Passive Homes April 26, 2012

What is a passive home, and what does it have to do with environmental sustainability? A passive home or passivaus in German, is a house (any building can be passive with the correct planning) that is specifically made to be highly energy efficient, have a dramatically reduced carbon footprint, and a requirement of little to no extra energy for heating or cooling.

This idea began in the 90’s in Germany and quickly became more than just an idea. Two years after the two pioneers, Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist, had the first conversation about this idea, they had already built a set of four row houses in Darmstadt, Germany with the help of Bott, Ridder and Westermeyer architectural firm. This first set of row houses surpassed any expectation at the time, with energy costs being 80% less than standard houses built the same year. This is also when the Passive House Institute was created, which has helped spread the concept.

Instead of relying on the energy grid for power, a passive house uses the sources of energy surrounding it, such as sunlight, body heat, wind-power, ground heat (geo-thermal) and even the energy released in everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and using appliances to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. The defining equipment in any passive home is the mechanical ventilation system. Since these homes have to be airtight, they need to be able to let in fresh air for occupants and release old air containing noxious gases and CO2.

The building envelope in these structures is truly remarkable; the walls are filled with extra thick insulation to minimize any chance of thermal bridging (heat loss). The windows are infra-red reflecting, vacuum sealed, triple glazed, triple pained and finally pumped full of the noble (colorless) gas, argon. This gas is heavier than air and acts as a better insulation against heat from solar radiation. The awnings on these homes are built to take advantage of the lower sunlight in the winter, and the higher sunlight in the summer. In some cases, the homes are so energy efficient that they sell extra energy from solar panels to the city or county energy grid; in fact, they get paid to do this. One builder in Germany, Rolf Disch, has built a set of homes that earn, on average, $5,075 per year. Typical homes in this area of Germany spend $4,500 and up on energy. Such a saving can really make an impact on a homeowner’s annual income and yearly spending. The positive aspect of saving money is enough for most people but for the more environmental conscious, the reduction in their carbon footprint is almost indomitable.

In 2010, there were over 25,000 certified passive homes in Europe , but only 13 of these homes in the US. The vast majority of passive houses have been built in German-speaking countries and Scandinavia. However, in the last two years, the amount of passive homes in the US has nearly quadrupled, due to higher energy costs and the stimulus packages that have been made available for “green building” through the Obama administration. The International Passive House Institute also provides additional information, as the US branch of Passive House. We hope this trend continues, as the homes are more energy efficiency that Energy Star and LEED certified homes – though these, too, are a great step in the right direction.

Too Dry or Too Wet? January 13, 2012

Depending on the difference between the humidity of the outside and inside air, your house can either be too dry or too wet. In the winter time, outside cold air is drier than that in your house, which causes the air in your house to dry out. If your home is too dry, a humidifier can help, though you may need to weatherize your home to better seal it from outside air. However, most often a too wet home causes the most problems, such as mold and mildew growth, infestation by dust mites, cockroaches and bacteria, and structural damage. There are many causes of excess moisture, including leaky plumbing, a wet attic or basement, humidifiers, gutters, downspouts and drains, and of course flooding and sewer backups. Anything made out of wood, paper or cardboard in damp areas can also create mold growth, which can cause asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.  Maintaining appropriate moisture levels in your home is important to keep it healthy and green:

• Find and fix all plumbing leaks (even small leaks can lead to mold growth)
• Install and use exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms (especially when cooking or after showering)
• Change the water in your humidifier once a day and clean weekly
• Open windows or use fans to increase air circulation
• Direct water away from your home’s foundation with landscaping and correctly situated downspouts
• Repair all cracks and holes in walls
• Keep gutters clear to prevent water buildup
• Ensure that dryers have external exhaust fans

Just a quick walk around your home can save you thousands of dollars in repairs if you catch the problems early. For more tips on how to identify and fix moisture problems in your home, check out this article from Oregon State University.

