Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Landscaping, Sustainable Living, Water Efficiency
Final post about tips to improve your home and make it a more green building; for your health, for your wallet and for your overall well being…
Part I will focus on small to no budget items (please see previous post)
Part II will look at medium expenses or items to look at if they break and need (NEED!) replacement
Part III will look at the big changes that will have a lasting impact on your life 9from a green building perspective, but who knows, maybe more…)
Part III. What really works:
Lighting. After changing the light bulbs and also some of the fixtures and installing dimmers, the next big step is to consider a building automation system. This low voltage system can connect all your lighting, temperature control, audio and video systems, including alarms and smart appliances. You can than control these devices much more precise and even get remote access (smart phones already gear up for these features). BY monitoring the output of the building automation system you can optimize power uses and fine tune any waste generated by lights left on or appliances not needed. These systems generally also have a vacation setting, enabling a quick way to trim all the power use you do not need on a daily basis when not in your home. Great feature but a bit expensive. These systems start around $5000 for a small home with limited low voltage tie ins.
Air Conditioning. The general rule is to look at a unit when it is 10 years or older. Typically systems have advanced in efficiency and the payback to upgrade can be realized in 4-6 years. Look for the SEER value. This is the indicator of how efficient the unit is. Current code required a 13 SEER unit; a 16 or 17 SEER unit is considered high efficiency and 18+ SEER is very high efficiency. The later are a choice investment and should be evaluated for Life Cycle Cost and Return of Investment. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
Remember to upkeep the correct filters and also clean the ducts, if you do not replace them.
Super Therm
Roof / Shell: you already looked at your windows and doors and have sealed all leakage. The next step is to invest in the buildings shell. The big collector in South Florida is the roof. Over 80% of heat gain to the house will come from above with our year round sunshine. Do not just consider Hurricane issue but go beyond and think about the energy savings from this large surface. All roofs in Miami Dade County are required to withstand Hurricane strength winds, by code, so any roof will comply with this general concern. Move away from the low budget option of asphalt tile and a great value are metal roofs. These reflect well and are sturdy. This will overall be my recommendation for it is safe and efficient. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
You can also consider sealing the existing or new roof with a high SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) coating, such as SuperTherm. I had applied this system over my existing asphalt shingle roof and lowered my attic temperate from over 140 degrees to about 85 during last summer. Great savings translating to your energy bill. A product like Super Therm runs about $2.60 per square foot installed.
If you like to kick it up one more notch, consider adding photovoltaic panels to your roof. A 5kW system will cost about $50,000 initially, but there are rebates and tax credits available lowering the out of pocket cost to potentially less than $15,000; not a bad number, especially when you considering adding this system instead of a generator (and you are sure not to run out gas, should the need arise). The installation of such a system will also require connection to your electrical system and requires assistance of professional services. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
In regard to landscaping and water savings, the big ticket item is a cistern. After installing gutters and properly channeling your rain water run off, collecting hits precious water as well some of the waste water already generated to reduce the amount of potable (drinkable) water used ion your home is the final frontier. These tanks are similar to septic tanks in size and can be installed above or below ground.
Currently you can use this water for irrigation, in the future, legislation will adapt to also use reclaimed and collected water for toilet flushing.
For specific help, contact Sebastian Eilert to get a custom plan to green your home.
Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118
www.SebastianEilert.com
Filed under: Sustainable Living
Great article in the Miami Herald from Sunday (December 27th, 2009) about how to address visiting guests when having limited space options. In a true sustainable house, some of these suggestions can really be useful and help to provide the space you need, for any circumstance.
http://www.miamiherald.com/781/story/1397302-p2.html
Sebastian Eilert contributed and is also features in the articles front cover photo…
For more ideas, please contact Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com / 786.556.3118
Filed under: Air Quality, Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Hot Topic, Resources, Sustainable Living
Here is the next installment in the “quick and dirty” rundown of simple quick tips to improve your home and make it a more green building; for your health, for your wallet and for your overall well being…
Part I will focus on small to no budget items (please see previous post of Part I)
Part II will look at medium expenses or items to look at if they break and need (NEED!) replacement
Part III will look at the big changes that will have a lasting impact on your life 9from a green building perspective, but who knows, maybe more…)
Part II. What really works:
Lighting. If you started with the light bulbs but want to do more or have limited opportunity for changing light bulbs, evaluate your entire lighting system. Install dimmers, replace old fixtures, preferable with LED’s. This is particularly effective for recessed lighting fixtures (such as the ones replaced in the Alcaraz-Arango kitchen). A pleasant side effect is that the heat effect from the lights will also be reduced, thus reducing the need to cool down the house/space i.e., use less Air Conditioning.
