Federal Tax Credits Return for Efficiency Improvements to Homes
As you’re ringing in the New Year, it might also be a good time to search your home for air leaks, insufficient insulation, or heating and cooling equipment that needs updating. That’s because the start of 2009 has also revived the federal tax credits for energy efficiency improvements to homes.

The rain is finally over! Well at least the forecast is sunny for the next few days, with a chance of showers, later in the week. We have had the wettest May/June that most locals can remember and a few warm sunny days is more than welcomed news. I am especially looking forward to trails drying out, so I can resume daily mountain bike rides.

What I liked most about all the rain we had, was not having to run my lawn sprinklers yet this season. I know the ground is still pretty wet, but how do I know when to start watering? You might imagine it will get pretty dry after a few days of Utah sunshine. If you look up the phrase “lawn watering guide” on a search engine, you will find a good deal of information on the subject.

Green and Sustainable materials are starting to become more and more popular these days.  All the talk seems to be about such items as bamboo flooring, recycled glass tile, formaldehyde free cabinetry, water permeable paving, insulated concrete forms (ICF), and many other earth conscious materials.  These and similar items are important to a more green or sustainable project, but method or approach to this project is just as important.  This “Green Method” starts from the beginning, or the planning stage, and by this I mean the design and drawing for your project.

Remarkable upgrades make this premium location Park Meadows home desirable in every way.  Awesome ski area views from great room, master suite and wrap around decks.  Upgrades include custom paint, new high-end energy star rated kitchen appliances, n ew granite tops, new 50 year triple laminate layer shake shingle asphalt roof w/ridge vents and soffit vents for improved breathability.  Sellers have taken advantage of every opportunity to upgrade for higher efficiency and comfort, while reducing u tility costs by an appreciable amount (average monthly gas and electric total less than $250). 

What is the single most important aspect to building a green home?
Beyond thoughtful overall design and proper orientation of the house to maximize passive solar energy, the design of the thermal envelope is the most important aspect of building a green home…or any home for that matter.  Energy efficiency should really be the cornerstone of home construction moving forward.  After all, conservation of energy is the bottom line in this new era of construction.  The most effective way to create an energy efficient building enclosure is by utilizing foam insulation.  Furthermore, reducing or eliminating heat flow caused by thermal bridging in framing members is of paramount importance as well.

Best Article on Indoor Air Quality in Winter  - Achoo Allergy and Air Products

Read about the Health House -American Lung Association HEALTH HOUSE

What is Low VOC Paint (from Ecobroker International)
Low VOC Formulas from Sherwin Williams and Columbia Paints

More Information On This Topic:

U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Program: Indoor Air Quality Research and Development

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Air Quality in Large Buildings

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality

Contributed By Dennis Gray, P.E.
Programs such as ENERGY STAR, Built-Green, and LEED for Homes all require a third-party verification of energy systems and green building performance. This verification is done by an Energy Rater who is a licensed professional working under the auspices of the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).
For a new home being designed, an Energy Rater may perform what is called a “Projected Rating” from a home’s drawings and specifications.

Contributed by Nikki Keye, Aim Realty
We are so excited to be the only certified green built home in the Park City Showcase of Homes this year!  There are a number of elements that make our home both “Energy Star” and “Build Green Utah” certified.  As the first day came to a close, I had a number of people come through asking what exactly does it mean to be green.  After explaining it about a hundred times yesterday I have become pretty good at a 30 second definition!