Icynene.
The companys portfolio of 100% water-blown spray-foam insulation products ranges from 0.5-pound light density to 2.0-pound medium density. LD-R-50 contains renewable content greater than 7% based on ASTM D 6686 testing and exceeds the renewable content specification set by the USDA...
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A roundup of green building news including the release of California’s strict new green building code and the industry’s top trends for 2011.
Trikeenan. Reclamation Tile is a ceramic product made from 20% recycled clay and 100% post-industrial glaze waste from a factory that reclaims all glaze leftovers, the company says. Available in 16 sizes, the tile comes in 3-inch-by-3-inch to 9-inch-by-12-inch sizes, 6-inch hexagons, and the...
Serious Materials.
Made primarily from post-industrial waste and utilizing a natural drying process that avoids the energy required for calcining and oven-drying used in gypsum products, gypsum-free EcoRock contains 80% recycled material and requires 80% less energy to produce, says the company...
Armstrong.
Origins cabinets are crafted with PureBond urea-formaldehyde-free hardwood plywood using the ESP-certified companys Genuine Allwood all-plywood construction. The Origins option is available with most styles, including Calibra, shown here in Bordeaux and honey. 800.228.1804...
Mobile Solar Systems.
MS 100 solar-powered jobsite generators range from 9 kWh to 18 kWh of battery storage capacity, 0.95 kWh to 4.68 kWh production per day, and 1.1 kW to 3.5 kW of output power. The Wells Cargo trailers can be towed behind most four- or six-cylinder vehicles, and the products...
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A roundup of green building news highlights from 2010.
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A roundup of green building news including the impact of rare earth materials shortages and growing consumer awareness of efficient lighting.
Duo-Gard. The company now offers its translucent daylighting panels with 3S Solar Block, a transparent coating that the firm claims transmits up to 79% of visible light while blocking 99.9% of the UV rays that can cause fading and 95% of infrared heat rays. The product allows pros to bring in...
HomerWood.
Reclaimed Hardwood flooring is crafted from slow-growth Appalachian timber from deconstructed barns in Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The kiln-dried wood features character markings such as nail holes, cracks, and mineral streaks. It comes with the companys low-luster Oil Naturals...
The 15 products that piqued EcoHome readers' interest, including tankless water heaters, LED lighting, and green walls.
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Homes that generate more energy than they consume could become mainstream once the economy improves, expert says.
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A roundup of green building news including New York’s incentive program for sustainable homes and the country’s top smart-growth cities.
Richlite. RainShadow rainscreen cladding panels are made with an FSC-certified recycled paper composite that is weather resistant with no sealing required, durable, and color-through. The product comes in 5/16-inch-thick 4x8 and 5x12 sheets. Midnight iron, Boulder bronze, Buckhorn Mountain, and...
Rinnai.
The RH360 solar reheat kit provides efficient, consistent tankless backup for solar water heating. Previous other solar tankless backup solutions fed the hot line from the solar tank directly to the tankless backup unit, which would heat water when the temperature started to drop, which...
Legrand/Pass & Seymour.
With pre-set dimming control, automatic lighting shutoff, and optional automatic lighting activation, the Dimming Multi-way Convertible Occupancy Sensor allows homeowners to maximize energy savings as well as lighting levels. Passive infrared technology distinguishes...
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Biennial report from Calvert Investments finds progress among the green policies and practices of the nation’s largest home builders, but sees much more to be done.
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A roundup of green building news including GE’s new home energy management division and the growth of solar-related businesses.
Coastal home, certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition, combines a strong shell, fashionable interiors, and location-smart design.
Architect Sarah Susanka advocates for “rightsizing” the American home.
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A roundup of local, state, and federal legislation and government news affecting green home building.
Green rehabs require up-front review and analysis, sustainable building expert says.
Fireclay Tile.
Debris Series ceramic tile is made from local factory dust and California clay, giving it a recycled content of more than 60%, says the firm. The series includes 112 glaze colors and comes in sizes from 1 inch by 2 inches to 12 inches square. 408.275.1182. www.fireclaytile.com.
Drywood Products.
