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Green Resource
It seems that we all have a definition for being GREEN. For some it’s an Environmental Movement, for others it’s a Political Movement and for most people it may be to be “Earth Friendly.” Whatever your idea is of “Being GREEN,” it’s simply lessening the environmental impact from society. How do we Become GREEN? There are numerous ways to be Green. But the key is Sustainability. So what is Sustainability, well it’s meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It also involves balancing social issues, environment issues with our own economic needs. The convergence of these issues is the core to sustainability. How do we live GREEN and contribute to the sustainability of our planet earth? There are unlimited directions to take including Conservation. This could include riding a bicycle in your leisure or personal time like driving to work or the park, which utilizes no resources. On the other hand; there is Resource Efficiency, which is obtaining the maximum benefit from a resource such as driving a more fuel efficient vehicle. But our biggest environmental impact is from our own homes and buildings. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) buildings in the United States account for: 72% of all Electrical Consumption 39% of Energy Use 38% of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 30% of Waste Output 14% of Potable Water Consumption So if homes and buildings are the largest consumers of our resources, how do we make them GREEN? It can be as small as changing to compact florescent lights and using low flow shower heads. To retrofitting your home or building with solar panels and solar water heaters. Let’s look at some of the things we can do to make a home or building GREEN and more, if not, completely sustainable. Your local utility may offer “Green Pricing” which is an optional utility service that allows customers the opportunity to support utility departments’ investment in renewable energy. The customer would pay a premium on their electric bills to cover the costs of investment. “Net Metering” would be used in a home or building that produces its own renewable energy. Such as through solar panels or wind turbines so that the consumer is credited for the excess energy produced. Then, of course, there is water consumption. Did you know that only 1% of the world’s water is drinkable? Another method to make a home or building GREEN is to promote the efficient use of water. As we mentioned, water aerators are a simple step in that direction. Other methods include rainwater harvesting and catchment systems. This includes the use of rain barrels and Greywater recycling systems. These Greywater Recycling systems use waste water from laundry facilities, faucets and showers to recycle it for non-potable water uses such as irrigation. Xeriscaping has been a common method of water conservation for many years by utilizing the use of slow growing drought tolerant plants in landscaping. This would also include recycling yard trimmings back into the landscaping to lower your waste production. There are also ratings and certifications that measure how GREEN or the sustainability of a home or building. The most widely recognized certifications in the United States include LEED, ENERGY STAR and HERS. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is responsible for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Certification (LEED). This certification is very time intensive with detailed documentation by a third party includes the design, construction and operational standards of a building. Next is the well known ENERGY STAR system that recognizes energy efficient products such as the Air Conditioner, Dishwasher, computer, printer, etc. What may not be well known is that homes and buildings can be certified as ENERGY STAR as well. These homes and buildings are at least 15% more efficient than standard homes and buildings. They include the structural and mechanical systems as well as the appliances. Another energy evaluation standard maintained by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) is the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). This assesses the heating, cooling, water heating, lighting, appliances and the onsite power generator to rate a home or building for energy efficiency.
