Building Green in Solana Beach

ECO FRIENDLY PAINTS

2010-07-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

Natural, Low VOC and Zero VOC Paint for Clean Air

We have been looking for paints that are natural, Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or Zero VOC. Low VOC paints.

Painting with eco friendly paint has taken a little time and effort just to find the paint itself.

I have heard that the paint may not cover as well, so more coats of paint may be needed.

Some eco-friendly paints may have to be ordered by the store upon specific request. Therefore a paint project requires some advance planning just to have the correct supplies.

Painting with an eco friendly paint is safer for the environment than most commonly used paints.

Eco friendly paints are less toxic and less likely to cause allergic reactions. Painting with eco friendly paint takes a special effort, but pays off in better health and a healthier environment.

Here are some paints we have looked at:

1. http://www.yolocolorhouse.com
2. http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/green/index.jsp
3. http://www6.homedepot.com/ecooptions/index.html

We have opted for Sherwin-williams because their Harmony paint has no VOC and has great colors.

GREEN FIBER INSULATION WWW.GREENFIBER.COM

2010-06-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Benefits

Seamless Protection

Unlike common batt insulations, GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is sprayed into walls and cavities, creating a continuous blanket of protection from energy leaks. This monolithic blanket, combined with GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation's high R-value, enhance the energy efficiency of the home.

Studies of actual buildings show that cellulose-insulated buildings use as much as 26% less energy than similar buildings insulated with typically installed fiberglass at the same R-value. One reason for this is the ability of cellulose to control air infiltration.

Uncontrolled air leakage through exterior walls and ceilings is almost as important as R-value in determining how much energy will be required to heat and cool a building. GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is very effective at greatly reducing air infiltration; it fills cavities and around obstructions filling cracks and seams.
Install GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation for Effective Insulation throughout Your Structure

The building envelope plays many roles in the proper function of the entire structure. It serves as the thermal barrier and the air pressure barrier of the building. The systems approach to design and construction ensures that GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation will perform to meet a wide range of structural demands.

Construction and workmanship are critical to building envelope performance. The examples below illustrate effective installation techniques for addressing varying conditions, from foundation to attic.

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High R-value

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is manufactured in specially designed mills that separate cellulose fibers. This technique produces less dust and the fibers are more uniform in size to provide the maximum possible R-value. These fibers remain uniform, so they won't lose their ability to block air movement through the years.

GreenFiber also maintains R-value even under extreme cold conditions. The insulation's seamless monolithic blanket ensures that R-values are not compromised. The R-value and density of GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation reduce air flow and help homeowners realize energy savings.*

*Savings vary. Find out why in the seller's fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.

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Achieve Full Insulating Potential with the Systems Approach to Design and Installation

Modern buildings consist of thousands of components that shape large functional interrelated systems. When all the components of these systems work together, the results are dramatic: maximum safety, durability, comfort and efficiency throughout the structure.

That's the systems approach to building design. And it is the approach that can help you achieve thermal performance and insulation value with GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation.

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Effective Thermal Installation

Insulation plays a crucial role in the building envelope system. It is important that insulation be in direct contact with the pressure barrier. The pressure barrier is the plane commonly made of drywall that separates the conditioned area of a building from the unconditioned area. Adherence to these guidelines will produce an effective thermal boundary:

No Gaps

Gaps commonly occur in the thermal boundary when insulation covers too short or too narrow an area for a stud cavity.

No Voids

Holes in the thermal boundary allow unwanted heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter. Typical problem areas are knee walls, stairs on exterior walls, vaulted ceilings, tubs or tub and shower stalls, and utility shafts.

No Compression

Insulation achieves its full R-value only when it is allowed to remain at its full thickness.

No Misalignment

Misalignment occurs when there is a separation between the insulation and the air barrier. This space allows air to circulate inside or through the cavity resulting in a decrease in insulation performance.

No Wind Intrusion

In attics, wind can enter the insulation through soffit vents and reduce R-value. Therefore, wind baffles properly installed prior to insulating can prevent wind intrusion.

