Green Ideas

The Shopping List of Green Ideas

Each of the following links takes you to a shopping list of ideas and technologies that can help to make your building green.

Cutting Edge Technologies are somewhat difficult to make payback, are a bit experimental and may require a motivated owner.	Economically Sustainable Items should always be considered and tested for applicability. In most cases they make sense for your building.	Standard Practice Ideas should be included in every building designed today.

10 Ways to Make Your Home Green

1. Lower your thermostat in winter - raise it in summer. Changing the setting a few degrees will reduce energy consumption, lowering utility bills and carbon dioxide emissions.
2. Avoid chemical drain cleaners - commercial drain cleaners are caustic and pollute the waste stream. Try baking soda mixed with boiling water instead. Or use a plumber's snake.
3. Compost yard waste - leaves and grass clippings belong back in the soil, not in a landfill.
4. Participate in recycling programs. Recycling reduces landfill waste streams, saves energy, and conserves natural resources.
5. Install low flow shower heads - this saves fresh water and money.
6. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. Compact fluorescent fixtures last longer and use 70% or more less energy. Replacing a 100-w bulb with a 27 w compact fluorescent will save you about $63 over the life of the bulb.
7. Insulate your water heater with an insulating blanket - reduces energy consumption and your utility bill.
8. Buy green power - with utility deregulation a reality in many areas, you now have a choice where your electricity comes from. You can select many options, including Green Power.
9. Replace your old refrigerator - Today's refrigerators use about 25% as much as a 20 year old model. And since, on average, your refrigerator accounts for at least 15% of your home's energy usage, buying a new refrigerator will pay for itself very quickly. Plus today's refrigerators use ozone friendly refrigerants.
10. Occupancy sensors and timers -Turn off your lights when you're not using them. Turn down your heat when you're not home. Install occupancy sensors in closets and basements - the lights will turn out when you're gone. Put outdoor lights on timers. Install a thermostat with a setback timer. These will save energy and reduce your utility bills.

Green & Sustainable Design Q & A Forum

This forum is no longer operational, but you can still view old questions and answers.