Category: On-Demand Green Home Videos

Legal & Business Perspectives on Green Building

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Post date May 19, 2010
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Here is an event many LEED for Homes professionals may be interested in. Note: Early bird registration ends on Friday, May 21.

Green/LEED Real Estate Conference – Grand Rapids

Thinking about building green? Hear from the experts who can help you do it right. Discuss practical considerations from a business and legal perspective.

Warner Norcross & Judd attorneys join representatives from Comerica Bank, URS Corporation and FirstMetrix Corporation to discuss financing, building, leasing and insuring green projects.

Cost:

$55; or only $40 if you register by May 21.

Agenda:

7:30-8:00		Registration & breakfast
8:00-8:20		Introduction & Overview (Alison Waske, WNJ Sustainability Manager)
8:20-9:45		You’ve Decided to Build Green: Now Learn How to Finance the Project – LEED Legislation and other Financial Incentives (John Byl, WNJ attorney) Financing Issues, including ASTM and BEPA (Scott Beckerman, Comerica Corp.) Performance Contracting (Ashley Arvin, URS Corp., and Janet Mann, FirstMetrix Corp.)
9:45-10:00		Break
10:00-10:40		Managing the Risks Associated with Green Buildings (Chris Predko and Dave Whitfield, WNJ attorneys)
10:40-11:10		Contracting for a Green Building (Melissa Collar, WNJ attorney)
11:10-11:30		Insurance Issues Facing the Green Building Community (Jason Byrne, WNJ attorney)
11:30-12:00		Green Leases (Meg Van Meter, WNJ attorney)

Registration:

Contact Alison Waske at awaske@wnj.com or 616-752-2462

Tags business, Economics, Education and Events, feasibility, legal, michigan

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Affordable LEED Home to be Built in Rockford

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Post date May 11, 2010
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The first residential LEED project within the City of Rockford, Illinois is now underway and being constructed by Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. (CCS).

Rockford’s Affordable LEED Home

Originally formed as a non-profit organization to provide community-based services to individuals in the criminal justice system, CCS has grown to include a diversity of human service and affordable housing programs. Recently, CCS has explored many possibilities for building a net-zero energy home, but due to budget constraints they were unable to begin a project with this ambitious goal.

After scaling back their plans, CCS researched and found an affordable green home plan that fit well as part of the organization’s overall green efforts. CCS is planning to achieve LEED Certified with this home, and plan to move forward with additional LEED certified homes in the future, as LEED provides third-party verification and accountability for the organization’s funding sources.

The home at 913 Rockton includes 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 1,770 square feet. The home is a two-story design, and is located on a lot close to jobs, transportation, and other amenities needed for a family. The home will be energy efficient in all areas, beginning with increased insulation and the design of the HVAC system. View floor plan.

The home is being built with funds from the City of Rockford HOME funds, and from a construction loan from Neighborhood Housing Services of Freeport, Illinois. The home will be sold to a low to moderate income buyer in accordance with HOME program rules. This would be a family which meets the 80% area median income (AMI). Downpayment assistance is also part of the City of Rockford’s funding.

The overall project at 913 Rockton will be the first LEED home in the City of Rockford, and it is an affordable home. The price to purchase will be $85,000.00 for a five bedroom, two car garage, all appliances and energy efficient home that will be move-in ready.

This is the first LEED residential project within the City of Rockford, Illinois. CCS, Inc. has explored many possibilities including a zero net energy home, but due to budget constraints were unable to start that project. We scaled back and as part of the overall green efforts of CCS, Inc. we researched and found this home to be a good fit for CCS, Inc. We are going for the LEED certification with this home, and plan to move forward with more after completion of this home. The features of this home are that it is 5 bedrooms, two story and sits on a lot close to all amenities needed for a family. It is energy efficient in all areas, HVAC, increased insulation and design. We did not utilize solar on this home. The home is being built with funds from the City of Rockford HOME funds, and from a construction loan from Neighborhood Housing Services of Freeport, Illinois. The home will be sold to a low to moderate income buyer in accordance with HOME program rules. This would be a family which meets the 80%AMI. Downpayment assistance is also part of the City of Rockford’s funding. The overall project is unique that again it is the first in the City of Rockford, and it is an affordable home. The price to purchase will be 85,000.00 for a five bedroom, two car garage, all appliances and energy efficient home that will be move in ready.

Tags affordable housing, rockford, Single-Family Projects, youthbuild

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Platinum LEED Homes use 51% less heating energy

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Post date May 4, 2010
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Initial results from an analysis of LEED Platinum homes certified by the Alliance shows projects located throughout the Midwest use half as much energy as the typical baseline home.

Performance of LEED Platinum homes vs Baseline homes

From January through April, participated in the Intern InMichigan, Internship Initiative. which provided a grant to fund an intern that helped collect data for research on an Energy Efficiency LEED™ for Homes Case Study. The research compiled information from computer modeling of 150 LEED-certified projects that were located in the Midwest from climate zones ranging as far south from Cincinnati to as far north as Minneapolis. The Data shows that Platinum LEED certified projects potentially use 51% less heating energy in pre-occupancy than baseline average homes measured by the same modeling system.

