Leed on Hilton Head Island- Green Building Contractor - Green Remodeling - LEED for Homes

Builders & Manufacturers Incentives : New Homes

2010-01-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

What is the tax credit for new homes?

A credit of $2000 is available to home builders who build homes (including both site-built and manufactured homes) projected to save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a comparable home that meets the standards of the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (the 2003 code including the 2004 supplement). A $1000 credit is available to manufactured home producers for models that save 30% or that qualify for the federal Energy Star Homes program.

These credits are available for buildings or systems placed in service from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2009.

Read an IRS summary of the credit here.

*Update: RESNET has completed a survey of rating providers regarding the number of homes that their raters certified for the federal tax credit (2007 only). 23,702 homes were certified by RESNET during 2007, which is triple the number of homes certified in 2006. For more information, click here.
Who is eligible for the federal tax credit?

These credits go to the builder or producer of the home.
What are the incentives and how do they work?

* Credits are available for homes placed in service (i.e. ready and available for use) from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009.
* Site-built homes: Builders can take a credit of $2000 per home, in the year that that the home is sold. The home must be certified to use at least 50% less energy than a comparable home that complies with the standards provided in the 2003 IECC, including 2004 supplement, and uses a SEER 13 air conditioner. Building envelope improvements must account for at least 1/5 of the 50% energy savings.
* Manufactured homes: Producers can take a credit of $2000 per home, in the year that that the home is sold, for meeting the 50% savings criterion. Alternately, they can claim a credit of $1000 for each home that is certified to save 30% or that qualifies for the U.S. EPA Energy Star Homes program.

What goes into a high-efficiency new home?

Homes can qualify for these credits using a wide range of energy efficiency measures. These can include better-insulated foundations, walls, and ceilings; high-efficiency windows; well-sealed framing and air ducts; high-efficiency heating and cooling systems; and other innovative design and construction methods.
What must I do to qualify for the incentive?

* Site-built homes:
o DOE is now preparing guidelines on suggested design and construction techniques for reaching the 50% savings threshold. These should be available soon at U.S. Department of Energy website.
o A presentation at the January 2006 International Builder's Show (270 KB PDF) identifies possible packages for different climate zones.
o IRS guidance specifies that builders obtain certification that a new home qualifies from an independent certifier accredited by the Residential Energy Service Network or an equivalent program. Details can be found on the IRS website.
o EnergyGuage software helps determine compliance.
* Manufactured homes:
o Consult the U.S. EPA website.
o IRS guidance specifies that manufacturers obtain certification that a new home qualifies from an independent certifier accredited with the Residential Energy Service Network or an equivalent program. Details can be found on the IRS website.

Click here to access IRS guidance on qualifying new homes.

Where can I find out more about qualifying homes?

* Site-built homes: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america
* Manufacturered homes: Energy Star
* Accredited Rating Providers from Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
* RESNET: www.natresnet.org
o RESNET Presentation: Procedures for Certifying Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for New Homes (114 KB PDF) *This does not represent any official government or TIAP member positions.
o RESNET Presentation: The New Homes Credit (858 KB PDF)
* IRS Bulletins & Information
o General Information, links to notices
o Accredited Software
o Standards for Calculating Energy Savings

Forms

* IRS Form 8908

Business Incentives - Commercial Buildings

2010-01-21T07:11:00.001-08:00

Businesses can get deductions for new or renovated buildings that save 50% or more of projected annual energy costs for heating, cooling, and lighting compared to model national standards, and partial deductions for efficiency improvements to individual lighting, HVAC and water heating, or envelope systems.
Commercial Vehicles

Credits are available to businesses as for consumers, including heavy-duty hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles. Information on passenger vehicles.
Combined Heat and Power

New! Investment tax credit for combined heat & power systems (CHP)
On-Site Renewables

Businesses are eligible for tax credits for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems, and for certain solar lighting systems.
Fuel Cells & Microturbines

In addition to a fuel cell credit like that for consumers, credits are available to businesses who install qualifying microturbines. These systems, which typically run on natural gas, are small power-producing systems sized to run small to medium size commercial buildings.

Small Business Break: Get a Refund of Taxes Paid in Previous Years

2010-01-14T14:41:00.001-08:00

The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (signed into law on November 6) gives your small business a potentially valuable tax break if it has a 2009 net operating loss (NOL).

Under the general rule, you can carry a net operating loss (NOL) back for two tax years and deduct it against taxable income in those years. Depending on the NOL’s size, you would then get a refund for some or all of the taxes paid for those earlier years. The new law allows you to do much better, because you can carry back a 2009 NOL for as many as five years (with a twist for that fifth year).

The new extended NOL carryback deal is allowed for large and small businesses alike. However for smaller businesses, the new deal is layered on top of a similar extended NOL carryback deal that was included in the 2009 Stimulus Act. Under the earlier break, you could carry back a 2008 NOL for three, four, or five years, but only if the loss was from a business with average annual gross receipts of $15 million or less.

For example, say your small business had a 2008 NOL. You could elect to carry it back as far as 2003 and recover some or all of the federal income taxes paid for that year. If you still had some NOL left, you could deduct the remaining amount against your 2004 income, then against your 2005 income, and so on until the NOL was fully utilized. And if you still had some 2008 NOL left after the carrybacks, you could carry the leftover amount forward for up to 20 years to offset taxable income in 2009 and later years.

Under the new Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, you can elect to carry back either a 2008 or 2009 NOL for three, four, or five years. If you already took advantage of the earlier Stimulus Act provision to carry back a 2008 NOL for more than two years, the new law allows you to do almost the same thing with a 2009 NOL. The difference: under the new break, an NOL carried back to the fifth preceding year can’t be used to offset more than 50% of that year’s taxable income.

Follow these steps to decide what to do with a 2009 small business NOL:

1. Gather your last three or five years of tax returns.
2. Figure out whether to carry back the NOL for two, three, four, or five years.
3. If you decide to go all the way back to the fifth prior tax year, use the NOL to offset up to 50% of the taxable income for 2004. To claim a tax refund from the NOL carryback, you will generally want to file Form 1139 for a C corporation NOL or Form 1045 for an individual NOL caused by losses from partnerships, S corporations, LLCs, or sole proprietorships. The IRS generally will process these refund claims within 90 days. If you still have some NOL left over, follow the same general procedure for the 2005 tax year. However, you can use the NOL carryback to offset up to 100% of the 2005 taxable income. Continue this same procedure for 2006 and so on until the NOL is all used up.
4. If you chose to carry back the NOL for less than five years, follow the same basic procedures. However in this case, you can use the NOL to offset up to 100% of the taxable income for the earliest year and for each subsequent year in the carryback period.

Your other option is to elect to carry the entire 2009 NOL forward for up to 20 years. This could be the right choice if you expect to pay higher tax rates in future years than you did in the past.

Lowcountry Branch Leadership Candidates

2009-11-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

Please vote for me...Donna Gilmore.

Chapter Board of Directors Candidates
to fill a 2-year seat

Click the names of each candidate to view their resume.
Click here to review candidates’ answers to application questions.
We appreciate your careful attention to being informed and electing the future leaders of the South Carolina Chapter.

Adam Bernholz
CEO, GreenWizard
Mt Pleasant, SC

Mary Gatch
President, DwellSmart
Mt Pleasant, SC

Donna Gilmore
Executive Director of Business Operations
Sigler Construction, Inc.

Robert Lipscomb
Quality Control Manager
Knight’s Redi-Mix

Do You Want a Green Stamp of Approval for Your Next Remodeling Project?

2009-11-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

Green building isn't just for new construction. If you want to truly separate your eco-conscious remodel from the pack, you can now get it green certified, thanks to a new National Association of Home Builders program.

As "being green" has grown in popularity, it seems that every company in the home improvement industry has jumped on the bandwagon. It's getting difficult to find a product not touted for its eco-value: even green praise for petroleum-based vinyl flooring has been sung, if only for the fact that it lasts a long time.

But now the National Association of Home Builders is providing a way to truly separate the green home remodelers from the brown: you can get your remodel green certified.

Green Remodeling: Certification

The NAHB has expanded its building guidelines to include this new certification standard, which includes remodels, as well as new construction ranging from condos to single-family homes. While certification isn't new--the National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers its own stamp--the NAHB says it's program is unique. It's the only one that has garnered a nod from the American National Standards Institute, which "oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector."

Certification requires an inspection from an NAHB-trained verifier, who assigns points for water use, indoor air quality and how energy efficient your home is,among other sustainable attributes. Like commercial projects, residences are ranked based on their scores: bronze, silver, gold, and now also emerald, for the best of the best.

As you might suspect, the whole process is far from free. The NAHB charges $200 for certification, and the inspection generally costs between $300 and $700.

So, you might ask, is it worth the extra $1,000?

Possibly. According to a McGraw-Hill Construction survey, one-third of home buyers said they would be willing to pay up to $20,000 more for a "green" home, with the expectation that they would have lower heating and cooling bills, among other savings.

The good news is you don't have to jump into the process blind. You can get a sense of how well your home would rate, thanks to a free online scoring tool. All you have to do is register on the NAHB site.

EPA’s New Lead Paint Rule

2009-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

From Nation's Building News:
Few Subcontractors Aware of the EPA’s New Lead Paint Rule

Few subcontractors associated with home building and remodeling are aware of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule, set to go in effect in April 2010, that will govern remodeling activities in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 that are more likely to contain lead.

During an NAHB meeting at the National Housing Center in Washington, D.C., to discuss concerns about the rule last week, representatives of several remodeling-related trade associations, including insulation and HVAC installers and other subcontractors, told NAHB staff members that many of their members were unaware of the EPA’s new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the EPA’s planned public awareness campaign intended to underscore the importance of hiring firms certified to do work in so-called “target housing” — homes built before 1978 and occupied by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

In addition to lack of awareness, NAHB staff members discussed other concerns and problems about the rule that will affect remodelers and subcontractors. These include:

* While the rule is assumed to target only remodelers, it applies to any contractor who “disturbs” at least six square feet of painted surfaces on the inside of a home or 20 square feet on the outside. Contractors who install windows, insulation, home entertainment equipment or similar work in the target housing must become certified to do the work.

* The EPA estimates that 200,000 people will need to be certified by April 22, yet the agency has only approved 97 firms to do the training — a required six hours of class instruction and at least two hours of hands-on training — and the EPA indicates that the hands-on training can only be conducted in groups of six or fewer people. Currently, about 1,200 contractors have completed the training, the EPA estimates.

* While the EPA has hired a public relations and marketing firm to create an awareness campaign for both industry professionals and the public, and the rule set to take effect in five months, the campaign has not been initiated.

* NAHB remodelers have indicated that EPA’s cost estimates for compliance — $35 per job — are woefully low. According to one remodeler’s budgeting worksheet that has been sent to the agency, the added training, materials, testing, cleanup and recordkeeping required under the rule will add between $1,200 and $1,600 per job, not including the additional costs for any subcontractors to comply.

* Even though training is already underway, the EPA has released a proposed amendment to the rule that would add more requirements and costs to comply — and subject the remodeling and renovation of an additional 40 million homes to the rule. In addition, some state environmental offices are considering additional requirements. These developments have left many remodelers uncertain about whether the training the EPA has now approved will be enough to qualify before the certification deadline.

The confusion surrounding the rule and the additional costs for compliance will lead to unintended consequences, said Matt Watkins, NAHB’s environmental policy analyst.

“The more expensive it is to hire a certified remodeler or any kind of contractor to do work on a home, the more likely it is that the home owner will decide instead to make it a do-it-yourself project — and there is no requirement for home owners to use lead-safe work practices,” Watkins said.

“There aren’t enough training options. New proposals continue to surface. The EPA hasn’t made this a priority for public outreach, so the average consumer just thinks it’s an optional added cost, not a necessity. This isn’t the way to keep children from being exposed to lead paint dust,” he added.

Remodelers Urged to Submit Comments to the EPA on Proposed Lead Paint Rule Changes by Nov. 27

NAHB remodelers are urged to submit comments to the EPA by Nov. 27 on the recent proposed changes to lead paint rule.

Members who wish to send comments to the EPA can download and complete a letter template created by NAHB.

For more information on the current rule, including obtaining training and certification, visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint.

Hilton Head Island Goes Green

2009-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

The Town of Hilton Head Island's continually strives to be a Green Community, defined herein as a community which strives for:

* Resilient community, including well maintained infrastructure and buildings, sustainable operations, purchasing & reuse, and sustainable facilities;
* Reduced environmental impacts, including solid waste reduction & reduced carbon footprint;
Increased connection to nature;
* Integrated design process, including site design and building construction;
* Reduced resource consumption, including energy, fuel, water and land; and
* High quality of life.

