At a recent seminar on energy savings, I had an opportunity to learn more about the Green Movement and the work that is being done to educate consumers. One statistic that I learned about Nashville homes is that 20% of new construction in Nashville in 2009 were Energy Star certified. The added energy systems in this type construction equates to 15% more energy efficiency. Over 1000 Energy Rated homes are currently available for sale in Nashville. More than 800 of these homes sold in 2009.

Austin, Texas has been a leading example of energy conservation. Through their efforts, they have been able to save energy of an amount to exceed the output that would have been gained by building a new power plant. TVA has a goal of saving by efficiency an amount equal to the output of a new Nuclear Plant by 2012.

As conservation and Green thinking grows in importance, resale value will be positively impacted by Energy Certifications in residential homes.

One thing I learned that I brought home and began immediately was to lower the thermostat. For every degree the thermostat is lowered there is a 6 to 8% cost savings. While I thought 65 was a good night time temperature, I found that I’m just as comfortable sleeping at 63 degrees. I’m also being more conscious of turning the thermostat down when I’m going to be away from home for several hours.

One further piece of information I gained was that coming to Tennessee in late April is a “Cash for Clunkers” program for Appliances. No details at this time.

Posted By: Frances Garner

Go green by paying bills and statements electronically instead of paper. A coalition of several financial service companies have found this method could assist in protecting the environment. The study revealed, that the average American household receives 19 bills and statements in the mail monthly and seven payments are made in paper form. If 2% more households would switch to electronic payments, more than 15 million pounds of paper would be saved, thereby saving more than 181,000 trees.Greenhouse gases would be reduced by more than 390 million pounds and 143 million gallons of wastewater would not enter the environment.

Posted by:Bob Cunningham

When looking to do “projects” around the house, my husband and I agree it is very important to consider “being green” in our efforts. We just had bookcases built in our den and wanted to see what we could find out about the “green” process. There is lots of great information about the NAR Green Designation for Realtors^®. We especially wanted to be aware when the time comes to consider selling that buyers are looking for a home that is environmentally compatible, it is important to understand the process and capability of the products available in today’s market.

The Green Designation helps with green business practices as well by indicating industry knowledge of rating programs and standards. Some of which are the Energy Star qualification and the Home Energy Rating System, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

While doing some research here is what we found; Click Here for more information.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

Within the next 10 years or less light emitting diodes or (LEDS) will surpass CFLs as the predominate lighting source. Research is ongoing to perfect the product before an entire house can be illuminated with LEDs that are more cost effective than CFLs. Currently LEDs are being used in smaller appliance’s such as holiday lighting, flashlights, and landscaping, to name a few. The national research cooperative that is testing LEDs say the savings on electricity from computer chip LEDs will be a very important factor in attaining the government mandated energy efficiency standards by 2010. LEDs could account for approximately 30 percent of savings. One or two cities have replaced incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs in all traffic signals resulting in a significant amount of savings to tax payers. Many local electrical coop’s are going to test LEDs independently on some outdoor lighting, realizing that they are still in the experimental phase but are quickly improving.

Posted by:Bob Cunningham

HVAC ductwork that leaks can waste more than 30% of household heating and cooling. One of the main reasons for this problem happens when it is being roughed in during construction. Contractors run the ductwork in attics and crawl spaces that are not adequately conditioned and not properly sealed thereby exposing them to outside temperatures. Duct tape is generally used to seal the ducts, however mastics are also being used and some think it is better. Water based mastics are now available and are “greener.” Now a mastic self sealing duct system is also available utilizing O-rings that are pre-installed in the ductwork. For more details visit www.mcgillairseal.com. To correct the problem, number one is to condition the space and seal the ducts properly thus saving time and money.

Posted by:Bob Cunningham

In the 1970’s American’s became aware of the fact we were becoming too dependent on foreign oil. Energy efficient homes were being built and as the price of oil dropped so did energy efficient home construction. The 21st century finds the cost of foreign oil is too prohibitive along with drilling for oil in the U.S. Other fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas have increased in price and are also to expensive to burn. Of the 100 million plus homes in the U.S. only approximately 1% are energy efficient. This calls for action by many Americans to retrofit there home’s without a large outlay of money. When this is done the use cost of energy is reduced by 50% , thereby reducing the monthly cost of living.

Posted By: Bob Cunningham

The Nashville community has been chosen as one of seven Flagship Earth Hour Cities in the U.S., along with six others to include Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Millions of people around the world will also participate. This weekend thousands of Nashville citizens will turn off their lights on Saturday, March 28th at 8:30PM for one hour to make a statement about climate change as part of Earth Hour. Hopefully this effort will extend to the entire state of Tennessee to show its commitment to the environment and also get worldwide recognition. Citizens are encouraged to sign up at www.earthhourus.org/nashville

Posted By: Bob Cunningham

An electronics recycling event is scheduled on Saturday April 4th, 2009. Sponsors for this event is Nashville’s own Lipscomb University and Southeast Recycling Technologies, Inc. Recycling stations will be set up on the football field of Lipscomb High School, Nashville, TN. Items accepted are discarded or unwanted computers, printers, TV’s, or any electronic equipment with a plug. Refrigerators and HVAC units will not be accepted at this event. All e-waste will be disassembled in order to properly recycle. Hard drives and other data will be shredded to destroy all information. Documentation will be provided to businesses requiring certification of disposal of their hazardous waste.

Click Here to learn more.

Posted By: Bob Cunningham

The “Tennessee Recycling Coalition” is alive and well throughout Tennessee.The group recently held their 20th Anniversary. Several members of the group have been involved for the last 20 years. As experts they have an abundance of knowledge on how to get it done. They set up basic recycling programs and solid waste education. New members in the group bring a fresh perspective on issues as well as the role that communication and technology plays in the recycling world.

Posted By: Bob Cunningham

A) Size the building smaller. It saves materials, money and energy.

B) Face the building toward the south and put most of the windows on the south side, taking advantage of the sunlight to warm the house in winter. Plant trees on the south side and extend the roof’s eaves to block out the sun’s rays and keep the house cool in the summer. Other tips will be forthcoming soon. Visit commonfire.org for more information on this subject.

Posted By: Bob Cunningham