Eco-Stucco

2010-05-01T20:10:00.001-07:00

We have been trying to find a "green" stucco and have discovered the company called Eco Stucco. Their product looks amazing! Below is some information from their website

Natural Plasters

Natural plasters unlike cement and acrylic plasters require
little processing and energy to produce. They include those
made of clay, gypsum, and lime. Clay and gypsum plasters are more delicate. They tend to be rather soft and water soluble and therefore they are reserved for interior work. Lime plaster is used in interior and exterior settings, providing excellent protection against the elements.
Clay plaster is pleasant to work with. Unlike gypsum or cement plasters, clay plaster offers a longer setting time allowing for a more relaxed work pace. It creates velvety finishes and warm environments. While clay is easy to repair, it can also be easily damaged – a downside to consider in high traffic areas.
Gypsum plaster is widely available in North America and when used indoors it can last a lifetime. The potential release of chemical additives into the air may affect air indoor quality for several years however. .Although relatively easy to work with, gypsum plaster sets up very fast and therefore may require more labor.
Lime plaster is the most durable natural plaster. It cures over time providing a hard limestone finish. As history shows, it can withstand hundreds of years of weather. Flexible, it is less prone to cracking as walls expand and contract due to temperature changes or variations in moisture levels. In addition lime plaster shrinks minimally when it drie, which reduces risks of cracking as well. Another advantage is that the alkaline nature of lime inhibits the growth of mold and mildew. Lastly it feels warm in the winter and cool in the summer –
thanks to a typical low thermal conductivity.

ORG San Diego is GREEN!

2010-03-29T20:44:00.003-07:00

Save Fifteen Days a Year and Live Sustainably with ORG Home Organization

San Diego, CA – Homeowners interested in healthy living and sustainability have an easy and satisfying way to help reach those goals. Living in an organized home relieves stress, and saves time and money. It also eliminates the need to consume fuel and make wasteful purchases to replace misplaced items that a homeowner actually has at home.

A 2008 consumer study by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that more than half of respondents would save upwards of 16 minutes to one hour a day if they were more organized. That translates into anywhere from two to 15 days a year being wasted.

Imagine having 15 more days a year to spend doing what you enjoy the most. Living a more organized life not only saves time, it’s a better scenario for mental and physical health than chaotically triple-checking rooms for a missing checkbook, or hunting for something critically needed. Homeowners that go from knowing “it’s somewhere,” to knowing “exactly where,” live a more efficient and less stressful lifestyle. If you’re organized, you’re already thinking sustainably. Sustainability is ultimately a quest to live in a healthier household, community and global environment. Being organized is a good start towards achieving that goal and is an element of living sustainably that is often overlooked.

Being organized can make a difference with something as simple as baking soda or cinnamon. It’s irritating to make a special trip to the store for something you discover wasn’t needed after all. With an organized pantry, you see what you need, so ingredients won’t be forgotten and won’t go to waste. “By having a well designed space, you gain efficiency and ultimately there will be less waste,” said Shanon Chilson, President of ORG San Diego, a company specializing in home organization solutions.. “It becomes easy to be a more intentional consumer – you can see what you have in your pantry, closet or garage for example, eliminating duplicate purchases. And by integrating organizing systems for recycling and charity donations, it makes the process simple and can become part of your daily or weekly routine.”

The solutions from ORG San Diego create efficiency and save space in a homeowner’s closet, kitchen, garage, pantry, laundry and home office. “Our organization solutions are custom-designed to meet the homeowner’s exact organization requirements, and also their aesthetic needs with a range of styles and finishes.” Chilson said. “We are also equally committed to providing the best home service experience our customers have ever had. With the combination of busy families trying to fit lots of “stuff” into their homes, people are screaming for help to organize it all. We offer smart storage solutions and so do some of our competitors. But none of our competitors can touch our customer service. Our pledge to each and every customer is to provide exceptional service from our first call to final installation. In that, we are unique.” Chilson said.

