More American cities are passing green mandates - laws requiring builders to adhere to environmental standards.
(NewsUSA) - When Washington, D.C. passed its Green Building Act of 2006, a mandate stating that all new private real estate developments need to follow the LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) standards set by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), it broke new ground. Building green became the new industry norm.
When builders “go green,” they erect efficient buildings that use fewer resources, improve indoor air health and minimize environmental impact. Cities have embraced green building to save energy, water and waste-management costs. From 2003 to 2007, the American cities with green building mandates grew from 22 to 92, a 418 percent increase.
How do buildings go green? The LEED system certifies buildings as silver, gold or platinum. Platinum buildings most closely follow the USGBC’s environmental standards, which look at location, water conservation, energy consumption, atmosphere, materials, indoor health quality, innovation and design.
A truly green building relies on a marriage between eco-friendly consumer products, like low-flow faucets, and renewable energy sources. Architects know to begin with sustainable building blocks -; choosing strong, energy-efficient building material can help ventilation and heating and cooling systems use less energy while improving indoor air quality.
For example, one company, Alternative Construction Technologies, Inc. (ACTech), has developed insulated structural panels made from 75 percent recycled materials. In tests, the ACTech panel system proves up to 65 percent more energy-efficient than traditional building materials. Buildings constructed using the system will waste less energy, so renewable energies, like wind and solar power, can be incorporated to optimize their intended economies and efficiencies.
The panels improve indoor air quality and acoustics. They are also firesafe and able to withstand hurricane-force winds, making them a safe building material in natural disaster-prone areas.
As American cities look to improve their carbon footprint, they must combine green materials with eco-friendly energy sources. Fourteen percent of U.S. cities with populations over 50,000 already have green building mandates, while another 36 cities plan to enact them.
For more information about the ACTech Panel System, visit www.actechpanel.com or call 1-800-859-8813. ACTech trades on the OTC Bulletin under ACCY.
Inexpensive electric vehicles, like the Zap truck, eliminate expensive fuel costs.
(NewsUSA) - What’s the best way to save money on gas? Stop buying gas and use electric cars.
According to a new AAA survey, gas prices are becoming a chief concern for consumers. But for Americans with long commutes, walking and biking between work, home and children’s soccer games might not be a viable option.
Electric cars - the ones that run without gasoline engines - are no longer science fiction.
One electric car maker, Zap, has put affordable electric cars and trucks on the market. Zap vehicles use rechargeable batteries and plug into standard outlets. All you do is plug it in like a cell phone.
These vehicles are even becoming a viable option for dealerships to stimulate sales in a down economy. Zap cars provide a gas-free way to get to work, pick up the kids and run errands. They also make an economical addition to your business or government fleet.
Zap city cars and trucks might cost around $11,000, while electronic scooters sell for as little as $3,000. Along with their low initial cost, electric cars also save drivers money on the roads. You can even qualify for 100 percent financing on these vehicles.
As gas prices climb, more Americans are spending over $60.00 just to fill their vehicles’ fuel tanks. Recharging an electric car costs around 60 cents.
According to the California Air Resources Board, a person driving an electric car for 30 miles each day can save 750 gallons of gas - and around $2,500 - each year.
Electric vehicles have no tailpipe exhaust. They don’t emit greenhouses gases. Even after factoring in the pollution from electric power plants, electric cars still cause 90 percent less pollution than gasoline-powered cars.
State and federal governments understand electric cars’ value. Many offer financial incentives for people purchasing electric cars.
Electric cars can include a solar option that helps save even more. Solar panels can extend your range if parked on a sunny day and can double the life of the battery before it needs replacing. Plus, nothing makes an environmental statement like a solar-charged electric car.
Zap dealerships are being set up across the U.S. To find one or to register to test drive a Zap, call 800-251-4555 or visit www.zapworld.com.
Proper maintenance from a professional shop with certified technicians can help drivers pump up their fuel efficiency.
(NewsUSA) - When gas prices rise, Americans start feeling a pinch where it hurts -; in their pocketbooks.
But gas prices are no reason to stay home. AAA has some useful tips to help maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
First, perform basic vehicle checks that will help maximize your miles per gallon:
- Check your air filter twice a year. A dirty filter reduces performance and increases fuel consumption.
- Check your tires monthly, and inflate to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires not only increase fuel use, they are a safety hazard.
Second, listen when your vehicle tells you something is wrong. Take your car in for service right away if you experience:
- Engine bucking, surging, stalling, misfire or poor performance. These symptoms indicate a problem that is wasting fuel.
- The “check engine” light comes on. This means exhaust emissions are too high and fuel economy is too low.
Third, consult your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance needed to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Have those services performed by a shop with certified technicians who can spot other problems that may affect fuel consumption.
Looking for a good shop? Visit the automotive page of www.AAA.com to find local AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that meet and maintain high standards.
Finally, AAA reminds motorists that how you drive has the single greatest impact on how much fuel your vehicle burns. Fuel-saving habits to consider include:
- Maintaining a steady speed. Cars require extra fuel when they accelerate, so avoid quick starts and stops that waste gas and are harder on vehicle components.
