Green information provided today continues to get updated daily, monthly or annually. The Mortgage Reel was able to speak directly with Brenda Nunes at Sustainability Foundation. Sustainability Foundation is a Washington State non-profit corporation with the mission of promoting balanced development. Brenda has provided information regarding the most requested topics and websites to reference.
This post is going to consist of general information regarding Energy/Water Efficiency Improvements and website links. As mentioned please refer to the links for the most accurate information.
Energy Efficiency
According to a 2004 Department of Energy study, the electricity that we consume in our houses represents almost 15% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the US.
A green-designed home focuses on energy efficiency from the ground up and can include improved insulation, HVAC, and appliances.
Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
Energy Star Home
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=popuptool.athome
Alliance to Save Energy
www.ase.org/section/_audience/consumers
Indoor Air Quality
Did you know that the EPA has found that air inside your house can be two to five times MORE polluted – and maybe up to 100 times! – than the air outside your home?!
A green-designed home can clean pollutants out with interior finishes that don’t give off gas pollutants into the air and HVAC systems that keep pollutants out.
Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html
American Lung Association
www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.36056/k.BDFB/indoor_air_quality/apps/lk/links.aspx
GreenGuard Indoor Products Certification
Water Efficiency
If you compare the world’s entire water supply to one gallon, fresh water composes four ounces (3%), and readily accessible fresh water makes up just two drops.
A green-designed home saves water with improved water efficiency through the following: low-flow or dual flush toilets, low-flow faucets and showerheads, rainwater catchment and reuse, natural storm water management, and drought-tolerant plantings.
EPA Water Sense
www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm
Sweet Briar College Project
http://witcombe.sbc.edu/water/
H20 Conserve
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