It must be noted that Hilton Head Island became a Green Community long before 'going green' became the latest buzzword. In fact, the Town incorporated in 1983 because the citizens did not like the development being allowed by the County on such an environmentally sensitive barrier island. Development of the Island in the early 1970's stemmed from efforts to create Planned Unit Developments that preserved natural features (trees, waterways, wetlands, wildlife areas, open space), and this technique has been used as a model nationwide.

In November of 2009, the Town of Hilton Head Island released a report outlining Green Initiatives being utilized in Town operations.

Click Here for Report

Couple planning SC pet resort | The Coastal Source

2009-11-11T17:34:00.001-08:00

Couple planning SC pet resort | The Coastal Source

Posted using ShareThis

Southpaw Pet Resort - Pet Retreat Hilton Head Island, SC

2009-11-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

Southpaw Pet Resort

Some people send their dogs to a kennel and leave with visions of cinder block walls and chain-link fences.

That’s not exactly what Stuart and Brecken Campagna are building on Hilton Head Island.

The couple recently broke ground on Southpaw Pet Resort, an all-suite boarding and training center at 10 Fish Haul Road.

They demolished a decades-old kennel on the property and plan to open their resort in April. It is designed for individual attention, safety and comfort, Stuart Campagna said.

The resort’s first phase is planned to include 14 6-foot-by-8-foot kennels, each with a TV and wrought-iron bed and each connected to a 12-foot-by-8-foot running area that Campagna said will resemble a pet’s “own little back yard.”

Click Here to View the Complete Article

Click Here For Another Article

Habitat for Humanity - Hilton Head Island

2009-11-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization seeking to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness, and to break the cycle of poverty fostered by inadequate housing. Habitat was founded in 1976 to make decent affordable housing a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. To date, it has built more than 250,000 homes around the world, providing more than 1,000,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

Visit http://habitath.ipower.com/index.htm for more information or to volunteer

Introduction to Green Building & Remodeling Seminar

2009-11-11T15:33:00.001-08:00

Introduction to Green Building & Remodeling Seminar
Thursday, Oct 22 6:00p to 7:30p
at Hilton Head Island Library, Hilton Head, SC

The Hilton Head Area Council for Green Building was established in an effort to help advance awareness and educate homeowners in our area about green-building and remodeling practices and the many associated opportunities. For more information visit http://www.buildgreenbloghiltonhead.com and click on “Register Now. read more

Leading The Way: Green Building in the Lowcountry

2009-11-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

Have you heard? Green is the future of the building industry. No, that doesn’t mean we’re all going to live in houses of the same color. “Green” is the catchall phrase for technologies and materials that improve a building’s energy efficiency. If you pay utility bills, you probably understand the appeal.

The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based market research firm, reported earlier this year that U.S. green building materials sales totaled nearly $57 billion in 2008 and that they are projected to increase by 7.2 percent per year through 2013. According to the Freedonia report, that rate of growth is greater than the projected growth of overall building expenditures over the same period. The Reuters news agency recently ran a story claiming that the worldwide market for green building materials will reach $571 billion by 2013.

What is this green building thing they’re all talking about? The people to ask are the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). They are a non-profit association and the self-appointed gurus of green—also known as “sustainable”—building in America. The USGBC has established a certification system that is widely believed to be the standard measurement of what is a green building and what is not. Read More

10th Annual Lighthouse Awards Gala

2009-11-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

LightHouse Awards Established in 1999 the LightHouse Awards are presented to builders in recognition of construction excellence. A panel of judges from around the region judges homes that are entered. The annual Awards Banquet held each November has become one of the Associations largest and most successful events.

November 13, 2009

6 p.m. Westin Resort & Spa

For more info contact 843-681-9240

U.S. Green Building Council November Program

2009-11-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

Fri, November 20, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Where: Green Quad Learning Ctr.
Description: U.S. Green Building Council November Program: 11/20, 12:00PM – 1:30PM, Green Quad Learning Ctr. The topic of USGBC-SC Midlands Branch meeting this month will be K-12 schools. The program cost is $5 and lunch will be provided.

South Carolina Chapter highlighted in Southeast Construction Magazine

2009-11-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Read the profile of all the USGBC Chapters in the Carolinas, and learn more about what’s going on in the South Carolina chapter here!

NAHB Required Inspections Summary

2009-09-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

This table lists the inspections required for the various types of certification sought by builder/remodeler/developer clients for National Green Building Certification.

Certification to the National Green Building Standard
Type of Construction	Rough Inspection	Final Inspection	Notes
Single Family New Construction	X	X
Multi-Family New Construction	X	X
Addition to a Single Family Home	X	X
Building Renovation	X	X
Single Family Renovation plus Addition	X	X
Remodel of pre-1980 building using Green Remodel Path	X	X	Rough inspection only needed to verify 903.4.1(1) (no mold). No rough report required; all requirements listed on final report.
Land Development Certification to the Standard
Completed Land Development		X	Includes document review of design/plans
New Land Development for Letter of Approval			Only document review of design/plans
New phase of previously certified land development		X
Certification to the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines
Single Family New Construction	X	X
Single Family New Construction - Energy Star Certified		X	Option for only final inspection if enough points can be verified at final.

Green Approved Products

2009-09-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

Certifying green homes just got one step easier...Click Here for Green Approved Products

How does an NAHB Green Home become certified?

2009-09-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

National Green Building Certification assures homeowners and the community that your projects meet the requirements of either the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines or the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard, and truly are green. Builders interested in having their buildings certified should follow the steps outlined below.

Builder Process for Green Building Certification

Step 1:	The builder scores the building to be certified using the online Green Scoring Tool.
Step 2:	Export final Designer's Report from Green Scoring Tool and save locally as an Excel file.
Step 3:	As construction begins, select an accredited verifier. If there is not an accredited verifier listed for your area, contact the National Green Building Hotline - (877) NAHB-GRN - to let the NAHB Research Center know and/or to suggest a potential verifier candidate in your area.
Step 4:	Forward Designer's Report to selected verifier and schedule rough inspection.
Step 5:	Meet with verifier after rough inspection to sign off on the correct version of the verification report which will be sent to NAHB Research Center for review. There are Verification Reports for the Guidelines and the Standard.
Step 6:	Receive invoice for green building certification fee ($200 per building for NAHB members, $500 for non-members, multi-unit building fee +$20/unit).
Step 7:	Complete Program Participation Agreement and return to Research Center with required evidence of insurance. Documentation is included in a builder's application packet, available by calling (877) NAHB GRN or contacting us via e-mail. Only one Agreement is required for each builder regardless of how many buildings are ultimately submitted for certification.
Step 8:	Schedule final inspection with verifier and sign off on final Verification Report including certificate information.
Step 9:	After final report review and receipt of the certification fee, the NAHB Research Center will issue the Certified Green Home certificate.

The chart below details the steps and responsibilities for each involved party in the green building certification process. See a larger version, or download the certification flowchart in PDF format.

Verifier Role

National Green Building Certification accredited verifiers are critical in the home certification process. Get more information on the verifier process or how to become a verifier.

During the home certification process, the NAHB Research Center will:

Review reports and any accompanying verifier comments/documentation
Confirm that properly accredited verifier was used by the builder
Invoice builder for certification fee upon completion of verifier's rough inspection
Confirm builder's Program Participation Agreement, insurance information, and payment history are in order
Issue Certified Green Home certificate and forward to builder in accordance with instructions noted and approved on final Verification Report

Ready to have a home certified? Contact us (donnagilmoresc@gmail.com) to get started.

NAHB Green Verification Process for Accredited Verifiers

2009-09-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Steps to Follow When Verifying New Construction

The instructions below are for verifiers confirming points claimed by builders of new construction. Instructions for builders seeking National Green Building Certification for new construction are outlined on the Building Certification page.

Meet with builder and agree to fees and services to be provided
Obtain designer's report from builder for building to be verified
Download verification report spreadsheet - available from the Verifier Update e-newsletter - for the specific scoring path noted in the designer's report and transfer information and points claimed from designer's report (provided by the builder); print copy to use as your guide for the inspections.
Schedule rough inspection with builder and notify the NAHB Research Center
Confirm with builder at beginning of rough inspection points claimed and level of certification targeted
Complete rough inspection following instructions in Verifier's Resource Guide
E-mail rough verification report (on or before day following inspection) to NAHB Research Center; MUST be signed by both verifier and builder; MUST include designer’s report and photo of building's front elevation at rough
Schedule final inspection with builder and notify the NAHB Research Center
Complete final inspection following instructions in Verifier's Resource Guide
E-mail final verification report (same day as inspection) to NAHB Research Center; MUST be signed by both verifier and builder; MUST include photo of building's front elevation at final

Steps to Follow When Verifying a Green Remodel

The instructions below are for verifiers confirming points claimed by builders following the Green Remodel Path from the National Green Building Standard™. Instructions for builders seeking National Green Building Certification are outlined on the Building Certification page.

Meet with builder and agree to fees and services to be provided
Obtain designer's report from builder for building to be verified
Download verification report spreadsheet - available from the Verifier Update e-newsletter - for the specific scoring path noted in the designer's report and transfer information and points claimed from designer's report (provided by the builder); print copy to use as your guide for the inspections.
Schedule inspection with builder and notify the NAHB Research Center
Confirm with builder at beginning of inspection points claimed and level of certification targeted
Complete inspection following instructions in Verifier's Resource Guide
E-mail verification report (on or before day following inspection) to NAHB Research Center. The report MUST include designer's report, complete water comparison chart for the before and after water use estimates, output report for the before and after annual energy use estimates and a list of assumptions used in both calculations, and photo of building's front elevation. The verification report MUST be signed by both verifier and builder.

Minimizing Emissions with Hybrid Bucket Trucks

2009-09-29T19:10:00.001-07:00

Minimizing Emissions with Hybrid Bucket Trucks

Shared via AddThis

NAHB GREEN BUILDING Rating Systems Overview

2009-08-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™

The National Green Building Standard is the first residential green building rating system to undergo the full consensus process and receive American National Standards Institute approval. The four threshold levels - Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald - allow builders to achieve entry-level green building, or the highest level of sustainable "green" building incorporating energy savings of 60% or more. Single-family & multi-unit homes, residential remodeling projects, and site developments are all covered in the Standard.

Dual Certification: National Green Building Standard with Builders Challenge

New single-family homes certified to the Standard may qualify to be concurrently certified the Builders Challenge. Learn more about the Builders Challenge and how your green home may qualify.

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines

Published in 2005, the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines were written to serve as a voluntary "baseline" so that NAHB members could easily develop local green building programs. Focusing on new single-family homes, the Guidelines offer three levels of green building - Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Green Home Building Rating Systems - A Sample Comparison

Green Home Building Rating Systems - A Sample Comparison (PDF) evaluates the costs and technical requirements of bringing two sample code-compliant production houses in different climate zones (Dallas & Washington, DC) into compliance at one point in time (January 2008) with three different green building rating systems: NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, the National Green Building Standard version 2, and LEED for Homes.

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines

2009-08-28T19:39:00.001-07:00

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines - Full Document (3.5MB)

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines - Part One - Checklist (1.8MB)

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines - Part Two - User Guide (1.7MB)

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines Appendix A - Site Planning and Land Development (Parts 1 and 2) (1.7MB)

NAHB Green Accredited Verifier on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

2009-08-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

Donna Gilmore

Hilton Head, SC

Sigler Construction, Inc.

Entire State, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Entire State, GA
Savannah, GA
Entire State, SC
Charleston, SC
Hilton Head, SC
Bluffton, SC

NAHB GREEN Land Certification

2009-08-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines

ANSI ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard

Land Development

Download the Land Development Certification to the National Green Building Standard Excel file to start scoring and verifying your green land development or subdivision projects.

The Green Scoring Tool currently does not have the capability to score and store green land development projects. However, you may download a Microsoft Excel file and follow the directions provided to manually score a green land development project. If certification is desired, submit the completed Excel file to an approved verifier.

Developers may have a new or existing development certified as a whole or in phases. Developers may also get a Letter of Approval after a Design Review but before development work is started.

The letter of approval will indicate that the development is eligible to be certified if constructed in accordance with the approved plan.

