Green Energy Nation

Energy Features will be included in Commercial Building Appraisals

2011-06-14T09:08:00.002-06:00

June 13, 2011 - In my work with Buffalo Exchange, we are in the thick of the design phase of a commercial building restoration. We included many energy upgrades, like lighting, daylighting, and HVAC. The interior will make use of local materials, and reclaimed timber. This article (READ FULL ARTICLE HERE) prompted a renewed confidence in these types of investments in local commercial buildings. As a business owner, it is essential that a project such as this will make sense for the future growth of the business and be financially sound for the owners and investors.
~Kathy

"Under the new partnership, the Department of Energy and The Appraisal Foundation will work to ensure that appraisers nationwide have the information, practical guidelines, and professional resources they need to evaluate energy performance when conducting commercial building appraisals. This will help enable investors, building owners and operators, and others to accurately assess the value of energy efficiency as part of the building's overall appraisal."

Financing for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

2011-06-14T08:51:00.002-06:00

April 21, 2011 - The DOE and HUD recently announced the creation of a PowerSaver loan to aid in financing for homeowners to pay for energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. This pilot program will showcase how easy upgrades will save long term energy costs, both for the homeowner and the country. Boulder has a long history with trial and error in financing for retrofits and energy savings measures but this widespread plan will set a precedent and create a model that works for municipalities, homeowners, businesses and banks.

~Kathy

"Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), these new PowerSaver loans will offer homeowners up to $25,000 to make energy-efficient improvements of their choice, including the installation of insulation, duct sealing, replacement doors and windows, HVAC systems, water heaters, solar panels, and geothermal systems."
- Read the full article from the DOE here!

EnergySmart Lookin Good for Boulder so far...

2011-04-11T13:55:00.001-06:00

This is a great snapshot of why EnergySmart of Boulder County won't end up like ClimateSmart/ClimateStupid. Read more from the Daily Camera...

ClimateSmart becomes ClimateStupid

2011-04-11T12:57:00.002-06:00

The Boulder Weekly gives a great update on what happened to the ClimateSmart Loan program in Boulder County. This blog started as a dialogue between energy experts and homeowners who were looking for more details on this program as it initially rolled out. I worked with many contractors who were actively marketing with ClimateSmart and many, many jobs were created as a result of this groundbreaking program. While all PACE programs (like ClimateSmart) continue to dangle in the hands of national policy makers, Boulder County is moving on with it's newest program for both residential and commercial projects: EnergySmart. Lets hope it doesn't become EnergyStupid. Thanks Boulder Weekly for a balanced assessment of the continued trials and tribulations of becoming a more efficient, sustainable nation.
See: www.energysmartyes.com for details on the current program.

News on the PACE Program

2011-01-17T16:58:00.003-07:00

National dialog about the PACE programs continues, many of which have been in limbo since last year. One such victim is Boulder County's CimateSmart Loan Program. The residential financing options have been limited ever since.

Boulder County continues to push forward, with their new DOE grant funded program EnergySmart YES (Your Energy Service) see more at www.energysmartyes.com

Stay tuned for more as these programs develop and launch in the coming weeks!

CNN Reports on Net Zero Energy Homes In Boulder

2010-10-01T11:52:00.002-06:00

Last night CNN broadcast a report on Net Zero Energy Homes in Boulder, Colorado and how homeowners are taking responsibility to secure their energy costs into the future. The trend toward energy production rather than energy consumptions is now getting national attention. Pay Attention Nation!

