Green Building
Buildings in the United States account for 38 percent
Latest U.S. Energy Innovations
of primary energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, mak-
ing them a top contributor to global warming, according to
Atomic Solar Cells: The latest innovation in solar technology
the Environmental Information Administration. The green
has taken photovoltaic cells to the atomic level. A California
building movement now encompasses improved insulation company called Innovalight (Innovalight.com) has invented
and heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; energy- nano silicon powder that can be added to ink and printed onto
efficient windows and appliances; low-flow commodes
various surfaces, turning a whole range of materials into solar
and showers; use of recycled and more durable materials
power generators for a fraction of the cost of traditional panels.
for roofs, decks and countertops; and paints free of volatile
Portable Fuel Cells: Portable fuel cells, which use a process
organic compounds. According to McGraw-Hill Construc-
by which methanol reacts with oxygen to create energy, have
tion’s Green Outlook 2009, the overall green building mar-
already found application in the U.S. military. They are more
ket is likely to more than double from today’s $46 billion to lightweight than the battery packs soldiers typically carry to
$49 billion to $96 billion to $140 billion by 2013. power their field equipment. The next frontier is consumer elec-
Increasing awareness of the benefits of green build-
tronic devices. MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. (MTIMicroFuelCells.
ing, combined with a national push for healthier homes
com) unveiled the Mobion charger last year, a power pack
and green jobs, has led to opportunities for homeowners.
prototype that can deliver 25 hours of power per cartridge for
cell phones, computers, digital cameras and handheld devices,
Federal tax credits are available for up to 30 percent of the
without the need to rely on batteries.
cost for various metal and asphalt roofs, biomass stoves
(used for heat or water heating), increased insulation and Geothermal: A July 2009 study from New York University’s
more energy-efficient windows, doors, air conditioners and Stern School of Business found that geothermal energy—power
water heaters. Details are available at the government’s
plants pumping super-hot (above 300 degrees Fahrenheit)
Energy Star website.
water to the surface to be captured as steam—is the most ef-
More, the the Federal Housing Administration is of-
ficient form of renewable energy. The future lies in Enhanced
Geothermal Systems (EGS), which involves drilling even deeper,
fering Energy Efficient Mortgages to new homebuyers who
fracturing rocks that lie kilometers below the surface. To get
commit to significant energy-saving improvements or who
there, researchers at Stanford University are using nanotechnol-
purchase an Energy Star-rated home.
ogy that passes nanoparticles into the fractures to determine the
feasibility for energy production. For information on the U.S.
Contact: Energy Star green building tax credit information,
Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Program,
EnergyStar.gov, search “tax credits”; U.S. Green Building
visit eere.energy.gov/geothermal.
Council, usgbc.org.
Renewable Energies
Despite the poor economy, the Solar Energy Industries
Association (SEIA) reported that 2008 was one of solar en-
Wrapping a water heater in a space-age insulation blanket
ergy’s best years: Here at home, solar power connected to
and hooking it up to its own timer, at about $200, in-
the electric grid was up 58 percent, and solar water heating
stalled, is another way to cut energy usage and utility bills.
capacity grew 40 percent. The research firm Clean Edge
Residential wind turbines—as tall as 80 feet or more—
reports that, worldwide, solar is expected to grow from a
depend on a host of factors to make them feasible, includ-
$29.6 billion industry in 2008 to $80.6 billion by 2018. In
ing unobstructed land, building codes and cost consider-
2008, the United States surpassed Germany to become the
ations. A 10-kW system will cost about $40,000.
world leader in wind energy; that industry is projected to ex-
For anyone building a new home, a geothermal heat
pand from $51.4 billion in 2009 to $139.1 billion in 2018.
pump is one of the best long-term energy investments.
A host of other renewable energies promise bright futures,
Pipes are buried in the ground outside the home, where
too, including geothermal, hydropower and biofuels.
the temperature remains stable; these move heat from the
For those who want to convert their house to renew-
ground via encased fluid to the home’s ductwork during
able energies, cost is a factor. Solar panels generally cost
cold months and reverse the process in hot months. The
between $35,000 to $72,000 before rebates and tax incen-
overall system costs about $7,500, more than a $4,000
tives. Solar water heaters are a universally cost-effective
furnace and central air system, but it requires little mainte-
way to go; at $2,000 to $4,000 for 80-100 gallons, they
nance. Payback can come in as little as two years.
can provide more than half a home’s hot water needs.
Many incentives help. A 30 percent tax credit is available
October 2009 27
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