Step 1	Obtain a copy of the ANSI ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard at www.builderbooks.com.
Step 2	Download the Land Development Certification to the National Green Building Standard Excel file. Use the "Scoring & Verification" worksheet to score the development according to the Standard. Refer to the Standard for more detail on each of the practices. Record the points for each practice to be used in the "Points Claimed" column of the worksheet. Add any explanatory notes in the "Developer's Notes" area at the end of each major section.
Step 3	Note the required/expected documentation as listed in the "Documentation Required" column and be sure to have that available for the verifier.
Step 4	Hire a local accredited verifier to complete the Design Review verification.
Step 5	Sign the Design Review Signature page after the Design Review verification has been completed. The Developer will be invoiced for the required fee.
Step 6	If a Letter of Approval is required, submit the report to the NAHB Research Center (via VerificationReport@nahbrc.com).
Step 7	After each phase is completed, hire a local accredited verifier to complete the Field Inspection verification and submit the report to the NAHB Research Center (via VerificationReport@nahbrc.com). The Developer will be invoiced for the required fee.
Step 8	Sign the Field Inspection Signature page after the Field Inspection verification has been completed.

NAHB GREEN Home Certification

2009-08-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

How does a home become certified?

Builder Process for Green Building Certification

Step 1:	The builder scores the building to be certified using the online Green Scoring Tool.
Step 2:	Export final Designer's Report from Green Scoring Tool and save locally as an Excel file.
Step 3:	As construction begins, select an accredited verifier. If there is not an accredited verifier listed for your area, contact the National Green Building Hotline - (877) NAHB-GRN - to let the NAHB Research Center know and/or to suggest a potential verifier candidate in your area.
Step 4:	Forward Designer's Report to selected verifier and schedule rough inspection.
Step 5:	Meet with verifier after rough inspection to sign off on the correct version of the verification report which will be sent to NAHB Research Center for review. There are Verification Reports for the Guidelines and the Standard.
Step 6:	Receive invoice for green building certification fee ($200 per building for NAHB members, $500 for non-members, multi-unit building fee +$20/unit).
Step 7:	Complete Program Participation Agreement and return to Research Center with required evidence of insurance. Documentation is included in a builder's application packet, available by calling (877) NAHB GRN or contacting us via e-mail. Only one Agreement is required for each builder regardless of how many buildings are ultimately submitted for certification.
Step 8:	Schedule final inspection with verifier and sign off on final Verification Report including certificate information.
Step 9:	After final report review and receipt of the certification fee, the NAHB Research Center will issue the Certified Green Home certificate.

NAHB GREEN Project Certification Overview

2009-08-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

As green building grows in popularity, so does the scrutiny of green certifications. Make sure your project has the credibility of an accredited third-party verifier to back it up.

One key element of NAHB's suite of green building tools is National Green Building Certification, which is administered by the NAHB Research Center. The Research Center accredits verifiers and acts as the sole certifying body for the National Green Building Program.

Certification is based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™. The Standard includes provisions that define green attributes for developments, multi-unit dwellings, remodeling projects, additions and single-family homes.

There are three green certification levels available in the Guidelines – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Standard includes an additional level, Emerald. The green levels and certifications address key green construction areas including – Lot & Site Development, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Homeowner Education.

How to Use QuickBooks for Job Costing: Setting Up Preferences and Items

2009-08-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

Accurate job costing is one of the most critical tasks for managing job-based business like construction companies, professional services firms, and even nonprofits that are awarded grants. Many owners put it off because it seems too complicated or time-consuming. But if you're serious about helping your business grow and prosper, it'll help you:

- Analyze how each of your jobs us doing financially

- Identify problem jobs as early as possible

- Identify jobs that weren't as profitable as expected

- Create better estimates for future jobs

Luckily, QuickBooks is an inexpensive program that can do powerful job costing with the data you're already entering - as long as you set it up and use it correctly.

This is the first of a four-part series about how to use QuickBooks for job costing. Intuit, the creators of QuickBooks, has also asked me to host a free Small Business Town Hall series covering the same topics. This is your chance to get your job costing questions answered live. You can get more information here:

http://crystal.semphonic.com/quickbookscommunitycalendar/helios/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=4451

The first step to setting up QuickBooks for job costing is to set your preferences (Edit > Preferences > Company Preferences)

1. Go to Jobs & Estimates and check the box next to "Do you create estimates". You might also want to check the box next to "Do you do progress invoicing".

2. If you use QuickBooks for payroll, and every business doing job costing should, go to Payroll & Employees and check the box next to "Job costing, class and item tracking for paycheck expenses"

3. If you use QuickBooks for payroll, go to Time & Expenses and check the box next to "Do you track time". If you do time & material billing, you should also check "Create invoices from a list of time and expenses".

The second step is to setup your customer:jobs and use them on every transaction.

1. Go to the Customer Center and click on the New Customer & Job button.

2. If you are using Contractors edition, you might also want to create a customer called Overhead or Administrative for non-job expenses, so you can use the "Expenses Not Assigned to Jobs" report (only found in the contractors edition) to make sure you didn't accidentally leave off a customer:job. If you are using classes, you might want to consider doing the same thing so you can use the Profit & Loss Unclassified report to make sure you didn't accidentally leave off a class.

The third step is to setup items and use them on every transaction.

1. Go to Lists > Item List, click on the List button, and select New.

2. Add a new service item for every job phase you want to job cost. For subcontractors, this could be as simple as Labor and Materials. For general contractors, it could be quite lenghty: plans, site work, excavation, concrete, masonry, framing, etc. In this case, you might want to add sub-items for Labor and Materials to your items if you want to track those costs separately. This also makes it easier to report only the Labor portion of a subcontractor's invoice on their 1099.

3. If you are a contractor with short-term jobs make sure to set up all your Service Items as two-sided, with both an expense and an income account. This doesn't occur automatically and unfortunately it isn't very intuitive. You need to put a check next to "This service is used in assemblies or is performed by a subcontractor or partner" for the expense box to be added to the setup screen. Contractors often use a cost of goods sold account called something like "job related costs" for job-related expenses.

4. Builders and many professional service firms have projects that span several months or more generally use a work in progress (WIP) or construction in progress (CIP) asset account because job related costs aren't usually expensed until the project is completed. In this case, they should map the expense account to their WIP or CIP asset account.

5. Depending on your circumstances, there are also several Other Charge items you should set up. These don't need to be two-sided:

- If you use WIP or CIP accounts, you should setup two items: (1) Transfer out of WIP - with WIP as the account and note in the description that the amount should be positive, and (2) Transfer into COS - with COS as the account and note in the description that the amount should be negative

- If you accept customer deposits or retainers, you should setup an item mapped to a current liability account. For better tracking, you should consider setting up a separate current liability account just for deposits.

- If you have customer retention or retainage, you should setup an item mapped to an accounts receivable account and a negative for the Amount (for instance, -10% if your retainage is 10%). For better tracking, you should consider setting up a separate accounts receivable account just for retainage.

____________________________________________________________

Ruth Perryman is the president of The QB Specialists. She is a Certified Advanced Quickbooks ProAdvisor and an Intuit Solutions Provider, with over 19 years of industry experience including 5 years as a Chief Financial Officer. She has been working with Quickbooks since 1996, and specializes in QuickBooks Enterprise and POS installations and troubleshooting. She also provides virtual controller and CFO services. Ruth can be reached at 800-707-0940 or ruth@theQBspecialists.com

$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

2009-08-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

The information on this page pertains to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

Hilton Head Home Builders Association - NAHB Member Rebate Program - Online Registration

2009-08-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

No one likes to leave money on the table. So, what would you think if you could get a rebate for your loyalty to many of the nation’s leading housing industry suppliers? Well, now you can!

We’re happy to introduce the HBA of SC Member Rebate Program, aimed at increasing your bottom line. For the minimal effort of informing us about the products you use, and telling us when you close on a home, you’ll be putting money back in your pocket. When you participate in the HBA of SC Member Rebate Program, you can count on receiving checks every quarter!As an NAHB benefit, members have access to discounts and savings opportunities offered by many top companies.

When making contact, the companies below request that callers identify themselves as members of the National Association of Home Builders.

Program Details

Benefits of participating
The biggest perk? Money. Cold, hard cash. And all for just remaining loyal to many of the country’s leading manufacturers you already use in all of your homes. Lump-sum checks for closed homes are mailed quarterly.

No change needed in your business practices
Besides the money, the next-best part of the program is that it relies on very little effort from you and doesn’t change the way you conduct business. Best of all, you do NOT have to change the way you currently buy. We do the paperwork, collect the money and mail you the quarterly checks directly!

How to register
Obtaining the benefit for your loyalty couldn’t be easier.
Simply complete the: Online Registration Form

Download Brochure .PDF

For more information contact the Hilton Head Home Builder's Association at (843) 681-9240 or

Attend the HBA Membership Benefits Open House
Wednesday August 26 3:00-4:30pm
Bluffton Community Center (150 Shultz Road, Bluffton, SC)

$8,000 Tax Credit Q&A Podcast

2009-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Do you have questions about the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit? We're here to help! Rob Dietz, director of tax issues for NAHB, provides the answers and information you need to determine if you qualify.

Listen now to get started on your dream of homeownership today!

FAQ on Monetization

1. What exactly does “monetizing” the tax credit mean?
The term “monetization” is defined as the act of converting something into money. In the context of the first time home buyer tax credit, monetization means to treat the payment of the credit as if it was cash and allow its use as a payment for certain closing and downpayment expenses.

2. What is a “bridge” loan?
A bridge loan is a type of loan that is intended to be outstanding for a very short time period, often only a few days or weeks. Bridge loans are use to provide funds in situations where the borrower is expected to receive funds, such as the payment of this tax credit, within a very short time.

3. What is a state housing finance agency?
A state housing finance agency, often referred to as an “HFA,” is an organization that provides funding for a variety of loan and grant activities related to for-sale and rental housing. HFAs are also typically responsible to distribute grant funds from federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

4. How do I find out if my state housing finance agency is providing this service?
The best way to locate information about your state’s HFA is via the Internet. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) maintains a directory of state HFAs at: http://www.ncsha.org/section.cfm/4/39/187

5. What kinds of lenders are doing this? How can I find a list of lenders who are providing these short-term loans?
Many state housing finance agencies are either running or sponsoring programs that will use a tax credit for a downpayment. These programs often place a second lien on the home as collateral to secure the eventual repayment of the tax credit funds. Some state HFAs lend directly to home buyers while other HFAs work through networks of state-approved lenders.
In addition to state agencies, FHA-approved lenders may be offering to purchase a first time home buyer’s tax credit in conjunction with an FHA-insured mortgage loan.
Interested buyers should check with area lenders, home builders, or real estate agents for the names of participating lenders.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) also has an online tool to find FHA-approved lenders: http://www.fhaoutreach.gov/FHALookup/

6. What types of loans qualify?
Any lender could offer a program that would permit a first-time home buyer to apply the tax credit to funds needed for a loan that is obtained in conjunction with a home purchase. At this time, however, only the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has issued guidance regarding the monetization of the first-time home buyer tax credit in conjunction with FHA-insured mortgage loans.

7. Can this short-term loan be applied to the minimum 3.5% downpayment required by my FHA loan or is it only available above and beyond the initial downpayment required?
The FHA rules provide for two cases: one for state housing finance agencies and other government entities (in which the monetized may be used to meet the 3.5% requirement) and another for private, FHA-lenders (in which the monetized credit may not be used to satisfy the 3.5% requirement). Each case is explained in detail below.
If an FHA-approved lender or state housing finance agency is purchasing a tax credit and therefore making a short-term loan that is secured only by the repayment of the first-time home buyer tax credit, these funds cannot be applied to a downpayment in lieu of the home buyer’s funds. A home buyer still has to provide the 3.5 percent downpayment from his or her own funds. The money from the short-term loan can be used to pay closing costs and prepaid expenses, such as escrows for taxes, insurance, and community association assessments. These funds could also be used to make a larger downpayment or to “buy down” the interest rate on the mortgage loan.
However, many HFAs are offering tax credit loan programs that offer home buyers a short-term loan backed by the anticipated tax credit and secured by a second lien, which in general will be paid off after the homebuyer receives their income tax credit from the IRS. The proceeds of these loans may be used to satisfy the 3.5 percent downpayment requirement for FHA-insured loans. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) maintains a list of such tax credit loans programs at: http://www.ncsha.org/section.cfm/3/34/2920.

8. Who should I contact at my state housing finance agency to urge them to participate in this program if they don’t already do so? What should I say?
The best way to locate information about your state’s HFA is via the Internet. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) maintains a directory of state HFAs at: http://www.ncsha.org/section.cfm/4/39/187
Most state HFA web sites include phone numbers and email addresses by which they can be contacted.

9. Is this an interest-free loan or are there fees associated with this type of short-term loan?
If a governmental agency, such as a state housing finance agency, or an FHA-approved lender purchase a first-time home buyer tax credit, they are allowed to charge no more than 2.5 percent of amount of the credit.

