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Miner Residence goes beyond LEED Gold to All Electric Zero Carbon Certified

The Miner Residents achieved LEED for Homes Gold Certification over a decade ago, building above even today’s energy code. Yet, they were still determined to go further by going all-electric in their home, buying an electric car, adding solar, and achieving the GHI Zero Carbon Certification in 2020 – 2022. It shows that all homes are a work in progress, and we can always achieve greater sustainability.

Their Zero Carbon Certification, which does not require looking at vehicle usage, was also extended to their electric vehicle usage, which they included in their report for 2 of 3 years.  You can see more details on that here. 

The Miners continue to educate the public about what they did and what others can do by being involved in their local sustainability group and participating in the national home solar tour. One can already see their influence as more solar continues to spring up in the neighborhood.

Learn more about the details of their project here and watch a video tour of their home.

Energy Features

  • 8 Blocks of Renewable Energy Credits from the Consumers Energy Solar Garden Program
  • Induction Cooktop
  • 8.7 kW Solar PV array
  • All Electric as of mid-2021
  • Electric Car Charger and Vehicle added
  • Geothermal heat pump; no fossil fuels used for heating
  • Desuperheater for hot water when geothermal unit running
  • Programmable thermostats in two zones
  • Energy recovery ventilator to condition and filter incoming air
  • Insulated Concrete Forms used for basement and lower walls to improve insulation
  • Sealed wall joints and windows to minimize leakage (highest “blower door” test)
  • 5-Star Home Energy Rating (53 HERS), R20+ in walls, R35+ in ceilings, and sealing
  • Passive solar heating from clerestory windows, which allow only winter sun
  • Low-e, gas filled windows throughout
  • Fluorescent or LED lighting throughout
  • Energy-Star appliances throughout

Resource Conserving:

  • No irrigation in lawn
  • Limited grass to minimize mowing
  • Extensive use of native plants in prairie setting
  • Reclaimed near-brownfield dump site
  • Engineered floor joists to conserve trees
  • Finger-jointed wall studs to conserve trees
  • Floor plan optimized to minimize scraps of lumber, especially flooring
  • Bamboo floors in upper level; concrete floors in lower level
  • Metal siding is made of partially recycled steel and is recyclable
  • Low-emitting paints, coatings and other materials
  • Low volume flush toilets and showerheads
  • Rain barrels to capture water for gardening
  • Wildlife Certified Yard
  • Not-So-Big House design philosophy to minimize resource consumption

The home is located right in downtown Rockford Michigan with great walkability to get to downtown, parks, trails, and many amenities.

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REBAR23

Thank you for joining our session at REBAR GR 23 – Below are some resources for you based on our discussion during the seminar

We are first going to play a game – Which one of these items are more sustainable and why in the photos below? Raffle tickets for the winner(s) of each!

Additional resources we reference for you.

Click to access 2022-realtors-and-sustainability-report-04-26-2022_0.pdf

Click to access Moving-the-Market_-Energy-Cost-Disclosure-in-Residential-Real-Estate-Listings.pdf

Home Energy Sale Disclosures are coming! See an example here https://www.pdxhes.com/

Green Sellers Disclosure form https://www.dropbox.com/s/9zm49lsn0tdk9wp/SellersGreenDisclosureStatement.pdf?dl=0

Click to access SWMRIC-Goes-Green-2.pdf

GreenHome Inspection https://greenhomeinstitute.org/greenhomeinspection/

Continue Learning – https://greenhomeinstitute.org/events/ (Realtor CEUS coming soon)

Join our Green Realtor Committee Eliza.Searles@greenhomeinstitute.org

Join us at the New Home and Remodel Show all weekend – Talk about IRA benefits for your clients at 6 pm on Friday

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Top 5 on-demand green home videos 22

What were the top 5 residential green building videos for 2022?

This year we saw significant interest in our growing GHI residential green building education channel on youtube.

We hit 11,000 subscribers as people are genuinely interested in building better.

Our top 5 most viewed sessions of the year had heatpumps as a clear winner, with 10’s of 1000’s interested in ducted air source heatpump systems that we discussed in 2 different sessions. Next, there is growing interest in rainwater catchment and use for drinking or other water uses. Lastly, it appears more sustainable types of buildings are still huge in people’s interest as both natural buildings and alternative wall and insulation systems, which fell in our top 5.

So what are the top 5 residential green building videos of 2022?