Providing a structural sheathing with a laminated ice and water barrier, Drywood roof and wall panels eliminate the need for felt paper, ice and water shield, and an air infiltration barrier, says the firm. A seam tape provides moisture resistance at abutting edges, valleys...
Nine new products for your green homes from the 2010 conference.
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Partnership between publisher of the GreenSpec Directory and the creator of the Pharos Project is expected to increase the depth and scope of each group’s green product and material evaluation tools.
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Make It Right representatives provide product selection and construction techniques for keeping costs down.
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Developers urge their peers to green existing buildings.
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A roundup of green building news including the new Congress’s impact on green jobs and coverage from the 2010 Greenbuild Conference & Expo.
The list features five residential innovations, including composite decking, a high-efficiency toilet, and a smart pump.
Marvin. “The Performance Education Handbook,” available online and in print, includes design pressure (DP) ratings, Energy Star ratings, glass performance, and NFRC certification and labeling for the company’s entire product line, among other performance topics. The site also lists products that...
When it comes to branding its high-performance homes, the builder now relies on social media, SEO, and blogging just as much as (and sometimes more than) traditional yard signs and print ads.
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A roundup of green building news including the value of walkable communities and shrinking American homes.
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Local energy efficiency programs are more likely to be successful when residential contractors are actively involved with them, according to a new report.
LG Hausys. Large transparent chips in Hi-Macs Galaxy solid surfacing provide a shimmering effect reminiscent of space. The non-porous, Greenguard-certified surfacing comes in eight colors in 1/2-inch-thick sheets measuring 30 inches by 145 inches; custom lengths are available. 877.853.1805...
Bosch. The 800 Plus dishwasher uses as little as 1.5 gallons of water per cycle, 70% less than average dishwashers, and operates at an industry-leading 180 kWh per year, according to the company. The Energy Starrated unit includes a triple filtration system; an improved load sensor; a four-part...
Coulomb Technologies. Designed for residential and light commercial use, the CT500 Level II ChargePoint 7.2-kW vehicle charging station is compatible with electric cars that comply with the SAE J1772 plug-in electric vehicle charging standard. A card reader option is available to prevent energy...
Panelized framing get the project under roof as fast as possible.
14 residential products that will be on display at next week's conference and expo in Chicago.
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Pilot scoring tool ranks a house’s energy performance on a scale from 1 to 10, provides customized upgrade recommendations.
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Sustainable retrofit expert David Johnston offers tips for high-efficiency remodels.
Of all the people I’ve known working to move our industry toward a sustainable future, Hanley Award winner Alex Wilson has maintained the steadiest focus and clearest vision.
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A roundup of green building news including the finalists of the EnergyValue Housing Award and ASHRAE’s new residential energy standard.
BASF. Comfort Foam and Spraytite medium-density, closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulations provide an R-value of 6.7 per inch and 6.6 per inch, respectively, and meet FEMA guidelines as suitable insulation materials for flood regions. Also in the companys portfolio is Enertite, a low-density...
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Solar Stik. The Nano-Series Solar Stik 100 & Power Pak 100 system is designed for light- to medium-duty applications and can store up to 1 kWh per day. Dual power receptacles allow for the connection of additional Stiks. The Stik transports in a reusable box or a Pelican transport case with custom...
EcoDomo. Made from leather luxury car seat scraps, Rainforest leather tiles contain 60% pre-consumer recycled content and snap together to create re-usable designs without glue. The 15-inch-by-15-inch tiles, available in 12 colors and three textures, have a resistance equivalent to cork or linoleum...
From the concrete mix to the extra insulation, Bethesda Bungalows specifies foundations to ensure efficiency from the ground up.
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Chicago’s sustainable homes—including affordable, net-zero, and multifamily dwellings--will open to conference-goers.
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A roundup of local, state, and federal legislation and government news affecting green home building.
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A roundup of green building news including peel-and-stick solar panels and a Swedish green building company’s arrival in the U.S.
Broan.
Unlike traditional thermostatically controlled attic ventilators, the Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator activates first thing in the morning to remove overnight moisture before heat builds up. A 20-watt PV panel powers the unit and can be mounted away from the ventilator for optimal...