Moving Towards Zero Waste November 7, 2011

Reduce, reuse, recycle. This mantra has been publicized tirelessly in recent years, emblazoned on hemp tote bags, organic cotton t-shirts, and reusable water bottles. While it has been moderately successful in raising public awareness about the waste stream, this slogan mainly targets consumers, and most of those consumers are just recycling. In reality, the man-made waste stream is a much larger issue. Consider the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island. Bigger than the Great Wall of China, the Fresh Kills Landfill was the largest man-made object on Earth and could be seen from space with the naked eye until reclamation began in 2009. Humans are the only existing species that produce non-biodegradable waste. More importantly, this waste is not only created at the consumer, end-of-product-life level. Raw material extraction, product and packaging design, manufacturing practices, sales and distribution, and government policy are all contributing factors.

This is where the concept of zero waste comes in. Zero waste practices seek to tackle our “throw away” attitude by emphasizing resource conservation, reduction in pollution, increased economic opportunity, and quality over quantity. Mimicking nature, zero waste initiatives promote a cyclical manner of resource use over a linear approach. Zero waste perspectives perceive waste as a resource going in the wrong direction. Many discarded materials or resources often viewed as “waste” can be used to make new products, effectively cutting infrastructure costs, creating new jobs and revenue opportunities, and encouraging innovation. Rather than targeting only consumers, zero waste efforts employ system wide principles, optimizing resource use and keeping producers, consumers, and policy makers accountable. The overall goal? To eliminate waste as much as possible. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of zero waste fundamentals and their existing counterparts:

• Raw Material Supply: emphasize recycled material use, sustainable harvesting and non-toxic materials over exhaustion of virgin resources and piecemeal toxic material management
• Product and Packaging Design: encourage waste minimization, durability, repairability, recyclability, and longer product lifespans over manufactured obsolescence in the interest of maximized sales
• Manufacturing: reform operations to abate emissions, minimize resource use and account for end-of-life product management instead of skirting compliance costs
• Sales and Distribution: instill an active sense of environmental responsibility in wholesalers and retailers and support regional distribution and sales rather than large-scale, mass distribution
• Government Policy: promote and incentivize conservation industries, maintain accountability at the producer stage, and institutionalize efficient strategies to control environmental, economic and social impacts in place of subsidizing uneconomical virgin extraction industries and managing waste at the expense of taxpayers
• Consumption: select products on basis of quality, price, and environmental impact and increase participation reuse/recycling programs instead of overconsumptive behaviors

Clearly, zero waste initiatives require a significant shift in societal awareness and dedication. Informing and educating the public is crucial to this process of surmounting existing barriers. In 2007, director Louis Fox, filmmaker Annie Leonard and Free Range Studios released a 20 minute documentary trying to do just that. Titled The Story of Stuff, the animated film takes a critical stance on excessive consumerism and the materials economy, explaining the impacts on environmental, economic and social health. Since its release, the documentary been translated into 15 languages and viewed in 228 different countries and territories.

Pick Up America is a more interactive, hands-on approach to raising awareness about reducing waste. In 2010, co-founders and University of Maryland alumni Davey Rogner and Jeff Chen and the rest of the PUA crew embarked on nation’s first coast-to-coast roadside litter pick up. From its starting point in Assateague Island, Maryland, PUA will span thirteen states in its journey to the San Francisco Bay area, picking up trash, coordinating volunteers, and educating communities about zero waste practices along the way. So far, the PUA team has collected 109,796 pounds of litter over 1,000 miles.

And what about implementation? Since the birth of the zero waste concept, numerous district councils and city divisions have adopted waste reduction and recycling strategies to enable a transition to a waste-free future. In 1998, the Opotiki District Council in New Zealand became the first local authority to endorse zero waste practices. Canada has also been a leader in blazing the zero waste trail, developing more sustainable methods of waste management and diversion in multiple municipalities spanning the provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia.

To find out more about what “zero waste” really means, check out the following:

• Discarding the Idea of Waste: The Need for a Zero Waste Policy Now by Michael Jessen, founder of Zero Waste Solutions, Inc.
• Sierra Club Zero Waste Committee
• Zero Waste Alliance

Austin Grocery Store Goes “Package-less” October 3, 2011

Picture yourself entering a major grocery store.  Look at the aisles of shelving.  On the shelves sit items in boxes, bags, jars, and cans.  The majority of product packaging is used just once before it is thrown away or hopefully recycled. According to Time, one-use packaging represents 40% of the U.S. waste stream.