All About Ducted Minisplits – 38k

Basics of Rain Water Harvesting – 30k

Introduction to Fully Ducted Air Source Heatpumps – 27k

Natural Building in cold, wet climates – 16k

Vapor Barrier, do we really need them? 8.5k

You can check out any sessions, anytime, on your time by going to our youtube channel here. Please consider subscribing, as we are updating new videos here weekly in 2023, and you will get an instant update.

If you wish to receive CEUS from watching these videos under AIA, GBCI, BPI, and more, you may consider supporting our work to keep these sessions going and get free CEUS by becoming a GHI member in 2023. Learn more and sign up here

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AprilAire Dehumidifier helps GHI Education Manager stay dry and healthy

I am very grateful to have had my Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifier now for a couple of months, and I want to share my experience with you.  

The system is very energy efficient and has worked well getting out the humid air in my house. Humidity can be an issue in the swing seasons and even in winter when it does not appear humid. Tracking humidity with Awair and SunRADON, LLC has shown me some of the bad water management practices in both my home and the building industry at large. This causes issues that require these systems to run a lot. Even in winter, when it is dry and my whole house AprilAire humidifier is running, I still need the dehumidifier in the basement due to excess humidity!

Brett Little, Education Manager, seen here with his Aprilaire Dehumidifier

My entire home is two stories with a walkout basement, 1,853 square feet, built mostly to the IECC 2012 code with 978 CFM of air leakage. The home has a Panasonic Intelliabalance energy recovery ventilator running 24/7. Usually, I have had it set to 70 – 100 CFM tested to only pull around 93 CFM at full speed. The room with the new Aprilaire dehumidifier is 442 square feet. The mechanical room is unconditioned, not ventilated, and in a half-walk-out basement, half-finished crawl space (not open to the ground). The basement has some poorly installed fiberglass batts in the rim though not air-sealed, and likely a leakier spot in the home. The ducts are now sealed, though but panned through the floor joists. The basement likely has little proper water management foundation practices that were done during the build. The home has no gutters, but, I believe, the house sits on well-draining sandy soil. The sump pit is wide open, and a contractor spotted growth within it upon installation of the dehumidifier. The sump pit was never sealed. 

I have attached some photos of the installation. It was about $200.00 versus $2,000 if they went to duct it. The system is standalone, but I hope to eventually update it to duct out the exhaust air into the HVAC system return or supply. 

First of all, I am pleased with the humidity levels pre-and-post. While they’re not at my target of 40 for the entire home, they are under 50, and clearly, the dewpoint is in a good place. I had turned up our air conditioning about 2° from an average of 74 before the dehumidifier to 76. Overall, for the most part, it’s more comfortable even at that higher rate with the dryer air. The Awair Element sensor is in my living room, as far from the utility room as possible, and you can see pre and post-summer 2022 humidity data.

Whole home humidity Awair sensor before AprilAire was installed

Whole home humidity Awair sensor after AprilAire was installed

Basement Airthings sensor before AprilAire was installed

Basement Airthings sensor after AprilAire was installed

Utility room Airthings sensor after AprilAire was installed

Overall I am very pleased with the humidity and especially dewpoint levels in my home and basement from this AprilAire Dehumidifier. 

The dehumidifier itself shows me when I look at it anywhere from 41 – 43 and so slightly higher than what the Airthings Mold device is reporting that is right next to it. The dehumidifier never shuts off as far as I can tell despite how dry the airthings is reporting that room to be. When I walk into that room, it feels very bone dry. I was concerned about that until I ran an online Dew Point Calculator and you can see the results attached. The pre-data from 2021 is what I estimated the room to be, and while I never sensored that room in 2021, I would suspect that is what it runs from June – Aug, and I know in May, and Sept, dew points were tracked downstairs upwards of 70 on my tempo 2 monitor in 2021. One thing to note about summer 2022 here is it was extremely dry. I noticed significant humidity spikes upwards of 44 in the utility room when we had rare days of prolonged rain events. One day we even broke a record for rain, and the humidity spiked (below) more than I ever saw it. 

With the device running all the time, there has been an increase in our electrical usage. We went from average baseload watts of .5 to 1.1, you can see some videos of my monitors before and after the dehumidifier, and you can see our energy use doubled from June to august (though, to be fair, in Aug, we increased electric car travel). 

The other item with this device that surprised me is how loud it is, nearly reaching 60 DBA. I tested it with my NIOSH app.  I was told this is because it is a standalone and so that rating is right on target with what is expected, and because it is in the utility room, it is not noticeable in the house.