Air Conditioning. The general rule is to look at a unit when it is 10 years or older. Typically systems have advanced in efficiency and the payback to upgrade can be realized in 4-6 years. Look for the SEER value. This is the indicator of how efficient the unit is. Current code required a 13 SEER unit; a 16 or 17 SEER unit is considered high efficiency and 18+ SEER is very high efficiency. The later are a choice investment and should be evaluated for Life Cycle Cost and Return of Investment. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
Remember to upkeep the correct filters and also clean the ducts, if you do not replace them.
Windows and Doors. After you have gone through your home and weatherized (sealed) the doors and windows they might still be too old and too leaky to properly seal the house. At this time consider upgrading your windows. Start with the single awning type glass windows and old school sliding doors. Also consider upgrading to impact glass and earn a possible deductible on your insurance policy. To go for top shelf, include low-E glazing and make your windows energy start type. The consumer label will lead you to the most energy efficient windows and doors and will maximize your bottom line savings.
Make sure you work with the right professionals and get quality installation to ensure excellent weatherization on your brand new items. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
Landscaping and Irrigation. Look for some of the other posts for this topic. Under the mid level renovation, consider spending some money on a rain water collection system: Gutters and rain barrels. This will also help with erosion control around the edge of your roof line.
For specific help, contact Sebastian Eilert to get a custom plan to green your home.
Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118
One of the best green practices you can do in your home is waste reduction. This does not cost you a dime and will have a great impact on making your home and your life more sustainable. It is a fantastic step towards green building and sustainable living.
To start, look at your containers. In South Florida you should have a single stream recycling bin (typically dark blue). This will take glass plastic, metal, paper, cans and bottles. What is single stream? Single stream is the opposite of multi stream and makes it easy for the end user to recycle. In essence, all your goods go into one container and will be sorted at the plant. The down turn of this method is that less of the actual material will be valuable in the recycling process as it was likely ruined by some of the other items it got in touch with. The benefit is that more people are doing it and more overall volume is recycled.
The alternative is multi stream collection. This is the way Germany and other countries are doing it and they place the “burden” of separating on the user. Typical items to separate are newspaper, plastic (such as yoghurt cups), glass (there is also a mount fee for most glass bottles in Germany), compostables and other waste. Collection of the varying items varies by day. This system works surprisingly well in Germany but has found some resistance in most parts of the US… one day we will change, too!
So what can you do if you consider going beyond the single stream system or are left out of the system entirely for now? Do your own multi stream. To start, get a little kitchen compost and, if possible, a outdoor area to then compost. There are also simple balcony ready contraptions that work quite well for your compost. If you have more than 2 plants, you will most definitely be able to use the compost “in-house”.
Next, sort paper. If you are a heavy newspaper reading household, separate the newspaper and save it for cleaning or shred it to mix into your compost. Consider donating some of the higher quality magazines to schools and medical offices.
Glass containers can be reused in many ways. I like to use them to separate and store my nails and screws, but they are useful storage for so many items that tend to clutter our closets, pantries and basements.
How about leaving potential rubbish at the store? Most of the non-compostable and non-recyclable waste we generate is packaging. Leave it with the vendor and make sure to bring your own bags. There is no excuse to use plastic bags anymore. All grocery stores, as well as many others, offer reusable bags for very affordable pricing. Once you have it, make sure you put it in a place where you will not forget it, such as your back seat (and by all means, express yourself with your favorite team logo, charitable organizations, business logo, etc…, the options are limitless).
