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Today's Green Headlines
How to Find a Great Builder... or Watch Them Run for the Hills
I want to let you in on a little secret: buildings are complex. We expect them to 1) keep us comfortable, 2) to handle all kinds of weather 3) to be safe 4) durable 5) stylish, and 6) efficient.
The last time I checked, the laws of physics didn't ignore buildings, and the se laws can actually be applied to deliver five of the six expectations above. Perhaps there are even physicists out there who can predict style with science -- I suppose I can extend the benefit of the doubt. But how many people do you know who build, sell, inspect, purchase or occupy buildings and who comprehend how the flows of energy, moisture, and air influence comfort, efficiency, durability and safety?
The process of building or remodeling a home typically involves many subcontractors, each focused on his or her specific niche, with a builder overseeing the entire operation. This is a lot for a builder to juggle, so how can you be confident that the builder of the home you're considering purchasing is delivering a quality product that will perform?
Continue reading...
Solar Gaining Mainstream Media Attention in US  In a perfect world, solar would be the norm. Solar installations wouldn't make the news. Solar business news would be reported right alongside all other industries. Unfortunately the reality is that solar has yet to hit the mainstream, though it is making inroads as shown by recent solar news broadcast by major media outlets.
Just this week Solar3D was featured in articles published by CNBC.com (See "Solar3D Technolgy Gains Press Attention"). While Solar Novus Today has covered this innovative technology company since the fall of 2010, the fact is that its advances in bringing down the cost of solar while boosting efficiency is now newsworthy enough for mainstream media. The story was also reported in The Christian Science Monitor. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a non-profit trade group based in Washington, DC is trying to bring solar to the forefront by launching a campaign to educate the public that solar is available now, it's working and it's creating jobs. According to Monique Hanis, SEIA's Director of Communications, there's a disconnect here because, according to an independent poll by Kelton Research 94% of the public supports the use of solar, but it's not gone mainstream. Yet. Continue reading...
In addition: 4 Tips on How To Value Green Property Improvement Check it out! Turning Green Over Tax Credits Check it out! Big Money for Energy Efficient Upgrades Check it out! Bank of America Announces Energy Efficiency Finance Program Check it out! Which US States Lead in Clean Energy? Check it out! ____________________________________________________________________ | 
Nancy Yavorsky
Many may wonder why a person would want to build a home made out of straw, but apart from providing a place to hide from the big bad wolf, they have some substantial benefits. They are undeniably green, as straw packed tightly in the walls helps to retain heat, keeping a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, minimizing the home's carbon footprint. Straw is also a sustainable material; it is the leftover stalks from grain that would otherwise be burnt. Aside from the environmental issue, straw homes are also often beautiful structures crafted in such a way to reflect the thick curved walls of a primal era, and envelop the inhabitant in a special, unique retreat that personally expresses their respect and care for the environment.