In keeping with the goal of becoming a green state, Texas has strived forward, establishing itself as a leader in green energy. Recently there have been several alternative energy resources that people are watching closely, among them is wind energy. To some the results are astonishing; however to Texans it is nothing new.
When a person [...]
In keeping with the goal of becoming a green state, Texas has strived forward, establishing itself as a leader in green energy. Recently there have been several alternative energy resources that people are watching closely, among them is wind energy. To some the results are astonishing; however to Texans it is nothing new.
When a person thinks about wind-generated electricity, he sees those huge windmills, the long blades whirling in the breeze. And the state that leads the way in wind-generated power is Texas. The increase of 436 megawatts in the 3rd quarter brings her total wind-power capacity to nearly 8800 Megawatts, or approximately 28% of the total U.S. wind-generated power. California, by Comparison, generates less than 3000 megawatts by wind.
The Texas wind generation plants produce enough to power 2.5 million homes. Compare that to the total U.S. of 9 million. Texas is a true leader in this field.
The production of wind turbines is down because of the recession, but Texas still pushes ahead. And it has nearly three times the turbine-power megawatts of Iowa. Taking the steps to move forward with clean energy it will not be long before the country turns to Texas once again to see what to do correctly.
The American Wind Energy Association credits the stimulus bill for helping complete energy projects and for starting new ones.
June first is just days away, are you ready for the energy efficiency ordinance? The city of Austin’s Energy Efficiency Ordinance requires energy audits are conducted and disclosed for a vast majority of properties listed with in Austin City Limits. If you are wondering about your home, or the ordinance, you can review the details [...]
June first is just days away, are you ready for the energy efficiency ordinance? The city of Austin’s Energy Efficiency Ordinance requires energy audits are conducted and disclosed for a vast majority of properties listed with in Austin City Limits. If you are wondering about your home, or the ordinance, you can review the details here: Energy Efficiency Ordinance and homes not effected fall into this exemption list.
Building green homes, and green construction overall is changing how people purchase homes and make renovations. Energy efficiency is one of the primary ways consumers measure a green factor to home or construction. For many it is a vital aspect of planning a home’s affordability. By developing a solid energy efficient home, a new home owner will better be able to maintain payments and keep their home.
As people become more aware of energy and its effect on the environment and their wallet, green building continues to grow. Many homeowners have taken the time to review and evaluate their home based on energy efficiency, and many Austin area companies are offering resources to improve. If you take a moment you will find many resources and suggestions on this and other websites that focus on Austin. It is well worth it to reach for and achieve the ordinance goals for every home.
Like many cities in the nation, Austin is facing some serious issues that need to be handled by a new Mayor beginning in May. There are several candidates to choose from this election, including two that currently sit on the Austin City Council. McCracken has been an intense supporter of Austin’s ever growing technology sector. [...]
Like many cities in the nation, Austin is facing some serious issues that need to be handled by a new Mayor beginning in May. There are several candidates to choose from this election, including two that currently sit on the Austin City Council. McCracken has been an intense supporter of Austin’s ever growing technology sector. He chairs the council’s Emerging Technologies Committee and the Land Use-Transportation Committee. A Corpus Christi native and graduate of Princeton and the University of Texas School of Law, McCracken has served as a prosecutor for Harris County in Texas. McCracken has also been a staunch supporter of all things green in Austin, helping to make Austin Energy the first utility nationwide to open its grid for clean energy companies to test their technologies.
The major issues faced by Austinites during this election include the city’s budget, transportation and infrastructure, and the environment. McCracken’s way to a better economy entails the embrace of emerging technologies within clean energy, biotech, film and digital media. McCracken hopes to commit to puting solar power onto 100,000 homes in the next ten years, again by investing in emerging technologies. He plans to create an endowment to ensure that Austinites have every opportunity to learn green collar jobs and healthcare professions, citing “we want everyone to be included…including the less fortunate.”
With so many issues facing the candidates, it is important to know where each one stands on the matters that are important to Austin. Remember, early voting begins April 27th, with Election Day on Saturday, May 9th. For more information about Brewster McCracken, visit his website www.brewstermccracken.com
These days, it has become very important to keep the environment in mind with pretty much every aspect of our lives. With so much emphasis on green living, it can sometimes be difficult to know if the choices that you make are actually eco-friendly. Of course, there are the obvious, like recycling and reducing energy [...]
These days, it has become very important to keep the environment in mind with pretty much every aspect of our lives. With so much emphasis on green living, it can sometimes be difficult to know if the choices that you make are actually eco-friendly. Of course, there are the obvious, like recycling and reducing energy output. What about when you are building a home, or just remodeling? Again, there are the obvious green choices like sustainable materials and energy efficient appliances. Beyond that, what is considered green living?