See the CNN Report Here

Discussion continues surrounding PACE programs - READ MORE

2010-07-13T18:41:00.003-06:00

Sunday's Boulder Daily Camera reports on why the residential ClimateSmart loan program is delayed indefinitely... this affects Jobs Jobs Jobs. I can't count the number of contractors and installers that are directly impacted by the loss of this program. Big Bummer. and a dip in one of the highest growth industries in the nation. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs are the key to securing energy costs into the future. I am confident in Boulder County and the local team working on this. But many other states have PACE programs similarly on hold. Let's hope this is just another hurdle. Stay tuned for more as the updates continue day to day. xoxo K

Green Energy Nation Wins Solar Tour RFP

2010-07-08T19:14:00.002-06:00

For Immediate Release: Green Energy Nation, a Boulder marketing firm ingrained in the green building & renewable energy community, is awarded the proposal for promoting the 2010 Solar & Green Homes Tour DENVER September 25^th and BOULDER September 26^th

The Solar & Green Home Tour in the Metro area is in its third year as part of the National Solar Home Tours each fall. This year, Denver, presented by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society and Boulder, presented by the Center for Resource Conservation, have joined together to promote this year’s tour. Save the dates to be a part of an event designed to showcase homes that are leaders in renewable energy and sustainable design.

On Saturday, September 25^th, the Denver Tour will include 13 homes, 11 are new to this year’s tour and they are clustered in the Highlands Neighborhood, the Golden/Arvada corridor and in Evergreen. The homes span all types from high end new construction to smaller, more typical energy retrofits.

The following day, Sunday, September 26^th in Boulder, there are 15 homes clustered in Louisville, Boulder and Nederland. These too include “dream homes” and typical single family remodels. In the past, tour homes focused on primarily PV Solar. This year, the selection committees at each non-profit paid particular attention to homes with other efficiency upgrades and to include homes with solar thermal and wind as well as PV.

This year’s goal is to educate at least 1000 participants on the possibilities for their homes and to reach new markets where average homeowners leave the tour with ideas for taking Action. In Denver, there is a supplementary tour of Commercial solar installations where business owners can see how the technology meets their energy savings goals.

Online registration for the home tours, only $5.00 per day, will be posted on the home page of the CRES and CRC websites soon. Please help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity to see a wide variety of Solar & green built homes.

Green Building Conference Rocked!

2010-04-26T19:54:00.000-06:00

I had a great day today at the annual Boulder County Green Building Conference at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I attended the Business Development track with this year’s theme being Ideas to Action. About 175 highly educated green building professionals attended with experience ranging from current CU students to presenters with 30+ years experience in building energy efficient buildings. Some interesting thoughts occurred to me throughout the day – since I do “green building marketing” most might conclude that positioning a company as green is simple, but this usually not the case. While most contractors have found their niche and know the technology inside and out, this doesn’t translate to a sales pitch or a marketing strategy… what works is defining your customer’s goals, listening rather than presenting, and simplifying everything in to terms they understand. An elevator pitch of a few simple, yet carefully worded sentences can go much further in your marketing strategy than more graphs of energy costs or savings projections. This information becomes more relevant after the customer’s goals or motivations are clearer. I love this “upside-down” approach to sales.

The other big take away was about financing for companies who are seeking loans to do building energy upgrades. Once the proposal and project scope are defined, have a 3^rd party energy modeler/rater create reports projecting energy cost savings (future reduction in overhead) and use these to generate your 3-5 year projections required for the financing. Showing reduced costs in overhead will not only increase the payback of the upfront costs of the project, but will also show banks that your financial future is more fixed and actually reduced by the energy savings. EPIC! This may bridge the gap for many businesses to justify upgrading the AGING existing building stock.

Top 10 National Green Job Websites

2010-03-30T11:47:00.001-06:00

Green Jobs are the hottest topic around these days – get back to work and help the environment at the same time! Talk about a win-win! See below for my top picks for online job boards.

Top 10 National Green Job Websites

Confronting the Critics of Green Jobs and Clean Energy
Read more

Boulder Chamber Business Skills Seminars for April

2010-03-30T11:14:00.002-06:00

Don't miss this Month's great seminars from the Boulder Chamber!

Climate Leaders
When: Wed, April 7, 7:30am – 9:00am
Where: Boulder Chamber
Description: Creating Your Green Vision Panel series on business sustainability and energy efficiency efforts - hear from local companies on what works, resources, rebates and other insights into cutting edge sustainable business operations. Free to Chamber members; $20 for future members. RSVP required to Dan Powers, 303-442-1044 ext 122.