10. How can I tell if the short-term loan on the tax credit is being offered by a reputable company?
If the organization is a unit of state government, it is safe to say that it is reputable. Otherwise, a home buyer may want to check with their local Better Business Bureau or through a state or local government’s department of consumer affairs.

Federal Housing Tax Credit Expalined - Youtube Video

2009-08-24T09:58:00.001-07:00

Stimulus FAQ

2009-08-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

1. What types of projects are eligible for the tax credit?

The new tax credits cover a wide variety of energy-efficient aspects of remodels: windows and doors; insulation; geothermal features; solar panels; water heaters; wind energy systems; roofs; HVAC; fuel cells; and biomass stoves. Energy Star-rated appliances that don’t fall into any of those categories, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, are not eligible.

2. How large are the tax credits?

The credit is 30 percent of the cost — up to $1,500 — for most products. However, for geothermal systems, solar panels, solar-powered water heaters and wind energy systems, the credit is 30 percent with no cap. Fuel cells are capped at $500 per .5 kW of power capacity, but there is no limit on the total credit.

3. How long do the credits last?

The credits for most projects (those capped at $1,500) are only available in 2009 and 2010, but the credits for the products with no lifetime caps (those categories listed in question 2) last until 2016.

4. Are products that were installed before the stimulus package passed eligible for credits?

Yes, as long as they were put into service this year. Any product that met the tax credit standards in place at the time is eligible for the full credit. Be sure to contact any clients you worked for before the stimulus passed to make sure they’re aware of their new windfall.

5. Are installation costs included in figuring the tax credit?

That depends. For most products, installation costs are included to calculate the 30 percent credit, but they are not for windows, doors, insulation and roofs. For those categories, only the cost of materials is eligible for the credit. This means you’ll need to provide a material cost to your clients for those projects if they want to receive the credit.

6. How do I know which products qualify for the tax credits?

One of the most confusing thing about the credits is that not all products — not even all Energy Star products — qualify. There are minimum requirements in each product category. For example, windows must meet a higher standard of a U factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of less than .30. For a full list of product standards, visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.

7. Can the credits be used for vacation homes, new construction or rental properties?

For most product categories, homeowners can only receive the credit for improvements to their primary residence. However, geothermal systems, wind energy systems, solar panels and solar water heaters are eligible when installed in a vacation home or in new construction projects. Fuel cells are eligible when installed in new construction, but only if the home is being built as a primary residence.

Almost all rental properties are not eligible for any credits. The only exception is a vacation home that the owner occupies for part of the year and rents for the rest of the year. In that case, the owner could take a pro-rated portion of the credits for the four product classes mentioned above.

8. Can homeowners receive the credits if the new products are installed in an addition?

Yes. While it initially seemed that additions would not be eligible for the credits because the products would not be an “improvement” to an existing building, the IRS recently confirmed that products used in an addition can be used to claim the full tax credit.

9. How many times can a homeowner take the credit?

For the products that are capped at $1,500 (windows, insulation, etc.), homeowners can get a credit on multiple projects, but they can only claim a total of $1,500 combined in 2009 and 2010. Two unmarried people living in the same household can each take the $1,500.

The products that are eligible for the 30 percent credit with no total cap (solar, geothermal, etc.) can be taken as many times as a homeowner installs eligible products through 2016.

10. What do remodelers need to provide clients so they get the credits?

You should give your clients a detailed receipt, along with what the IRS is calling a “Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.” This should include the name and address of the manufacturer; identification of the type of product; make, model and any other identifiers of the specific product used; and a statement that the product is eligible for the tax credit. The homeowners do not need to file the statement or receipt with their taxes but should have them for their records in case of an audit.

Useful Stimulus Information Links:

Energy Star

IRS Guidance on Stimulus Package Tax Credits

USGBC LEED 2009 (v3)

2009-08-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

USGBC LEED 2009 (v3)

In LEED 2009 there are 100 possible base points plus an additional 6 points for Innovation in Design and 4 points for Regional Priority. Buildings can qualify for four levels of certification:

Certified - 40-49 points
Silver - 50-59 points
Gold - 60-79 points
Platinum - 80 points and above

Points have been distributed as follows. Required "prerequisites" in each category receive no points.

Sustainable Sites 26 Possible Points

Prerequisite 1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
Credit 1: Site Selection
Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
Credit 3: Brownfield Redevelopment
Credit 4.1: Alternative Transportation—Public Transportation Access
Credit 4.2: Alternative Transportation—Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms
Credit 4.3: Alternative Transportation—Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Credit 4.4: Alternative Transportation—Parking Capacity
Credit 5.1: Site Development—Protect or Restore Habitat
Credit 5.2: Site Development—Maximize Open Space
Credit 6.1: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control
Credit 6.2: Stormwater Design—Quality Control
Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect—Nonroof
Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect—Roof
Credit 8: Light Pollution Reduction

Water Efficiency 10 Possible Points

Prerequisite 1: Water Use Reduction
Credit 1: Water Efficient Landscaping
Credit 2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
Credit 3: Water Use Reduction

Energy and Atmosphere 35 Possible Points

Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems
Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance
Prerequisite 3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management
Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance
Credit 2: On-site Renewable Energy
Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning
Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Credit 5: Measurement and Verification
Credit 6: Green Power

Materials and Resources 14 Possible Points

Prerequisite 1: Storage and Collection of Recyclables
Credit 1.1: Building Reuse—Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof
Credit 1.2: Building Reuse—Maintain Existing Interior Nonstructural Elements
Credit 2: Construction Waste Management
Credit 3: Materials Reuse
Credit 4: Recycled Content
Credit 5: Regional Materials
Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
Credit 7: Certified Wood

Indoor Environmental Quality 15 Possible Points

Prerequisite 1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
Prerequisite 2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control
Credit 1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Credit 2: Increased Ventilation
Credit 3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—During Construction
Credit 3.2: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—Before Occupancy
Credit 4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants
Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings
Credit 4.3: Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems
Credit 4.4: Low-Emitting Materials—Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products
Credit 5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control
Credit 6.1: Controllability of Systems—Lighting
Credit 6.2: Controllability of Systems—Thermal Comfort
Credit 7.1: Thermal Comfort—Design
Credit 7.2: Thermal Comfort—Verification
Credit 8.1: Daylight and Views—Daylight
Credit 8.2: Daylight and Views—Views

Innovation in Design 6 Possible Points (ID Credit 1.1-1.4 has 4 points, and ID Credit 2 has 1 point)

Credit 1: Innovation in Design
Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional

Regional Priority 4 Possible Points

Credit 1: Regional Priority

View an introduction to the NAHB's National Green Building Program

2009-08-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Cost-effective, flexible and sensible. Make your homes more resource and energy efficient with NAHB Green.

Through the National Green Building Program, the National Association of Home Builders is helping its members move the practice of green building into the mainstream. Energy efficiency, water and resource conservation, sustainable or recycled products, and indoor air quality are increasingly incorporated into the everyday process of home building.

Green Roof Installations

2009-08-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Green is still good. The latest government motivation is toward green roof installations.

Among the benefits of the Clean Energy Stimulus and Investment Assurance Act of 2009 (S.320) introduced by Sen. Maria E. Cantwell (D-Wash.) is to provide financial incentives for homeowners or commercial building owners which chose to install green roofs on their buildings.

A green (or sod) roof features of vegetation-usually drought-tolerant plants, or shrubs-that is planted in a growth medium. The roof generally involves a multilayer system of waterproof and root-repellent membranes, a drainage system, filter cloth, and lightweight soil.

Green roofs have been around for thousands of years. One of the first notable appearances of green roofs occurred in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon around 500 BC. The site is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The thrust of the Clean Energy Stimulus and Investment Assurance Act of 2009 is to create green-collar jobs and revitalize the economy through clean energy investments.

Section 506 of the bill, offers property owners a 30 percent tax credit for qualified green roof expenses. The tax credit applies to both new and retrofit projects, but it requires that at least 50 percent of the roof area be covered with vegetation.

“This is a watershed moment for the green roof industry,” observes Steven W. Peck, founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, which worked with the American Society of Landscape Architects to help Sen. Cantwell’s office draft the section of the bill that is focused on the green roof incentive. “This bill will deliver an enormous number of green collar jobs, not just today, but also in five years from now, while also saving energy, improving stormwater management, cooling cities, cleansing the air, and

beautifying our rooftops.”

Builder magazine reports that, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has launched a new, multi-disciplinary Green Roof Professional (GRP) program–much like U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Professional Accreditation-and will administer the first exam at its annual conference this June in Atlanta. Under the program, an individual can become GRP-accredited to provide green roof design, products, and installation services to meet the new demands that potentially could be generated from this bill.

American landscape architects and a Canadian nonprofit green roof industry association says that the United States could see a surge in green roof installations if a provision in a recently introduced Senate stimulus bill becomes law.

Green Building Stats

2009-08-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

In the United States alone, buildings account for (According to USGBC):

72% of electricity consumption
39% of energy use
38% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
40% of raw materials use
30% of waste output (136 million tons annually)
14% of potable water consumption

U.S. Demand for Green Building Materials to Hit $80 Billion by 2013 (According to Green Building Materials to 2013, 2009)

According to a report presented by NAHB and McGraw-Hill 40% of builders believe green is a market differentiators. (Green Builder, January 2009)

NAHB and McGraw-Hill predict residential green building will double to $40-$70 Billion by 2012. This will account for 12-20% of the entire market.

The green building products market is projected to be worth $30-$40 billion annually by 2010 (Green Building Alliance 2006).

Between 40% and 50% of the homes built in 2010 are expected to be green (NAHB, March 2007).

NAHB reports approximately 115,000 homes were certified and inspected to local green building codes in 2008. This was an 18.6% increase from 97,000 homes in May 2007 (Residential Design & Build, October 2008).

As of April 2009, the NAHB has registered more than 2,700 Certified Green Professionals, a designation issued by the group’s University of Housing (EcoHome Magazine, April 2009).

Forty percent of those homebuilders surveyed by McGraw-Hill said that the down market has made it easier to market green homes, and 16% said that the housing slump has made it much easier.

To learn more about green building, 90% of builders are most often using print sources, followed by home building Web sites; home building product manufacturers; and NAHB trade shows, conferences and workshops (Nbnnews.com, June 2008).

The green material options receiving the most responses for use were high-performance, engineered wood products, allergen-free and chemical-free building materials; recycled building materials, such as those used in decks and sheds; alternatives to wood products; and certified sustainably harvested lumber (Nbnnews.com, June 2008).

NAHB Consumer preferences Upfront costs consumers are willing to pay to save on utility costs. (NAHB 2007 Consumer Preference Survey)

51% - $5,000-$10,999
32% - Less than $5,000
16% - $11,000 or more

With so many stats pointing toward continued growth, Green should be a mainstay in corporate values and, therefore, the marketing mix. Smart marketing that incorporates the FTC’s Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims, in addition to other industry best practices is the surest way to tap into that growth.

5 Simple Steps to Certification National Green Building Certification

2009-08-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

5 Simple Steps to Certification National Green Building Certification
There are just a few key steps a builder, remodeler, or developer needs to follow to prepare a project for National Green Building Certification. For more information, visit www.NAHBGreen.org/Certification.

1. Create a Designer’s Report A new home, remodeling project, or development must first be scored using the online Green Scoring Tool available at www.NAHBGreen.org/ScoringTool. The tool walks a registered user step-by-step through all the decision points necessary to create a green project that’s ready for certification. Once a project is scored, the tool will create a downloadable Designer’s Report that can be sent to an accredited verifier.

2. Hire an Accredited Verifier National Green Building Certification requires visual verification of every point claimed toward certification by an independent, third-party verifier accredited by the NAHB Research Center. All accredited verifiers are listed at www.NAHBGreen.org/Certification/findverifier.aspx. All verification fees are negotiated between the verifier and the builder/remodeler/developer directly.

3. Schedule a Rough Inspection The verifier will notify the NAHB Research Center once a rough inspection has been scheduled, which will officially enter the project into the certification pipeline. The rough inspection must be before drywall but after complete insulation installation. The verifier will send the rough Verification Report, signed by both the builder and the verifier, to the Research Center for review once this inspection is complete.

4. Complete the Application Once notified of a rough inspection, the NAHB Research Center will forward an application package to the builder/remodeler/developer for the first project submitted by that applicant. The package includes an agreement that must be completed and sent back to the Research Center.

5. Schedule a Final Inspection The verifier will notify the NAHB Research Center once the final inspection has been scheduled. When this inspection is complete, the verifier will send a final signed Verification Report to the Research Center for review. Barring any discrepancies with the information provided by the verifier, the Research Center will complete the review and issue a certificate to the builder within one business day.