Of course, pre-occupancy energy modeling is only part of the picture. This data is part of a larger research project being undertaken by . We are looking to release information based on project computer modeling results of LEED for Homes. Check back with our Website at a later date for more information based post-occupancy use, cost of gas and electric for different certification levels and overall performance for LEED homes.

Tags LEED Platinum, occupancy, performance, research

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USGBC Affordable Housing Webinar

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Post date May 4, 2010
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Join USGBC for an important, free educational program – bringing you the tools you need to understand the intersection between green building and affordable housing.

Introducing The Keys to Green Affordable Housing: A Guide for Existing Multifamily Properties, a new online training designed to address key issues in the affordable housing sector, including: green multifamily retrofit projects, sustainable operations and maintenance of affordable housing buildings, and financial and incentive aspects of affordable projects. Register today for the three-part online training series, The Keys to Green Affordable Housing.

What You Will Learn

Join us as leaders in the field provide you with the lessons tools to:

Identify cost effective strategies and key sustainable facility management measures – as well as incentives and financing opportunities – for green multi-family retrofits.
Define key strategies to create healthier housing while ensuring long term durability and keeping cost down for building owner.
Employ effective resident education and foster changes in resident behavior.
Evaluate the costs, benefits, and potential savings of building green affordable housing.
Discover the tools to aid in data collection and analysis.

Cost: Free!

Note: Registering will give you access to the archive for this session, as well as the previous two sessions:

Affordable Green Multifamily Retrofits
Green Operations and Maintenance: Strategies for Affordable Multifamily

Tags affordable housing, usgbc

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Earth Day Marks Launch of 132-home LEED Subdivision near Chicago

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Post date April 22, 2010
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Energy Smart Home Builders Joins the LEED for Homes
Green Certification Program

NEW LENOX, Ill. (April 22, 2010) – The Green Home Institute () is proud to welcome Energy Smart Home Builders of New Lenox, IL as a participant in LEED for Homes. LEED for Homes is a national third-party certification system for energy efficient, healthy, green homes. Energy Smart Home Builders, founded by Phil and Jim Regan, are planning to develop Prairie Ridge Estates, a community of 132 net zero energy homes using solar panels, geothermal power, wind turbines and other technologies. will be providing support and the third-party testing and verification for the green homes, which are planned to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

While net zero energy homes have been constructed previously, this is the first planned community of custom-designed net-zero energy single-family homes. More importantly, it marks the first time that the cost to develop a home of this type is comparable to traditional construction costs. “These homes have been built before, but at a cost of three to five times higher than traditional construction. That is not something the average home-buyer can afford,” said Jim Regan, president of Energy Smart Home Builders. “We’ve pushed the boundaries of construction and energy efficiency and, with our partners, are proud to have created plans for the country’s first community of affordable sustainable homes.”

Designed by architect John Stanton, these homes are quite different than traditional homes and, as a result, consume energy differently and more efficiently. “This is an incredible opportunity,” says Stanton, “to lower – or even eliminate – utility costs for future homeowners and reduce the impact on the environment through smart design and construction. These homes have been in the planning process for more than a year and we’re excited about getting started.”

Prairie Ridge Estates will consist of 132 LEED-certified homes, starting at approximately 2600 Sq ft in size, all including Energy Star appliances, individually custom-designed to account for passive and active solar energy, wind directions and enclosure issues such as window placement.

LEED stands for leadership in green homebuilding. LEED certification provides third-party assurance to homebuyers that their home complies with rigorous technical requirements for energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, non-toxic materials, and environmental performance. Homes that are certified through LEED complete a technically rigorous verification process that includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections. Lower insurance rates, advantageous financing, and other benefits may be available for LEED-certified homes.

A participant in the Department of Energy Builders Challenge and the Energy Star Program; Energy Smart Home Builders are proposing to break ground July 16 and expect construction of model homes to be completed later this year.

For more information about Energy Smart Home Builders or Prairie Ridge Estates of New Lenox, please visit www.NetZeroDevelopment.com. Or find information on building a LEED home or LEED home benefits.

custom-designed net-zero energy single-family

Tags featured, leed, net zero homes, new lenox, prairie ridge, subdivision

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Plumb Tree Garden Duplexes LEED Gold

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Post date April 22, 2010
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Plumb Tree Garden is a newly constructed 6 Unit Senior affordable housing project located in Noblesville. Every unit includes energy, water and resource efficient features including low flow fixtures, tankless water heaters, solar tubes, durable local materials, panelized roof and wall systems, native landscaping, and energy star windows, doors, lighting, appliances and home certification. Gold certification was easily earned for this project due to its vicinity to nearby downtown, with resources such as schools, restaurants, shops, as well as its dense urban site.

A CIR was awarded for this project for the alternative method of reaching awareness and education. In addition to a tenant open house and walk through training, the builder and architect of the project was involved in an affordable housing conference. Exhibiting their LEED projects, and participating in a panel discussions regarding green design and building in affordable homes. This project also achieved additional points for reducing urban heat island effect by using 100% light colored concrete for all sidewalks, driveways and patios.

Download or View Full Project Profile PDF Here.

