Many have the motivation to be more energy efficient but are hesitant to take the next step. There’s no need to toss out all of your belongings for greener products or implement a complete redesign. There are actually a few simple changes that can be made around your home that will decrease your energy consumption,… Read more »
What to Know About the Changes to the 2019 Energy Code
In California, we’re living in an exciting time for renewable energy. Both the public and private sectors are starting to really embrace the industry and shift the market over to one that reflects where the future is headed. But with the shift comes a lot of changes—namely in California’s Energy Code. Next year, the code… Read more »
Sustainable Building Trends that are Making 2018 Green
Last year carried many developments in the green building initiative. Solar energy was accepted as the energy of the future, passive building designs reduced energy consumption in the home, and we saw the rise of net-zero energy homes. 2017 performed well, and 2018 is predicted to continue to drive the green building initiative forward Resiliency… Read more »
The Advantages of a Net-Zero Energy Home
Net-zero energy homes are becoming increasingly popular in the housing market lately, which is unsurprising with all of the green benefits they pose. Save the environment while simultaneously saving money Living in a net-zero energy home will help our currently crippling ecosystem. These structures will drastically reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and use renewable energy… Read more »
California Making Green Strides towards Net-Zero with Solar Panels
As we know, California has always been at the forefront of green energy. Our emission limits are now national industry standards, and innovation on the local level is often adopted by cities and municipalities everywhere. Perhaps nowhere is this momentum more apparent than in Sonoma County, where net-zero energy home construction is quickly becoming the… Read more »
California Home to Five of the Top Green Buildings in 2018 COTE Awards
This year’s recipients of the COTE Top Ten Awards were finally announced and five of the ten top sustainable projects are located in California. The American Institute of Architecture and Committee on the Environment evaluate the social, economic, and ecological value of each structure to determine the top buildings that excel in design and performance…. Read more »
Growing Trends in Modern Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction practices are on the rise amid both the residential and commercial sectors and are rapidly surpassing conventional construction methods. Ecologically conscious consumers primarily fuel the demand, with statistics citing construction-related industries are major US polluters that are culpable for: 23 percent of air pollution, 40 percent of water pollution and 50 percent of… Read more »
Chico State University to Break Ground on Sustainable Science Building
After more than 10 years of planning, Chico State University will begin construction of the $101 million green facility this summer. This new physical sciences building will be 110,200 square-feet, housing chemistry, physics, science education labs, outdoor classrooms, and more. The green building initiative was important to the campus and their commitment to climate change…. Read more »
Study Shows that Green Building Produces Health and Climate Benefits
A recent study conducted by Harvard University experts, examined a set of green-certified buildings in 6 countries, the U.S. included, over the past 16 years. The result: $6 billion in health and climate benefits. The study, also known as HEALTHfx, shows that the two areas benefiting, health and climate, correlate and work together to cut… Read more »
The Benefits of HERS Testing in a New Home
When it comes to the rapidly increasing energy costs in America, it’s important to understand how energy efficient your home is. A HERS test will help you decrease your energy costs and increase your energy savings, putting money back where it belongs: in your wallet! What is a HERS test? HERS stands for Home Energy… Read more »