While ORG San Diego provides solutions that deliver a greener lifestyle for homeowners, ORG products are also manufactured with eco-friendly materials that are less impactful to the environment and healthier for homeowners. The ORG panels contain 100 percent recycled and/or recovered wood fibers, and are certified as compliant with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) Phase I emission standards. ORG panels are certified by the Composite Panel Association (CPA), the only environmental certification program that has achieved ANSI accreditation. ORG is also an EPP (Environmentally Preferred Product) Downstream licensed company, which demonstrates its environmental commitment by purchasing CPA EPP certified composite wood products. In addition, the particleboard sheets used in manufacturing ORG products are certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) a leading environmental certifying agency in North America.

In addition, ORG products offer a lifetime limited warranty and can be reconfigured and repurposed, but they won’t have to be replaced, thus reducing waste.

ORG and its parent Windquest Companies practice sustainability, recycling 93.5 % of total waste, using high-efficiency lighting, and encouraging employees to bike to work and bring in material from home for recycling. Windquest also reduced its natural gas consumption by 50 percent by recycling warm air back into the plant through its dust-collection system.

With a focus on health and sustainability, the company contributes to the community by donating time, product, and financial support to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Urban Youth Ministries, and Center for Women in Transition. Also, in 2008 ORG began making a donation to the Arbor Foundation, on behalf of each client who purchases an ORG solution, to plant one tree in their name. These trees help replenish our national forests that have been damaged by wildfires or disease, which in turn help purify the air and clean the water.

The solutions from ORG San Diego create efficiency and maximizes space in a homeowner’s closet, garage, pantry, media room, foyer, laundry, or home office. For more information, or to schedule a free in-home consultation, please visit www.ORGSD.com or call (760) 233-1205.

SOLANA BEACH GREEN BUILDING FAIR

2010-03-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

SAVE THE DATE

date:Friday, February 27, 2009 time:1:00 PM to 4:00 PM venue:Fletcher Cove Park address:100 South Sierra Avenue Solana Beach, CA 92075 View map from:City of Solana Beach Local experts on sustainable building and energy
Learn more about Build it Green and LEED
Latest building materials and design
Free Prize Drawings

GREEN LIGHTING

2010-02-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

We are working with lighting experts in order to maximize our lighting in the home, utilize day lighting and reduce electricity usage.

We are looking at the various types of fixtures:

HALOGEN

Halogen bulbs are wonderful for long periods of use because their filaments, encased in quartz envelopes, last longer than those in incandescent bulbs and produce bulbs of remarkable longevity. They also emit more light per unit of energy compared to incandescent bulbs.

CFL

CFLs or Fluorescent bulbs are wonderful for long periods of use, because they are four to six times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and last approximately ten times longer. This makes them an eco-friendly alternative that maximizes your utility costs.

LED

ED Light Bulbs save 90% energy, last up to 60,000 hours, are cool to the touch, unbreakable and save time and money. They add more to the up-front costs.

Experts we are talking with:

Cynthia Burke at Burke Lighting www.burkelighting.com

Patrick Jenkins at www.ecolightingstore.com

SOLAR HOT WATER

2010-01-26T20:19:00.001-08:00

In our quest to try and build a "Net Zero" home (or as close as we can come to one) we have decided to try solar hot water for our domestic hot water system.

The Wikipedia definition is as follows:

Solar water heating or solar hot water is water heated by the use of solar energy. Solar heating systems are generally composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of usage. The system may use electricity for pumping the fluid, and have a reservoir or tank for heat storage and subsequent use. The systems may be used to heat water for a wide variety of uses, including home, business and industrial uses. Heating swimming pools, underfloor heating or energy input for space heating or cooling are more specific examples.

In many climates, a solar hot water system can provide up to 85% of domestic hot water energy.^[1] This can include domestic non-electric concentrating solar thermal systems. In many northern European countries, combined hot water and space heating systems (solar combisystems) are used to provide 15 to 25% of home heating energy.