In October Austin, Texas will welcome the zero-waste grocery store in.gredients.  The store will be America’s first packaging-free grocery making it a little easier for shoppers to reduce their own waste.  To play their role, shoppers will have to bring their own containers in which to take their groceries home.  The store will offer compostable containers for shoppers that forget to bring their own.  Visit in.gredients’ website for more details.

While package-free groceries are new to the U.S., a bulk food store named Unpackaged opened in London last year.  In order to sell items like dairy that require packaging, Unpackaged offers the products in returnable glass bottles.  The Unpackaged, website provides more information about their zero-packaging efforts.

Package-free groceries are setting out to show consumers that they can carry all of the products of a conventional grocery store (minus the junk food) without all the waste.

Canada: A leader in sustainability? August 5, 2011

Those tempted to think of Canada as “America’s Hat” may have to think again.  In fact, our neighbor to the north has some solid environmental credentials.

Waste
While Americans produce 1584 pounds of solid waste per capita per year, Canadians produce only 921 pounds.  Americans also use 100 gallons of water per day.  Canadians use slightly less at 87 gallons/day.

Incentives and Rebates
The Canadian government has an extensive system of rebates and incentives to encourage sustainability.  For instance, British Columbia subsidizes energy efficient vehicles, refrigerators, composters, furnaces, boilers, pumps, windows, toilets, and more. Click here  and here for more details and a list of programs.

Energy Policy
Canadians also rely on more sustainable energy sources.  Hydropower is in use across the country, comprising 58% of energy production nationwide and a full 92% of the energy in Quebec.  Hydro-Quebec, the province’s power company, also has pilot programs in wind power and methane recapture.  They even provide grants for home geothermal heat pumps.  And the price?  Quebec has some of the lowest electricity rates in North America.

Room For Improvement
The Oil Sands of Alberta – The oil reserves in Alberta may be crucial to Canada’s economy, but the product produces even more CO2 emissions than regular oil.
The Kyoto Protocol – Canada just isn’t going to make it here.  Their emissions have risen since 1990, not fallen.
Solar Power and Electric Vehicles – Cold and wet weather seriously interfere with these crucial technologies.

5th Annual Potomac Watershed Trash Summit Wrap Up September 23, 2010

On September 22, 2010, The Alice Ferguson Foundation had the pleasure of hosting the 5^th Annual Potomac Watershed Trash Summit.  The Noral Group International, OpinionWorks, and Ruder Finn were the three notable firms giving information on action-oriented strategies to make citizens of the surrounding areas of the Potomac River aware of the ongoing trash issue while continuing to guide them in taking action.  The Noral Group had many approaches in engaging citizens on the issue of trash. The most intriguing approach was to target a person that litters and make them feel guilty about their actions. “The only thing that stands between trash and your loved one is you” is a slogan they had on one of their potential ads.  On the ad, there was a picture of an infant with trash behind him. This approach makes one guilty and guilt builds responsibility.

The keynote speaker of the event was Jeff Yeager, the Ultimate Cheapskate. Yeager has made many appearances on the NBC Today Show and there he was given the name “The Ultimate Cheapskate” due to his out of the ordinary habits and way of life of just simply saving. Mr. Yeager has run many nonprofit organizations and has written many books on how to save.  Yeager’s energy and comedy brought a lot of life into the business-oriented environment.  He gave many tips on how to save money bygoing green. These included : 1) Going green can save you money, give you a longer life, and preserve the environment.  2) Before you litter think twice. Where is it going and whom are you harming? 3) Lets keep or world healthy for all of those with us and that come after us.