Sustainability not only measures the resources used in our homes and buildings. It is a measure of how an area impacts local resources and fragile ecosystems. This, in turn, leads to the question of whether your community is GREEN. A community is GREEN by using Smart Growth Design or what is known as the “New Urbanism.” This involves whether your local community is taking steps to counter sprawl. Including more open spaces such as parks for leisure, water control areas for drainage and for wildlife and just for the scenic views. The principles of the “New Urbanism” involve ethnic diversity, easy access through various transportation systems to create connectivity with residential areas. Also; a community should design with walking in mind, by installing inviting wide and well lit walkways that are separated from traffic. With all this in mind, the residents feel a sense of safety and security which in turn fosters a sense of community. Finally, we have touched on a few items to living GREEN. We believe that the little things we do daily will have a lasting impact on our world. We at Azure Realty Services are committed to being GREEN and we hope to inspire and encourage you to the GREEN Philosophy as well. Below you will find a list of simple things you can do to get started on being GREEN. Additionally; we have also included items that involve more commitment on your part, you decide where to start. Websites are listed at the end for more information on being GREEN. Please come back often for we will constantly update the information. Remember GREEN can be instituted into your daily life in all areas including your home, your business, and even your investment properties. Please contact us if you have any questions or if you would like information on buying or selling your next GREEN home or building. Copyright© 2009 Azure Realty Services, Inc., René P. Sabatini
· Brushing your Teeth—shut the water off · Collect water in a bucket or pale when waiting for it to heat up—then use to water plants · Use a power strip for office equipment and appliances—turn them off when not in use · Battery Chargers—unplug when fully charged or not in use · Lights turn them off when leaving a room · Air dry clothes instead of a dryer · Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes · Set AC thermostat as low as possible in the winter and as high as possible in the summer · Clean AC filters once a month, or as needed · AC thermostat—don’t place TVs or lamps nearby · Turn off exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms within 20 minutes of cooking or bathing · Use sunlight during the day by opening blinds and curtains · Use cold position on sink faucets when using a minimum of water—using hot position expends energy even though hot water may not reach · Small Appliances—unplug when used infrequently and to avoid electricity “bleed” · Boiling water—cover pot or pan, it’s faster and uses less energy · Glass or Ceramic eating and drinking utensils · Office Paper—reuse as scratch paper and print on both sides · Office Printers—use remanufactured printer cartridges · Computer Monitors—set to “sleep mode” within 15 minutes · Office Supplies—purchase only recycled paper and other supplies · Furniture—consider low- carbon furniture or recycled wood (reclaimed wood) · Lunch—recyclable or reusable bags · Automobile—check tire pressure and keep trunk empty to increase fuel efficiency · RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE Some suggestions taken from the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Energy Savers Tips on Saving Energy & money at Home. www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips
Carbon Footprint: http://bie.berkeley.edu/calculator.swf National Wildlife Foundation: Water consumption calculator and tips to decrease water use www.nwf.org/water/watercalculator.cfm American Water Works Association Measure and estimate water wasted due to leaks www.awwa.org/awwa/waterwiser/dripcalc.cfm Foremost Group: Toilet Replacement water Savings calculator: www.foremostgroups.com/resources/water_saving_calculator.asp Ecosystem Valuation: Benefit valuation of ecosystem conservation
Go Green Initiative: Going Green Today: The Daily Green: The Green Guide to Everyday Living: Consumer Reports—Greener Choices; Products for a better planet Food & Water Watch: Green Living Tips—Earth Friendly advice for going Green, reducing costs, consumption And impact on environment:
Ecological Footprint: The Center for Transit Oriented Development (CTOD) & Center for Neighborhood Technology: promoting more livable and sustainable urban communities Sustain Lane Index: Measures sustainability of cities The Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI): Compares nations & Benchmarks the ability to protect the environment over the next several decades Walkability Index or ranking:
Smart Growth Online: Congress for the New Urbanism: Dockside Green: Development
Desire USA: Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy & Efficiency EPA: Lists grants, tax credits, loans and other programs www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/tools/funding.htm
U.S. Green Building Council: ENERGY STAR: Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®): Directory of certified raters and becoming a rater ReGreen—Sustainable residential improvement project information: Green HOME—Works to make affordable housing and its neighborhoods green: Florida Green Building Coalition:
