Sep 01, 2010 Author: Lisa Feldman
The US has made many strides in sustainability efforts, however we are still far behind the UK and the rest of Europe (sorry, Ed Begley!). I recently attended a presentation which outlined the reasons why the UK is so far ahead of us when it comes to making green part of our lives. According to Elena Michel, owner of green consulting business Second Eden Studios in Charlotte, NC and former UK resident, it comes down to a few basic concepts. Provide easy access to information via news outlets and other media sources, make sustainable living a way of life for the consumer, and provide perks to consumers and homeowners to help them in their sustainable lifestyle. And, national legislation on green building doesn’t hurt either. Here’s a little recap of each of the areas the UK excels in.
When it comes to easy access, the UK goes about it in several ways. There are multiple television series based on green living available which are broadcast on mainstream TV and radio, not just on HGTV and Planet Green. One of them even comes on before Big Brother and all are the topic of water cooler conversation at work the next day, the same way we talk about The Bachelor (well, not me, but you know who you are!). All of the major newspapers have an entire section devoted to sustainable living, not just a small article in the Sunday paper, and there are multiple government websites where people can go to get information. Sustainability is taught in public schools as well. Everyday there are opportunities for education presented in multiple outlets without having to look too hard.
Now for the consumer. Bringing your own bags to the grocery store isn’t just a good idea if you remember it. Where at some of our stores, you might get a small credit if you bring your own bags, at many UK stores, you stand a good chance of being charged if you don’t bring your bags. Oh, and you might get some dirty looks from the cashier and the guy standing in line behind you. VOCs are listed on every paint can, the carbon footprint is shown on food packaging, and the list goes on. No timber is allowed in or out of the country unless it has been ethically sourced, and there is a cap on material imports. Stores even compete to see who can be the greenest! At every step, it is almost impossible not to make healthy, sustainable choices in your everyday living.
Finally, there are additional benefits which are provided to consumers and homeowners and they don’t have to do anything to get them! Grants are available for a variety of green building components, free energy efficient light bulbs are given out regularly, renewable grid electricity is readily available. Homes come with something called a HIP, or Home Information Packet, which rates the energy efficiency and tells you how much better it could be with some minor (or major) improvements.
One of the major components missing in the US's sustainability efforts is a mandated green building code. Yes, we have LEED, GreenGlobes, and other green building programs, but we don’t have a law that says we have to build this way. The ICC has developed a Green Building Code, but currently it will only be voluntary, just like the other systems currently out there. California has come the closest with its CAL Green Code, but we still have a long way to go. In the UK, there are several national legislations requiring homes and commercial properties to be built in a sustainable manner, and there are required rating levels which must be met depending on what type of structure is being built. The requirements increase each year, with the ultimate goal being zero carbon by 2020.
In order for the US to catch up, we have to build on the growing desire of the consumer to learn more about green living and to provide the resources for them to do so. We’ve got to make it the norm and not just a suggestion, and we have to go from encouraging green building to requiring it. It’s got be thought of as something we can all achieve and we have to have the tools to achieve it. We’re getting there, but it’s going to take a lot more work and a big commitment on the part of everyone, from you and me all the way up to the federal government. Even though the UK is 10 years ahead of us, they’re probably about 10 years behind the rest of Europe! Guess we’ve ALL still got work to do!
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Aug 24, 2010 Author: Carrie Moore
Durat has been used for kitchen countertops in Madison Green condominium in New York City. Architect, Lawrence V. Macdonald Jr. of COLVM, and General Contractor, Artistic License Interiors, recently updated this space for its bachelor owner. Madison Green uses unconventional materials at every turn: exposed original concrete columns and ceilings, custom concrete floor tiles, curved cedar ceiling and walls, bamboo vanities, slate tile, and walls clad in cork and solid walnut. Durable and eco-friendly Durat, available through CaraGreen, was used for countertops, which contains 30% recycled content. To add to the minimal and sleek design, appliances are hidden in custom fin-ply cabinets. The space is illuminated by an original lighting array of cove-mounted colored LEDs and halogen recessed lighting. One unexpected feature is the completely transparent star-fire low iron glass wall in the bathroom, which allows the client to enjoy the stunning views of the Chrysler building from his tub!
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Aug 24, 2010 Author: Carrie Moore
In Wilmington, NC, Talon Court has become the greenest remodel in the nation by earning LEED Platinum with 113.5 points. To achieve this, every detail of the home, from water and energy conservation, to interior finishes, was carefully considered.
When CaraGreen visited the home, the indoor air quality was obvious and we admired how every surface told a story. Floors are rapidly renewable bamboo strand. Doors are crafted from strips of reclaimed scrap wood. Countertops are locally made concrete. Feature walls are adorned with Kirei board. Torzo Seeta is used for a bar and built-ins. And, the list goes on.
The owner and mastermind behind the project, architect Jay DeChesere, also tells a great story about the home on his website. The residence was the home of his parents, Jean and John DeChesere, from 1986 until recently, when they moved to an independent living facility (they're 95 and 98 yrs old respectively). With the housing market having turned down, they were unable to sell their home. So, Jay, and his wife, Heather Smith, decided to buy the home to relieve them of the stress of selling it.
As an architect focusing on Green Design, and being on the Board of Directors of the Cape Fear Green Building Alliance, Jay envisioned a complete renovation of this home under the USGBC’s LEED for Homes rating system. This is the first project of this category (a gut-rehab) under LEED for Homes in NC and the second in the Southeast region. Jay assembled a design team and an advisory team to lend their expertise to the project. A few of the renovation highlights are the solar panel hot water system, green roof installation, water harvesting tank, geothermal air handling unit, and sustainable materials integrated into the interior design.
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Aug 23, 2010 Author: Carrie Moore
Starbucks, which aims to achieve LEED certification for all new, company-owned stores globally, has developed 4 new design concepts. Eco-Cem, available through CaraGreen, is specified in three of the four designs. Each new and renovated store worldwide will use one of these four themes: Heritage, Artisan, Regional Modern, and Concept Store.
Coverings Etc, makers of Eco-Cem, recently visited a newly renovated South Beach Starbucks to see the Artisan design firsthand.
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Aug 22, 2010 Author: Carrie Moore
-Differentiate between traditional and emerging insulation materials, trends, and uses.
-Examine and recognize the different ways that insulation addresses energy losses in a building envelope.
-Compare and contrast the acoustic properties of insulation against its energy saving properties.
-Analyze and assess multiple other qualities of insulation that can contribute to green and sustainable building design.
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