Making News

(Dec. 12, 2007)

MONEY STILL TALKS

Green Building Efficiency is the New Standard: Part Two

 

From “Extreme Home Makeover’s” first ever ‘green’ project that recently aired, to this year’s Blog Action Day that highlighted blog posts from all across the world regarding green-related issues, everyone is beginning to feel compelled to get involved in saving the environment. Not the tree-hugging of the past, but real tangible action that will clean up our world.

Generation Green continues to make an impact

The building and remodeling of green homes that reinforces the need to be both energy and water efficient, has some international banks recognizing the influence of Generation Green and putting forth the money to back them.

Bendingo Bank, based in Australia, now offers Generation Green™ home loans. In order to be approved, applicants’ green building or renovation projects must comply with the minimum environmental standard required in the state or territory in which they reside. They must also meet efficiency requirements and are mandated to implement at least two criteria from some of the following: solar hot water heating, water storage tanks, solar power systems, micro hydro systems, and grey or black water treatment systems, among others.

Flush less, minimize water usage

Energy isn’t the only focus when creating sustainable living.  According to the EPA, a recent government survey shows at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013. By using water more efficiently, we aid in the preservation of water supplies for future generations - helping to protect the environment while saving money in the process.

Listed as number four on PATH’s Top Ten list for technologies that will ensure homes are durable, stronger and more resource efficient is high-efficiency or low-flow toilets. Rated by PATH on affordability, efficiency, ease of installation, value, durability, environmental performance and safety, high-efficiency toilets have been defined by the plumbing industry and the EPA as those that use an average of 20 percent less water per flush than the industry standard of 1.6 gallons. These types of high-efficiency toilets are known to save homeowners up to 8,760 gallons of water each year for a family of four with 24 average daily flushes

Manufacturers supply options to decrease utility bills

Gerber Plumbing Products provides a complete offering of high-performance toilets that protect the future of our nation’s water supply. Its latest Ultra Flush 1.1 gpf toilets remove 1,000g of bulk waste with every one gallon of water. The company is also reaching out to the southeastern states - currently experiencing a severe drought - through compelling marketing messages urging consumers to conserve precious water supply by considering using this progressive firm’s high-efficiency toilets.

 

GreenBuild 2007 

GreenBuild 2007, with more than 18,000 manufacturers, industry experts and influential leaders recently meeting in Chicago, proved that designing, building, living, and working in green buildings will continue to be vitally important.

 

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) secured Bill Clinton as the featured keynote speaker for the conference. And with green building as the cornerstone of Clinton’s Climate Initiative, Clinton inspired individual action to create momentum in the sustainable living frontier.

The three day convention that incorporated dynamic speakers, educational sessions, LEED® workshops, hands-on training, local green building tours, and networking events, along with 800 exhibitor booths, certainly punctuated the power of the world’s largest conference and exposition dedicated to green building.

Efficiency is the foundation of the green movement

Whether new building and remodeling trends point to energy or water efficiency, today’s nation is incorporating green elements into all aspects of modern day design. As more and more designers, builders, remodelers, manufacturers, city planners, and influential leaders become educated about the benefits of efficiency in today’s homes, we in turn, can educate the public about what they can do to ensure our planet’s sustainability.

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