START-UP ESSENTIALS
Apr 14 | 1:00pm - 4:30pm | Boulder Chamber
Attorney Theresa Pickner walks you through the nuts and bolts of starting your own business, including legal entity selection, taxes (sales, use, and payroll), liability protection, registering your trade name, and more. This workshop will help save time and stress by helping you determine which agencies to contact along with the forms you will need, and by providing the information necessary to make key decisions before completing your paperwork. You will receive a packet containing reference materials and forms you will need to get your business started right away. Attendees may also arrange for a private consultation for up to an hour with Theresa Pickner at no extra charge.
This workshop is part of our Business Essentials series, comprised of six topics: Business Plan Essentials, Business Research Essentials, Financial Projections Essentials, Marketing Plan Essentials, Start-up Essentials, and QuickBooks Essentials. These workshops may be attended as a series or individually to suit your needs.

Business Skills Seminar: Dress to Impress
When: Tue, April 20, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Where: Boulder Chamber, 2440 Pearl St.
Description: We live in a world of internet and social networking, yet business and customer relations are not always online. We need to remember that how we look, act and dress have a very big impact on ourselves, peers and customers. Carol Steinbrecher of Style Solutions will present the essentials of how to Dress to Impress to improve your customer service and bottom line! Cost is included in your membership ($25 for non-members).

MARKETING PLAN ESSENTIALS
Apr 29 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Boulder Chamber
Break your marketing plan down into its core elements, including identifying your market niche, developing a marketing strategy, and determining a marketing budget. Each component of the marketing plan will be discussed in detail, and attendees will receive several worksheets to help crystallize key portions of the plan.

Social Media Event
When: Fri, April 30, 7:30am – 11:30am
Where: UCAR Center Green location, 93085 Center Green Dr., Boulder, CO 80301 (map)
Description: Save the date for the Chamber's popular social media educational workshop. Check back for more details and registration.

Nation Listens & Waits = Green Building Political Focus

2010-02-12T19:27:00.005-07:00

Did you hear about our president recently focusing on building retrofits?

President Obama is excited about the prospects "The simple act of retrofitting these buildings to make them energy efficient – install new windows, doors, insulation, roofing, ceiling leaks and modernizing heating and cooling equipment is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest things we can do to put Americans back to work while saving money and reducing carbon emissions.”

Watch the President's Comments HERE

Solar Sarcasm :)

New Incentives & Rebates Announced

2010-02-12T19:14:00.003-07:00

More often than not, the news continually focuses on energy upgrades. Here in Boulder, the word on the street continues to be on overcoming obstacles in retrofitting the aging existing building stock. Other topics of concern include landlord/tenant issues, green leases and financing for both commercial and residential projects.

This week, the GEO announced many new incentives & efficiency programs. They are also rolling out a search feature whereby you enter your zip code & can view all available rebates & incentives. Xcel Energy continues to offer cash rebates – but are scaling back on some, in particular on solar PV projects. The new Home Performance with Energy Star program is offering additional rebates through April 2010. Featured in the Energy Star rebates are tankless water heaters, high efficiency furnaces & boilers, and solar hot water.

QUICK LINKS

More on Tankless High Efficiency Water Heaters

ClimateSmart Loan Program Round 2

2009-08-06T11:27:00.001-06:00

A friendly reminder that Boulder County has launched the second round of the ClimateSmart Loan Program with over $19 million available for residential improvements.

Take advantage of a program that provides full upfront financing for over 40 different residential energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. Sign up for a mandatory homeowner workshop today and learn more at www.ClimateSmartLoanProgram.org. Applications are due no later than September 7, 2009.

