The trend is to consider green practices when constructing a new building or when remodeling your kitchen, bathroom or home.

In 2014, California will require major changes in building codes. These are the biggest changes since the rules were created in 1978. These rules apply to new construction and major building renovation. Among the new requirements are:

• Buildings will have to be 25% to 30% more energy efficient
• $2290 in additional costs may be needed achieve the new requirements
• Office buildings will have to allow more natural light, reduce lighting, and lessen air conditioning use
• Homes will need improved insulation and whole house fans
• Roofs will have to be more reflective, utilizing coatings and material

These standards are important much of the nation watches California and incorporates its changes into their building codes.

California 2011 Green Building Requirements

As of January 1, 2011, California is requiring more green aspects to new commercial buildings. CALGreen mandates reducing water use, diverting construction waste from landfills, and rewards bike storage, non-toxic paint, and solar energy. The code is established to reduce construction waste, make buildings more efficient in the use of materials and energy, and reduce environmental impact during and after construction.

Here are some useful green construction resources:

• Build It Green has some very good guidelines and checklists for Green Construction, remodeling and building new homes.  They are a non-profit dedicated to help all of us out even though they focus on California.  They have extensive lists of building material recommendations and sources.
  Also very useful is the Green Product Directory for construction supplies and suppliers. They also have a list of Certified Professionals that have completed training.
• Advanced house framing techniques for new homes, require half the wood of the past.
• Build it Green NYC has information on low cost salvage and surplus building materials.

Using salvaged or reclaimed items helps cut down on resource utilization.

• DiggersList is a Craigslist for home improvement.
• TheStoneBroker helps you find countertop remnants at discount prices.
• Heritage Salvage in Petaluma sells reclaimed building materials.
• Driftwood Salvage in Palo Alto sells surplus construction items.
• Urban Ore in Berkeley sells surplus items.
• List of other San Francisco Bay Area Salvage yards.
• CalMAX – California Materials Exchange – One business’s trash is another business’s treasure.
• Green Demolitions – A Connecticut based recycler and dealer for kitchens and home items.
• Handmadetile - Creates custom made tiles to match existing tiles color and shape.

Remember to donate your spare items after your remodel back to these salvage yards.

Free Green Home Plans

Building a new home? FreeGreen has free energy efficient, healthy new house plans for free. You need to join their community to access the plans. Architects usually charge upto 15% of the cost of a home for plans.

Of course it’s probably far more eco friendly and green to buy an existing home given all the resources needed to build a new one, not to mention the current housing crisis.

Business accounts for 18% of total US energy use with heating and cooling consuming a whopping 36% of electricity energy use. US Energy Information Administration predicts heating oil, electricity, and natural gas will cost 2% to 10% more this winter. Want to increase your profits, advertise your customers that you are hip, and help the environment?

Your Energy Bill arrives and it is way to high. You can start by asking your energy provider to check your meters accuracy, but you will have to do detective work to really save money. Our local utility, PG&E, just announced another energy rate increase. You can go green and save money by following our energy saving tips. This is an overview of the many energy saving tips we have covered over the years along with links to detailed articles.

One of the keys is to have all your employees on board with your energy efficiency goals. They can provide a lot of useful input and need to cooperate with any changes.

Energy Monitoring

How can you save energy without knowing you have reduced usage? The Kill a watt or Killawatt is a low cost energy meter that can show you how much energy your appliances use. For serious energy savers, the TED 5000 Energy monitor also helps to measure energy use. It is very advanced with connectivity to Google’s new PowerMeter tools and even an iPhone app. Power company Wireless Smart Meters extended this capability to more folks. Microsoft’s Hohm ties into this capability to help you save energy.

Also contact your local electric utility and see if there are any special our plans that you can opt into. Many power utilities offer discounts to companies who can lower electricity use

Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

Be sure to also take advantage of the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit. This Federal tax credit can save you money in addition to your utility companies’ promotions. It applies to many items including: Wind Turbines - GeoThermal Heat Pump – Solar panels.

Heating & Cooling

Personal heaters waste a lot of energy, take a poll and adjust air conditioning and heating to comfortable levels. Asked people to where sweaters. Window treatments and Window UV Films help prevent heat loss and buildup. Get an energy audit and HVAC audit to help find your hidden problems. They use blowers that will detect areas causing heat loss. Consider allowing Windows, skylights, and door transoms to become operational again. Replace outdated thermostats with new ones that allow dead bands or temperature readings (say 68 to 75°) were no HVAC system kicks in. Install variable speed fans that have a variety of speeds and energy savings modes, not just on or off. Sure there are fans in a variety of zones in each area.

Lighting

Install timers and occupancy sensors, so that lights are shut off when everyone has gone home. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs or CFLs to save a bundle. Even more efficient LED Lighting is coming on strong. If possible, install skylights, eliminate overhead fixtures near windows, and lower cubicle walls, so that light can flow more readily.

Light up for the holidays with Eco Friendly Holiday Lighting – LED Holiday Lights

Appliances

Refrigerators and washing machines / clothes dryers use the most power in most homes. Consolidate any personal refrigerators or coffee makers. Reduce Refrigerator Energy Use by setting them correctly.

Computers

We have seen far too many computers left on overnight, wasting a ton of power. Ask your workers and to shut down or sleep their computers when they’re not being used. Set your Mac – PC to sleep or hibernate after of inactivity. There are tutorials on how to do this and free software. Use a smart power strip as wall warts draw power even when nothing is on. No need to buy a new PC or operating system to save power. Also consider installing a Digital Timer to control the smart power strip. These work well with your Cable/DSL modem, router, and wireless networking equipment.

For Notebooks and Cell phones: Extend Battery Life, Laptop Battery Life, iPhone Battery Life

TVs

People are realizing their TVs eat a ton of power. California’s CEC is proposing new power rules for TVs. When purchasing, try to buy a green LCD TV. You can optimize your TV set’s power use by making sure all energy saving options are on and that the picture is not set to the energy draining “Torch mode” setting used in stores to show off the brightest of pictures. Also use a smart power strip as wall warts draw power even when nothing is on.

Water

Water rates are sky rocketing. Save water in your bathroom and kitchen. Dual flush toilets and low water use urinals can save a lot of money and water.

Solar

It is a great time to go solar. The Federal 30% Tax Credit is now uncapped. Panels are more efficient than ever. A solar system can pay itself back in 7-10 years. There are no money down leasing options that drop your monthly bill and require no large initial outlay. Solar Panels require a little Maintenance and cleaning.

Green Business Map

Support green businesses. The environmental Defense Fund has maps showing where Green businesses are located. Green business, energy generation, energy efficiency, and transportation are criteria they examined. It covers 14 states. California has its own page.

Eco Friendly Promotional Apparel and Business Logo Merchandise

Eco Imprints sells eco friendly promotional products and apparel. Lots of recycled content, sustainable wood, etc. used in their products. Let’s hope the rest of the swag industry gets more green.