The Dallas Green Zine

Last week, President Obama signed a bill that will enact national standards for formaldehyde in composite wood products.

This reform is great news as the use of formaldehyde in construction has made it one of the most common indoor air pollutants.

Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, and when inhaled, it can create headaches and burning sensations in the throat and trigger/aggravate asthma symptoms. It is also a known human carcinogen associated with nasal sinus cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer.

A major catalyst for the legislation was a Sierra Club investigation that revealed high levels of formaldehyde in many of the FEMA trailers that were given to displaced residents during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Paul Stewart, who spoke to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in 2007, was one of many residents who experienced ill effects. Click here to hear his story.

Formaldehyde has been in use since the 1860s and is used in particle board and in glues for furniture, flooring, and cabinets. It’s also found in inks and used to help bind bind dyes and pigments to make fabrics more wrinkle-resistant. And because it kills most bacteria and fungi, it is also used in aqueous solution as a disinfectant and as a preservative in vaccines.

Having owned a few properties over the years, one of the biggest disappointments has been the poor insulative quality of the walls. And short of building a new home using insulative concrete forms, earth berms, or straw bale… what is an existing home owner to do?

In an ‘Improving Home Energy’ seminar that I frequently deliver around the metroplex, I discuss foam insulation products that can be injected into existing walls and generally provide an R4 value per inch. In addition to greater thermal insulation, many of these products will provided added sound insulation and fire resistance as well.

However, when asked: ‘Where in Dallas can I get that done?’, it has been difficult to locate local companies that do this for existing homes.

Well recently, I learned of a company called Homesulate that has an office in Plano that will do just that. According to ‘Homesulate’: A simple 1-day project can slice energy bills in older homes by as much as 50%.’

They use a non-toxic, non-expanding foam that contains no formaldehyde or urethane. It was developed with a grant from the Department of Energy. (It is important that any foam products you choose do not contain formaldehyde, urethane, CFC or HFCs. And like many products of this type, you can recoup some of the expense through Energy Tax Credits and Energy.

For more information about Homesulate, contact Carolee.K@HomesulateNT.com or visit here: http://www.homesulatent.com/

And if you’ve had any experiences with the product, good or bad, please share them here.

ASHRAE is introducing a new building energy label. The good news is that a prototype label for the ASHRAE Headquarters in Atlanta was recently unveiled. ASHRAE is working with major real estate developers to implement the label prototype this fall with a widespread launch of the full program in 2010. The Building Energy Quotient program, which will be known as Building EQ, will include both asset and operational ratings for all building types. The bad news is that is does not include residential.

For more information:

http://www.ashrae.org/pressroom/detail/17194 

Against a backdrop of growing concern about the environmental impacts of the things we do and the materials we use, the popularity of wood is set to increase. Since time immemorial, mankind has made good use of wood both indoors and out. Wood is a versatile, attractive, and practical material; it is also our only naturally renewable construction resource.

When properties such as strength, beauty, and versatility are required, wood is the natural choice for many applications. However, the compelling attributes of wood are often offset by the susceptibility of many species to deterioration and degradation when used outdoors. Historically, the use of inherently durable tropical hardwoods and the application of toxic chemicals to temperate climate woods have provided partial solutions. As the availability of durable tropical hardwood diminishes and the use of toxins to improve the durability of softwoods becomes subject to increasingly restrictive legislation, the demand for an ultra-high performance, non-toxic alternative is growing. 

Accoya^® wood offers an outstanding solution.  Accoya^® wood from Titan Wood is an ultra-high performance all-natural solid wood, which has properties that surpass those of the best tropical hardwoods, yet is produced using a non-toxic process.

The technology behind Accoya^® wood is based on wood acetylation, a process that has been studied by scientists around the world for more than 75 years. This method of improving wood has been proven to deliver such superior performance that it has long been used as the “gold standard” against which other methods are measured.

The physical properties of any material are determined by its chemical structure. Wood contains an abundance of chemical groups called “free hydroxyls”. Free hydroxyl groups absorb and release water according to changes in the climatic conditions to which the wood is exposed. This is the main reason why wood swells and shrinks. It is also believed that the digestion of wood by enzymes initiates at the free hydroxyl sites - which is one of the principal reasons why wood is prone to decay.

Acetylation effectively changes the free hydroxyls within the wood into acetyl groups. This is done by reacting the wood with acetic anhydride, which comes from acetic acid. When the free hydroxyl group is transformed to an acetyl group, the ability of the wood to absorb water is greatly reduced, rendering the wood more dimensionally stable and, because it is no longer digestible, extremely durable. The process of attaching acetyl to wood is complicated: controlling and measuring the attachment of acetyl while protecting the wood’s strength and beauty is difficult.  With Accoya^® wood, these challenges have been overcome.