NAHB Green Scoring Tool

2009-08-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

The NAHB Green Scoring Tool is useful to skilled professionals as well as novices, providing information about the why and how of green building at every step.

Consumers can develop ideas to discuss with their builders or remodelers. Builders or remodelers can develop green home designs to discuss with their trades or customers, and if they are intending to get the homes certified, they can develop their designs to hand off to their verifiers. The tool allows you to explore as much or as little of the supplementary information that you need or want at any step. The tool also provides continual feedback, informing you at every step where you stand and what you need to do to make your home green.

10 Energy-Saving Tips That Require An Investment

2009-08-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Seal heating and cooling ductwork. Duct leakage can be substantial--as much as 20% to 30%. Use water based mastic only.

Buy EPA Energy Star labeled energy-efficient equipment. When buying or replacing office equipment, compare energy requirements of various models.

Repaint building exterior with light colors. More sunlight will be reflected away from the building, thus lowering air-conditioning expenses. This is especially true for your roof.

Replace old appliances with more efficient models. Replacing an old dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, or furnace -- with a new, energy-efficient model can really save energy and money. Look for the Energy Star label.

Home Energy Audit. A home energy audit can identify ways to save up to hundreds of dollars a year on home heating and air conditioning.

Increase attic insulation to R-30. Insulation helps keep heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter.

Insulate floors over unheated spaces to R-19. Insulation provides a thermal boundary, reducing energy use and increasing comfort.

Insulate and seal ducts in attics, crawl spaces, garages and other unheated areas.

Install Energy Star windows. These windows cost ~$0.50 /sq.ft. more than standard windows, save energy and increase comfort

Install a solar water heater. A solar water heater can provide 50% to 80% of your hot water needs.

Improve Your Air Conditioner HVAC Performance

2009-08-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Donna Gilmore
NAHB CGP
NAHB Accreditted Verifier
Sigler Construction Inc.
Email: donnagilmoresc@yahoo.com
Phone: 843-681-7457

Leaking ducts can reduce your heating and cooling system's energy efficiency byby 10 to 30 percent. Imagine, one third of your heating-bill money may be going to waste.

In most homes built before 2008 on Hilton Head Island, SC the HVAC duct work is located in the unconditioned attic space. If the supply ducts are leaking, heated or cooled air is forced out unsealed joints and lost. In addition, unconditioned air can also be drawn into return ducts through unsealed joints. In the summer, hot attic air can be drawn in, increasing the load on the air conditioner. Ducts located in the unconditioned attic space presents a number of additional problems for homeowners; it tends to be difficult to inspect the HVAC duct work for leaks and tears, the extra cost that leaky ducts add, they also reduce the quality of your indoor air. The leaks pull dust, mold, carbon monoxide, methane and allergens into the hvac system.

What are the health consequences of poor indoor air quality? The most common symptoms are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, headaches, fatigue and dizziness. Usually, these symptoms go away when the person is no longer exposed to the irritants.

But it is also possible to develop long-term chronic conditions and diseases like asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever. Other health effects won't even be noticeable till years after the exposure: Respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. It is extremely important to keep your indoor air quality healthy.

Solutions offered by Sigler Construction:

1. The best way to solve your leaky duct problem is with a UL 181 water-based mastic duct sealant and mesh tape. The water-based mastic has a few fumes, but it is considered a low VOC product. In any case, the slight fumes from the mastic are mostly harmless, especially when compared to the alternative. Simply apply the mastic around the joints of your duct system. Then place the mesh tape over the mastic seal. Regular duct tape won't work on ducts. Make sure to get mesh tape specifically designed to work with the mastic. Once your ducts are sealed, they will efficiently deliver cool or heated, unpolluted air.

2. Developed by Sherwin-Williams, E-Barrier™ Reflective Coating helps reduce utility bills for homes and commercial buildings.

When applied to any attic roof decking or to previously painted commercial decking, the microscopic metal particles in E-Barrier Reflective Coating help maximize energy efficiency.

In summer, E-Barrier™ reflects radiant energy from the sun
In winter, E-Barrier™ prevents radiant energy from leaving the building
Reduces heating an cooling costs by as much as 30% percent right away
Low emissivity (virtually no odor)
Breathable coating, won't trap moisture or destroy your roof decking
Save Hundreds with E-Barrier™ instead of costly blown-in insulation that only deteriorates within a few years

E-Barrier Reflective Coating is a low emissive (virtually no odor) coating for application to the underside interior surface of roof decks

E-Barrier Reflective Coating helps keep the interior of structures warmer in winter and cooler in summer by reducing the loss of radiant heat in the winter and reducing the penetration of heat into a building in the summer.

E-Barrier Reflective Coating contains specialized materials which reflects radiant heat back towards its source. in the winter, about 65% of a buildings heat that would normally escape through the roof surface is reflected back into the building, reducing the loss of heat. In summer, about 63% of radiant energy from the sun is reflected back reducing the pick up of heat (idle hot air) in the building.

*E-Barrier is certified by the EPA as a top leader in insulating products and as a Green Seal Certified Product.

3. Installing spray foam insulation in your attic rafters provides a cool, sealed attic space for your air conditioning system & air ducts to work much more efficiently. They run more efficiently & last longer with lower maintenance costs because they will now be operating in a semi-conditioned space instead of a blistering 140 degree environment. This also gives you a comfortable storage space instead of a suffocating nightmare.

Why Is Duct Leakage Important?

Leaks in forced air duct systems are now recognized as a major source of energy waste in both new and existing houses. Studies indicate that duct leakage can account for as much as 25% of total house energy loss, and in many cases has a greater impact on energy use than air infiltration through the building shell. Just as important, duct leakage can prevent heating and cooling systems from doing their job properly, resulting in hot or cold rooms, and humidity problems. Worse yet, duct leaks can create air quality problems by pulling pollutants and irritants directly into the house.

Here are just a few of the problems resulting from duct leakage:

Leaks in the supply ductwork cause expensive conditioned air to be dumped into the attic, crawlspace or garage instead of into the house.
Return leaks pull outside air (hot in summer, cold in winter) into the duct system reducing both efficiency and capacity. In humid climates, moist air being drawn into return leaks can overwhelm the dehumidification capacity of air conditioning systems causing homes to feel clammy even when the air conditioner is running.
Heat pumps are particularly susceptible to comfort complaints from duct leakage, especially during the heating season. Duct leaks can cause the air coming from heat pumps to feel luke-warm or even cold during the winter. In addition, leaky ductwork has been found to greatly increase the use of electric strip heaters in heat pumps during the heating season.
Leaks in return ductwork draw air into the house from crawlspaces, garages and attics bringing with it dust, mold spores, insulation fibers and other contaminants.
Household depressurization from duct leaks and imbalanced duct systems can cause spillage of combustion products (from furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces) into the house.

Measuring Duct Leakage

A duct leakage performance test involves pressurizing the duct system with a calibrated fan and simultaneously measuring the air flow through the fan and its effect on the pressure within the duct system. The tighter the duct system, the less air you need from the fan to create a change in duct system pressure. Testing procedures can be set up to measure only duct leaks which are connected to the outside, or to measure total duct leakage (i.e. leaks connected to the outside and inside of the house). Duct leakage measurements are used to diagnose and demonstrate leakage problems, estimate efficiency losses from duct leakage, and certify the quality of duct system installation.

Two different types of performance testing systems are used to measure duct leakage; a Duct Blaster^® and a Blower Door.

Duct Blaster^®

A Duct Blaster is used to directly pressure test the duct system for air leaks, much the same way a plumber pressure tests water pipes for leaks.
The Duct Blaster fan is first connected to the duct system at the air handler cabinet, or a return grille. After temporarily sealing all remaining registers and grills, the Duct Blaster fan is turned on to force air through all holes and cracks in the ductwork.
The fan speed is increased until a standard test pressure is achieved in the duct system. A precise leakage measurement is then made using an airflow and pressure gauge connected to the Duct Blaster system.
Estimates of efficiency losses from duct leakage can then be made from the leakage measurements.
A theatrical fog machine can be used along with the Duct Blaster to inject a non-toxic fog into the duct system to visually demonstrate the location and extent of leakage in the ductwork.

Blower Door

The Blower Door is a whole house testing system which indirectly measures duct leakage by pressurizing the entire house to a standard testing pressure.
By comparing the whole house test before and after all registers are temporarily sealed, the Blower Door provides you with an estimate of duct leakage to the outside.
With the Blower Door running, duct leaks can be pinpointed using a hand-held smoke puffer, or a leak detection tool called a pressure pan.
In addition to diagnosing duct leakage problems, the Blower Door can identify building envelope improvements that will reduce energy use and increase comfort.
Blower Door airtightness measurements can also be used in HVAC equipment design and sizing decisions, and to help estimate the need for mechanical ventilation.

How to build a Rain Barrel

2009-08-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Written By:
Donna Gilmore
NAHB CGP
NAHB Accredited Verifier

With all the Rain that we have been having these days building a rain barrel or buying one already made is an excellent way to both save water and reduce you PSD water bill.

Residential water use increases 40 to 50% during summer months due to outdoor water use.
Stormwater runoff is the leading type of residential non-point source pollution.

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from rooftops to use later for lawn and garden watering. Water collected in a rain barrel would normally pour off your roof directly or flow through roof gutter downspouts and become stormwater runoff. Depending on your yard, this runoff can travel onto paved surfaces and eventually into a storm drain.

Rain barrels conserve water and help lower costs (a rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months).Rain barrels reduce water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria and nutrients.Rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to build and install.

A rain barrel can be used to save water for plants during dry periods. Rain barrels can also be arranged to slowly release the collected rain fall to areas that can soak up the water, reducing stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater recharge 54 gallon, green plastic rain barrel with screened cover and outlet hose. Also comes with overflow hose and linking kit to connect a set of two.

Operation and Maintenance
Rain barrels should be drained and removed for the winter months to prevent ice damage. It is recommended that you remove the existing downspout and elbow intact and store for reinstallation in the late fall. You can then add another downspout section that will need to be custom cut to an appropriate height above your rain barrel. Two, connected downspout elbows (forming an S shape) or hinged extension should sit about two inches above the rain barrel inlet hole. Fine mesh screen should be used to cover any openings in the rain barrel to prevent mosquitoes and to trap debris. Rain barrels can be installed upon blocks or wooden crate to provide height for gravity flow purposes.
I purchased 2 rain barrels at Home Depot for $79 (On Sale). We installed them in a couple hours and they allow us to keep our garden watered without using our sprinkler system.
For our vegetable garden I installed a timer and a dripper hose.
Rain barrels are a great way to reduce stormwater runoff and to save water for a dry spell. If you have gutters on your house, you may be able to collect 55 gallons of water during a ½ inch rain by directing a downspout to a rain barrel or cistern.

Manufactures' Description:

* Rotational molded, holds 58 gallons
* Highly decorative, nestable barrel
* Includes diverter kit and spigot
* Threaded spigot connects to garden hoses
* MFG Brand Name : Fiskars
* MFG Model # : 5998
* MFG Part # : 59987935

"Every gardener knows that the key to a successful growing season is water, water, and more water. But with droughts and shortages hitting parts of the U.S. and Canada, keeping flowers flourishing and the veggie patch productive can be a costly proposition. The Fiskars Rainwater Harvesting System can help you salvage this valuable resource, so you can use it to provide much needed moisture for your yard, garden, and even indoor plants. Designed to easily integrate into your home’s existing downspouts, the Harvesting System diverts rainwater from gutters into a covered barrel, where the extra water is stored until you need it to perk up your tomatoes or refresh your rose bushes. Add a Rainwater Harvesting System to your home and keep your plants healthy and hydrated through any water restrictions or drought. Even more important, feel good knowing that you’re conserving a critical natural resource that you and your garden so greatly depend on."