Mandatory Homeowner Workshop Schedule:

BOULDER

· 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 5
Center for ReSource Conservation, 2639 Spruce Street

· 6-8 p.m., Monday, August 10
Center for ReSource Conservation, 2639 Spruce Street

· 10 am-noon., Saturday, August 15
Boulder County Courthouse, 3^rd Floor Main Building, 1325 Pearl Street

· 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 19
Center for ReSource Conservation, 2639 Spruce Street

· 10 am-noon., Saturday, August 29
Boulder County Courthouse, 3^rd Floor Main Building, 1325 Pearl Street

· 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 1
Center for ReSource Conservation, 2639 Spruce Street

ERIE

· 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 11
Erie Community Center, 450 Powers St.

LONGMONT

· 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, August 8
Longmont Civic Center, 350 Kimbark St.

· 6-8 p.m., Thursday, August 13
Longmont Civic Center, 350 Kimbark St.

· 6-8 p.m., Thursday, August 27
Longmont Civic Center, 350 Kimbark St.

· 6-8 p.m., Monday, August 31
Longmont Civic Center, 350 Kimbark St.

LYONS

· 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 18
Location: Lyons Town Hall, 432 5th Avenue

NEDERLAND

· 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 4
Nederland Community Center, 750 Highway 72

· 6-8 p.m., Thursday, August 20
Nederland Community Center, 750 Highway 72

SUPERIOR

· 6-8 p.m., Thursday, August 6
Superior Town Hall, 124 East Coal Creek Dr.

· 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 26
Superior Town Hall, 124 East Coal Creek Dr.

Register for a workshop at (http://crc-climatesmartloan.wildapricot.org/)

Solar Hybrid Systems Save $$$ on Space Heat

2009-06-15T13:30:00.000-06:00

Hybrids are not just for cars anymore but in fact span many Green systems in our modern world. That’s because the power of two things combined is greater than that of one. But we don’t often think of our homes or buildings as a place for hybrids. Well think again.

In an effort to solver the problem of the future – sure increases in natural gas costs – new technology in heating systems replaces gas forced-air with hydronic hybrid heat. While it is true that new high-efficiency furnaces provide heat at a much higher efficiency level than furnaces of old, they don’t solve the problem of natural gas use. A gas forced air furnace whether new or old, is, was and will always be fired by gas. So while these new furnaces help solve an immediate problem, they don’t allow the average home owner to take advantage of the new frontier of heating that is Solar Thermal (hot water).

Hot water hybrid systems are the only kind of thermal systems that can take advantage of solar thermal integration. In a new retrofit application for homes, gas forced air heat can easily be converted to a hot water coil system by using a tankless water heater to create both domestic hot water and space heat. This creates a thermal system which sets up homeowners for even more energy independence by allowing the home to be heated by solar thermal energy.

Household thermal systems are best backed by a tankless water heater which remains idle when no hot water is being used, so there is no energy wasted for the standby losses of an electric water tank and when there is no demand. So the solar tank can be heated for free, and the tankless just serves to take up the slack when the sun isn’t doing its job, or first thing in the morning when the solar tank is cooled down and you want a long hot shower. The reality is that, even when the solar tank is below 100 degrees it will still contribute to energy efficiency, because the tankless will only use the energy needed to finish the job. Tankless water heaters will produce more flow and run more efficiently when they have warmer water introduced to them, maximizing the year round potential of solar hot water.

If we continue to install conventional furnaces in our homes, we will always be stuck with a system that is difficult to augment with alternative energy sources. So the first step is to convert that gas forced-air furnace into something that will allow for new technology as it becomes affordable. That starts with a hot water hybrid heating system at home, and supplementing commercial boiler systems with solar thermal panels.

The Nation Goes Green in Response to Stimulus Cash

2009-06-07T15:59:00.001-06:00

I attended the Colorado USGBC Conference – Sustainability ’09 about a month ago. It was a great opportunity to hear the latest about the new Green Building LEED rating system, v.3.0 2009. Other highlights included a joint session with Tim Guiterman from the Governor’s Energy Office and Mike Lowell, the Region 8 Federal Building manager. They discussed the Government STIMULUS and how this will bring jobs and growth to Colorado.