Residential solar thermal installations can be subdivided into two kinds of systems: passive (sometimes called "compact") and active (sometimes called "pumped") systems. Both typically include an auxiliary energy source (electric heating element or connection to a gas or fuel oil central heating system) that is activated when the water in the tank falls below a minimum temperature setting such as 50°C. Hence, hot water is always available. The combination of solar water heating and using the back-up heat from a wood stove chimney to heat water^[2] can enable a hot water system to work all year round in cooler climates, without the supplemental heat requirement of a solar water heating system being met with fossil fuels or electricity.

We are using Adroit Solar for our bids on this system www.adroitsolar.com.

SFI Lumber

2009-12-01T19:58:00.001-08:00

The “building green” movement is one of the most signiﬁcant efforts in helping to protect our environment. The
Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc. is proud to be a strong partner in the movement by certifying more environmentally
responsible building materials than any other standard.
Here are just a few of the reasons why SFI certiﬁed wood ﬁts squarely within the goals of Green Building rating systems.

n INDEPENDENT GOVERNANCE
On January 1, 2007, a new, fully independent organization, the SFI, Inc. was created to direct all elements of the
SFI® program.
The multi-stakeholder board of SFI, Inc. is now the sole governing body over the SFI Standard and all aspects of the
program, including chain of custody certiﬁcation and labeling, marketing and promotion. SFI, Inc.’s board members
represent environmental and conservation organizations, public ofﬁcials, professional and academic groups, independent
logging professionals and forest landowners.
u Broad Support:
The SFI program enjoys support from more than two dozen conservation groups, organized labor,
family forest owners, scientists, universities and public agencies. The SFI program does not rely exclusively on annual
foundation funding or grants and has the support and funding infrastructure necessary to ensure an economically viable
program into the future.
u Independent Audits:
SFI, Inc. requires auditors to be accredited by an independent third-party. The SFI program
sets the standards for certiﬁcation and auditor qualiﬁcations but does not accredit auditors. The SFI program requires auditors
be accredited by an independent body, such as the American National Standards Institute. SFI Audit Procedures and
Qualiﬁcations require that audited organizations be in full compliance with the SFI Standard at the time of the audit.
u Independent Assessments:
Numerous independent, unbiased, science-based studies comparing the SFI and Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) programs have shown the two programs to be nearly identical when it comes to on-the-
ground performance. These studies have been conducted by respected organizations like Metafore, The Pinchot Institute,
and ProForest (for the UK Government). The UK Green Buildings Standard fully recognizes the SFI program as does the
ofﬁcial UK government procurement policy.
The Japanese government’s procurement policy requires the government to purchase wood and wood products that are
harvested in a legal and sustainable manner. This policy recognizes SFI certiﬁed products as meeting those criteria. In
addition, Japan’s green building system, Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efﬁciency, fully
recognizes SFI certiﬁed products.
u Label and Chain of Custody:
The SFI program has a comprehensive Chain of Custody and labeling program that
includes percent content labels for those who choose to use Chain of Custody (CoC).
u Internationally Recognized:
The SFI program has been internationally recognized by the Programme for the Endorsement
of Forest Certiﬁcation (PEFC). www.pefc.org
u Abundant Supply:
The SFI program is the largest forest certiﬁcation program in North America, with more than 133
million acres independently certiﬁed. Eighty-ﬁve percent of wood panel products and 50 percent of dimensional lumber
products in the United States are produced by SFI program participants. This means the SFI program can provide
a reliable source of materials for those in the green building market.

Recognizing wood from the SFI program and other credible certiﬁcation systems will expand
sustainable forestry and green building practices worldwide.
GREEN BUILDINGS AND SFI CERTIFIED WOOD
www.sﬁprogram.org
“The Sustainable Forestry Initiative”, “Growing Tomorrow’s Forests Today”, “SFI” and the SFI logo are registered marks associated with the SFI program.

Phase II- Framing

2009-11-30T21:02:00.001-08:00

We are trying to use FSC certified woods for framing:

What is FSC?