The production process effectively increases the wood’s acetyl content, adding nothing to the wood that does not already naturally occur because acetyl groups are present within all wood species. In general, softwoods have an acetyl content of 0.5 to 1.5% and more durable hardwoods have an acetyl content of 2.0 to 4.5%. During the Accoya^® wood production process these levels are surpassed, significantly improving the source wood’s durability and dimensional stability. Increased durability means that Accoya^® wood lasts longer, helping to conserve even sustainable wood sources. Improved dimensional stability (less shrinking and swelling) means that even environmentally friendly wood coatings, such as improved paints and stains, will last longer and need to be maintained less frequently. Additionally, this extended life improves Accoya^® wood’s carbon sequestration advantages and successfully contributes in the battle against global warming. Furthermore, Accoya^® wood is ideal for use in window, doors, and cladding due to its reduced thermal conductivity. This results in reduced energy consumption and contributes to a minimized carbon footprint.

The by-products from the production of Accoya^® wood are a small amount of valuable fertilizer, readily useable terpenes and acetic acid, which is reused thereby limiting the amount of raw materials utilized.

Production facilities follow strict processes to ensure minimal impact. Chemical preservatives (such as oil, ammonia or heavy metal compounds) improve fungi and insect resistance; however, they do not improve dimensional stability. They also risk harming living organisms by leaching into the earth and present challenges for the safe disposal of the wood at the end of its serviceable life. Accoya^® wood presents none of these problems, is 100% recyclable and may be disposed of in the same way as unmodified wood. By using certified sustainably grown wood from well managed forests and improving its properties without adding toxins, Accoya^® wood helps to protect threatened species, rainforests and local environments.

Accoya^® Wood in Action

Accoya^® wood can be used with absolute confidence and is suitable for a wide variety of applications, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

The patio area of the prestigious London Mayfair offices of Fairfax I.S. has been decked using Accoya^® wood enabling the enjoyment of the summer sun in the city. Accoya^® wood decking was chosen for its beauty, durability and stability.

Accoya^® wood has superb potential in structural applications where it can be used to replace traditional construction materials such as steel. In December 2006, following extensive independent research, Accoya^® wood was chosen as the main construction material for two unique heavy traffic road bridges across the A7 at the city of Sneek in the Netherlands. The bridges, each measuring 20 metres high by 40 metres long, are due for completion by 2009. Accoya^® wood will be laminated in large sections measuring 1080 x 1400 mm. The project marks a breakthrough in the use of durable modified wood in heavy traffic road bridge construction and the bridges will be the first of their kind in the world. Accoya^® wood, with its outstanding dimensional stability, reliability and durability credentials, was the natural choice for the project.

Accoya^® wood’s superior dimensional stability opens up a wide variety of applications for this ‘new wood species’. Successful trials have, for instance, been carried out in Europe for the production of the wooden combs used in harmonicas. Here, Accoya^® wood is particularly valued as it will not react adversely to humidity caused by human breath.

Certain environments are particularly punishing and few are harsher than the banks of canals, where wood is used to hold back the earth. In this application the wood’s exposure to water, microbe rich soil and - most obviously at the waterline - air, is particularly challenging. In the Netherlands, canal linings were traditionally made using tropical hardwoods but, with this no longer being an option, an alternative is needed. Accoya^® wood has been trialed for this purpose with excellent results. Even after 10 years in the water, exposed to all temperatures from sub-zero to the extremes of the summer sun, the Accoya^® wood emerged with no discernible degradation at all.

From sundials that will be exposed to extreme temperature variations, to fun tree houses, garden furniture, signage and more; the sky is the limit with Accoya^® wood. Where quality, durability, dimensional stability and reliability matter, Accoya^® wood is the natural choice.

Starla Middlebrooks is Global Public Relations Manager for Titan Wood Limited in Dallas, TX. For additional information about Titan Wood products, please contact her at starla.middlebrooks@titanwood.com or visit the Accoya site at http://www.acoya.info

Recent surveys of home buyers and builders have found that buyers are willing to pay more for energy efficiency.

Seventy-five percent of homeowners in a new homes survey said that energy-efficient features would most influence their decision to purchase a home.

The top 3 in ‘must have’ features:

• a high level of insulation 
• Energy Star-rated windows
• energy-saving equipment

In another survey of 250 U.S. residential builders, builders said that buyers are willing to pay 11-25% for green built homes.

And if you think that the trend is coming from retiring baby boomers, looking for smaller and more energy efficient homes, think again… The average green homebuyer is:

• between 35-50 years old
• has a college degree
• has a fair understanding of green products

When builders were asked why they don’t use more green products, they cited that price and availability are the key constraints.

Taken from:

NAHB and Better Homes and Gardens Survey

Green Builder Media and Imre Communications (January 2007)           

If you build off grid you must always have a backup generator system. This is usually one of the first items that is purchased.

It’s important to note that many generator manufacturers don’t actually build their own motors. They use engines from well-known names like Ford, GM, and Honda to power their generator heads. When choosing a generator, look for one that comes with a brand name motor: it will be much easier to find parts and service for a well-established brand than for some no-name model. It is highly recommended that you DO NOT use a unit that is from China or some new company that has not proven its reputation.

I have listed some of the companies and rated them on what I have experienced and reports from others who have used these products.