Region 8 got $5.5 Billion for Building Projects: $1 Billion for New Construction & $4.5 Billion to upgrade Existing Buildings. They are all required to be LEED SILVER standards. For opportunities to be involved in these projects see http://fedbizopps.cos.com they have a goal to work with Small Businesses whenever possible.

Colorado Department of Energy has $3.1 Billion plus there is another $2.6 Billion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation in a Block Grant. While the money is starting to flow into the state, how will this translate to those in the green building profession or to homeowners who want a more efficient home?

www.usgbc.org/leedv3 MORE ON LEED www.gbci.org (MORE ON BECOMING A LEED PROFESSIONAL)

In the City of Denver ½ of all Greenhouse Gas Emissions are from BUILDINGS

35% Commercial/Industrial & 14% Residential www.greenprintdenver.org

In Colorado, GSA owns 89 federal buildings totaling 6.79 million rental square feet (RSF) and it leases approximately 4.08 million RSF in 157 buildings for a total of 10.877 million RSF of workspace. Approximately 274 GSA employees manage and maintain this federal workspace, the majority of which is office and warehouse space. The primary tenants include:

U.S. Geological Survey
Bureau of Reclamation
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Environmental Protection Agency
Bureau of Land Management

http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_OVERVIEW&contentId=19345

Details are just coming out on exact dollar amounts and additional federal guidance on how to direct recovery funds for renewable energy, energy efficiency, weatherization and new energy research projects within Colorado. Check the Colorado GEO’s recovery website at www.colorado.gov/energy/recovery in the coming weeks for updates.

For now, the word on the street is that Green Building IS becoming mainstream. Thanks Brad Pitt.

“Gen Y wants high-tech convenience and communication, walkability, green building standards and diversity. They'll sacrifice space, and some will even pay more, to incorporate those qualities into their lives, real estate experts say." - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ClimateSmart Loan Update

2009-03-15T11:04:00.002-06:00

So the word on the street is that the $28 Million that is set aside for Residential Loans under the new ClimateSmart Program could sell out quickly. Local professionals are informing clients that they need to be ready with all their bids and paperwork, ready at 12:01am on April 1^st. There are so many people who have been waiting to finance projects that homeowners are flocking to the required informational meetings. The momentum here in the Green Building Community is the positive reinforcement needed to move forward with both efficiency and the economy. Talk about a win-win! Yay Boulder County – leaders in creating a model that can be used nationally…

New Information:

Homeowner Checklist Now Available

I’m keeping my eye on the pulse here at the cutting edge of energy policy and green building technology.

Be Included in the First Round of Applicants for the ClimateSmart Loan Program!

2009-03-02T17:09:00.004-07:00

It’s Here! You helped Vote for it – Now take advantage of this limited Opportunity to Use It!

Homeowners Take Action Now to be included in the First Round of Applications for the new ClimateSmart Boulder County 1A Loan Program – This Nationally Groundbreaking Program is a multi-jurisdiction effort toward making a large impact on decreasing the County’s carbon footprint as well as putting Green Jobs back to work!

The beauty of the program is that homeowners opt into the program and the program itself is self-funding. There is absolutely no tax burden on the people of the County, not even for administration of the loans. (see more on the County’s Website)

Process:

Homeowner attends Mandatory Training & Informational Meeting – start next week! Get Informed NOW! Check HERE to sign up NOW for a workshop in your area. Workshop Schedule

Next the homeowner gathers paperwork on the provided Checklist & then moves on to complete the online application…

Countywide Applications Accepted – 4/1 thru 4/10 - You need to have written ESTIMATES on all the work you will want to have done (see approved list here)

so you know the proposed loan amount when you apply. Bids must include a “not to exceed” dollar amount to be included in the homeowner’s proposal. The contractor must be licensed to do work in the jurisdiction and must comply with all permitting & inspection regulations.

