Mountain Residents Embrace Green Living

Sustainability, green building and energy efficiency are all words becoming part of today’s mainstream consciousness. As global environmental awareness spreads, certain regions of the U.S. are acting as leaders in the green living movement. One of the nation’s hotbeds for alternative energy is Western North Carolina (WNC), home to the city of Asheville.

According to an article by Dale Neal, “Video Touts Region on Green Economy,” in the February 22, 2008 Asheville Citizen-Times more than 80 green builders are based in WNC. In the 7-minute video, Neal mentions, titled “AdvantageGreen,” is directed by American Green TV’s Kurt Mann and discusses green building practices in and around Asheville, North Carolina.

The video features three WNC solar energy companies and highlights three major projects: FLS Energy’s installation of solar panels on a Greensboro hotel, Appalachian Energy’s installation of solar hot water systems on the roofs of Arby’s restaurants and Sundance Power’s installation of solar panels at Deltec Homes.

Simple Ideas for Living Green

Living a more earth friendly and healthy lifestyle is not as difficult as many people believe. Green building methods and alternative energy systems are increasingly affordable for the average citizen. There are even ways to make an existing structure more energy efficient whether it is a residential home or a commercial building.

Energy Star Efficiency Standards

One of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency is to purchase products recognized by the Energy Star program. Energy Star is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and gives special certification to products that offer the highest level of efficiency in a particular category. All products certified must meet specific guidelines and are then allowed to carry the Energy Star logo. For more information about Energy Star, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Natural light is the simplest way to save energy at home. Consider the size and location of all the windows in your home. Well-placed skylights or atriums also increase natural light and electrical efficiency. Although it is easier to make these considerations when building your home, you’ll be surprised at how quickly an investment in a smart, energy efficient renovation can pay for itself.

Energy Efficient, Green Living with Passive Solar and Passive Cooling

Passive solar and passive cooling are excellent strategies to maintain energy efficiency. Passive solar optimizes the use of heat-trapping materials. Many aspects of a home affect heating and cooling, even the direction it faces can decrease energy costs.

When choosing a passive solar solution, remember basic facts like homes facing the South are warmer than homes facing the North. Homes facing the East are warmer in the morning and those facing West are hotter in the afternoon. Passive cooling is facilitated by the wind in higher elevations. Mountain slopes facing away from predominant winds provide shelter and warmth. Slopes facing predominant winds are cooler.

Properly insulated walls, windows, roofs and floors are also crafted to attract or deflect the sun’s heat. Special window glazing can increase heating efficiency in the winter and shades or blinds affect cooling in the summer. The correct use of ceiling fans in the appropriate season can also improve energy efficiency.

Energy Efficient Landscaping: How Trees Support Energy Efficient Homes

The trees in your yard also support energy efficiency. In an article titled “Passive and Proud: Green Energy Ideas for Your Home,” writer and Northern California real estate agent Carolyn Gjerde-Tu of Discover David Homes, states, “Landscaping is another important consideration when thinking about energy efficiency. Deciduous trees (leafy in summer, bare in winter) provide wonderful shade for your home in summer, but allow the sun to help warm your home in winter. Plant these trees on the sides of your home that receive the most sun. Evergreens can also provide an effective break from chilling winds in winter.”

An Energy Efficient Initiative: NC HealthyBuilt Homes

NC HealthyBuilt Homes is an initiative supported throughout the state by the North Carolina Solar Center, the State Energy Office, the Asheville Home Builder Associations and the Western North Carolina Green Building Council (WNCGBC). According to the WNCGBC web site, http://www.wncgbc.org, the NC HealthyBuilt program promotes improved energy efficiency, indoor air quality and environmental accountability.

Energy efficient building also offers a number of federal and state tax advantages. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), http://www.dsireusa.org, is a comprehensive list of tax and homeowner incentives. North Carolina and Asheville information is carefully detailed in the database along with other cities and states.

Energy efficiency is a simple, affordable way to begin living a healthier, greener lifestyle. Whether you are building a new home or searching for a way to increase the value of your existing home, an investment in increased home efficiency is an investment in the future.

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Home And Family" article category.

People interested in the above article "Mountain Residents Embrace Green Living" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Types of Conservatories

A conservatory typically is a room or set of rooms built into the side of a house that allows the occupants to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to bad weather, uncomfortable temperatures, or insects. A conservatory almost always has big windows to bring sunlight and viewscapes into the space. In some cases, conservatories are made almost entirely of glass, with strong but minimalist structural support. Frequently a conservatory functions as a place where tender plants that would not survive outdoors can be cultivated.

Home Drinking Water Safety: Is it Guaranteed?

Home drinking water safety is our responsibilty not the local or federal governments. This is because we control what we do with the water that comes out of our tap. So what can we do about home drinking water safety?

Traditions And Family Bonds For A Better Generation

Traditional family structures have lasted so long, despite the societal changes that have occurred through the ages, is an indication of their success as a means of the survival of mankind and civilization as a whole. While certainly there are a variety of potential family structures that can be used in the rearing of children.

Family Bonds Nurture Community Spirit

The family is the smallest unit in a community. It is also the child's first school for learning values like sharing, caring and compassion. The family provides a secure setting where citizens of the future are molded to become responsible members of the community.

Fostering In The Current Economic Climate

There is a growing need to find people who have the commitment, qualities and who are prepared to accept the risks involved of looking after other people's vulnerable children.

The Powerful Steam Vacuum Cleaner

A selection of hot water extractors are being marketed that range from the large or small canister types with hose and nozzle to those that look more like an upright vacuum cleaner. The basic operation of the steam cleaner vacuum involves spraying a mixture of warm water and detergent into the carpet, washing the fibers and then extracting the solution mixture back out. There are some models that include rotating or revolving brushes that will agitate the carpet for better cleaning.

New Training Standards For Fostering Children

The Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care have been developed by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) who is responsible for ensuring that people working with children, young people and their families have the best possible training, qualifications, support and advice.