John Deer - Good reputation, been building generators for decades, highly recommended.
Onan  —— Good reputation, been building generators for decades, highly recommended.
Kohler —– Good reputation, been building generators for decades, highly recommended.
Baldor —– Good reputation, been building generators for decades, highly recommended.
Robin Subaru —- They make a good product and I have heard good things about them.
Winco —– They have been making generators for decades, myself I would not use them.
Coleman ——- I have no experience with their generators.
Mitsubishi —– I have no experience with their generators.
Yamaha ——– I have no experience with their generators.
Kubota  ——— I have no experience with their generators.
Honda ———– I have no experience with their generators.
Guardian —— Cheaply made, not recommended for reliable power.
Generac ——–Cheaply made, not recommended for reliable power.
Northern ——- Cheaply made, not recommended for reliable power.
Yanmar ——–  I have heard only bad things about their generators.
ProForce ——- I have no experience with their generators, and would not use them.
Stateline ——– I have no experience with their generators, and would not use them.
Duropower —– I have no experience with their generators, and would not use them.

Choose a generator that produces more power than will be drawn by the combination of lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator including the initial surge when it is turned on. If you cannot determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate your appliances, lighting, and equipment, ask an electrician to determine that for you. (If your equipment draws more power than the generator can produce, then you may blow a fuse on the generator or damage the equipment.)

Once you’ve decided to purchase a generator, there are several considerations you must keep in mind when choosing which set to buy, where to install it and how to install it. Choosing the right system is not difficult if you take the time to analyze your requirements carefully. You will also need to know a few terms and have a basic understanding of the different types of generator sets and their operating principles. Installation requires expert assistance and a strict adherence to local codes and regulations. Its recommend that you have a contractor do your installation. Also to meet warranty requirements, you may have to have a licensed expert do the installation or void the warranty. In any case you want it done right the first time, the Generator is a major part of any Off Grid System, and needs to be treated as such.

Is green building and affordability mutually compatible? Dan Fette thinks so. In association with the Denton Affordable Housing Corporation, he has built a subdivision of 14 single family homes, called Nevada Court.
 
Houses range in size from 1180 to 1620 SF with an average sales price of $135,000, and include features such as increased insulation in the walls and ceilings, radiant barrier in the roof decking, double vents in each room, on-demand water, dual flush toilets, and a rainwater harvesting system for landscape irrigation.

On a recent trip through a house at Nevada Court, a few members of the Dallas Alternative Energy meetup group questioned the price, suggesting that $135k seemed more middle income than ’affordable’–particularly for a house that was only 1340 SF. But Fette pointed out that the energy savings over time would offset the price of the house, saying “We’re anticipating energy and water use about half what a typical family would experience in this locale in a conventionally built home.”

He added, “In the energy efficiency category, we’re selling the houses with an energy use guarantee that the amount of electricity and natural gas necessary to comfortably heat and cool the houses stays below a particular amount. At today’s utliity prices that translates to less than $50/month for our 1340 SF model home.”

One key characteristic of green built homes is to seal the house well to reduce temperature leakage. The homes at Nevada court have R13 insulation in the walls and R50 in above the ceiling. All the duct work is run through air-conditioned space. Each room has two air ducts. One brings the air into the room and the other is a return duct to circulate air back to the AC system–making the rooms comfortable even when the doors are closed. He said that the system allows for a balanced flow, creating  neutral pressure in the house.

The spacing between the studs was increased but the house was wrapped in thermapoly with Dupont tyvek. A sealed house makes it even more important to have less toxic materials inside. (Many conventional homes have traditional flooring, carpets, paint and other materials that off-gas toxic chemicals over time.)

Another feature is the heating/cooling system. This house had a 1 1/2 ton AC unit. Fette said that often a house of this size might have a 2-3 ton unit because there is a tendency to over-size. However, when you put in too big an AC unit, the system hits its set point very quickly and it doesn’t run long enough to dehumidify. When there is less humidity, you can feel more comfortable at higher temperatures.

Each bathroom has a dual flush toilet, hot-water on demand, and efficient Delta shower heads. The dual flush toilets, purchased at Morris Supplies (on Regal Rd) have two buttons on top: one button uses more water to flush solid waste and the other uses less for liquid. 

Hot-water on demand is used to heat water the tap when you need it. Below shows the installation below a sink.

 

Water-efficient Delta shower heads are used in the bathrooms. However, these should not be confused with low-flow shower heads. Fette said: “Delta discovered that people don’t like the low flow shower heads, so they designed a large droplet size, but with fewer droplets.”

The rainwater harvesting system consists of a 1600 gallon tank that collects water from the gutter system along the room. It’s used exclusively to water the landscape, which is mostly Bermuda grass.

Fette isn’t new to green building. He had been the superintendent on the Zero Energy house built in Frisco. After that experience, his friends kept telling him: ‘When you build something the rest of us can afford, then come back and brag about it.’

He explained how he had run into Jane Burda Provo of the Denton Affordable Housing Corporation when they were attending a seminar at North Texas University. She had been working on trying to get low and moderate income people into existing renovated homes, and although they could often afford the mortgage payments, the utility costs were killing them. Fette’s solution has helped change that. 

For more information, you can reach Dan Fette at http://www.danfettebuilders.com.