There is a $75.00 application fee due at the time you do the online application. A 1% origination fee is also due at the time the loan is approved. (I.E. - $10,000 loan = $100 Due at approval) Otherwise, the loan is full financing – no down-payment is needed. The County expects the terms of the bond to be at a rate of 6-8% for a 15 year loan, with a rate cap expected to be 8.75%. The rate will be unknown to the homeowner until all the applications are processed and the County moves forward to do the Bond Sale – the day of the sale and the amount of the total loans will dictate the exact rate.

Accepted homeowners are pre-qualified for the loan – based on property tax value not credit score ($3,000 minimum to $50,000 max) some loans are income-qualified, others are tax exempt. (See More on how the loans work & how they are paid back HERE)

Homeowner solicits written bids from contractors to do the work – it can be multiple contractors - Each contractor is paid directly by the COUNTY as the work is completed – the homeowner files a certificate of completion & final invoice with the loan originator & then they pay it as each job is finished.

By 5/8 Approved homeowners will get notification to begin work – Installation can now begin.

6 month completion date – all work needs to be finished by 11/4.

Other Details:

Priority is being given to homeowners who have had an Energy Audit including infrared & blower door test.

Priority is also being given to those who are obtaining financing to install Renewable Energy - solar hot water (solar thermal) or PV (solar electric)

Priority is then by date/time stamp when application is received.

They expect to have future rounds of applications until the $28 million in approved bond money is gone.

$12 million is tagged for Commercial projects – application process due to start this fall, once they see how the residential program goes.

All approved projects must involve a third party – no Do-It-Yourself projects are eligible.

To be eligible, all property taxes must be current, having not been delinquent anytime in the past 3 years.

Side-Note: Why do homeowners get Energy Audits? According to the CRC in Boulder, the number one reason is to save money – to put money into the most effective areas to save the most for their efficiency upgrade investment dollars. Second, here where it is cold one hour and so hot the next, it’s no surprise that homeowners cite comfort as the next reason for getting an Audit. (Where is that cold draft coming from? Why does my heat cycle on and off? My bedroom is so hot I can’t sleep in the summer.) Rounding out the top three is the feel-good reason of environmental impact. Gotta love Boulder, I am not sure that being Green would top the list in Indiana, Pennsylvania or Tennessee but national trends have to start somewhere. Glad I am here.

P.S. – Energy Audits also EMPOWER homeowners to make clear decisions rather than feel influenced by any product claims or sales pitch! Get informed! An Audit should cost $300 or less.

Start Planning for Energy Independence Now – Easy Solar Heat

2009-02-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Many people are unsure of what they can do to help create a more sustainable world. Decrease your Carbon Footprint, they say. Whatever that means… Want an easy place to start? Your HOUSE… according to the USGBC, the existing building stock in the US accounts for:
• 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), and
• 14% of potable water consumption.

Many homeowners are finding an easy solution with Solar Hot Water. Some systems can multitask to heat the home, provide domestic hot water AND keep an outdoor hot tub as toasty as you want it.

I like the system that Governor Ritter’s Energy Office endorses; Energistic Systems has been awarded a $100,000 grant this year for further research, development and marketing of the type of technology poised to move the new energy economy forward at a level affordable to most homeowners. The latest – the Suntrac Solar Collector…

“The Suntrac Collector is the first to combine the low installation and maintenance cost characteristics of flat plate design with the proven high temperature yields of parabolic concentrating collectors that track the sun. A synchronous tracker uses shaded phototransistors to follow the sun from east to west daily. The reflectors automatically return to the east position at the end of the day. The revolutionary Suntrac delivers water to 250 degrees F at the lowest installed price.”

