Green Building
own timer, at about $200, installed, is another way to cut
Buildings in the United States account for 38 percent of pri-
energy usage and utility bills.
mary energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, making them
Residential wind turbines—as tall as 80 feet or more—
a top contributor to global warming, according to the Envi-
depend on a host of factors to make them feasible, including
ronmental Information Administration. The green building
unobstructed land, building codes and cost considerations. A
movement now encompasses improved insulation and heat-
10-kW system will cost about $40,000.
ing and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; energy-efficient
For anyone building a new home, a geothermal heat
windows and appliances; low-flow commodes and showers;
pump is one of the best long-term energy investments. Pipes
use of recycled and more durable materials for roofs, decks
are buried in the ground outside the home, where the tem-
and countertops; and paints free of volatile organic com-
perature remains stable; these move heat from the ground via
pounds. According to McGraw-Hill Construction’s Green
encased fluid to the home’s ductwork during cold months
Outlook 2009, the overall green building market is likely to
and reverse the process in hot months. The overall system
more than double from today’s $46 billion to $49 billion to
costs about $7,500, more than a $4,000 furnace and central
$96 billion to $140 billion by 2013.
air system, but it requires little maintenance. Payback can
Increasing awareness of the benefits of green build-
come in as little as two years.
ing, combined with a national push for healthier homes
Many incentives help. A 30 percent tax credit is avail-
and green jobs, has led to opportunities for homeowners.
able through 2016 for home renewable energy systems
Federal tax credits are available for up to 30 percent of the
(search the Energy Star website). Local utilities often offer
cost for various metal and asphalt roofs, biomass stoves (used
further rebates and incentives (search Database of State
for heat or water heating), increased insulation and more
Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency). For solar panels, tap
energy-efficient windows, doors, air conditioners and water
into a Residential Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), where
heaters. Details are available at the government’s Energy Star
a customer pays a small upfront cost to a company such as
website.
SunRun to guarantee a set electricity rate for the next 18
More, the the Federal Housing Administration is offering
years.
Energy Efficient Mortgages to new homebuyers who commit
to significant energy-saving improvements or who purchase
Contact: American Wind Energy Association, awea.org;
an Energy Star-rated home.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency,
dsireusa.org; Energy Star tax information, EnergyStar.gov,
Contact: Energy Star green building tax credit information,
search “tax credits”; Solarbuzz, Solarbuzz.com; SunRun,
EnergyStar.gov, search “tax credits”; U.S. Green Building
SunRunHome.com.
Council, usgbc.org.

Organic Clothing and Linens
Renewable Energies
While major brands like Levi, Gap and American Apparel
Despite the poor economy, the Solar Energy Industries As-
have introduced organic clothing lines in the last few years,
sociation (SEIA) reported that 2008 was one of solar energy’s
organic and natural fiber fabrics, including sustainable
best years: Here at home, solar power connected to the elec-
bamboo and hemp, is still a niche market. While people
tric grid was up 58 percent, and solar water heating capacity
now better understand the health benefits of organic foods,
grew 40 percent. The research firm Clean Edge reports that,
“Most consumers don’t understand organic… when it comes
worldwide, solar is expected to grow from a $29.6 billion in-
to clothing,” says Mark Messura, executive vice president of
dustry in 2008 to $80.6 billion by 2018. In 2008, the United
Cotton Incorporated.
States surpassed Germany to become the world leader in
Patagonia makes all of its sportswear from 100 percent
wind energy; that industry is projected to expand from $51.4
organic cotton, a practice it began in 1996. Recently, a more
billion in 2009 to $139.1 billion in 2018. A host of other
widespread advance in green standards for all consumer
renewable energies promise bright futures, too, including
products has emerged from an unlikely source: Walmart. In
geothermal, hydropower and biofuels.
July 2009, the retail giant announced that it is developing
For those who want to convert their house to renewable
a universal rating system and “eco label” that lets shoppers
energies, cost is a factor. Solar panels generally cost between
know the environmental impacts of the products they are
$35,000 to $72,000 before rebates and tax incentives. Solar
buying, from energy consumption to water use.
water heaters are a universally cost-effective way to go; at
For cotton clothing and bedding, pesticide and water
$2,000 to $4,000 for 80-100 gallons, they can provide more
use are major concerns. Petra Kjell, of the Environmental
than half a home’s hot water needs. Wrapping a water heater
Justice Foundation reports, for example, that it requires 500
in a space-age insulation blanket and hooking it up to its
gallons of water to produce one conventional cotton T-shirt.
October 2009 
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