We also confirmed major VOC spikes right after installation in the room and throughout the house, despite our ERV and 2 110 CFM bath fans running at full speed. It likely came from the glue running the condensate but hard to say. Like all new appliances, vent them awhile after installation. 

As time went on, I realized I could maintain the proper dew point as the season when into fall by moving the system up to 50 for the humidity set point. This has saved a lot of energy and still maintains the basement dew point I am aiming for. As you can see by SunRadon monitors, our basement is getting dryer and dryer, but the device is still running from time to time, and now we have the humidifier running because we are starting to fall below the whole house goal of 40, but it is clear that room still has a lot of moisture as I hear the system kick on from time to time. Because the unconditioned room is now colder due to the temps falling, I am comfortable turning it up to 60, so it will still likely maintain an ok dew point throughout the winter without drying the house out more.

Sun Radon showing humidity dropping as winter comes yet dehumidifier is still running.

Sun Radon feature tracks humidity + temp overtime to assess mold risks.

In summary, my home’s (and most homes’) design requires supplemental dehumidification in the basement. The home and utility room should be tighter, the sump pit should be gasketed, and ideally, better foundation water management practices should have been implemented. Because that did not happen, I know I have to run this probably around 45 in the summer and in shoulder seasons too. I may need to condition the utility room to get the temp down and prevent mechanical damage. Thankfully in MI, half of our year is bone dry, so it is not a huge worry to run that high, but having the other half humid should be a concern for others with similar homes built this way which I believe is the average. Perhaps before next summer, we will get the sump pit gasketed and maybe do some airsealing to see if it has an impact. Climate forecasts predict dryer Michigan summers so that may help but overall, it seems like a good argument for people to get full basement dehumidification to protect their homes and health. So in summary, use air quality monitors to monitor basements and crawl spaces (such as SunRadon, which tracks mold risks or Awair) buy an Aprilaire dehumidier for your home and your client’s project, and when remodeling or building new, follow the water management practices given by energy star to keep moisture out. 

Dew point calc before AprilAire

Dew Point Calculator While AprilAire is running

Extreme Humidity Spike when driving and long rains hit in utility room even with AprilAire turned down to 40 degrees

VOC spike after install

VOC spike moves to upstairs as well

VOC spike moves to upstairs as well

Hourly usage snap shot before AprilAire

Hourly usage snap shot after AprilAire

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Welcome Eliza Searles, New Program Manager

Eliza Searles is keenly interested in the relationship between well-being and the built environment.  After learning about the USGBC’s LEED program as an undergraduate in Aquinas College’s Sustainable Business program, she was intrigued by the effect of buildings on their occupants as well as the natural world.  She became a LEED Green Associate, then started a career in real estate.  To be better equipped to help buyers and sellers highlight and understand green home features, she became a GREEN Designee through the National Association of Realtors.  Still wanting a deeper understanding of building science and how buildings are constructed, she began studying Construction Management at Michigan State University.  With a desire to spend more time working toward sustainable building initiatives, she joined the GreenHome Institute as Project Manager.  She is excited to continue to develop the knowledge and credibility of a valuable green building professional while making a meaningful impact on the human and natural environment.

Please contact Eliza at eliza.searles@greenhomeinstitute.org to start your next green building certification project!

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Inflation Reduction Act Resources

https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/?utm_source=cleanenergy.gov

https://www.justsolutionscollective.org/solutions/jsc-ira-analysis

https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator

https://www.rewiringamerica.org/policy/inflation-reduction-act

https://snuggpro.com/blog/item/what-the-HOMES-rebate-program-means-for-states-home-performance-industry

“https://www.cleanegroup.org/the-inflation-reduction-act-is-a-game-charger-for-nonprofits-seeking-solarstorage/”

https://michigansaves.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Resi_IRA_FactSheet.pdf?utm_source=Michigan+Saves&utm_campaign=fe012fae98-Improvements+for+Genisys+Credit+Union_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bb6b47f5f9-fe012fae98-459912952

https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/inflation-reduction-act

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Rob Derksen Joins GHI Board 22 – 24

Rob Derksen has spent the past 32 years in the Geothermal heating and cooling industry and is currently the Business Development Manager for Enertech Global LLC, a Geothermal and Air to Water Heat Pump Manufacturer. Rob is also a Co-Owner of  Michigan Energy Services, (an HVAC company specializing in Geothermal heat pump installations).