Build Your Rain Barrel:

* Tools
* Supplies
* Instructions

TOOLS:
* Electric Drill
* Drill bit ½-inch to 1-inch
* Drill bit 3/16-inch
* Drill bit 1/8-inch
* Jigsaw
* Marking pen
* Phillips screw driver
* Pocket knife
* Work-bench
* Extension cord
* Safety glasses

SUPPLIES:
Plastic drum (55 gal. is best). Barrels that have carried food products are recommended. Some cleaning product barrels are OK after rinsing. Do NOT use petroleum or toxic chemical barrels.
The following are all PVC fittings:

* Two-inch male adapter
* Two-inch male slip x 3/4-inch female threaded adapter
* 3/4-inch male threaded x 3/4-inch female threaded elbow (3/4 inch street el)
* Four inch long 3/4-inch threaded nipple
The following can be either metal or plastic:
* 3/4-inch female sillcock or hose bibb
* PVC cement
* Teflon™ tape or Teflon™ pipe joint compound
* Silicone sealant
* Three stainless steel sheet metal screws #10 x 3/4 inch
* Stainless steel mesh with plastic rim kitchen strainer (4 to 6 inch diameter)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Turn the barrel so that the end with no openings is facing up.
2.Fit the strainer on the end which is facing up so that it lays flat.
3.Mark around the perimeter of the strainer, remove strainer and draw another line about ½ inch inside the perimeter line.
4.Drill a pilot hole using the large bit just inside the inner drawn circle.
5.Using the saber saw follow the inner circle line until the circle is removed. Remove the circle if it has fallen into the barrel. This is a good time to make sure the barrel is clean inside.
6.Drill pilot holes in the strainer flanges and handle using the 3/16-inch bit. Place the strainer on the barrel and mark the hole locations on the barrel.
7.Drill pilot holes in the barrel using the 1/8-inch bit.
8.Partially screw into the strainer the #10 screws. Check to make sure the strainer holes match the barrel holes.
9.Apply silicone sealant to the strainer rim and place the strainer into position. Tighten screws until just snug. (Pat yourself on the back, you have just completed the first part of the barrel).
10.Place the barrel on its side. Unscrew one of the plastic filler plugs in the other end of the barrel.
11.Apply PVC cement to the two-inch male adapter sleeve and place the two-inch male x 3/4-inch female threaded adapter inside and press together for a few seconds.
12.Insert street el into the 3/4-inch hole of the adapter. Use teflon tape or sealant on all threaded parts.
13.Insert 4 inch nipple into street el.
14.Screw assembly into barrel. Four-inch nipple will work as a wrench to tighten first two fittings.
15.Connect water faucet to 4-inch nipple. Hand-tighten to proper position.
16.Place barrel on level, sturdy base. Direct downspout over the strainer. (Hooray, you now have a functioning rain barrel).

Diagram of Rain Barrel
Leave 4" or larger air gap between down spout and strainer (if screening water).
Mount rain barrel as high as practical to use gravity to increase pressure.

SBA Recovery Act 2009 Stimulus

2009-08-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

SBA ARC Loan Program

If your small business is stressed meeting expenses during these economic times, the U.S. Small Business Administration has a new loan program designed just for you.

SBA’s America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship to help ride out the current uncertain economic times and return to profitability. Each small business is limited to one ARC loan.

ARC loans will be offered by some SBA lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first.

Since June 15, lenders across the country have provided millions of dollars in capital to small businesses through the America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loan program. Created under the Recovery Act, the temporary ARC program offers interest-free loans to viable small businesses, which carry a 100 percent guaranty from the SBA to the lender and require no fees paid to SBA. Loan proceeds are provided over a six-month period and repayment of the ARC loan principal is deferred for 12 months after the last disbursement of the proceeds. Repayment can extend up to five years.

The ARC loan program is open to any SBA-approved lender. Non-SBA lenders can easily become SBA participants by working with their nearest SBA district office. Businesses interested in applying for an ARC loan should first contact their current lender.

Unpacking the Stimulus Package: ARC Update

2009-08-14T07:14:00.001-07:00

Small businesses hoping to take advantage of the SBA’s America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program (”ARC”) should be proactive in securing their place in the program, which only allows for about 10,000 loans nationwide, or an average of 200 per state. The SBA anticipates a high demand for these loans, so businesses looking to apply should make sure they have all of their paperwork and supporting documentation ready by the June 15th launch of the program.

Business owners should first verify that their bank participates in the ARC program. For a list of banks that make SBA loans, click here. Each bank will set its own procedures and timeline for issuing loans. It is likely that applicants will need to provide financial statements (and/or tax returns) for the past two years - showing the business was profitable before the economic downturn and can become profitable again. In general, the business must have been profitable in at least one of the last 3 years to be eligible for the ARC program.

Applicants will also need to provide information about the loans that they intend to pay with ARC funds. Each lender will be limited to 50 loans per week. If a bank makes less than 50 loans, they can carry the unused allocation over to other weeks, but lenders will be capped at a maximum of 1,000 loans through the program’s duration. The ARC loan program is scheduled to run through Sept. 30, 2010, or until its funding runs out, whichever comes first. Loan proceeds are provided over a six-month period and repayment of the ARC loan principal is deferred for 12 months after the last disbursement of the proceeds. Repayment can extend up to five years.

2009-08-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

Larger Companies Build Business With Larger Projects, More Sophisticated Marketing

2009-08-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Larger Companies Build Business With Larger Projects, More Sophisticated Marketing

Largest companies rely on whole house remodels and custom new construction for a significant portion of their business

Remodeling is an industry dominated by small companies. Depending what source you listen to, there are somewhere between 500,000 and 1 million “remodelers” in
the country, but the vast majority have revenues below $500,000 a year and no employees. So what separates the large companies from the small?

Click Here to Read See the Survey

Here are the 100 Best New Products

2009-08-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

These are the products that will change our view of home building over the next few years

June 1, 2008
Professional Builder

Note: Links to the 100 Best New Product Categories for 2008 can be found below.

If you work for a builder today, you are focused on controlling or cutting costs. The person who is probably feeling the most pressure, though, is the purchasing manager. Slashing nickels, dimes and even pennies from building product purchases is essential. At the beginning of the recent downturn, some builders turned to their suppliers and asked for a 10 percent reduction of cost right off the top.

Now we're to the point where the product manufacturers and distributors have nothing left to give. They're facing increased commodity pricing and reduced demand, which is a supply versus demand economic model nightmare. Add in soaring energy costs, and we've got quite a puzzle to solve.

Nonetheless, in the midst of these desperate times, manufacturers are still innovating, making new products that builders and their purchasing managers can potentially use to find those nickels, dimes and pennies of savings.

For the second year, Professional Builder editors have identified the 100 Best New Products that were introduced in the last year. These are the products that will change our view of home building over the next few years.

To make the cut, products met all or most of the following criteria:

The product represents advancement in technology. This is a common area in today's technology-driven world, but real technological advancement — not just enhancement — is rare. When it comes along, that manufacturer will force its competitors to make changes or flounder.

The manufacturer makes a significant improvement to an existing product. Some of the most notable advancements in building products are built on a platform of an existing product, not the creation of a whole new product.

The manufacturer introduces a whole new line. Every editor at Professional Builder receives dozens of e-mails, phone calls and posted mail daily about changes to products and services. Usually, the public relations firms contacting us are trying to create buzz around the most mundane events — a new color for a product that hasn't changed in years; securing distribution in some backwater area where only 7 homes are built annually; or Cousin Doug's promotion to regional sales manager. To determine the 100 Best, we weed through all that distracting information to root out what is truly new and innovative. Introducing a product line is new. Introducing a new stain to an old product line isn't.

The product increases competition. This criterion is my personal favorite. What we're after are products that have instantly become so popular that every competitor out there is moving to get something to market that competes with it. That product is serving the market's needs in ways others aren't.

This year's 100 Best New Products represent the finest achievements of the building product and service industry. Here are links to the pages online:

* Construction Equipment and Tools
* Windows
* Structural, Insulation and Housewrap
* Software
* Paints, Caulks and Sealants
* Millwork and Molding
* Mechanical and Electrical
* Interiors
* Doors
* Exteriors

Proposed Legislation Would Boost Remodeling Activity With More Tax Credits

2009-08-12T08:14:00.001-07:00

Proposed Legislation Would Boost Remodeling Activity With More Tax Credits
HIRE Act of 2009 offers credits for meeting environmental standards

News Release
July 13, 2009
HousingZone

Congressman Henry Johnson (D-GA) and Nathan Deal (R-GA) are sponsoring legislation, the Home Improvements Revitalize the Economy (HIRE) Act of 2009, to provide tax credits to stimulate the purchase of kitchen cabinets and other remodeling and home furnishing improvements.

“Not only would this help stimulate the manufacturing market for home furnishings and buildings products, it would save retail jobs, generate billions in revenue and increase home values at the time when we really need a boost,” according to Johnson. “By creating this tax deduction, we will offer incentives for consumers who would otherwise forego spending in 2009 and 2010. We will encourage environmentally sound practices by doubling the benefits for the purchase of building products and home furnishings that meet nationally recognized environmental standards.”

Under the proposed HIRE Act, individual consumers and joint filers would receive respective $2,000 and $4,000 tax credits for purchasing items that meet recognized environmental standards (LEED, NAHB, Green Globes, SFI/FSC and ESP). Retailers, contractors and building product resellers can receive up to $10,000 for covered purchases.

A coalition that includes 14 associations representing kitchen cabinets (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) home furnishings, flooring, paint and coatings, carpet and rug, and other interests have joined forces to support passage of the legislation.

“This bill would help everyone in our industry – manufacturing, retail, design and suppliers. The costs would be more than offset by increased economic activity and saved jobs. The incentives cease after three years. This definitely is a pump-priming effort of limited duration and near immediate payback,” according to KCMA Executive Vice President Dick Titus.

A copy of the HIRE Act can be viewed on the KCMA Web Site – www.kcma.org. Supporters are encouraged to contact their congressmen and ask that they co-sponsor the bill.

Stimulus construction funds have little impact to date on companies' ability to hire new employees, analysis finds.

2009-08-12T08:13:00.001-07:00

Stimulus construction funds have little impact to date on companies' ability to hire new employees, analysis finds.

News Release
August 5, 2009
HousingZone

The stimulus plan appears to be having little influence on construction companies' ability to expand payrolls to date according to a new industry analysis of the impact of the federal program's construction spending released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The "disappointingly" slow pace of construction spending outside of the transportation sector is one of the main reasons for the relatively small impact on new hiring, the group noted.

"While the construction portion of the stimulus is having an impact, it is far from delivering its full promise and potential," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the chief executive officer of the contractors association. "With construction unemployment at almost double the national rate, it is disappointing to see so many stimulus programs getting off to such a slow start."

Sandherr said that five months into a federal stimulus program that has approximately $135 billion dedicated for construction projects, there is little difference in hiring and purchasing patterns between companies doing stimulus-funded work and companies that aren't.

For example, he noted that while 36 percent of construction companies with stimulus-funded work report plan to hire new employees, an almost identical percentage of firms without stimulus-funded work also plan to make new hires this year or next. He added that while 36 percent of construction firms with stimulus-funded work plan to purchase new equipment and supplies, a higher rate - 43 percent - of construction firms without stimulus-funded work report plans to purchase new equipment over the same time frame.

One reason the stimulus is having a limited impact on construction hiring and purchasing patterns, Sandherr said, is that outside of the transportation arena, little of the stimulus' authorized construction dollars have resulted in actual construction work. He noted that while the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for $4.6 billion in stimulus construction funds, the agency has only obligated $715 million and paid out $84 million.

Meanwhile, the General Services Administration has only obligated $656 million and paid out $12 million of its $5.9 billion in stimulus construction funds. And only half of one percent of the $6 billion in stimulus funds available for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's state clean water and drinking water programs has been put to use at this point.

He said the slow investment rate for construction funds was significant to hiring and purchasing patterns because some of the hardest hit segments of the construction industry are outside of the transportation area.

Sandherr said the stimulus was doing a much better job at this point in helping construction companies save existing jobs. He noted that 60 percent of construction firms with stimulus-funded work report have saved or retained jobs because of the stimulus.

And he noted that construction firms with stimulus-funded work do plan to make larger equipment purchases than their colleagues without stimulus funded work. Among companies planning equipment purchases, forty-two percent of firms with stimulus work say they will spend over $500,000, while only 18 percent of firms without stimulus work will invest more than half a million dollars in new equipment and supplies.

"The stimulus is clearly working," Sandherr said. "It just isn't working fast enough for many construction workers in many communities."

Sandherr said there was still time for the Administration to make sure the multi-year stimulus program delivers on its promise. He said the association was urging federal agencies to address critical shortages of contracting officials within key federal and state agencies overseeing stimulus construction dollars.

He added that the Administration needs to fully and finally clarify reporting and Buy American requirements included in the stimulus, noting many federal and state agencies are having difficulty interpreting the new mandates. And he urged everyone involved with the stimulus to set proper expectations for what the stimulus will, and will not, be able to do for the economy.

"Unsustainably high expectations can bring down good policy and great programs," Sandherr said. "The stimulus will keep our industry alive, but it will not turn around a trillion dollar construction industry overnight."

