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Ecodesign in Housing – Solar Energy

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You might have noticed it in recent years – homes being built with Ecodesign applications. These new modifications allow these houses to make proper use of renewable, natural energy sources by employing different building materials into the construction. These modifications allow for a wide array of alternative energy sources such as hydropower, wind power and especially solar energy – in fact, solar energy is one of the major renewable energy sources that is helping people save thousands every year.

Have you actually thought about investing in ways you can make use of renewable energy? Chances are if you don’t get Green Mountain Energy then you might have wondered about alternative energy – perhaps, even solar energy? If you were thinking about solar energy then there are two types to consider – passive and active – and two ways to make use of them. For passive solar energy, you would need to invest in some trombe walls and greenhouse glass to trap the sunlight and channel it into heat. Active is a little more expensive requiring solar cells and panels to actively collect solar radiation.

Whichever method you choose and whatever type of renewable energy you decide to look into, remember that a home with Ecodesign features is the best way to start.

Finding a Balance in Living Green

admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In today’s world of all or nothing extremes, how is it possible to find a balance in living green? So what can we do to live environmentally friendly while maintaining somewhat of a normal and sane lifestyle? The first step in finding balance as we live green is to adjust out attitude and expectations accordingly. We should take it one step at a time and realize that every small change we make towards living eco-friendly does indeed make a difference. We don’t have to live off the grid completely and make a house out of used tires and mud. Making small changes like taking the bus, taking shorter showers, and buying a smaller car versus a gas guzzling SUV is enough.

The second step is to start small and work your way up. Being committed to a green lifestyle takes time and patience. You can’t make all the required changes overnight. It takes time and that is okay. Give yourself a break. As with everything else in life, taking a big goal and breaking it down into achievable steps is the best way to accomplish big things. Remember that if you have the will to do it, you will find the way.

Why Local Building Supplies are Better

admin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When considering a project such as building a home or an addition to an existing structure, many consider the cost associated with supplies but not the advantage of buying local. That big box hardware store may have cheaper lumber, but at what cost? How far did that piece of wood travel, and under what conditions? This is not just a green issue, it’s also an efficiency one. Lumber that travels is usually sealed in box cars which are subjected to high heat in the summer, freezing in the winter, and leakage since most are not hermetically sealed. The end result is often many substandard materials. This is especially true of wood, bricks and concrete blocks. These materials may have been damaged in ways that aren’t recognizable until the material is actually used, which leads to wasted money and increased scraps. That is the best case scenario, because unless you are laying every brick, block, or nailing every beam yourself, chances are some of this material will be incorporated into your project which can be even more costly in the future. The local lumberyard or brickyard wants your business and will go the extra mile to insure your satisfaction. He understands what he’s competing against and if he can’t meet their price he will stand on his head to exceed your quality standards.

Design that Follows the Laws of Life

admin — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ecodesign principles are useful for cost effectiveness, functionality, and longevity. In creating a room, house, or business there are many beneficial ecodesign principles that one can apply such as distance to bus stops, the disposal of waste, and the use of solar panels and fluorescent bulbs. The beauty of each ecodesign principle is that not only do they preserve the environment, but they lower energy costs, noise, waste and even taxes!

A simple foray into one of the most basic of ecodesign principles shows how practical and functional these principles can be. Simply orienting a building and having more windows can provide warmth and ambiance while at the same time saving money on the heat bill. More complex options such as installing solar panels may have an expensive fixed cost up front; however such an investment could pay off over time. Solar panels will store energy and not only pay for themselves, but start providing energy savings over traditional generators and power grids.

Ecodesign principles should be given a look by anyone designing or constructing any architecture. As citizens of a limited world, it is important that we not only preserve our resources, but benefit ourselves through education of such practices.

What Are the Basic Principles of Ecodesign?

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ecodesign is concerned with the life cycle of products and materials used in the design process. This means the wood, stone, linoleum, tile and other materials used to design kitchens, bathrooms, homes and even gardens must be safe for the enviroment. This type of design takes in account the effect of materials on enviroment and people. It is a healthy design practice that make a better enviroment for kids, adults and seniors.

Often eco designers will evaluate the products they use to design a kitchen so they will use the best materials available.Get more information here. http://greenflbroker.com/2011/07/25/choosing-new-green-flooring/ They will look at how long products lasts, how they can it be reused or recycled, durability and where it comes from. If possible eco designers try to use local products from the region that you live. Is the product easy to take apart once it has been used as long as it is neede d?

Eco desginers will look at using the best sustainable material when designing a room, kitchen or home for you. This means using oak, cherry, maple, mahongany and other hard woods. Some designers will use bamboo a sustainable product that is used for furniture, floors and sometimes counters. Concrete, cork, and paint without lead is often used by eco designers The main goal is to use products that do not hurt the enviroment.