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Spicewood Garend Duplexes LEED Silver

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Post date April 22, 2010
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Spicewood Gardens is a newly constructed 26 unit senior affordable housing complex located in Sheridan Indian. Every unit includes energy, water and resource efficient features including low flow fixtures, durable local materials, panelized roof and wall systems, native landscaping and energy star windows, doors, lighting, appliances and home certification Local housing authorities have started putting an emphasis on community developers building LEED affordable homes in their areas. This is HAND’s first but certainly not last LEED for Homes project in Hamilton County. It is also the first LEED Silver affordable multi – family project in Indiana.

A CIR was awarded for this project for the alternative method of reaching awareness and education. In addition to a tenant open house and walk through training, the builder and architect of the project was involved in an affordable housing conference.
Exhibiting their LEED projects, and participating in a panel discussions regarding green design and building in affordable homes.

This project also achieved additional points for reducing urban
heat island effect by using 100% light colored concrete for all
sidewalks, driveways and patios.

Download & View Project Profile PDF.

Tags affordable housing, Duplex, Indiana, leed for homes, LEED Silver, Sheridan

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LEED ND and LEED for Homes

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Post date April 19, 2010
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NEW LEED for Neighborhood Development launch event in Chicago on Thursday, April 29.

Since 2000, USGBC has been working to transform the built environment – one building at a time. During this time, the green building movement has experienced a surge so great that no longer can we only focus on single buildings. Expanding upon the promise of a more prosperous future through green building, USGBC, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) have partnered together to make green communities a core focus.

As humans, we spend more than 80% of our time indoors, but spend 100% of our time in communities. Neighborhoods and communities are where our kids go to school. They’re where we go to work each morning, and they’re the places we come home to each night. They’re where we shop, play, dine and enjoy life – the places that connect us to each other. There is an undeniable connection between accessibility among these important places and our collective environmental and economic well-being.

That is why the USGBC is publicly launching their seventh LEED rating system and the first international benchmark for green communities: LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND).

Applied to LEED for Homes, LEED ND can be considered the “performance path” for the Locations and Linkages credit area. If a LEED for Homes single-family or multi-family building is located in a LEED ND area, the project will receive 13 points in the Locations and Linkdages (LL).

Visit the official LEED ND web page to learn more, or attend the seminar below

Learn about LEED Neighborhood Development

USGBC Illinois Chapter event, May 13, 2010
Leo Burnett Building, 35 W. Wacker, Chicago, IL
$10 Members / $20 non-members

Tags chicago, leed nd

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Training: Advanced Air Sealing and IAQ Issues

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Post date April 14, 2010
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Are you ready for the huge growth expected in retrofitting millions of American homes? Discover the latest techniques in the residential retrofit market to hone your skills and differentiate yourself from competitors, in this class to be offered in Evanston and Riverdale next month.

Join home performance expert and Energy Center University award-winning instructor Keith Williams for this first-time training in Illinois. This high energy and fast paced workshop will offer air sealing case studies to help residential building professionals learn building science and the skills needed to retrofit homes to make them energy efficient.

Keith brings more than twenty years of experience to the classroom and developed the Illinois low income weatherization program’s air sealing and dense pack sidewall training and certification standards. Participants will learn the importance of performance testing and building science, recognize that a house works as a system and attain measurable performance change in their construction practices.

For more information and to register online, please click here.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 | Riverdale, IL

Thursday, May 13, 2010 | Evanston, IL

Tags air sealing, regreen, retrofit

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Earth Day Tour: Ravenswood Single Family Home

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Post date April 7, 2010
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Tour a green home in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood on Earth Day! This LEED single-family home is attempting to obtain 93 points for a LEED Gold rating and features some interesting and unique features.

Earth Day 2010 – LEED for Homes project tour

The previous house on the site was “deconstructed“, taken apart piece by piece and donated so that materials like lumber and sheathing can be used in building projects elsewhere.

Some of the special features include a geothermal heating/cooling system with radiant floors, a rainwater cistern that collects all roof run-off for irrigation, advanced air sealing and insulation techniques, and framing that helps minimize the lumber used. The structure is sized to account for the actual loading to avoid using more lumber than needed. Even the curved roofs are made from 12″ deep trusses spaced 24″ o.c.

Some other great features will include salvaged fir flooring and wood trim, the soy-based closed cell foam insulation, and a whole house HEPA filter. The house will have over 90% of the light fixtures Energy Star rated.

Rigid foam insulation covers the exterior sheathing to provide a better thermal break and help seal the house. The LEED for Homes Green Rater will verify this with blower door testing performed before drywall to show us the actual condition of the house, and identify any needed improvements while the walls are open and accessible. Another blower door test will be performed upon completion of the house.

The mechanical system was engineered to help balance the system well. The owners also intend to have a solar hot water system installed for their domestic hot water use.

Tour this Ravenswood home under construction as the framing stage wraps up. See examples of advanced framing techniques on Earth Day, Thursday April 22 from 2:00 – 3:00. Reserve your tour spot now.

Tags deconstruction, framing, solar hot water, tour

Green/LEED Real Estate Conference – Grand Rapids

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