Dave Emmitt – Direct Drive Service, the FIRST to Install the Suntrac Collector on a retrofitted local home

These new panels are an exception to that rule. Since they “track” the azimuth of the sun, their efficiency is much higher than that of flat panels, they create higher temperatures (180-260 F vs. 120-160 for many flat panels), and are effective for a longer time duration during the day. And that also takes care of all of the domestic hot water needs during that time period, as long as the sun is out. The more panels and storage, the longer into the evening the heating needs will be augmented and the domestic hot water needs will be satisfied. With a high efficiency tankless water heater as backup to this cost effective solar system, endless hot water is available even when the sun can’t provide it free. And because the tankless is a modulating component system, any pre-heated water from the solar tank or in the hot tub, will allow the tankless to work only as hard as it needs to maintain the set temperature. Then, while the sun shines, the tankless rests. And during the day, Solar Thermal Suntrac panels are ready to heat your home, provide endless showers, and keep that outdoor hot tub ready for daily use. Locally designed & tested. And just downright cool.

http://www.energisticsystems.us/solar-thermal.html

Conservation – why the cost of WATER will soon exceed the cost of oil.

2009-02-01T11:57:00.001-07:00

Many people were caught off guard by the sudden increase in gas prices last year. This is the American way – instant gratification & out of sight, out of mind. Yeah, keep that reality the next time you can’t afford to take a shower when you want to! The transport costs of water & scarcity of fresh water worldwide equate with the premise that water will soon exceed the cost of oil. Enter the age-old hippie ideal of Greywater. It has come a long way since California communes ran their dish water into the garden. Now municipalities have various regulations for water use, reuse and detainment. And Greywater systems have adapted to apply not only include new technology but now they even meet local codes for new construction and retrofit applications. There are two types of greywater systems. Closed loop systems and open loop systems. In Colorado, the most easily adapted system for both new construction and remodels is the closed loop type. This means that there is no open piping, the entire system existing within the plumbing structure of the home. These systems take sink, bath, dishwasher or washing machine water & divert it into a holding tank, where it is treated with an organic compound and then re-routed into all the toilets in the home. Most homeowners use equal amount of greywater as they do “black-water” so the use in the home is always adequate to flush the toilets. With this application, homeowners will never using drinking water to flush again. In the current culture of overuse, it is hard to comprehend the scarcity of water. Even during times of drought and outdoor water restrictions, most people look no further than the browning front lawn. While it may take years before the cost of water raises enough to make Greywater reclamation common practice, it is good to know that with this easy installation, most homes can be retrofitted to decrease their water use by about half. With current water pricing, the payback on these $3000 systems is about 15 years. See the Water Legacy LLC website for more on the closed loop systems being used in Colorado.

Why is it worth it to install Energy Efficient heating systems in your home?

2009-01-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

Many systems have short paybacks for home retrofits and help homeowners save energy for years to come. Take for example, a home’s hot water and heating needs, they are the highest energy cost in our climate. Most homes have separate systems like a gas or electric tank water heater and a gas forced air furnace or boiler. One innovative member of the Green Building community is Dave Emmitt, owner of Go-Tankless of Colorado. He pairs a tankless hot water heater with your existing furnace, which is rebuilt to use a copper coil hydronic system powered by the hot water from the on-demand tankless thus almost magically creating space heat from hot water. He has done endless retrofits of these furnace & hot water systems but this year is taking customers to the next level by introducing them to solar thermal energy. Solar thermal is a hot water system that is easily linked to use the tankless as backup for a mid-size holding tank heated by the sun. Emmitt says this meets most homeowner’s hot water needs during daylight hours and for a few hours into the evening. Customers in Colorado are experiencing dramatically reduced energy costs including some zero energy days for hydronic heat & hot water. An added note is that tankless water heaters are modulating too, which means if water is preheated (from the solar tank) the tankless will work only to bring the desired temperature, again, being almost magically efficient from the perspective of energy output. Current customers are raving not only about the energy savings but that the comfort levels in their homes being much better with hydronic heat that with forced air.

Read more on Tankless & Furnace Integrations. Read more on Dave’s energy tricks.

Is this worth your investment? - See their Payback Chart for Tankless & Hydronic Furnace Systems.