ABODE recently hosted a group of students from Plymouth State University to teach them about eco-friendly and sustainable construction practices. The students are learning about Sustainability, Second Homes and the Northern Forest, which focuses on the principals of sustainability in second homes in this region along with the sociological knowledge that can be applied to encourage homeowners to reduce their environmental impacts.
During the session the students learned about energy efficient building practices, environmentally friendly building materials and sustainable development. Much of the discussion touched on the sociological factors involved in the decision making process for building a second home, from how homeowners approach energy efficient building to how the word "sustainability" takes on a different meaning for different people and situations.
ABODE is happy to be able to provide a "remote classroom" experience for these students and extremely lucky to have such a great community partner in Plymouth State University. We look forward to the next opportunity to spread the word about green building.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Green Buildings Open House Tour
The New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association will be hosting a Green Buildings Open House Tour on Saturday, October 2nd, from 10am - 4pm. This statewide event features over 65 properties from Nashua to Berlin that are using renewable energy technologies from straw bales to geothermal and everything in between.
If you are considering building an environmentally friendly home, this is a great way to speak directly to homeowners who are already enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly living. To search for energy efficient homes near you or for general information, visit http://www.nhsea.org/gboh/. Enjoy!
If you are considering building an environmentally friendly home, this is a great way to speak directly to homeowners who are already enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly living. To search for energy efficient homes near you or for general information, visit http://www.nhsea.org/gboh/. Enjoy!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Choosing Paints That Don't Give Back
Painting is one of the best ways to refresh a room. Unfortunately, most paints aren’t good for us: They give off volatile organic compounds, or VOC's, which can cause short- and long-term adverse health effects. Look for paints that say “low VOC” or “zero VOC,” as well as paint strippers that are nontoxic and biodegradeable.
Most, if not all of the major brands now offer both low and zero VOC options. If you are looking for other alternatives, Green Planet Paint is an interior clay paint that covers well, Anna Sova's food grade paint has zero VOC's and 94% food ingredients and AFM SafeCoat offers a broad array of interior and exterior options that were developed specifically for people with chemical sensitivities and allergies.
There are a variety of options out there, so do your research and ask a lot of questions.
Most, if not all of the major brands now offer both low and zero VOC options. If you are looking for other alternatives, Green Planet Paint is an interior clay paint that covers well, Anna Sova's food grade paint has zero VOC's and 94% food ingredients and AFM SafeCoat offers a broad array of interior and exterior options that were developed specifically for people with chemical sensitivities and allergies.
There are a variety of options out there, so do your research and ask a lot of questions.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Retrofits for Non-Profit Organizations
Does your organization, or one you know, own a building that is in need of energy efficiency upgrades? Would you like to learn how to take action to lower your organization’s monthly energy bills? BrightBuilt Retrofit, a collaboration among US Green Building Council, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, Green Building Advisor, and BuildingGreen, LLC, is excited to announce an energy conservation initiative open to non-profit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont that want to reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings. Through an open source, community-based process, BrightBuilt Retrofit aims to demonstrate the affordability and accessibility of deep energy retrofits in colder climates. All non-profit applicants will receive access to online resources and support for lowering energy bills; the selected organization will receive more than $100,000 in cash, loans and services to carry out the building renovations with a team of green building professionals. The application deadline is September 15, 2010.
For more information, visit: www.brightbuiltbarn.com/brightbuilt-retrofit/be-a-part-of-it/
or email retrofit@brightbuiltbarn.com.
For more information, visit: www.brightbuiltbarn.com/brightbuilt-retrofit/be-a-part-of-it/
or email retrofit@brightbuiltbarn.com.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tips for Keeping Cool
Summer weather can bring increased energy use for keeping cool. No one wants their energy bills to rise with the temperature, and finding ways to stay cool without cranking up the air conditioner saves money – and is better for the environment.
Air conditioners require a lot of energy to operate, and generating power means more air pollution and greenhouse gases being released into the environment. This contributes to global climate change – and runs up your electric bill. To save a few bucks in the long run – and to reduce your carbon footprint – there are plenty of “green” ways to keep cool this summer.
Easy, Low Cost Solutions:
• Fans: Use fans to keep air flowing. Ceiling fans can make a room feel up to seven degrees cooler, and they use less electricity than air conditioners. A medium-sized window AC unit uses 900 watts of energy, while a ceiling fan set at high speed uses just 75 watts. By using a ceiling fan and raising your AC thermostat by just two degrees, you can lower your cooling costs by up to 14 percent.
• Window Coverings: Install window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close blinds, shades and drapes facing the sun during the day to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently.
• Heat Sources: Reduce internal heat sources by turning off lights and computers when you’re not using them. Don’t use a stove or oven to cook – microwave your meals or grill outdoors. Incandescent light bulbs also create heat, so consider replacing them with compact florescent bulbs.
• Air Conditioning: If you use central air conditioning, program your thermostat to work around your family’s summer schedule by setting the temperature higher when no one is home. When buying a new air conditioner, look for one that is an ENERGY STAR product.