First of all, you will want to look at the site. For new construction, green living starts from the ground up. Take a look at the location itself. An eco-friendly builder will want to find a spot that reduces the need for car travel. Austin is becoming a hot spot for mixed use properties, making it an excellent place to be eco friendly. Smaller sites are also more environmentally sound, as they will require not only fewer materials, but less energy when complete. Older areas are also more eco-friendly in that they may have originally been designed with a walking commute in mind. While most of Austin is not necessarily convenient to the local grocery store, the newer designs are definitely taking it into account.
Austin is a city at the forefront of green living. There are several incentives offered by the city that encourage homeowners to make better energy decisions. The Austin Green Building Program has a rating system that can assist in making more environmentally friendly choices not just in building, but in day to day living as well. A little research can bring you to the proper choices in green living.
Homes are not the only buildings that can be built or renovated with the environment in mind. Commercial buildings from hotels to malls to public attractions have just as much “green” capability. If you’re in the commercial market, it’s your responsibility, as a forward-thinking member of society, to develop your projects with eco-conscious guidelines. You [...]
Homes are not the only buildings that can be built or renovated with the environment in mind. Commercial buildings from hotels to malls to public attractions have just as much “green” capability. If you’re in the commercial market, it’s your responsibility, as a forward-thinking member of society, to develop your projects with eco-conscious guidelines. You may not be able to create the perfect green building, but you will be able to, with a little work, turn a structure that would have sapped the environment of its resources into one that helps revitalize.
The first step lies in selecting a site. If you choose an area conducive only to waste, surrounded by energy-consuming buildings on all sides, you won’t be apt to go green yourself. You need a lot that will enable you, for as little extra money as possible, to install energy saving, fuel efficient and water conserving systems. You also want a location that is in a walkable area, to promote less car usage. It’s an indirect method but an effective one, so look to areas that have already gone green. In Austin, there’s no shortage.
Once you start building, your options stretch from the center of the Earth to the sky. To save land, you can put a portion of the building’s parking underground. For the lot that remains above ground, use an open-grid pavement system that is less than 50 percent impervious. On the structure itself, consider a solar-reflective roof or one that is vegetated, meaning it has plant life on at least half of its surface. The best option would be a combination of the two – 50 percent solar reflective, 50 percent vegetative. Both these steps – the roof and the parking – will help control heating concerns.
You also want to consider lighting. Exterior and interior lighting systems can either consume more energy than any other aspect on the building or effectively limit the toll you are taking on the environment. Ideally you should aim for reducing lighting density by 25 percent, but 15 percent is an excellent place to start. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways: You can install lighting controls throughout the building that adjust how much light is emitted in accordance to how much daylight is received. You can create different systems for different areas so that wings and floors that get more natural light than others don’t use the same amount of energy. Or you can simply start by using eco-bulbs. Avoid halogen; buy bulbs that won’t need to be replaced every few weeks. Shop smart to be smart.
Finally, think seriously about water conservation. Water is something we waste easily and often, but it doesn’t have to be. Just by installing a leak detecting system, you’ll be able to save a potentially enormous amount of water. Using efficient plumbing fixtures that are low-flow and above code will take you to the next level, and creating bathrooms with dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals will put you over the top.
It’s not difficult to be green in this day and age. When you begin your next commercial development keep these options in mind. You may not be able to employ every one, but you should have no problem instituting a few. And when you do you’ll join ranks with some of the country’s most reputable and profitable organizations. You’ll have created a building that will last on a planet that will too.
Two new homes on Riley Road in Rollingwood have received kudos from Austin’s Green Energy Building Program. The first home was rated a five-star example of an eco-friendly home, while the second should meet the same requirements, once construction is completed over the next several weeks. Those involved with the project have worked to include [...]
Two new homes on Riley Road in Rollingwood have received kudos from Austin’s Green Energy Building Program. The first home was rated a five-star example of an eco-friendly home, while the second should meet the same requirements, once construction is completed over the next several weeks. Those involved with the project have worked to include many home features that will allow the home’s occupants to have as little contact with dangerous chemicals as necessary, protecting both their own health, as well as that of the environment.
Included in the features of these homes are efficient fixtures and appliances, such as toilets, washing machines, dishwashers and numerous windows, all of which cut the need for excess water and electricity. Both homes have private pools with special filtration systems that remove impurities from the water, without the need for chlorine or other chemicals.
They also feature induction stoves, rather than gas or electric models, further reducing the carbon footprint of the homeowner. The paint used within the models is as chemical free as is available, making the home safe for those who have problems with allergies or those who are sensitive to chemicals. The floors are made from sealed concrete that does not require the use of chemical cleaners and can be washed with pure water.
When shopping for a new home, buyers that employ the services of a Realtor can assure that their purchase has the “green” features that they want, without overpaying. A Realtor will work with the builder and buyer to develop a suitable agreement about what materials are used and what features are added to the home, preventing misunderstandings and unethical practices. A Realtor can help a buyer to make the right choices when selecting their home that will meet both their budget and their needs, leaving everyone satisfied, once the deal is complete.