The stimulus analysis released today was based in part of a survey almost 1,000 construction firms nationwide conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America over the past three weeks. The survey results were combined with the association's analysis of federal and state agency stimulus activities, and a review of employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

View the survey results and the association's stimulus impact analysis. The recorded conference call is also available.

Energy Saving Home Improvements That Pay Back Quickly

2009-08-07T11:38:00.001-07:00

The concept of saving money by making energy efficient improvements to your home or business is nothing new, but what is new is the magnitude of money you can save, now that energy prices have spiraled upwards. Combine this increased capacity for energy savings with an increase in tax credits and grants provided by federal and state governments that can be applied to many energy saving home improvements and you have the perfect storm to motivate almost anyone to make energy efficient improvements.

WHERE DO YOU START?

Any plan for saving energy should always start with the simplest and most basic improvements. This is necessary to ensure your money is spent in the most productive way since the whole point is to save money and not to throw it away by spending more money than necessary for any energy saving home improvement.

For example, if you have it in mind to add solar panels to make power for your home, but have done little or nothing to first reduce your homes electrical needs, you will require a much larger solar power system and will spends an excessive amount of money to compensate for not having taken care of the little things first.

START WITH LOW COST METHODS TO STOP WASTING ENERGY

Duh, but hey, this first step is often missed, and is generally the least expensive and most rewarding step as compared to obtaining the highest ROI (Return on Investment) or how much you spend versus how much you save and how quickly you recover your costs.

Before I list any energy saving ideas, let's put things into perspective and create a clear motivation as to why the small steps are so important and can be so rewarding.

Let's say you were sizing a solar power system and wanted to know how large the system should be for your home. You need to take many things into account, but for this example, let's say we just wanted to look at your lighting needs.

Taking a quick walk through the home reveals there are 60 light bulbs in your home. In most cases only a portion of the lights are being used at any time, but to get the best example of your energy needs, we'll calculate that one-third or twenty bulbs would be used in all your rooms on a typical afternoon, for a total power requirement of 1600 watts.

Since the average solar panel has an output level of 170 watts, you would need nine panels to provide 100% coverage for your lighting. At a cost of about $450 per solar panel, your total cost would be $4050 -- not including installation.

Now, if you first reduce your power needs by updating your lights from incandescent bulbs to CFL's (compact fluorescent lights), you will reduce the power needs of these twenty bulbs to one-third their previous level at a cost of $3 per bulb or a total of $60 dollars. Now that your lighting load has been reduced from 1600 watts to only 500 watts, you can now get by with three solar panels at $450 each for a total cost of $1350 plus installation.

As you can see, by spending $60 on simple CFL's, you will have saved over $2700 on your solar power system... and that's just one item, so let's take a bold and fresh look at why we should be motivated and thankful to experience the benefits of saving energy by not wasting energy.

As you read the list of energy saving ideas below, look past any initial expense or labor involved and see only that the benefits will always exceed the initial cost and effort. When looking at these improvements in that light, the expenses and tasks can become enjoyable, plus you can always remind yourself that in the process of saving energy, you are being very green by helping to improve the planets environment.

Also, if you wanted even more information on the rewards of making energy saving improvements, search for my book, The Rewards of Making Energy Efficient Choices and you'll obtain an even clearer idea of how to best go about saving energy in the most practical way.

- Replace all incandescent bulbs with CFL's or LED's

- Replace conventional dryer vent with a dryer vent seal

- Replace bathroom exhaust wall switches with 30 to 60 minute timer switches

- Clean the coils in your refrigerators and freezers twice a year

- Install water saving shower heads

- Don't run your clothes dryer on very cold nights or on extremely hot and humid afternoons

- Replace computer power strips with Energy Saving Smart Power Strips

- Replace weather stripping on older doors and windows

- Caulk any cracks around windows, doors, siding, etc.

- Wrap your water heater and/or boiler with an insulation blanket

- Install programmable thermostats with winter settings no greater than 68 degrees and summer settings no less than 74 degrees

- Insulate hot water and heating pipes in your basement or any unconditioned space

- Replace filters twice annually in your forced air heating and air conditioning systems

- Turn off televisions when not being viewed

- Seal off unused windows and wall cavities in basements and attics

- In hotter climates, install curtains or shades on southern and western facing windows and close them during the afternoon until the sun sets

- In cooler climates, be sure to open southern and western facing shades or curtains during the day to allow the suns free energy in. Close them once the sun sets.

Most of these improvements cost less than $100 each to perform and yet they can provide significant savings throughout the year. Some of the suggestions cost absolutely nothing and simply require a change in habit. Overall, you can significantly reduce your energy use, significantly reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy a greener home and lifestyle by making these low cost energy saving changes.

If you don't know where to get your products or aren't sure exactly what to look for, simply search online for the 'best energy saving products' and start there, but do start. Don't put it off a moment longer and just make it so. As i already demonstrated, you'll be happy you did.

After you have taken care of all the minor energy saving improvements, you can opt to move onto more aggressive and more expensive items such as increasing your homes level of insulation, replacing doors and windows, upgrading your heating and cooling system and more. Since these items can take much longer to recover their costs, it would be best to have an experienced weatherization inspection performed by a Weatherize America representative so that you can determine your best options.

Does Energy-Efficient Lighting Really Matter?

2009-08-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

In the midst of a discussion about making your home more energy efficient by sealing the building envelope, upgrading to a renewable energy heating/cooling system, putting on a highly-reflective insulated metal roof, and adding insulation, many people ask, “Does energy-efficient lighting really matter?” The short answer is “Yes!”

For some families, lighting matters more than it does for other families. If you are coping with young children who just can’t remember to turn the light off when they leave the room or very old lighting fixtures, you might see a big benefit of upgrading your lighting. When you consider that lighting incurs about 20% of your electric bill, upgrades can result in a big savings for your family.

There are several changes you can make to improve the energy efficiency of the lighting in your home.

* Switch your light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Keep in mind that CFLs cost more to purchase, but they should last at least 5 years. Use the right type of CFL in each fixture – use three-way bulbs in three-way fixtures, use covered reflectors in recessed fixtures, and use dimmer bulbs in sockets attached to a dimmer switch. Keep in mind also that fluorescent bulbs use a little bit more power when they are turned on, but then use only about 25% as much energy as incandescent bulbs when they are on. If you plan to make the switch gradually, start by replacing bulbs in the most frequently used fixtures.

* Upgrade lighting fixtures to EnergyStar rated efficient fixtures. Like fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent fixtures may cost a little bit more to purchase, but they will use 75% less energy than incandescent fixtures. They also provide light without creating as much heat.

* Switch to LED lighting where it makes sense. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights use an entirely new technology. LEDs use very little power to light an area. They work by moving electrons through a semiconductor material. With normal use, they last more than 20 years and use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lights. Because these lights produce only minimal heat, they are perfect for places where air circulation might be restricted, such as recessed lights.

* Make use of switches and devices that help you save power. For example, if you have young children who tend to forget to turn off lights, use a motion-activated switch or a timer that will turn the light off after a given amount of time. If everyone is out of the house all day, but you want to come home to a well-lit house, put key lighting fixtures on timers instead of leaving them on all day. Instead of traditional night-lights or leaving lights on at night, use motion activated lights to help people see where they are going. If your family tends to use certain rooms at regular times of day, install timed dimmers on lights to use less energy when it is not needed. You can even use switches that adjust the brightness of the lights as there is more natural light in the morning and less at night.

Considering that lighting accounts for about 20% of your total energy bill, energy-efficient lighting does make a difference. By switching to energy-efficient bulbs and fixtures and using timers, dimmers and other special switches, you can make a difference in your total energy usage. Cooler-burning lights will also prevent some heating in your home when lights are burning. Finally, you will have whiter and brighter light in your home.

Credits for Energy Efficiency

2009-08-07T11:36:00.002-07:00

If you want to start making your home more energy efficient with new appliances, windows or more, it does not have to cost you a lot of money. Did you know you can actually get tax credit for your qualifying purchase? That's right, on many products you can get "reimbursed" for 30% of the original cost of the product that was purchased. Not only will you be able to save money right from the start on making these purchases, you will notice your energy bill will be much lower than it was. Many qualifying purchases are the Energy Star appliances which cut down your costs because these appliances use only a fraction of the energy normal appliances consume. Look for the Energy Star label on things such as windows and appliances, along with the Energy Guide labels that estimate how efficient the product is.

Consumers itemize these purchases on their income tax form, the tax credit will lower what they owe in taxes dollar-for-dollar. Many states also offer rebates to consumers with energy efficient homes. Be sure to check for your state's website for more information on these rebates. Do research on products before purchasing them to make sure they qualify. Make sure to keep your receipts so you can itemize these products on your taxes.

To qualify for the tax credit for home improvements, the product needs to be installed between January 2009 and December 2010. If you get windows or doors that are qualified for energy efficiency, you can get a federal tax credit from the United States government for 30% of your purchase, up to $1,500. This amount can also be applied to roofing, insulation, central air conditioning, oil furnaces, and water heaters. If you buy a qualifying Geo-Thermal heat pump, there is not a cap on the amount spent. You will be getting back 30% of the price of the product. If you are looking into alternative energy such as solar panels or wind energy you can get the credit for 30% of the cost of the product.

Some examples of rebates you can look for in your state can be like Alaska, they are offering lower interest rates for mortgages on houses that you would purchase already energy efficient or if you need a loan to improve the energy efficiency of your house. In Arizona they will give you a rebate depending on how efficient your new air conditioning unit is. States like Colorado and Illinois and more offer rebates for purchasing energy efficient appliances through your utilities provider.

If you are thinking about improving your existing home or purchasing a new one that is more energy efficient, not only will it save you money in the long run of energy expenses, but make sure to check into rebates in your state. On top of that, make sure before purchasing new appliances, windows, or other upgrades that you check into how it can help with your income taxes. In order to save a substantial amount of money in your energy expenses, just make sure to do some research on the products and your rebates.

The five most important energy-efficient home upgrades to make

2009-08-07T11:36:00.001-07:00

The federal tax credits offered to homeowners who undertake energy-efficiency upgrades for their homes by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are making many homeowners think again about remodeling. So how do you choose among the many things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home the top five to ten things you should consider doing? How do you decide which upgrades are most cost-effective? There are probably several ways to answer the question, “What are the five most important energy-efficient upgrades for my home?”

The five most important energy-efficient home upgrades to make, either because they determine how effective other upgrades can be or because they will earn the biggest rebates, tax credits, or other incentives, are:

1. Seal the Building Envelope: Identify and seal all openings of any size that allow air to move from inside the house to the outside or from the outside to the inside. This includes any cracks in the siding or masonry, seams around doors and windows, any spaces or openings where pipes, vents or power lines enter the house, hatches or stairways into the attic, roof soffits, crawl spaces, and outdoor faucets. Then seal all duct work and major ducts opening into the living area of the home for heat, ventilation, etc. Finally upgrade all insulation to current standards. This is the most important first step in making your home more energy efficient. Until you stop air leaks, you will not be able to achieve the energy efficiencies promised by other improvements. If you want to do this yourself, you will probably want to review the DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR.
2. Upgrade your windows and doors. Old and inefficient windows can account for as much as 30% of the total heat loss and up to 75% of the heat gain in your home. Whether you add storm windows over your existing windows or you choose to invest in highly efficient windows and doors, 30% of your cost to bring your windows and doors up to current specifications of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) can be claimed in a federal tax credit, up to an annual maximum of $1,500. Virtually all window manufacturers have qualifying windows available at this time. You new windows will need to meet a U factor of ?0.30 and SHGC of ? 0.30. Exterior doors must also meet IECC specifications. Well insulated windows and doors, and windows with UV reflective coatings will significantly reduce the demand on your heating and cooling system.
3. The best roof you can afford. A surprising amount of heat exchange occurs through the roof of your home. Some roofing materials absorb more of the sun’s heat than others. Installing a new energy-efficient roof will qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the cost of the roof, up to a total maximum of $1,500 per year. Regardless of the roofing material you choose, keep in mind that light colors reflect more sun than dark colors. They also tend to last longer. Qualifying roofing materials include some tile, spray-on thermal reflective membrane (for flat roofs), some insulating asphalt roofing shingles, and many metal roofing materials, some of which contain foam insulation. Ask your roofing contractor about materials that qualify for the tax credit, or review the product list at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=products_for_partners.showroof.
4. Upgrade your water heating system. Keep in mind that water heating accounts for 16% to 28% of your total heating and cooling bill. Installing an efficient water heater or localized instant water heaters, will save money and make your home more energy efficient.
5. Upgrade your heating and cooling system. Whether you act immediately to take advantage of the tax credits or you decide to wait until you actually need to replace your system, energy efficiency and renewable energy systems are a good investment in the future. When shopping, ask about the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of each system. And when choosing the best system for your location, keep in mind that there is no cap in the amount of the tax credit you can claim for systems that use renewable energy (wind, solar, geo-thermal). All of these renewable energy systems will cost between $25,000 and $45,000. But be sure to calculate all of the rebates, tax credits and other incentives available from the Federal government, state and local government, and your utility company. Special low-interest loans are also available to finance the purchase and installation of these systems.