And the EPA released a trash pollution diet for the Anacostia River. Here’s one last thought I’ll leave you with…

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security.  Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad.  Otherwise what is there to defend?”  ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985

Interested in windows? September 7, 2010

The three purposes of a window in a temperate area are for ventilation, sunlight, and viewing.  The average cost per window for a replacement is between $300 and $700.  To replace all windows in a one-story, three-bedroom home with 10 windows can range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the cost per window.  To replace more windows in a two-story home with more windows can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Find out how windows are rated to find out what suits you best.

Windows are rated by their U-factor and Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). A window’s U-factor is the rate at which it conducts non-solar heat flow, or how well a window prevents heat from escaping. This is measured in Btu/hr-ft²-ºF.  The lower the U-factor, the greater the insulation and more energy-efficient the window.  The SHGC is the fraction of solar radiation admitted through the window by being directly transmitted or absorbed, then released into the home as heat.  The lower the SHGC, the more efficient because of its less solar heat transmitted and greater shading ability.  A window with a high SHGC rating is collects solar heat gain during the winter effectively, and a low rating reduces cooling loads during the summer by blocking heat from the sun effectively.  The SHGC rating desired depends on the factors such as climate, orientation, and surrounding shading.

Visible Transmittance is also a measurable way to determine a good and bad window.  This measures the amount of light that comes through a window. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted. This would be more desirable on the north side of a home for more passive solar heating, but not on the east or west sides.  Air Leakage is another rating that measures the air infiltration around a window, expressed in cfm/sq ft. The lower the air leakage, the better.

Windows are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), who also certifies and labels doors and skylights. This label provides a reliable way to determine window’s energy properties to compare products easily for your interests. Some windows are more energy efficient than other, such as double-pane, low-e and argon filled windows. Look for the Energy Star designation as a starting point, as well as the NFRC label to compare between windows. You may also qualify for a tax credit, so check first before making a purchase. Finally, use a window selection tool such as this one to determine which window is best for your geographic area and needs.

Green your kids! August 19, 2010

Living green is a lifestyle and is starting to become more popular.  Parents need to start teaching their children to be green so that this lifestyle does not phase out.  Regardless of their age, children can be taught to be more environmentally friendly.

Even preschoolers can be green.  They can be taught simple habits such as turning lights off when they leave rooms and turning the water off when it isn’t being used.  Recycling can also be taught so that children can sort out newspapers and junk mail.

Recycling can be more in depth for older children.  Even first graders can be taught what materials can and cannot be recycled.  They can also be taught to take the bus to school cutting down on transportation emissions and have lunches that come in washable, reusable containers. They be taught to garden and grow their plants like sunflowers or even their own fruits or vegetables such as carrots.

Middle schoolers can be taught to use less energy and unplug appliances when they aren’t in use or at least at night. They can be taught to mow the lawn using a push mower and to leave the grass cuttings for compost.  Those in high school can participate in stream or beach clean-ups.  They can also learn more about waste by taking a field trip to a landfill to see how trash doesn’t just “go away” when it is thrown away.  Those who drive should be encouraged to carpool and can be taught to drive to maximize their miles per gallon.

There are many numerous ways for parents and children to go green.  When teaching children to go green, remember it is important that they are told how what they are doing is environmentally friendly and why being environmentally conscious is important. There are many green guides and sites on the internet worth looking at, especially for kids!

Myths vs. Facts of Going Green – Part 2 of 2 April 28, 2010

Here is a continuation – there are more, but these are a few of the more commonly asked questions.

Myth: A couple of degrees one way or not make any difference.

Fact: Properly using a programmable thermostat in your home is one of the easiest ways you can save energy, money, and help fight global warming!  The thermostat makes it easy by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home’s temperature in both summer and winter — even when you are asleep or away.

56% of the energy use in the average home is for heating and cooling, and adjusting your thermostat (lower in the winter and higher in the summer) is a quick and easy way to save energy and money in your home and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the US Department of Energy, you can shave about 1% off your energy bill per degree change over an 8-hour period. So, if you decrease your home thermostat 10 degrees while at work, you can save up to 10% off your monthly heating bills.*

Source: Harvard University Office for Sustainability and ENERGY STAR calculators

---

Myth: Teflon is safe to cook with.