…and one last word…about plastic bottles. Avoid them, same with bags. Recycling helps, but not using them will help transform the marketplace and save our planet. The damage done by wasted plastic bottles to the earth, the oceans and wildlife is getting out of control and accelerated many of the problems we are facing. Do your part to send a message to the manufacturers to stop making disposable plastic products.
I keep getting the same questions and feedback has been great for the posts on this site. Still people like to get the “quick and dirty” rundown. So here is my offering at the simple quick tips to improve your home and make it a more green building; for your health, for your wallet and for your overall well being…
Part I will focus on small to no budget items.
Part II will look at medium expenses or items to look at if they break and need (NEED!) replacement
Part III will look at the big changes that will have a lasting impact on your life 9from a green building perspective, but who knows, maybe more…)
Part I. What really works:
Light bulbs. Yes, you heard it everywhere, and indeed, it is true. Now do not run and replace all light bulbs. Instead update as the old ones burn out. If you can, convert to LED lighting fixtures. Some bulbs are already available to fit in the existing fixtures.
Digital, programmable thermostat. Switch it. Even if you have an old AC unit, invest the +/- $30 to get one that you can program and actually do it. There is no need for the AC to run all day at 74º and waste your hard earned money…and it also takes wear on your…
Filters. Keep an eye on them and change them about once a month. Not just will a dirt filter make your AC work harder and thus less efficient but the air quality will diminish quickly with dirty filters. See to get a washable one, or better two… so you can actually clean it well and wait for it to dry without runign the unit filter less.
Weatherization. Go through your home and look at the doors and windows. Self adhesive weatherization strips fit easily into the frame where needed. Consider interior doors as well. These neat little strips also help to prevent door slamming by giving a soft buffer to the frame and extending the life of your door. Look for large gaps around the frame and silicone it. If you can, get a XXX. The “Great Stuff” works, but has other side effects, such as ozone depleting potential and global warming gas issues.
Cleaning Supply. Switch from the toxic commercial options and go for simple non toxic cleaners. Glass, surfaces and tiles can all be cleaned with a vinegar base. Go back to the newspaper for deep cleaning of windows. Also switch out the Swifters and paper towels for a microfiber cloth. 500+ uses and no dust moving around. If you are not quite ready to make your own, go for the environmental options available at most grocery stores. Look for biodegradable. Detergent is the hardest to find/make. Stick to the environmentally conscious brands here.
Pest Management. Go for the powdered options over the spray. Look at your outside wall and clear any bridges for pests to get into the house, such as plant leaves, wooden sticks and branches and mulch directly at the outside wall.
Landscaping. Look for some of the other posts for this topic.
For specific help, contact Sebastian Eilert to get a custom plan to green your home.
Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118
www.SebastianEilert.com
…truth about LED lighting. Just returned from Greenbuild in Phoenix, Arizona, I find it appropriate to add a little section about LED lighting. The exhibit hall featured a number of LED providers and the topic of LED was referenced in numerous lectures.
There is no denying that LED lights have rapidly become a key component of green building and daily life. The applications are increasing and the designs of lights are improving. Still the leading LED sector focuses on commercial buildings. This is primarily due to cost as well as maintenance budgets, both are greatly affected by the use of LED’s. When looking to the residential sector, the applications and availability have improved drastically.
To start, incandescent bulbs are at their end of life. The light bulb as invented by Edison, has been optimized as much as possible and does not bear much more room for improvement. The fluorescent light bulb front has improved much and has adapted into many shapes, forms and applications. Dimmable options are the norm and the standard light bulb has the lighting levels and warmth desired. Countries like Germany are looking to outlaw incandescent bulbs in favor of fluorescent and …the LED option.
LED lights were created for the mainstream market comparatively recently and have since then improved drastically. The lighting warmth, moving away from the initial bright blue application typically found in car lights has given way to the yellow tones required for home lighting. Also, the appeal has improved. Starting at great options for exterior lighting we have since moved to the inside and away from single spots. Recessed options as spot or ambient lighting are available and working well. The benefit of long life, little energy use and excellent lighting levels will surely make this little bulb the star of the green building future.