These five energy-efficient upgrades for your home will move you well along the path to an energy efficient home. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency in level of comfort, reduced energy costs each month, and the knowledge that you are reducing the size of your carbon footprint.

Going green will help you create a better healthier workplace and save money

2009-08-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

Greening your business offers a plethora of options, depending on your sources. We talked to experts in one sector green building and green business practices to find out how you can enhance an existing business by making some modest green changes or start from scratch through expansion with an all-green facility.

Green building or enhancing with some green elements is important for several reasons, according to Ashley Katz, manager, communications for the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in Washington, D.C. Green(er) buildings use less energy, less water and fewer resources, and have less of an impact on the environment, resulting in healthier places for occupants.

According to U.S. research sources, the footprint of the 'built' environment is significant. Buildings are responsible for nearly 40 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions (more than cars), 12.2 percent of water use that is fit to drink and 14.7 percent of the $10 trillion U.S. gross domestic product. 'Add that to the fact we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, which means that buildings have a significant (although little researched) impact also on our health and well-being. In short, buildings are an incredible source of solutions for some of the biggest challenges facing our society today,' Katz adds. For shops, one place to begin a greener approach is through Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED). This certification, through USGBC, provides independent, third-party verification that a building meets the highest green building and performance measures. (Visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=64 for more details). 'LEED certification, the voluntary, consensus-based national certification program for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings is like a nutrition label for your building - you can see exactly how much energy and water it is using, what the building is made of, where the materials came from and what the indoor environment is like,' she says. 'LEED measures all of these features (building site, water efficiency, materials and resources, energy and atmosphere and indoor environmental quality).' 'Green building benefits the occupants through increased health, safety and productivity. Owners benefit from an increased bottom line gained through energy savings, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and turnover, and happier employees. Green building reduces resource use and the impact of the building on the land,' Katz explains. More commercial business owners are making the switch to green. Green building is estimated to be 10 to 12 percent of the current commercial and institutional building market. McGraw-Hill predicts green building will represent 20 to 25 percent of new commercial and institutional construction starts by 2013.

If you're not in a position to build, Katz recommends starting smaller and seeking out ways to reduce the footprint.

According to Ceil Scandone, spokesperson for the Bay Area Green Business Program (BAGBP), there are numerous initiatives small businesses such as collision repair shops can take on a small scale to make a greater difference overall. Shops can buy only recycled-content paper and copy double-sided, clean with less toxic products, conserve water with low-flow toilets and faucet aerators, conserve energy with fluorescent lights and Energy Star equipment and invest in renewable energy with renewable energy credits and solar panels.

Even if your community does not yet have an organized green program, Scandone says businesses can also incorporate any number of the following tasks into their overall business strategies:

1. Monitor and record rates of water and energy usage.

2. Have your local energy utility or an energy service company conduct a commercial energy assessment.

3. Perform regular maintenance on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

4. Conduct an assessment of your facility to identify pollution prevention opportunities.

5. Prevent contamination of storm water runoff.

If a business wants to build a new facility or remodel an existing one using green principles, Scandone advises selecting a contractor who is knowledgeable about green building practices. 'Specify in the contract your interest in environmentally responsible fixtures, finishes and practices to help obtain greener results,' Scandone says

Keys To Achieving LEED v3 Certification

2009-08-04T07:02:00.001-07:00

Since most of the changes in LEED-EB: O&M 2009 are cosmetic and relate to the number and weighting of points, it appears certification under the system is as achievable as it was under the 2008 version. If an organization is pursuing LEED-EB: O&M 2008, managers can easily determine if an upgrade to the 2009 version will benefit the project.

The combination of harmonization, weighting adjustments and regionalization of prerequisites and credits does not create additional hurdles. The process for conducting a certification project remains essentially the same.

First, managers must assemble a team involving the various stakeholders and necessary expertise. Then the team should conduct a gap analysis to assess the building's current practices and status relative to the 2009 requirements.

Once the team has determined which points it can achieve, which points are possible with additional effort and which points it cannot achieve, the team can develop a plan with the steps necessary to become certified. Understanding the LEED-EB: O&M 2009 rating system is a set of performance standards designed to minimize a building's environmental impact while increasing operational efficiencies will help managers develop the plan.

Managers should view these standards as a collection of best practices for green operations. Using the LEED-EB: O&M 2009 rating system will enable managers to help achieve organizational goals and help them earn recognition for their certification efforts.

Office Space Going Green

2009-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Many high-profile buildings are going green in order to keep existing and attract new tenants.

2009-08-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

It should come as no surprise that during rough economic times commercial building vacancy rates rise. As companies are forced to pare back or even halt operations, offices across the company are closed down. Building owners hoping to attract new tenants, and even keep existing tenants, are finding that they need to commit to green upgrades.

MNN has already reported about two well-known commercial buildings that have already begun their green renovations. The Empire State Building in New York City is in the middle of a $500 million energy efficiency makeover. Reducing energy costs are one way that companies can cut back on their expenses and meet their corporate sustainability goals.

In addition to the energy efficient retrofit of the building, the owners are also working with tenants on LEED certification. An article on the USA Today website describes one LEED project underway in the Empire State Building - Skanska, a Swedish construction company.

"Skanska wanted its U.S. headquarters to have a LEED "platinum" certification - reserved for only the most efficient of buildings - and it found a willing partner in the Empire State Building. Skanska officials said the building's management helped them install bike racks and add other energy-saving details on the 32nd floor." Source: USA Today

Yes, you heard that right, bike racks on the 32nd floor. I've been to the Empire State Building and although I'm sure that the area around the building has changed a bit during the past decade, I don't see there being a lot of room for bike racks outside of the building. So up the elevator the bikes will go.

The Skanska project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED for Commercial Interiors project under the LEED CI 2.0 checklist. Skanska already has three LEED certifications under its belt. Locations in Seattle, Wash., Atlanta, Ga., and Orlando, Fla., have received LEED Gold certification.

The Sears Tower green renovation was also discussed in the USA Today article. In March, I initially blogged about the plans to retrofit the one-time tallest building in the world. At that time, specific information about the green upgrades was not available. However, details were finally released just a few weeks ago.

The iconic antennas at the top of the building will be getting a few neighbors - wind turbines, roof gardens and solar panels are planned for the top of the Sears Tower as part of a $350 million eco-renovation. Wind turbines in the windy city, what a great idea!

As more companies begin to commit to sustainability, the demand for green office space will only rise. Depending on the size of the project, green building retrofits can take years to complete so wise building owners are getting started on these renovations sooner vs. later.

From USGBC in The News

Title:	Commercial buildings need to go green
Author:	Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Source:	Mother Nature Network
Date Written:	7/6/2009

More Green Building and Energy Efficiency Could Save U.S. Economy $1.2 Trillion

2009-08-04T06:56:00.001-07:00

Reuters, July 29, 2009

The report examines how the nation can increase energy efficiency in buildings and other non-transportation sectors using existing technology and methods -- some of them are as basic as using the efficiency settings on equipment and appliances.

The study also takes a hard look at the barriers to progress, why the changes haven't already been made and what can be done to clear the hurdles.

The report says a targeted investment of $50 billion a year for a 10-year period could produce the big savings and reductions described. In addition, say McKinsey and the USGBC, almost 900,000 jobs would be created.

"This confirms a critical path forward that we have long championed. Harnessing the engine of green, energy efficient buildings can cost-effectively drive tremendous improvements in our economy and environment," USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi said in statement.

"Green building can stimulate the economy at a level one and a half times larger than the federal stimulus bill. In terms of climate change, a commitment to energy efficiency would be the equivalent to taking the entire U.S. fleet of passenger cars and light trucks -- more than 200 million vehicles -- off the road."

Green Building Projects Thrive Despite Recession

2009-08-04T06:55:00.001-07:00

Environmental Leader, July 21, 2009

What do an office building, an office and retail complex and an opera house have in common? Green features, including future LEED certification. Despite current economic conditions, building owners are moving forward with their renovation and new building plans to incorporate energy-saving and eco-friendly upgrades to save money in the long-term.

Demonstrating its leadership in green building design and certification, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the Platinum certification of its new Washington, D.C. headquarters, making it the first project to certify under the latest version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.

USGBC said the new office space triples the size of its previous space, reflective of the green building industry itself, which is projected to reach $60 billion by 2010. Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & founding chair, USGBC, said in a statement: "The vision of the space was to exemplify everything a LEED building is: high-performing, resource-efficient, healthy and productive." Click here for photos of the new USGBC headquarters.

The 75,000 square foot office, divided between two floors, is connected by an open staircase in the lobby, behind which is one of the space's most prominent design features: a two-story tall water feature, which helps bring the outdoors inside the space, said USGBC.

Leed on Hilton Head Island- Green Building Contractor - Green Remodeling - LEED for Homes

Builders & Manufacturers Incentives : New Homes

Business Incentives - Commercial Buildings

Small Business Break: Get a Refund of Taxes Paid in Previous Years

Lowcountry Branch Leadership Candidates

Do You Want a Green Stamp of Approval for Your Next Remodeling Project?

EPA’s New Lead Paint Rule

Hilton Head Island Goes Green

Couple planning SC pet resort | The Coastal Source

Southpaw Pet Resort - Pet Retreat Hilton Head Island, SC

Habitat for Humanity - Hilton Head Island

Introduction to Green Building & Remodeling Seminar

Leading The Way: Green Building in the Lowcountry

10th Annual Lighthouse Awards Gala

U.S. Green Building Council November Program

South Carolina Chapter highlighted in Southeast Construction Magazine

Read the profile of all the USGBC Chapters in the Carolinas, and learn more about what’s going on in the South Carolina chapter here!

NAHB Required Inspections Summary

Green Approved Products

Certifying green homes just got one step easier...Click Here for Green Approved Products

How does an NAHB Green Home become certified?

Builder Process for Green Building Certification

Verifier Role

During the home certification process, the NAHB Research Center will:

NAHB Green Verification Process for Accredited Verifiers

Steps to Follow When Verifying New Construction

Steps to Follow When Verifying a Green Remodel

Minimizing Emissions with Hybrid Bucket Trucks

NAHB GREEN BUILDING Rating Systems Overview

ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™

Dual Certification: National Green Building Standard with Builders Challenge

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines

Green Home Building Rating Systems - A Sample Comparison

NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines

NAHB Green Accredited Verifier on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

NAHB GREEN Land Certification

Land Development

NAHB GREEN Home Certification

Builder Process for Green Building Certification

NAHB GREEN Project Certification Overview

How to Use QuickBooks for Job Costing: Setting Up Preferences and Items

$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

Hilton Head Home Builders Association - NAHB Member Rebate Program - Online Registration

$8,000 Tax Credit Q&A Podcast

Federal Housing Tax Credit Expalined - Youtube Video

Stimulus FAQ

USGBC LEED 2009 (v3)

USGBC LEED 2009 (v3)

View an introduction to the NAHB's National Green Building Program

Green Roof Installations

Green Building Stats

﻿﻿5 Simple Steps to Certification National Green Building Certification

NAHB Green Scoring Tool

10 Energy-Saving Tips That Require An Investment

Improve Your Air Conditioner HVAC Performance

How to build a Rain Barrel

SBA Recovery Act 2009 Stimulus

Unpacking the Stimulus Package: ARC Update

Larger Companies Build Business With Larger Projects, More Sophisticated Marketing

Here are the 100 Best New Products

Proposed Legislation Would Boost Remodeling Activity With More Tax Credits

Stimulus construction funds have little impact to date on companies' ability to hire new employees, analysis finds.

Energy Saving Home Improvements That Pay Back Quickly

Does Energy-Efficient Lighting Really Matter?

Credits for Energy Efficiency

The five most important energy-efficient home upgrades to make

Going green will help you create a better healthier workplace and save money

Keys To Achieving LEED v3 Certification

Office Space Going Green

Many high-profile buildings are going green in order to keep existing and attract new tenants.

More Green Building and Energy Efficiency Could Save U.S. Economy $1.2 Trillion

Reuters, July 29, 2009

Green Building Projects Thrive Despite Recession

Environmental Leader, July 21, 2009

5 Simple Steps to Certification National Green Building Certification