Longer-Term Solutions:
• Plant Trees: We already know trees are great for the environment, but most people probably don’t realize they can also help cut cooling costs. By planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house, you can reduce air conditioning costs in the summer by up to 30 percent, and still allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter.
• Windows: Upgrading your windows is another cost-saving renovation to consider. If your windows are due for replacement, ENERGY STAR windows can make your home more comfortable year round.
In the car: Besides the house, the car is probably where people are most likely to crank the air conditioning to avoid a sweltering commute, but running the air conditioning works your engine harder and cuts down on fuel economy. When traveling slower than 40 mph, it’s more fuel-efficient to roll down the windows.
We’ve already seen some record breaking temperatures this summer, and while it may not be realistic to eliminate the use of air conditioners altogether to keep cool, there are options that use less energy and don’t raise your energy bill quite as much. So keep yourself cool while saving money — and the environment!
Air conditioners require a lot of energy to operate, and generating power means more air pollution and greenhouse gases being released into the environment. This contributes to global climate change – and runs up your electric bill. To save a few bucks in the long run – and to reduce your carbon footprint – there are plenty of “green” ways to keep cool this summer.
Easy, Low Cost Solutions:
• Fans: Use fans to keep air flowing. Ceiling fans can make a room feel up to seven degrees cooler, and they use less electricity than air conditioners. A medium-sized window AC unit uses 900 watts of energy, while a ceiling fan set at high speed uses just 75 watts. By using a ceiling fan and raising your AC thermostat by just two degrees, you can lower your cooling costs by up to 14 percent.
• Window Coverings: Install window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close blinds, shades and drapes facing the sun during the day to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently.
• Heat Sources: Reduce internal heat sources by turning off lights and computers when you’re not using them. Don’t use a stove or oven to cook – microwave your meals or grill outdoors. Incandescent light bulbs also create heat, so consider replacing them with compact florescent bulbs.
• Air Conditioning: If you use central air conditioning, program your thermostat to work around your family’s summer schedule by setting the temperature higher when no one is home. When buying a new air conditioner, look for one that is an ENERGY STAR product.
Longer-Term Solutions:
• Plant Trees: We already know trees are great for the environment, but most people probably don’t realize they can also help cut cooling costs. By planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house, you can reduce air conditioning costs in the summer by up to 30 percent, and still allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter.
• Windows: Upgrading your windows is another cost-saving renovation to consider. If your windows are due for replacement, ENERGY STAR windows can make your home more comfortable year round.
In the car: Besides the house, the car is probably where people are most likely to crank the air conditioning to avoid a sweltering commute, but running the air conditioning works your engine harder and cuts down on fuel economy. When traveling slower than 40 mph, it’s more fuel-efficient to roll down the windows.
We’ve already seen some record breaking temperatures this summer, and while it may not be realistic to eliminate the use of air conditioners altogether to keep cool, there are options that use less energy and don’t raise your energy bill quite as much. So keep yourself cool while saving money — and the environment!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Room Air Conditioner Turn-In
NHsaves participants have teamed up to offer a unique opportunity for consumers to save energy and money this summer! For a limited time, NHsaves is offering a $30 incentive toward the purchase of an ENERGY STAR-qualified room air conditioners when customers turn in old & inefficient room air conditioners. Electric Utilities are offering its customers/members a chance to recycle their old air conditioners. This service is free at participating retailers, saving the fee of $5-$20 normally charged at municipal transfer stations. A special $30 rebate to be used toward the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR mode will also be provided. For more information or to find the recycling location nearest to you, click here.
NHsaves is about people in New Hampshire doing the right thing working together to save energy, reduce costs and protect the environment. NHsaves is made up of: Public Service of New Hampshire, Unitil, National Grid, and New Hampshire Electric Co-op.
NHsaves is about people in New Hampshire doing the right thing working together to save energy, reduce costs and protect the environment. NHsaves is made up of: Public Service of New Hampshire, Unitil, National Grid, and New Hampshire Electric Co-op.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Baker River Appreciation Day
Bring your friends and neighbors and join the community for the Baker River Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 10th. Special thanks to the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI), D'Acres and Community Partners for organizing the day's festivities.
The schedule of events includes:
- Baker River Clean Up and Trail Work from 10:00am – 12:30pm. Lunch provided to volunteers.
- Sunnyside Ride Farm and Solar Bike Tour of the Baker River Valley to benefit Local Foods Plymouth starting at 1:30pm. Leaving from Rumney Village, mileage choices are from 15 – 35 miles. $15 per rider; pre-registration required.
- Dinner & music at the Calmpost Café on Buffalo Road. The evening will feature local, farm-fresh dinner, area artists, natural resource education, family entertainment and the music of local bands including the Crunchy Western Boys, Black Bear Moon and the Cable Guys.
For more information, visit http://www.plymouthenergy.org/. See you there!
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