- Lightening your load. Don’t haul unneeded items in your vehicle; their added weight will increase fuel use.
- Traveling at moderate highway speeds. Higher speeds require more power and fuel to overcome air resistance.
- Using the air conditioner conservatively. Air conditioning requires lots of power. In cool weather around town, turn the air conditioner off, and open your windows. In hot weather or on the highway, set the air conditioning to a higher temperature. Where available, use “economy” or “recirculation” settings to reduce air conditioner operation and minimize the amount of hot outside air that must be cooled.
Elite engine builders use simple techniques, like upgrading oil, to increase horsepower without spending much money.
(NewsUSA) - Today’s top engine builders know how to get extra horsepower from their cars without spending extra money.
At the 2008 Engine Masters Challenge, engine builders will put their engineering and mechanical skills to the test, working to make a normal, V-8 passenger car engine more powerful.
But you don’t need engine-building skills to get extra horsepower. These tips will help car owners looking to increase their horsepower without increasing spending:
- Upgrade your lubricants. Friction and heat from the engine and the drive train rob horsepower, leading to poorer engine performance. Reducing the power lost proves easy - simply upgrade to one of the high-performance lubricants now available.
In a recent test by Horsepower TV, upgrading to high-performance motor oil freed up to eight horsepower in a V8 engine.The test video can be found online at www.royalpurple.com.
- Replace or upgrade your air filter. In the engine, dust and other materials cause excessive wear and operating problems. Air filters need to be replaced regularly.
Upgrading to a high-performance air filter, which costs little and only takes five minutes to install, can free up an additional two to three horsepower.
- Use higher octane gas or an octane booster. Depending on your vehicle, high-octane gasoline can increase its horsepower.
Some people might not mind spending extra pennies at the pump for increased power. But upgrading to high-octane gas won’t always yield noticeable results.
For those who want a more measurable increase in power, a racing blend of gasoline will work well. Octane boosters, another solution, can be bought at auto parts stores.
Upgrading your gas, lubricants and air filter will increase horsepower without requiring an expert or becoming expensive. Better yet, improving performance will extend the life of your engine and help prevent the need for expensive repairs.
(NewsUSA) - As America’s oil and gas prices hit record highs, drivers look to save money on their cars.
But skipping routine maintenance checks can lead to bigger costs. Poorly maintained vehicles waste fuel and become worn more quickly, leading owners to pay for damage repairs or replacement vehicles.
According to Lauren Fix, The Car Coach (www.laurenfix.com), a former racecar driver and the host of a cable automotive talk show on the DIY network, “Routine maintenance is the key to helping your car achieve its potential.”
The people at Midas, who have over 50 years of experience in automotive service, offer these tips to help drivers get better gas mileage and extend the lives of their vehicles:
- Don’t Ease the Pressure.
Under-inflated tires cost drivers two miles per gallon in reduced fuel economy, so drivers should check their tire pressure once a month.
Drivers can find the correct tire pressure inside the driver-side door. They should check their tire pressure in the morning, when the air is cold, and remember to inflate their spare tire.
- Keep Things Oiled. Drivers should check their oil once a month and change their oil according to their vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations. Midas can provide quality oil and filter changes, which will help keep engines running smoothly.
- Keep the Filter Clean. The air filter acts like a car’s lungs.
Drivers should check their air filters when they change their oil.
Buying a car can be a person’s second-largest investment. To save money in the long run, car owners should keep their vehicles running as long as possible. To save money on maintenance costs, drivers should look for package deals. The Midas Touch Maintenance Package includes an oil and a filter change, a four-wheel tire rotation and a 45-point courtesy check.
Routine car maintenance can help drivers improve their fuel efficiency and keep their vehicles working longer. As Fix said, “By checking the essential parts of your car regularly, drivers will see a big difference in the performance of their automobile.”
To learn more about saving money on fuel and extending the life of your car, visit www.midas.com.
(NewsUSA) - In an increasingly technological world, the ability of our environments to be “smart” is becoming increasingly important.
Smart environments delivered by Johnson Controls, a global diversified, multi-industrial company, use products, systems and technologies that make our lives more comfortable, safe and sustainable through user-friendly interfaces and intelligent design.
Advances in technology are driving consumers to expect greater levels of personalization, customization, productivity and environmental sensitivity in their everyday lives. People want to feel more secure and at ease; they want to reduce their carbon footprint and prefer to do business with eco-friendly companies.
Geopolitical factors, including the drive for energy independence and the potential impact of climate change, are thought to be triggering increased attention to products and services that optimize energy use. Johnson Controls’ smart environments align with these expectations.
These technologies affect many aspects of our everyday lives.
* An improved automotive experience. Johnson Controls’ systems that link mobile electronic devices - including cell phones, navigational devices and MP3 players - to the vehicle allow the driver to interface with these devices safely and easily.
