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A Case for Resilient Design
2 commentsAlex Wilson, founder and executive editor of BuildingGreen, begins this article by recounting the unusually severe weather events that occurred in the United States in 2011. He ties this to climate change and shares his expectation that such events will become more frequent.
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Healthful Homes Need More than a Huge Hood Fan
Designer-builder Michael Chandler outlines three guiding principles for ensuring healthful indoor air in a house. First, choose healthful materials. Chandler recommends avoiding volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—which are found in paints, finishes, caulks, sealants, and cabinet sheet goods—and phthalate plasticizers, components of various household vinyl and plastic items. Second, handle and install materials with caution.
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Getting on board with fire sprinklers
55 commentsBuilding official, Lynn Underwood, discusses the pros and cons of installing residential fire sprinklers.
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How About a Low-Flow Landscape?
I’m a stranger to the homebuilding world, but it’s nice to see you folks paying so much attention to important issues like water conservation. Low-flow fixtures and waterefficient...
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Heat Pump, Schmeat Pump
12 commentsGround source heat pumps don't save energy because the electricity used by the 'pump' isn't part of the equation. Moreover, electricity is one of the least efficient ways of making power.
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How to Paint Fiber-Cement Siding
Painter Jim Lacey shares some tips for caulking and painting fiber-cement siding. read more
