Green Design
Years ago when I first started working in the design field there was little available for products that were healthy or green. As we built our house tighter we paid the price with people getting sick form their homes. Now we have choices available to us because of consumer demand and environmental restrictions. I have listed a few healthier and energy efficient choices that can make a difference when building or renovating.
Paint
Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variey of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.
The best non-toxic paints are Zero VOC paints but these can cost considerably more than a low cost alternative you can opt for low VOC paints, which are comparable in price to regular paint. Most paint companies now offer a healthier selection of paints.
Cabinetry
Nickels cabinets carries one of the only environmental lines of cabinets on the market in BC. They are able to reduce indoor air pollutants through the use of water-based stains, glazes, topcoats and adhesives; and low VOC paints. They also utilize recycled wood products with no added formaldehyde. The wood doors offered in the Viridian Enviro Collection are value-added woods like Alder, Bamboo, Hemlock, Lyptus and engineered Exotic veneers.
Appliances
Energy Guide appliances are offered by most companies as a standard but did you know that appliances account for 20% of the average households energy use. It is worth updating old and dated appliances just for that reason.
Ninety percent of the kitchens I design have gas stoves and most chefs worldwide prefer cooking with gas. I personally love my commercial gas range. There is nothing like it.
Safety Note * Make sure to allow for proper ventilation with your gas stoves. They usually call for a hood fan with a higher CFM rating that can affect the air in your home. Hire a professional to see if you require make up air.
Lighting
You will see the term CFL Lights everywhere these days. It stands for Compact Fluorescent Lighting. A CFL uses about 75% less energy than a standard incandescent light. We add dimmers to all main areas so that lighting can be adjusted. It not only allows for varied lighting in each room but saves energy as well.
Heating Systems
Terasen Gas is offering a $300 rebate when you upgrade to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR natural gas heating system. Details are on there website but the offer is only good until December 31, 2007. This offer is for Squamish residents only.
The Government of Canada provides grants to property owners who complete energy efficiency retrofits based on the energy advisors' recommendations. Owners of low-rise residential rental properties may also qualify for a grant.
The grant amount is based on carrying out energy efficiency retrofits such as increasing your attic insulation or replacing your gas furnace with a qualified ENERGY STAR® model. Only homes that have undergone a residential energy efficiency assessment by an NRCan-licensed advisor will be eligible for grants.
The internet provides a wealth of knowledge on “Green Design” that will assist in selections that are sustainable and viable as we become aware of the impact of our footprint on the globe.
http://www.nickelscabinets.com/
http://www.terasengas.com/Homes/default.htm
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/home-improvement.cfm?attr=0
Paint
Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variey of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.
The best non-toxic paints are Zero VOC paints but these can cost considerably more than a low cost alternative you can opt for low VOC paints, which are comparable in price to regular paint. Most paint companies now offer a healthier selection of paints.
Cabinetry
Nickels cabinets carries one of the only environmental lines of cabinets on the market in BC. They are able to reduce indoor air pollutants through the use of water-based stains, glazes, topcoats and adhesives; and low VOC paints. They also utilize recycled wood products with no added formaldehyde. The wood doors offered in the Viridian Enviro Collection are value-added woods like Alder, Bamboo, Hemlock, Lyptus and engineered Exotic veneers.
Appliances
Energy Guide appliances are offered by most companies as a standard but did you know that appliances account for 20% of the average households energy use. It is worth updating old and dated appliances just for that reason.
Ninety percent of the kitchens I design have gas stoves and most chefs worldwide prefer cooking with gas. I personally love my commercial gas range. There is nothing like it.
Safety Note * Make sure to allow for proper ventilation with your gas stoves. They usually call for a hood fan with a higher CFM rating that can affect the air in your home. Hire a professional to see if you require make up air.
Lighting
You will see the term CFL Lights everywhere these days. It stands for Compact Fluorescent Lighting. A CFL uses about 75% less energy than a standard incandescent light. We add dimmers to all main areas so that lighting can be adjusted. It not only allows for varied lighting in each room but saves energy as well.
Heating Systems
Terasen Gas is offering a $300 rebate when you upgrade to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR natural gas heating system. Details are on there website but the offer is only good until December 31, 2007. This offer is for Squamish residents only.
The Government of Canada provides grants to property owners who complete energy efficiency retrofits based on the energy advisors' recommendations. Owners of low-rise residential rental properties may also qualify for a grant.
The grant amount is based on carrying out energy efficiency retrofits such as increasing your attic insulation or replacing your gas furnace with a qualified ENERGY STAR® model. Only homes that have undergone a residential energy efficiency assessment by an NRCan-licensed advisor will be eligible for grants.
The internet provides a wealth of knowledge on “Green Design” that will assist in selections that are sustainable and viable as we become aware of the impact of our footprint on the globe.
http://www.nickelscabinets.com/
http://www.terasengas.com/Homes/default.htm
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/home-improvement.cfm?attr=0
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