National Association of Home Builders: NAHB—Green Building Program: help builders, remodelers and homeowner’s how to build green www.nahbgreen.org/About/default.aspx American Society of Interior Designers: McGraw-Hill Construction: Building Green: EPA Green Building: The Forest Stewardship Council— Responsible management of world’s forests, wood products are certified: The Green Home Guide: resource for green remodeling Home Energy Efficiency Design (HEED): Computer program that explore options to maximize energy savings and reach green goals http://www2.aud.ucla.edu/energy-design-tools Day Lighting Collaborative: Use of natural light to illuminate building spaces Tool Base Services: Technical support on building products, design and construction Structural Insulated Panel Association: Construction material Green and save: Resources for saving money and the environment Brac Systems—Greywater Recycling System: Care for the environment while saving money Superior Water Supplies: Eco-Smart, Inc—Healthy, Efficient, Disaster Resistant products for better living: Building Green—Directory lists product descriptions for environmentally preferable Products: www.BuildingGreen.com
University of Florida—Living Green Composting: http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/waste/composting.html Landscaping: http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/landscaping/index.html Xeriscaping: http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/landscaping/xeriscaping.html Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Florida Exotic pest plant Council: Lists invasive plants Permeable Pavements: Allows water to seep through the surface www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Sitework/permeable-pavement
Center for Resource Solutions: Green-e Energy is the nation's leading voluntary certification program for renewable energy Energy Efficiency Alliance: Promotes adoption of energy efficiency policies Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy: http://energy.ufl.edu/index.php Florida Solar Energy Center Florida Solar Energy Industries Association: Solar energy Industries Association: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Dedicated to energy efficiency
U.S. Department of Energy-Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: U.S. Department of Energy-Incentives and Laws by state: Environmental Protection Agency’s laws, Regulations, Guidance, and Dockets: Housing and Urban Development (HUD):information on Energy Efficient Home Mortgages www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/eem/eemhome.cfm Federal Trade Commission: Energy Guide Label www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea14.shtm National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Florida Public Service Commission: Find energy savings in your home www.psc.state.fl.us/consumers/house Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Green Tips: www.dep.state.fl.us/green/tips/tips.htm Florida Public Service Commission: regulatory authority over utilities South Florida Water Management District: Southwest Florida Water management District: Florida Department of Transportation: State of Florida: University of Florida: Office of Sustainability http://www.sustainable.ufl.edu Stetson University: Environmental Responsibility Council Florida House Learning Center: Model home and landscaping made with environmentally friendly methods and material http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/FHLC/FlaHouseHome.shtml
Broward County: www.co.broward.fl.us/welcome.htm Broward County Go GREEN: www.broward.org/gogreen/welcome.htm Broward Community College: Sustainability Initiatives http://www.broward.edu/environmental_bcc/envrionmental/Resources/page3499.html
Palm Beach County: Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful:
Miami-Dade County: http://miamidade.gov/wps/portal Miami-Dade County—Sustainability:
Green Seal: Promotes manufacture, purchase, and use of environmental responsible products & services EPA—Design for the Environment: reducing risk to people and environment By preventing pollution Bean Products: Environmentally friendly home essentials Green & Recycled Products: Products made of recycled and environmentally responsible printing Close the Loop: Variety of innovative recycled products and Green building materials Cradle to Cradle Certification: Certifies products produced with and through environmentally safe and healthy materials Fuel Economy Information for vehicles web site run by Department of Energy: IKEA: Socially responsible department store from production to consumer Publix Supermarkets BioBag: Biodegradable and compostable bags EcoSMART—Organic pesticides and natural insect repellants SinkPositive: Multipurpose assessor water saving sink Real Goods—Eco Household and Products for Green living Green Store—Environmental store: Resources for Greening your home, event or business Green Depot—Environmental Living & Building: www.GreenDepot.com
National Geographic: The Story of Stuff: Video shows connections between environmental and social issues The Sierra Club: National Wildlife federation:
Broward County: Electronics Recycling Centers http://www.broward.org/waste/iwi04112.htm Florida Recycling Contacts: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/quick_topics/publications/shw/electronics/Recylist061908.pdf Earth 911: Information on recycling and disposal options
Florida Green Lodging Program: www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging Copyright© 2009 Azure Realty Services, Inc., René P. Sabatini
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