In the days leading up to and following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, world attention was focused on the challenges faced by cultures around the globe as demands on their natural resources increased. Poverty, disease, land use change, climate change, and pollution all continue to threaten our resources and the stability of cultures worldwide. The challenges at Rio remain largely unmet. However, the conversations that occurred there contributed to one solution — the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Driven in part by the failure of an intergovernmental process to agree on a global forest compact, and the compelling question — what is sustainable forestry? — loggers, foresters, environmentalists, and sociologists came together in the first General Assembly to form the FSC in 1993.

The Forest Stewardship Council was created to change the dialogue about and the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide. This impressive goal has in many ways been achieved, yet there is more work to be done. FSC sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span economic, social, and environmental concerns. The FSC standards represent the world's strongest system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes. Like the forestry profession itself, the FSC system includes stakeholders with a diverse array of perspectives on what represents a well-managed and sustainable forest. While the discussion continues, the FSC standards for forest management have now been applied in over 57 countries around the world.

In 1995, FSC-US, located in Minneapolis, MN, was established as the national “chapter” of FSC.

It's purpose is to coordinate the development of forest management standards throughout the different biogeographic regions of the U.S., to provide public information about certification and FSC, and to work with certification organizations to promote FSC certification in the U.S.FSC-US has a national presence through the work of its Board of Directors, members, staff, and regional standards coordinators.

The FSC's international headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany. FSC has contact person and national offices in more than 40 countries, creating a global FSC network. For more information on FSC at the international level, please visit www.fsc.org.

VETRAZZO SALE

2009-11-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

DO NOT MISS THE VETRAZZO SALE

50%-70%

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NOV 20-21

2434 Lincoln Blvd , Venice CA 90291

http://www.vetrazzo.com/index.html

310-578-2123

Going Green On the Cheap! by Nicole Falco from Biomonde

2009-11-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

GOING GREEN ON THE CHEAP AND WITH NO TIME
Can’t afford a Prius right now? Solar panels too expensive? Does going green seem like something to put off for when our good old economy bounces back? Does it feel like going green costs too much green?
Well it shouldn’t. We can go green on the cheap. Let’s shift our focus and wallets over to low-cost, low-tech, but hi-efficiency and resource saving products and practices. Green efficiency saves you money. Green products and practices save your health. And as a bonus – it saves the planet too!
For example: replacing ordinary incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents or LED bulbs results in huge cost savings and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. But what’s the problem? We are not making the switch. According to Glenn Croston’s book, 75 Green Businesses, “ only about 6% of US homes are using them.” The point is that going green is easier and less expensive than we think. What other cheap things can we do right now?
-Install a programmable thermostat (costs only $100 bucks, if you are anything like me -you can do a lot worse shoe shopping online)
-Get low-flow, low-cost showerheads and faucet aerators installed (retrofitting is always cheaper than replacing fixtures, your water bill will shrink)
-Seal up air leaks (why install solar panels when your home may not even be energy efficient? And watch your electric bill go down…)
-Change air filters (get someone to do it for you three times a year – it saves energy and $$$)
-Insulate your water heater with a special inexpensive blanket created for this (big energy reducer for now, in the future you can invest in a new energy star approved heater)
-Install water filters – makes that tap water nice and tasty (won’t need to buy bottled water)
-Swap out your current cleaning service for a green cleaning service – or swap out the products under the sink for green ones (your indoor air quality will improve)
Sounds good for the wallet and planet? So what’s the other problem? We have no time. I have a confession to make – I am one of the 6% of people who have energy efficient bulbs installed. How? I have no time: I work in fashion and write for a living. The answer: my husband is a certified green consultant and green property manager. I have a unique and very convenient situation for going green: my husband identifies what we can do within our budget, and then he does it himself for us!
Since all of my friends and neighbors are in the same “no time, no money boat” – I encouraged him to create a new green service for them – supplying and installing low-tech, low-cost products. This makes energy and resource efficiency an easy and affordable thing to achieve.
The timing could not be better – the U.S. government just unveiled the “Recovery through Retrofit Report”. Why should we care about that? Because our homes produce twice the greenhouse gas emissions than our cars! The report adds, "Existing techniques and technologies in energy efficiency retrofitting can reduce energy use by up to 40% per home and lower total associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 160 million metric tons annually. Retrofitting existing homes also has the potential to cut home energy bills by $21 billion annually.” That sounds like money in our pockets.