Price Pfister. The 1.5-gpm Eco-Pfriendly showerhead with Air Infusion Technology, which infuses air in the water droplets to amplify pressure, is WaterSense certified. It is available in a chrome finish. 800.422.4278. www.pricepfister.com.
IntegraSpec. The companys panelized (knock-down) system features bi-directional and reversible components to ease installation and reduce cutting, dust, and waste. An embedded insert accepts interlocking webs (spacers) to create core widths from 4 to 12 inches, with H clips to combine spacers for...
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While only 5% of the 5,300 products examined by TerraChoice were free of some form of greenwashing, the results showed improvement over last year and an increase in green product selection overall, particularly in construction.
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New this year, Master Speaker sessions gather leading industry experts to tackle three of the residential green building community’s most pressing issues—existing-home retrofits, green marketing, and green appraisals.
Architect Kelly Mitchell discusses starting a business in a struggling economy and the challenges and triumphs of her first LEED project.
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A roundup of green building news including the demise of a Salt Lake City green building center, an upcoming ICC vote on energy efficiency, and glass solar roof tiles.
Boise Cascade.
The manufacturer now offers FSC chain-of-custody certification for its engineered wood products, which already were SFI certified. Available products include BCI joists with Versa-Lam LVL flanges, Versa-Stud LVL framing lumber, and Versa-Rim rimboards. Also available are AllJoist...
Velux. Known in the U.S. for skylights and roof windows, Velux has been manufacturing flat-plate solar systems worldwide for more than 15 years. The SRCC-certified Integrated Collector Systems now available here can be installed directly onto the roof deck for a low-profile appearance using a...
Daltile. San Michele glazed porcelain tile contains more than 50% pre-consumer recycled content and features an antimicrobial protection layer within the glaze. Ideal for floors, walls, countertops, and backsplashes, the tile incorporates a new graphic technology to make travertine veins and clefts...
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10 new products for sustainable homes, including recycled-content tile, a vehicle charging station, and an ultra-efficient dishwasher.
Two prominent pre-fab studios--Michelle Kaufmann and Kaplan Thompson--have each introduced a set of modular home designs that generate as much energy as they use.
With a focus on durability and growing attention toward recycled materials--plus a new industry certification program--wallboard offers a number of opportunities to make greener selections.
For 25 years, Alex Wilson has almost single-handedly shaped the field of environmental journalism, and by doing so has inspired and educated a legion of sustainable-building professionals.
Part of an enclave of small-but-cozy homes in the Serenbe progressive community, the 1,100-square-foot Nest Cottage boasts a wealth of green-minded practices, products, and performance.
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USGBC will host 15 educational sessions during Greenbuild on Nov. 18
Third-party certification requires meticulous documentation each step of the way.
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The economy and jobs are reshaping the household picture, a ULI panel says, as Gen Yers delay buying and boomers age in place. Among all groups, walkability and transit dominate the wish list.
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A roundup of green building news including dual-flush toilets for New York City buildings and coverage of the ULI Fall Meeting.
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For many American consumers, the recession has put interest in sustainable housing on hold.
Demilec.
Sealection 500 open-cell, spray-applied, semi-rigid polyurethane foam is fully water-blown and delivers an R-value of 3.81 per inch. The companys premium product, Agribalance, is a water-blown open-cell foam that contains more than 10% renewable agricultural-based materials and delivers...
Enertech MFG.
Hydron Module Revolution HXT series geothermal heat pumps are up to 500% efficient, says the firm. A foamed-in heat exchanger prevents condensation, and quadruple compressor isolation reduces noise. The multi-positional cabinets can be field-converted from upflow to downflow, and...
Kohler.
The companys Karbon industrial-style articulating faucet is now available in a smaller profile for baths. The WaterSense-certified units come in deck-mount, wall-mount, and wide-spread options in silver or black with polished chrome or brushed nickel accents. They feature two spray...
Workshops, charrettes, tours, and networking opportunities abound for sustainably minded home builders attending this year’s Greenbuild Conference & Expo.
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A roundup of green building news including solar's return to the White House and green jobs on the rise in California.
