Remodeling

INAFCS: Green Remodeling

5432 Winthrop Ave.Indianapolis, IN 46220Gary Vickrey, Owner317.339.6096

Topics to discuss

Why go Green? What makes a product Green? What is Green remodeling? How Green do you want to be Most common products Cost comparisons- Green vs. Traditional

materials Ideas for making your home more Green Resources and information

The Green market

Growing market built by: Consumer interest to support the

environment Companies offer products that solve

problems & meet design goals at affordable prices.

It is critical to be educated in this new direction!

Why go Green?

Save money on energy & water Reduce exposure to toxic chemicals Increased awareness of environmental

responsibility Save limited resources Reduce waste/landfill Reuse products and recycling Promote sustainable products

What makes a product Green? Energy efficiency Reduction in water use Use less or non-toxic chemicals in

production Minimize particle emissions to improve

Indoor Air Quality Prevent VOC= Voctile Organic Compound

and off gassing Ratio of recycled content

What is Green Remodeling? It is a wide spectrum- defined by your goals By choosing any higher efficiency product

over a less efficient product your home will be more “Green” and more efficient than before

Industry standards for home and commercial LEED certification (US government agency) Green Certified Remodelers (NARI)

What does LEED certified mean? LEED= Leadership in Energy & Environmental

Design US Green Building Council point based

certification program for new home and commercial construction projects.

4 levels of LEED: certified, silver, gold, platinum

Commercial buildings use 60% of US energy, so increasing LEED certified buildings support reductions in energy dependence & save money.

Green Certified Remodelers

NARI- National Association of Remodeling Industry created Green Certified Professional (GCP) standard:

Full time remodeler for 5+ years Used green products, practices in jobs for

3+ years Completed 16+ hours of

green/sustainable continuing education Pass comprehensive exam

Most Common Green Products

Lighting, LUTRON Compact Fluorescent

Light- CFL Flooring

Recycled content Paint

Low/No VOC Wall coverings

Recycled countertops Energy Star Appliances Fabric-recycled

Green insulation Soy Based

On demand water heaters

High efficiency windows/doors Low E, double pane

Live Roofs “Green Roofs”

Low-Flow toilets & shower systems

LUTRON LIGHTING

RECYCLED COUNTERTOP

UPHOLSTERY-RECYCLED

LIVE/GREEN ROOF

TOILET/SINK COMBO

Lighting- Green Options

Options to improve lighting efficiency: Add a dimmer switch to existing Replace incandescent bulbs with CFL CFL- compact fluorescent light last 10x

longer & use 75% less energy LED Incandescent lighting is not as available

for home use yet, same benefits as CFL Designing task specific lighting, such as

under counter, can reduce overhead light use

Green flooring options

What to look for: Endurance, comfort,

style, lower toxicity socially responsible

manufacturing installation & recycle

when it’s replaced Combine those issues

with cost to select best option

Bamboo, Cork Rubber Marmoleum, made of

natural materials Recycled glass Hardwood: salvaged,

& certified Natural Fiber Carpets:

wool, jute, sisal

Quality Selections

BAMBOO FLOORING

RUBBER FLOORING

MARMOLEUM FLOORING

MARMOLEUM FLOORING

CARPET TILES- RECYCLED

What you Need to know: Bamboo

Bamboo is the best selling Green flooring

Quick renewable resource- can grow 1’ per day.

Mature & harvestable after 3-4 years vs. Hardwood Trees mature 20-120 years

Stronger than Cherry

80% grown in China- high petroleum costs to deliver

What pesticides & chemicals are used in growing & sealing?

Has the bamboo been allowed to mature?

Immature bamboo dents and chips easily… soft.

Pros Cons

BAMBOO WALL COVERINGS

BAMBOO WALL COVERINGS

Green paint options

Low and no VOC paints are of equal quality and price equal to a medium grade paint

Near $20-30/gallon. Most paint companies

offer low/no VOC Most colors are still

available

Traditional paint contains Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOC’s off-gas for over a year

Creates Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues.

Pros of Low/No VOC Cons of Traditional

The Cost of Green

Perceived vs. actual increase in cost vs. Traditional

Quality varies across price ranges Prices are often same at comparable quality Degree of “purity" can increase price Match your goal to the product Calculate future cost savings Value placed on “intangibles”, like the

environment Wide range 0% to 100% of a product being green

Low Cost ways to Green your home

Trade incandescent light bulbs for CFL 5 bulbs can save 50% off annual lighting bill

Wrap ducts to insulate & reduce heat loss Add more/better attic insulation to R-38 Ensure windows are weather tight Replace faucets/showerheads with low

flow options cut water usage by 20,000 gal/yr & save 10-

16% water heating costs

Low Cost ways to Green your home

Install programmable thermostats Save up to $100/yr

Plant native plants, reduce lawn area Buy Energy Star rated appliances

Washer: uses 55% less water, 50% less energy/load save $110/yr

Refrigerator: uses 20% less energy than conventional

Bottom line on Green

Personal choice What are your objectives?

Many things are simple to implement & cost little

Other areas, require some research to find the product to meet your goal & your budget

Educate yourself- the internet is full of helpful sites

A qualified remodeler can help