The reality is that all of us can go green on the cheap and with no time. All you have to do: find local services that can provide and implement low-cost, low-tech, high efficiency and resource saving products in your home or business. Let them do the rest.

AUTHOR
Nicole Falco writes for Biomonde, a green services company. Biomonde is headed up by the only federally trademarked green consultant in San Diego and Brooklyn, NY. Biomonde both supplies and installs affordable green products and technologies that save money by maximizing efficiency. Going green is now in everyone’s reach! As a bonus - our business and residential clients receive a cool sign to display their conservation efforts to the community! Check out our website at www.biomondegreen.com.

Lending to others-Giving Back

2009-09-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

We have had so many issues with getting a construction loan for our build that I wanted to help others to realize their dreams and so I just made a loan to someone in Nigeria using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).

You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.

The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.

I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Lovelyn Osahon in Nigeria. They still need another $425.00 to complete their loan request of $800.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Lovelyn Osahon too:

http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=137175

It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a
sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.

Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.

Thanks!

---------------------------------------------------------
What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:

'Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.'
-- BBC

'If you've got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you've now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.'
-- CNN Money

'Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.'
-- The Wall Street Journal

'An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity...All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.'
-- Entrepreneur Magazine

PHASE 1 GRADING AND CONCRETE

2009-07-25T15:03:00.001-07:00

How do we make concrete green?

Concrete: A Green Building Material

The most popular buzzword in construction today has also pervaded almost every other aspect of modern life: green. Whether it is applied to building, living, or eating, everyone is attempting to reshape their habits in an environmentally friendly manner.

Contractors, who must always attempt to respond to new consumer demands in order to maintain a competitive presence, are struggling to change their building practices and integrate green design into their business. However, one of the most commonly used building materials is one of the greenest options available!

Concrete fits many of the requirements for environmental responsibility. Here are some of the reasons why concrete can be an excellent choice for use in green design.

Why is Concrete Green?

The main tenets of green and sustainable design are reduce, reuse and recycle. The goal is to reduce the negative impact, or “footprint,” that we as a species have on the earth. Concrete is an important option available to consumers looking to use green materials in their new homes, additions or updates. One of the most important factors is that cement, the main component of concrete, is made from the most common mineral found on earth: limestone.

Limestone is crushed to create cement powder. Also, since limestone is so common around the world, it can generally be harvested and processed locally, which reduces the amount of resources needed to transport the cement from the plant to the construction site. In addition, cement can be made or partially comprised from waste products from various production processes such as fly ash, silica or slag.

How Concrete Reduces the Carbon Footprint

Concrete acts as a natural insulator, or better said, helps to adjust to environmental conditions. Concrete retains heat, which can significantly help with homeowner's heating and cooling needs. It can absorb warmth from the sun in the winter months and retain the heat inside, while keeping in the cool air in the summer.

In addition, concrete walls tend to be airtight, and thus, minimize drafts that traditional building materials allow into the building. This alone can reduce heating and cooling costs significantly. Finally, natural concrete is lighter colored and reflects more light than many other surfaces. This is especially valuable in close building situations, such as cities, where dark surfaces can absorb heat and artificially increase the local temperature.

One of the most popular features of concrete is its durability, which is also one of the main factors in its being a green building material. Sustainable building and living emphasizes long-term solutions and products over cheap, short-term products that will be thrown away and add to the waste management issues that already exist. Concrete can last for many times longer than conventional building materials, such as wood or drywall. It is very resistant to common causes of deterioration in homes such as insect activity, rot, rust and even fire.

Overall, concrete can offer many homeowners the sustainable option they want, while giving them the cost effectiveness and structural strength they require. Contractors, meanwhile, may find that they are already employing more green business practices than they had ever imagined.

