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Richard Defendorf

Richard Defendorf writes for The Daily Scoop, our news blog about the building industry, which can be found on our home page.

Durable Deck Railing

Consider stainless-steel cables, metal tubes, or composite railings if you're looking for low-maintenance alternative to wood balusters and railings for your deck.
CT Zero Energy Challenge Announces 2010-11 Winners

Prizes honor projects for energy efficiency, affordability, and low projected operating costs
CT Zero Energy Challenge Announces 2010-11 Winners

ZEC prizes honor projects for energy efficiency, affordability, and low projected operating costs
The Smart Meter’s Contentious Opponents

They still remain very much in the minority, but anti-smart-meter groups are prompting investigations and continue to voice concerns about security and safety
Canada’s Solar and NZE Power Play

A solar simulator and a research initiative at Concordia University in Montreal focus on solar energy applications and strategies for bringing building performance to net zero energy
Opportunity Accompanies Objections to Green Habitat Project

Neighbors have stalled a 35-unit subdivision of energy efficient dwellings, but the delay gives a Habitat chapter time to refine its green building technique
Seattle Homeowners Build an Affordable Net-Zero-Energy House

One couple’s quest for energy efficiency leads them to a relatively low-cost approach to design and construction
The PV/Solar-Thermal Switch-up

As the cost of photovoltaic panels has declined, some developers of utility-scale renewable-energy power projects originally designed for solar thermal have been shifting to PV
Weatherization’s Home-Stretch Recovery

Even though the expanded Weatherization Assistance Program struggled out of the gate – and can always be improved – it has produced encouraging, credible results
Uptick Expected in Lead-Paint Rule Enforcement

EPA official tells NAHB webinar participants that the agency is increasing inspections of RRP job sites and stepping up enforcement