First thing we did was to check with our local financial institution on financing. Again, we found home improvement loans at very low interest rates. We had heard that some banks and credit unions were offering “green home improvement” loans. These loans have special interest rate discounts when they are used for purchasing energy and water saving products, such as solar and wind systems, Energy Star appliances and products, low flow water and sensor systems and more. As these green home loans are not yet available from most institutions, we had to search around a bit before we closed on a loan with an institution which could fully accommodate our needs and budget.
We sat down with our contractor, and gave him our ideas for the new green family room. As we had previously discussed size and budget, within a week, he came back with plan drawings and a list of some of the green materials we had discussed, plus others he had come up with. It was quite exciting. To start, the roof is to be composed of a unique “membrane” made in part from recycled plastic bottles. We also will have a small “green” roof area for special plants. Combined, these two methods will reduce heat and cooling loss. There will also be rain gutters which will empty into two large rain barrels, catching the rain water and dispersing it through our garden area to irrigate our plants and shrubs. The plans do include a solar hot water system, however even with various federal tax incentives, our budget would not allow for a full solar PV installation at this time.
All windows are to be Energy Star qualified which are also specially designed to reduce heat and cooling loss. The plans also detailed a SolaTube natural lighting system, which simply accumulates daylight and reflects and transmits it through a series of tunnels and mirrors throughout 4 “light openings” in the ceiling. For evening lighting, there will be two LED lighting fixtures. While these were more expensive than conventional lighting, LED’s can last 10-50 times longer, use 85% less energy, and emit no heat.
There are several green choices for flooring. We have the option of using recycled carpet, much of which is made from recycled plastic, or, if we want a wood floor, can opt for bamboo or hardwood. When it comes to hardwood, we want to be sure to buy only Forest Stewardship Council, or Rainforest Alliance certified, as that assures the wood has been grown, farmed and milled in the most sustainable methods. There are now also floor tiles available made from recycled glass.
The walls will simply be painted with no-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint. All materials off-gas, and synthetic materials can off-gas chemicals which are toxic - even furniture. To ensure no or low VOC's, we look for the GreenGuard certification ensuring the furniture is low in toxicity. For us staying green with furniture is an issue. Not because it’s not available, but because of the cost..it’s still quite high for quality green furniture. So we decided we would seek out used furniture and simply “recycle” it by using it our home. This eliminates more landfill waste, and reduces our risk of VOC’s as most of the dangerous chemical compounds off-gas within the first year.
So we are off and running…I can’t wait to pick out our new Energy Star rated big screen TV…
Keith Winn is the COO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Keith at kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .
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