Pollie Gautsch San Diego Green Homes cell- 858-344-5905 fax- 760-454-4673 www.sandiegogreenhomes.com

DWELL ON DESIGN

2009-06-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

We attended the Dwell on Design Exhibition in Los Angeles and saw many great manufacturers and services providers of green products. http://www.dwellondesign.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=12&Itemid=244

Noteworthy exhibitors were:

ECO STUCCO- http://www.ecostucco.com/

KOHLER- http://www.us.kohler.com/savewater/home.htm

Asbestos information- Safe alternatives

2009-05-27T21:42:00.001-07:00

San Diego Homeowners Striving for Green Living

Living in the 21st century, many cities are adapting to the new green paradigm, updating old homes and buildings to suit the needs of a healthier environment and home. With a growing amount of education and technology in eco-sustainable resources, the state of California is leading the way towards a green paradigm of building and construction.
It is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation. As citizens of Earth, we are obligated to nurture and sustain this planet.
Known for a large industrial history, California’s economy has had success in areas such as ship-building, mining and power generation. These industries found many usages for asbestos, as the material has fire and heat resistant qualities. Utilized in homes as a form of piping and insulation throughout the 20th century, asbestos manufacterers were aware of the corrosive effects of the substance, but continued manufacturing it anyways. This obsolete building material can easily be replaced with green methods of insulation that can even reduce annual energy costs!

Many homes, buildings and public facilities built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. In many instances, the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can potentially lead to the development of related lung ailments such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer that accounts for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, Diagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter.

Go Green in the Home

“Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health.

Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.

Most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 % per year. The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.

There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos, yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods. Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These green options have the same beneficial qualities as asbestos, minus the health deteriorating and toxic components. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.

“Credit to Paul James of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for
submitting the article.”

california coastal commission

2009-05-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

After two years of waiting we have finally made it through Coastal!

See below for our approval:

Application No. 6-08-86 (Gautsch & Matsui, Solana Beach) Application of Pollie Gautsch & Darryl Matsui to construct 2-story, 4,012 sq.ft., single-family home, 283 sq.ft. workshop, and 590 sq.ft., 2-car garage, with associated grading and landscaping, on 59,533 sq.ft. vacant lot, at 445 Holmwood Lane, Solana Beach, San Diego County. (EL-SD) [APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS, moved to Consent Calendar]

We still have some conditions to complete but as soon as we get the building permits from the City of Solana Beach we will be able to break ground.

The Green Stuff used in our project

2009-03-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

THE GREEN STUFF

ENERGY

Heating/Cooking System: hydronic space heating

Active Solar - Solar (photovoltaic) electric power generation, solar hot water heating

Passive Solar – Skylights

Lighting: Low-voltage recessed cans plus florescent and compact fluorescent fixtures, daylight controls

Appliances: Energy Star appliances and front-loading high efficiency clothing washer

Insulation: formaldehyde-free insulation made from recycled jeans by Bonded Logic

BUILDING MATERIALS

Exterior Materials: Recycled siding, FSC certified lumber

Interior Materials: Recycled trim, doors and cabinetry, FSC-certified cabinets, concrete countertops, reclaimed materials used for flooring, High Efficient Ceiling Fans, Double-Pane windows, Fly ash concrete walls and floors, Low VOC paint, non combustible building materials

INTERIOR PRODUCTS

Bamboo sinks, Recycled Concrete Sinks, Vintage Reclaimed Furniture, Compressed Paper Countertops, Recycled glass tiles

WATER

Fixtures: Low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets

CONSTRUCTION

Waste Reduction: Recycled waste products, recycle job site construction waste, use recycled content

Recycling: Separated and recycled waste products

Construction Methods: Standard framing with FSC-certified cabinets, apply optimal value engineering

LANDSCAPING

Plants: Native Landscaping

Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater collection in cisterns

Irrigation: Weather based automated irrigation control system

1st Green Point Rated House in Solana Beach

2009-02-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

We have submitted our final set of plans in the City of Solana Beach and we are going to be the 1st to be Green Point Rated in Solana Beach! So exciting. Green Point rating is a program through Build It Green www.builditgreen.org.