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Proposed changes to the Guides, which help marketers avoid making misleading environmental claims, are designed to strengthen existing guidelines, address new gray areas, and make the overall tool easier to use.
Manufacturers, utilities, and individuals recognized for promoting water efficiency and WaterSense-labeled products.
Milgard. Designed to take the guesswork out of optimizing window efficiency and matching units to the home’s climate, 3D/3D Max Energy Packages address energy efficiency through the three dimensions of a window: frame, product design, and glazing unit. Package components include technologies with...
Neil Kelly. All of the manufacturer's cabinets are available with no-added-urea-formaldehyde agriboard case and drawer materials; FSC-certified wood and veneers; and low-VOC glues, adhesives, and finishes. The 3/4-inch base, frameless Signature collection, shown here, comes in a range of classic...
Mannington Mills.
Earthly Elements engineered hardwood flooring comes in 12-inch squares and 12-inch-by-24-inch rectangles, in addition to a traditional 6-inch plank, allowing installers to mix and match colors and shapes for a custom design, such as checkerboard or herringbone patterns. The...
Poor soil conditions cause Bethesda Bungalows to switch gears on the heating and cooling system for KellyGreen.
Here's what to expect--and what to bring--to ensure you project gets off to a good start.
The concrete tiles, first installed by KB Home in California, use sun and water to convert pollutants into nitrogen
The Texas builder, a fixture in Austin’s green building scene since its early years, reflects on the industry’s evolution and the importance of building science.
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Proposal, now open for public comment, could take effect in 2014.
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A roundup of green building news including hurricane-resistant modular homes and why energy efficiency does not decrease energy consumption.
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A roundup of local, state, and federal legislation and government news affecting green home building.
Oceanside Glasstile. The company partners with local curbside recycling programs to collect more than 2 million pounds of glass annually for the Muse collection of handcrafted mosaic glass tiles, which contain up to 86% recycled content. The tiles come in more than 40 colors and four finishes for...
Fox Blocks. Preassembled interlocking blocks are offered in 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-inch core thicknesses and measure 16 inches tall. Blocks, including corners, are designed to be reversible to speed construction and reduce on-site cuts, foam dust, and waste. Accessories include 45-degree angles, taper...
BioBased.
BioBased 502 and BioBased 1701s are made by incorporating Agrol polyol, a 96% soybean-based polyol. 502, a second-generation open-cell, water-blown spray-foam insulation, has 12% bio-content, offers an R-value of 13 at 3 1/2 inches, and is BRE-certified. A higher density, water-blown...
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based heating and cooling company sold 2,000 10-SEER units.
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An airtight building envelope, thicker insulation, triple-pane windows, and proper solar orientation sun allow a house in Norwich, Vt., to be toasty warm even in extreme cold and without a furnace.
Originally designed as a traditional subdivision, Prairie Ridge will now feature solar- and wind-powered homes with R-58 ICF walls and geothermal heating and cooling.
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A roundup of green building news including the world’s largest offshore wind farm and why America is not a solar leader.
For green infill builder Bethesda Bungalows, the first step to a high-performance house is tearing down an old, inefficient one.
EcoDog. The Fido Solar Energy Watchdog system provides homeowners with a room-by-room graphic overview of the homes energy use, personalized saving tips and text notifications, and monitoring for alternative energy systems. Net-metering displays show alternative energy input from multiple sources...
Cosella Dorken. Delta-Floraxx serves as a water retention and drainage layer for green roof systems. The sheets, installed on top of a green roof systems root barrier, feature octagon-shaped dimples that retain water during drought periods, while holes in between drain excess water to eliminate...
Bethesda Bungalows relies on Oregon designer Christian Gladu to interpret his bungalow philosophy for the unique size and layout needs of a higher-end, yet still green-minded, clientele.
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Modeled after the builder's ultra-green demonstration home, this tear-down project combines sustainable construction techniques with conservation-boosting products. Follow the crew as they offer insight and advice on green building, product selection, marketing, installation, and much more.
Green consultant and trainer discusses energy efficient mortgages and how to get the most from your appraiser.