In 2017, Rob started D4 Consulting to develop a much-needed software package that simplifies the design and sales process for HVAC systems.  This software allows HVAC Contractors to deliver onsite proposals in a single home visit as well as provides energy and economic life cycle comparisons of Geothermal and other HVAC systems to homeowners.

Rob’s well-rounded understanding of the home as a system, and his passion for education-based selling helps Customers choose products and processes that truly match their wants, needs and goals.

Rob joined GHI during our residential net zero conference to discuss his net zero home, you can learn more https://youtu.be/57WM-HEDMYo

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Rob Derksen Joins GHI Board 22 – 24

Rob Derksen has spent the past 32 years in the Geothermal heating and cooling industry.  Starting as a shipping clerk for a major Geothermal Distributor, Rob learned the business literally from the ground up.  He has done everything from a Territory Manager for a Geothermal Manufacturer, to Co-owning Michigan Energy Services, (an HVAC company specializing in Geothermal heat pump installations), to HERS Energy Rating, to Sales Training, and Public Speaking about home energy to homeowners and HVAC Contactors.

In 2017, Rob started D4 Consulting to develop a much-needed software package that simplifies the design and sales process for HVAC systems.  This software allows HVAC Contractors to deliver onsite proposals in a single home visit as well as provides comparisons of Geothermal and other HVAC systems to homeowners.

Rob’s well-rounded understanding of the home as a system, and his passion for education-based selling helps Customers choose products and processes that truly match their wants, needs and goals.

Rob joined GHI during our residential net zero conference to discuss his net zero home, you can learn more https://youtu.be/57WM-HEDMYo

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Julie Woltil Joins GHI Board 22 – 24

Julie is originally from Montreal, Canada, and has lived on both coasts, New York and California, before settling in to Grand Rapids, MI in 2015. She is passionate about research and statistics, which led her to earn her Ph.D. in psychology, and has been a college professor for the last 11 years. She has always loved researching homes for family members, and finally decided to bring her research talents to real estate! When she is not working with families in finding their perfect home, Julie loves going to pub trivia with her husband Derek, hiking and joining in for family board game night with her four children,
Addie, Lucas, Jacob and Brielle.

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Program Manager Job Opening

JOB POSTING

TITLE: PROGRAM MANAGER

GreenHome Institute Overview

The GreenHome Institute (GHI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of “Empowering people to make healthier and more sustainable choices in the renovation and construction of the places we live.” GHI was established in 2000 and primarily operates virtually throughout the US and other locations throughout the world. GHI provides project consultation services for housing professionals and consumers for single or multifamily residential housing renovation or new construction development.

For more information, please visit our website: https://greenhomeinstitute.org/

Program Manager Position Summary

GHI is seeking candidates for the full-time position of Program Manager. The selected candidate will be responsible to manage GHI’s residential sustainable build program in compliance with USGBC, GreenStar, Enterprise Communities, and US Department of Energy policies and procedures. The Program Manager will assist the Executive Director achieve fund development goals. The Program Manager will also be responsible to conduct outreach with the intent to improve public policy and legislation in support of sustainable housing development.

Working under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Program Manager will have the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • At least three years of related home construction experience.
  • Be a credentialed LEED for Homes Accredited Professional and LEED for Homes Green Rater or able to earn LEED for Homes Accredited Professional Certification within 1 year of hire.
  • Ability to learn and quickly become conversant on changing technology and trends in the green home building industry.
  • Ability to work independently, operate remotely, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records, and develop and present program reports.
  • Ability to balance multiple projects, update on progress, and communicate progress to the Executive Director.
  • Ability to work effectively within the building industry and be skilled at communicating effectively with diverse members, sponsors and interest groups.
  • Ability to collaborate with community members, government agencies, elected & appointed officials and other stakeholders.
  • Expertise at online file management systems and online webinar platforms.
  • Explore and recommend available improved technology platforms, as needed.
  • Excellent verbal, written, communication and presentation skills.
  • Possess strong time management skills.
  • Excellent MS Office Suite skills, Dropbox, and ability to learn additional software as needed.
  • Willingness to travel.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the Program Manager is $45,000 to $60,000 annually, plus stipends for healthcare, professional development, and technology support. Reimbursement for travel, lodging, meals, etc. is also provided.