Fact: No, not really.  Tests have concluded that:

• In 2 – 5 minutes on a conventional stovetop, cookware coated with Teflon can exceed temperatures at which the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles/gases linked to possibly thousands of pet bird deaths and an unknown number of human illnesses each year.
• Dupont studies show that the Teflon begins off-gasing toxic particulates at 446°F
  • At 680°F Teflon pans release at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants, and MFA, a chemical lethal to humans at low doses.
  • At temperatures that DuPont scientists claim are reached on stovetop drip pans (1000°F), non-stick coatings break down to a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB, and a chemical analog of the WWII nerve gas phosgene.
  • For the past fifty years, DuPont has claimed that their Teflon coatings do not emit hazardous chemicals through normal use. Recently though, they have taken a step back from their safety assurance.
  • In cases of “Teflon toxicosis,” as the bird poisonings are called, the lungs of exposed birds hemorrhage and fill with fluid, leading to suffocation. DuPont acknowledges that the fumes can also sicken people, a condition called “polymer fume fever.”
• Replace all Teflon non-stick cookware, especially old cookware!

---

Myth: The government has checked all chemicals used in industry.

Fact: We often assume that if a product is sold on the open market, it must be safe.  This is far from always being the case because scientifically analyzing each material requires considerable time and money, which the government doesn’t have.  In the meantime, potentially harmful products remain on store shelves and find their way into our homes.

• US EPA – Chemicals of Concern List/Action Plans under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in December 2009.
  • Could prompt restrictions on 4 types of synthetic chemicals used widely in manufacturing and consumer products
    • includes phthalates used to make flexible plastics, often for toys, household products and medical equipment
  • Compounds covered in the action plans
    • polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), long-chain perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)—phthalates and PBDEs will be listed as “chemicals of concern.” The PFCs and paraffins will be addressed under other TSCA provisions that could also result in restrictions.
  • These four types of chemicals, the EPA said, raise “serious environmental or health concerns” and in some cases “may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment.”
  • This is a big deal because it is the first time since TSCA was passed in 1976 that the EPA has made such a move.

---

Watt do you know about clean energy? April 14, 2010

Think you know what clean energy is? The terms “clean energy, green power, renewable energy, alternative energy” are thrown around a lot.  But what do they really mean?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Clean energy includes energy efficiency and clean energy supply options like highly efficient combined heat and power as well as renewable energy sources.”  Energy Star defines renewable energy as “electricity generated from resources such as the sun, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low-impact hydro facilities.”  In other words if your energy comes from a renewable resource and doesn’t give off CO2 emissions, it’s clean!

Most power companies in the US already use some form of clean energy to provide you with your electricity at home.  Find out how your company compares to the national average just by inputting your zip code.

Some states have also elected to give consumers green pricing choices, which sometimes run at premium to traditional prices.  In some states, the EPA has recognized some key areas as “green power communities.” In Gresham, Oregon, the number of green power users grew from about 900 to over 1,200 users in a short time.  Today the community gets over 15% of its electricity from green power.

Despite efforts of communities like Gresham and other individuals and businesses who seek out clean energy, only 3% of the nation’s energy needs are met by renewable resources.  Some people shy away from it because it seems too cumbersome or expensive to make the switch. However, a transition to renewable energy may be easier than you think.  Check to see if your local provider has a green pricing option or buy Renewable Energy Certificates (REC). A REC doesn’t exactly bring renewable energy to your home or business but it does ensure that one megawatt hour or 1,000 kilowatt hours worth of renewable energy is contributed to your regional power supply grid.  If you decide to buy RECs make sure your provider is selling certified RECs.

The benefits of buying RECs are not only that you are helping reduce emissions, but also include a contribution towards further development of renewable power by increasing renewable energy revenues.

Furthermore, according to a study from U.S. Department of Energy, if the U.S. were to supply 20% of its energy from wind power by 2030, 7,600 million metric tons of Co2 emissions would be avoided and four trillion gallons of water saved.  The costs of implementing this scenario would be fifty cents per month per household.

If you think you’re ready to take a step toward clean energy or just learn more, visit buycleanenergy.org.