The one caveat remaining? Price. It is true, that the initial cost of a LED is still significantly higher than that of any other similar fixture. However, looking at the life cycle cost, considering intial investment, life span and energy use, the LED bulb wins. We are sure to have even more affordable options in the (near) future.
Look for the Alcaraz Kitchen post on this blog to see how some LED recess lights were integrated by Sebastian Eilert Architecture designs. Considering LED’s for your project? We are glad to help!
www.SebastianEilert.com Sebatian@SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118
With the last touches to the Alcaraz-Arango kitchen complete, the new kitchen is in full use. The glass surface breakfast counter provides the finishing touch for this green kitchen renovation. Installed at a lower elevation for use as seating, the clever layout by kitchen designer Christina Raidt of Akzent Kuechen (www.Akzent-Miami.com) makes optimal use of the former breakfast space and still keeps in line with the sleek kitchen cabinets. Sebastian Eilert of Sebastian Eilert Architect (www.SebastianEilert.com) selected the glass finish rather than the recycled glass tile installed on the main counter.
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- Glass breakfast table to connect to the pool beyond
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- Alcaraz-Arango kitchen breakfast area
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- breakfast table and support leg
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- approach to breakfast area
The metal edge to secure the glass and ¾ inch glass ensures that safety concerns for paying children and potential breaking glass were addressed. The glass now features the single support leg and increases the feel of open space on this side of the space.
With the kitchen cooking, the owner can now move to other parts of the house to continue with their greening of this great project.
Look for more sustainable updates right here and contact Sebastian Eilert @ 786.556.3118 or Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com to start your own green renovation…
Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Sustainable Living
Built for the Cure
Overview: A Grand Home with Purpose This 5,700 square foot, Southern Traditional home was built by E.S. Johnson Builders and serves as a Build for the Cure show home to help raise funds and awareness for the Susan G. Komen Fund, the largest grassroots initiative for finding a cure for breast cancer.
The home is located minutes from downtown Charlotte in the Springfield Community of Ft. Mill, South Carolina. Surrounded by 2.2 acres of lush green golf course, open space, walking trails and parks, E.S. Johnson Builders turned to green building products that would help preserve this eco-conscious landscape.
The Challenge: Building Green while Building Awareness
Another major challenge was addressing potential airborne moisture problems. Many homes built with a vented attic in the Southeastern United States suffer from poor moisture management. The outside air is hot and carries humidity. When this air is allowed into the attic, it can migrate toward the ceilings of the air-conditioned rooms and create moisture-related problems such as mold. To quote Dr. Joe Lstiburek’s Top Ten List of Dumb Things to do in the South, before the airborne moisture even gets to the ceiling of these conditioned rooms “it will see those cold R-6 insulated ducts, fittings, etc. and drip all over.”
More efficient operation of the attic-located air conditioning equipment was also a top consideration. Vented attic spaces can result in excessive energy consumption and high energy bills due to inefficient operation of the HVAC system.
Finally, a crawlspace can be a difficult area to insulate. Typically very humid, it was important to seal the space above from the entry of this hot, humid air. Since up to 99% of moisture travels through the air, reducing airflow (convection) was a critical consideration. An all-in-one insulation and air barrier can help reduce the entry of moisture and other potential irritants that can originate from a crawlspace.
The Solution: High-performance & Eco-conscious
E.S. Johnson Builders selected ICYNENE LD-R-50™, a key component to sustainable building due to the product’s insulating and air-sealing capabilities.
Icynene installed in the following problem areas:
- To protect the home from a major source of energy loss – air leakage, R-13 was installed in the exterior walls and rim joists.
- To increase efficiency and minimize airborne moisture-related problems, R-21 was installed on the underside of the roof deck and walls of the attic, converting it into an unvented space.
- For thermal performance and maximum indoor air quality, R-21 was installed in the floor of the living space above the garage.
- To achieve superior performance in a crawlspace application, R-21 was installed on the underside of the floor above the crawlspace.
Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
A comparison using REM/Design Residential Energy Analysis Software reveals that the Build for the Cure home costs 62% less to heat and 40% less to cool than if it had been insulated with an air-permeable insulation such as fiberglass. Fiberglass Home Icynene® Home Difference ($) Difference (%) Heating $1,759 $662 $1,098 62.4% Cooling $812 $485 $328 40.3% Using ICYNENE LD-R-50™ in place of air-permeable insulation has dramatically reduced this home’s carbon footprint. In fact, a 62% reduction in heating energy use translates to the equivalent percentage reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Similarly, by reducing cooling energy use by 40%, CO2 emissions are also reduced by the same amount. Therefore, the Icynene®-insulated Build for the Cure home is projected to produce 7,898.5 lbs. less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the heating season and 4,231 lbs. less during the cooling season.
ICYNENE LD-R-50™ brings to this project these added environmental benefits:
- For every kilogram (2.2 lbs) of castor oil produced in place of petroleum-based polyol, there is a reduction of nearly 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lbs) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere.
- Castor oil is 100% naturally filtered, with no chemical additives required.
- The production process of the castor oil has low energy dependence, consisting simply of de-husking and pressing. Harvesting can be done manually.
- Castor crops are non-irrigated (relying only on natural rainfall), saving scarce water supplies. • Castor crops do not require treatment with pesticides or fungicides.
- A cradle-to-gate study commissioned by the Department of Energy (DOE) reported that there are essentially zero net greenhouse gas emissions from the production of the castor oil.
- ICYNENE LD-R-50™ exceeds the minimum renewable requirement for a bio-based material (testing in accordance with ASTM D 6866) and can contribute toward a building’s achievement of credits/points under various national green building standards, including LEED-H, LEED-NC, and the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard.
Contact your local green building specialist to see how you can integrate products like Icynene into your next project.
Sebastian Eilert – www.SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118 Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com
Filed under: Building knowledge, Landscaping, Resources, Sustainable Living
A great article by Donna Shelly for the South Miami Town Center magazine, now called SOMi…. Look for a copy around town.
Contact Donna for freelance writing @ writeamount@yahoo.com
Going “green” to reduce greenhouse gasses, shrink the size of our carbon footprint and wean ourselves off an insatiable thirst for petroleum involves a wide variety of potential solutions. In some cases, the remedies are complicated and costly; in others, they are straight-forward and downright economical.
We would like to share some of those environmentally-responsible practices with you through a series of columns over the next year. We hope to inspire you to adopt new habits and make informed choices for a healthier planet. And we want to hear from you. Tell us your success stories and share your greening tips with us and the readers of SoMi Mag.
The choices you make regarding what you plant in your backyard or on your balcony can have a profound impact on the environment. That is especially true in our neck of the woods where certain exotic plants, freed from the ravages of frost, went from being pretty to being a pest. In some cases these species were brought here decades ago to dress-up the native scrub, sand and palmetto landscape. The list of invasive-exotic flora is quite extensive in Florida. In SoMi, we fight two of the State’s most noxious plants: rosary pea vine (Abrus precatorius), with enough poison in one pea to kill a human and Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), a particularly adaptive member of the sumac family that thrives in all eco-systems from hammock to mangrove swamp.
Selecting appropriate landscape materials can save water, reduce the need for pesticide and fertilizers, and make gardening a whole lot easier for you. Not bad when you think of it—cheaper, less work, and good for the environment.
To start “Going Native,” we recommend some websites that are packed with great information about native, non-native and invasive plant life, xeriscaping, integrated pest management, composting, capturing rain water for irrigation, and more. (Narrative wc = 309)
www.floridaplants.com Is chock full of information. Warning! You could spend hours here.
www.ifas.ufl.edu This is the University of Florida’s site with particulars about plants that help you make an informed decision before venturing out to your local plant nursery.
www.floridanativeplants.com Florida Native Plants descriptions and prices
www.floridagardener.com Listing and links for many Florida Native Plant providers
www.afnn.org Association of Florida Native Nurseries
www.fnps.org The Florida Native Plant Society
www.nsis.org Your Florida Backyard with a lot of information about all aspects of gardening in Florida, including how to attract butterflies.
www.compostinfor.com Florida’s Online Composting Center
www.miamidade.gov/conservation/rain_barrel.asp Rain barrel workshop information
www.davesgarden.com Make your own rain barrel, with pictures to help you along.