Residential Guidelines

Build It Green's Green Building Guidelines

Build It Green offers Green Building Guidelines for New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, and Multifamily Construction. The Guidelines' recommended measures were specifically developed to address climate and market conditions in California, are endorsed by credible third-party sources, and are backed by sound building science.

The Guidelines were developed and refined by a diverse set of residential building stakeholders including production builders, contractors, architects and designers, multifamily home developers, state and local government leaders, regional and national building-science experts, product manufacturers and suppliers, and green building advocates. In the past six years, numerous local governments have adopted and use the Guidelines.

GreenPoint Rated

GreenPoint Rated is a third-party verification system for the green building measures referenced in the Green Building Guidelines. GreenPoint Rated is an outgrowth of successful green building programs and resources that have been serving Californians since 2000.

The points in GreenPoint Rated correspond to recommended green building measures in Build It Green's New Home Construction and Multifamily Green Building Guidelines. Point values are assigned based on their benefits to the homeowner and the environment and reflect construction practices that exceed California's building and energy code requirements.

GREEN BUILDING FAIR INFORMATION

2009-02-11T22:15:00.001-08:00

Solana Beach

Green Building Fair

When: Friday, February 27, 2009

Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Where: Fletcher Cove Park

100 S. Sierra Avenue, Solana Beach

Local experts on sustainable building and energy

Learn more about Build it Green and LEED

Latest building materials and design

Free Prize Drawings

Solana Beach Green Building Fair

2009-01-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

Friday February 27, 2009 from 1-4pm

Planet Green Network

2008-08-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

We are really into Planet Green. Planet Green is the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network with a robust online presence and community. Launched in June 2008, their on-air content reached 50 million homes, offering more than 250 hours of original green lifestyle programming. Both online and on-air, Planet Green's content is entertaining, relevant, and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. By representing a broad range of ideas and perspectives, Planet Green is taking an active role in generating conversation and motivating individuals to take action when it comes to improving the environmental status of our planet.

La Jolla Proposed Solar Energy Farm

2008-07-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Looks like the parking lot at UTC in La Jolla could be home to a solar energy farm, which would shade cars while generating power. The new generation of solar panels will form a "roof" over parked vehicles. The proposed panels would pivot so they could follow the sun as it moves west. They are 60 percent more efficient than flat panels, SDG&E said.
The company's president said the project would be just one part of a $250 million on solar energy. Along with its plan for the shopping center lot, SDG&E wants to build solar farms on city owned lands and military bases. It's the largest solar initiative in local history.
The electricity generated would power homes and provide juice so that customers can charge up their plug-in hybrids while they shop. Westfield is also putting another solar panel on the center's ice rink, and installing two thousand compact flourescent lights.

FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES

2008-07-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=193

Our house location is in the San Elijo Lagoon which is full of chaparral which is very flammable and like gasoline for a fire we want to reduce the risk of fire damage by building with non combustible materials. Some ideas are to use:

· dual-pane windows
· boxed-in eaves and screened vents
· indoor sprinklers in homes
· noncombustible fences
· noncombustible doors
· maximum landscaping
· vegetation buffers
· fire-resistant plants and trees

Bamboo Sink by Stone Forest

2008-07-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

We really like the bamboo sink by Stone Forest the "Moso Bamboo Vessel". We have one for the new home. It is very well built. Check out their website at http://www.stoneforest.com/?Table=Product&do=view&id=311.

Building Green in Solana Beach, San Diego

2008-07-05T15:56:00.001-07:00

This is the story of Pollie Gautsch and Darryl Matsui's trials of building green in Solana Beach, CA. We bought a 1.3 acre piece of property in Solana Beach in a lagoon area. Its so beautiful and we want to build our dream (and green) home on the property. One and a half years later our story poles are up, plans are in the city of Solana Beach and we are on our way. We go to the city for approvals (cross your fingers) in August 08. In the meantime we will be collecting green materials and information to build this dream home. So far we have a bamboo sink from Stone Forest and have picked out our "green" builder...Christian Naylor from Naylor Construction.