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Composite and plastic decking lumber is an attractive yet durable, low maintenance alternative to traditional decking materials. An annual cleaning to remove dirt and mold is all these decks require …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Fly ash, a by-product created by burning coal, can be used as a supplement to, and a partial replacement of, portland cement in concrete thereby reducing disposal requirements, energy consumption and …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Solar water heaters are an inexpensive way for home owners to lower the cost of heating water by replacing the cost of gas or electricity with free energy from the sun, and a variety of simple and …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Of the millions of tons of garbage Americans produce each year it is estimated that more than 70% of it could be recycled. Additionally, purchasing products containing recycled content provides …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Electric lighting accounts for up to one-fifth of a home's energy consumption so flipping that switch is not necessarily a trivial matter, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each light …
Type: Fact Sheet
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There are as many kinds of earth building methods as there are variations in soil and climate, and different methods are more or less suited to different conditions. But overall, this construction …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) can be substituted for wood framed walls as well as concrete foundations, and are becoming a competitive, durable alternative to traditional wood framing.
Type: Fact Sheet
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Concrete floors are an energy efficient and environmentally sound option for your home, and they can be finished in a wide range of attractive colors and patterns to compliment any interior or …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Rainwater harvesting, an old idea that is popular again, is a potentially viable method for achieving sustainability of water resources. Following collection, water can be used as is or filtered and …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Reviewing your present or future home with the principles of green living in mind will help you make more informed choices about home purchase or potential improvements. This checklist will assist …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Structural Insulated Panels are a direct substitute for wood framing and infill insulation and offer considerable energy and resource conserving advantages.
Type: Fact Sheet
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Building a home in a hot climate that is more comfortable for the occupants, easier on the environment and more economical to live in, takes some special considerations.
Type: Fact Sheet
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Stucco-covered straw bales offer a thick wall system which is durable, healthy, and fire and pest-resistant and can be an alternative to stick-frame construction for building highly insulating walls.
Type: Fact Sheet
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Decks built of the most popular wood products, treated yellow pine, cedar or redwood, require extensive annual maintenance to keep them looking good and structurally sound. You can save yourself all …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Paint choice should high on the list when building a green home. While paint color and finish have a major impact on the overall aesthetics of a space, the paint itself may have a major negative …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Using green principles in lawn care can make a significant impact on both our environment and our water bills. Green lawn care principles can also aid in energy conservation and reduce the need for …
Type: Fact Sheet
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Proper sizing and maintenance of your HVAC system is essential for occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
Type: Fact Sheet
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Questions you should ask these green building professionals and the steps you should take to choose the designer or builder who is right for you are the same no matter where you live.
Type: Fact Sheet
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If you have ever wondered about the meaning of some of the terms in green building literature, this 26 page document will provide you with an comprehensive, A to Z glossary of terms and acronyms.
Type: Fact Sheet
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You can't tell if a home is green just by looking at it, because your green home can be just about any style you choose. And, you can't tell a green home by the price either. You can purchase every …
Type: White Paper