stripping.  If there are unwanted drafts in a home find the source and seal appropriately with green, family safe, materials.  BioBased Insulation is a soy-based spray foam for spot sealing and other applications. 

Well Ventilated Attic

            If your home has a ridge vent do not install an attic fan, as it will reduce the draw effect of the ridge vent.  Attic fans make for cooler attic space so the heat does not migrate down into the home on hot summer days.

            These are the essentials of an efficient passive solar matrix, the single biggest step to living greener and saving money.  If you are an owner-builder, fear not and venture forth.  Your energy efficient home will be fabulous.
 

For questions, help designing a green, environmentally sound home, straw bale building, or how to incorporate more environmentally responsible choices into your life.  Just e-mail me:

deepgreenresults@gmail.com