Application Process

Interested candidates may submit their résumé and cover letter by 9.7.22 to:

José Reyna, Executive Director

GreenHome Institute

jose.reyna@greenhomeinstitute.org

Subsequent to receiving candidate materials, interviews will be scheduled for qualified candidates with a goal of selecting and extending an offer for hire by September 9, 2022.

JOB OBJECTIVE OVERVIEW

The Program Manager will oversee manage GHI program offerings and outreach in support of the GHI organizational mission. Under the direction of the Executive Director, general work responsibilities will include, but are not limited to management and administrative support for sustainable build projects, organizational outreach and public advocacy, and other duties in support of the organizational mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration of Sustainable Build Programs

  • Remain current with residential sustainable build industry knowledge, non-profit sector and/or low-income housing regulations.
  • Present knowledge in a wide range of mediums to reach diverse audiences via meetings, conferences, seminars, and webinars.
  • Responsible for social media outreach for sustainable build program services and public policy and advocacy related information.

Administration of Sustainability Certification Programs and Other Programs

  • Maintain relevant Green Build credentials as defined by governing agencies.
  • Serve as a Green Rater, as defined by Executive Director.
    • Responsible to follow USGBC policy and procedure guidelines for project administrative support, Green Rater service, and communication with USGBC as a LEED Provider Organization.
    • As Green Rater, responsible to follow USGBC process and procedure guidelines and communicate to and through the Primary Quality Assurance Designee (QAD).
  • Follow and execute the USGBC guidelines Green Rater procedures, maintain accurate records of and provide regular, detailed progress reports to the Executive Director.
  • Responsible to work in conjunction with Green Rater staff and consultants to review their work in compliance with USGBC guidelines, assist with project Green Rater scheduling and verification, live or virtual, and provide assistance with technical questions.
  • Responsible to develop, implement, and evaluate success of all programs in support of the GHI organizational mission.
  • Oversee the GreenStar Homes certification tool and the Zero Energy Capable program, and make recommendations for improvement as needed.
  • Responsible for Green Build certification duties, including but not limited to the following:
    • Administration, project consulting, rater, facilitator, project team relationship management, and ensure project quality assurance.
  • Participate in regular program meetings, prepare and distribute communications to Green Raters, and prepare annual report for program agencies. Under the direction of the Executive Director, assist to fulfill the GHI Strategic Plan and mission for future growth and success of the organization.

Fund Development Responsibilities

Fund Development revolves around three primary areas in relation to GreenHome Institute operations. The Program Manager will work with the ED responsible in establishing fund development, financial, and program impact goals via the yearly budget and strategic planning process.

  1. Membership Development
    1. Establish and maintain positive relationships with existing and new members
    2. Recruit new members
    3. Manage the membership management system
    4. Provide membership metrics and reports to ED
    5. Educate members on membership benefits
    6. Develop and conduct membership training programs
    7. Contact expiring or expired members for renewal
    8. Develop partnerships to add member benefits
  2. Sponsorship Development
    1. Establish and maintain relationships with existing sponsors
    2. Recruit new sponsors
    3. Establish an effective sponsorship management process
    4. Maintain sponsorship management system
    5. Provide membership metrics and reports to ED
    6. Educate sponsors regarding sponsorship benefits
    7. Contact expiring or expired sponsors for renewal
    8. Negotiate sponsorship fees and benefits
    9. Update sponsorship marketing materials as needed
  3. Donations – PM will work with ED to
    1. Manage donations through weekly webinars
    2. Maintain donor metrics and provide reports to the ED
    3. Manage, maintain and update GuideStar

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of related home construction experience.
  • Be a credentialed LEED for Homes Accredited Professional and LEED for Homes Green Rater or able to earn LEED for Homes Accredited Professional Certification within 1 year of hire.
  • Ability to learn and quickly become conversant on changing technology and trends in the green home building industry.
  • Ability to work independently, operate remotely, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records, and develop and present program reports.
  • Ability to balance multiple projects, update on progress, and communicate progress to the Executive Director.
  • Ability to work effectively within the building industry and be skilled at communicating effectively with diverse members, sponsors and interest groups.
  • Ability to collaborate with community members, government agencies, elected & appointed officials and other stakeholders.
  • Expertise at online file management systems and online webinar platforms.
  • Explore and recommend available improved technology platforms, as needed.
  • Excellent verbal, written, communication and presentation skills.
  • Possess strong time management skills.
  • Excellent MS Office Suite skills, Dropbox, and ability to learn additional software as needed.
  • Willingness to travel.