The company also provides a number of safety-oriented features, including the riACT head restraint, which optimizes the anti-whiplash performance of seats, and soy-content foam for vehicle seating pads that reduce the levels of harmful chemicals required to produce current seat-grade foam.
* Eco-friendly, efficient homes. Making a home into a smart environment means implementing sustainable, cost-saving measures, but it can also enhance the home’s decor and exterior. Johnson Controls’ York Affinity Series air conditioners not only offer an energy-efficient solution to homeowners’ cooling needs, but also enable individuals to customize unit colors to match their home’s exterior. Its quiet-drive system provides unobtrusive, energy-efficient performance contributing to up to 60 percent savings on a homeowner’s energy bills.
* Hybrid solutions for a more sustainable world. Vehicles with hybrid technology are the future of sustainable transportation. Hybrid vehicle technology greatly improves fuel-economy by using battery power to propel the car at lower speeds.
The lithium-ion battery is the most advanced hybrid-vehicle battery available and a critical link to the mass production of hybrid electric vehicles. They are key to reducing our carbon emissions and fuel costs. Johnson Controls’ joint venture with Saft Advanced Power Solutions is a global leader in developing this technology and supporting its acceptance in the marketplace. Additionally, Johnson Controls is the world’s largest recycler of lead-acid batteries and manages a closed-loop recycling system that contributes to a “smart environment” while minimizing the use of virgin lead.
Home Updates to Help Ease the Transition of Moving in Together
“Moving in together is a huge step,” says relationship expert Dennie Hughes of USAWeekend.com. “And, if ‘commitment’ is the ultimate goal, two other ‘C words’ will come into play – communication and compromise.”
While you may be ready to share your lives together, you may not be ready to share everything. Adjusting to your partner’s habits, quirks and little annoyances can be a challenge … and learning to share space is often the biggest obstacle. Before your living situation goes down the drain, think about separating — your stuff, that is.
Here are some tips to update your bedroom and bathroom to help ease the transition of living together.
Give Your Bed Some Room
When you move in, so do all your belongings. Help prevent space wars by using separate closets and dressers. This way, you and your partner can organize clothing, shoes and personal items with your own personal style and comfort. If your new home doesn’t have two closets, be sure to update the single closet with an organization system. Companies such as California Closets will customize storage solutions that will help give you both some breathing room.
While hogging the covers or tossing and turning is acceptable when alone, this can be frustrating for your partner … and make him or her wake up on the wrong side of the bed after a night of interrupted sleep. For a simple solution, purchase top sheets and blankets that are one size bigger than your mattress. And if budget permits, invest in a mattress that absorbs motion, like a Tempur-Pedic, so you won’t be disturbed when your partner tosses, turns or gets out of bed.
Achieving Bathroom Bliss
Gobs of toothpaste left in the sink is a top bathroom annoyance, according to a research study conducted on behalf of Moen Incorporated by Harris Interactive. So, don’t sweat these small things — split them!
Separate sink space helps eliminate tensions and makes getting ready with your partner easier. Stylish choices, such as Moen’s new Muirfield bathroom faucet, available at Lowe’s, offer a variety of options from single- and two-handle designs; standard-, mid- or high-arc spouts; and a variety of finishes to meet both of your design preferences. Plus, you and your partner can feel good knowing that the water-saving Muirfield faucets are WaterSense certified, meaning they meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines as environmentally responsible and efficient products.
In addition to splitting the sink area, be sure to install two of each bathroom accessory, such as the Ridgedale bath accessory collection from Inspirations by Moen. Separate robe hooks and towel bars ensure you each have your own personal space for your personal belongings.
Be sure to continue your organization into the shower, especially since for men, the number one shower pet peeve is having too many items. For a quick and easy solution, install shower baskets to provide convenient storage for shampoos and soaps, and remove clutter from around the tub.
Nothing ruins your mood in the shower quite like a weak spray. So, keep your partner happy with a superior showerhead that delivers a satisfying experience every time. The Muirfield suite, available from Moen in today’s most popular finishes, also features a single-handle shower faucet and a single-handle tub/shower faucet with a large showerhead that creates a wider spray pattern for a great showering experience through full-body coverage.
Couples That Share Together …
Although dividing the bedroom and bathroom helps smooth the transition of living together, don’t forget about the little things to ease common pet peeves. Be conscientious — restock the tissues and toilet paper when low, put the cap back on the toothpaste and make sure to clear counter space after your morning routine. Place dirty clothes in the hamper and make the bed together. Finally, designate an afternoon to clean together, and then celebrate your spotless home with a relaxing and romantic evening of quality time and communication.
With just a few minor adjustments and updates to your bed and bath, you can make the transition of living together easy and move toward your happily ever after.
For more information on the Muirfield bathroom suite or other Moen products, visit http://www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).
(NewsUSA) - With gas prices skyrocketing, everyone is looking for ways to drive less. Based on data from a study released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), if you live near a bus stop or rail line, your household drives an average of 4,400 fewer miles each year, compared to those who do not have access to public transportation.
Annually, public transit riders save approximately $6,251 -; more than just pocket change. However, public transportation in your community saves more than money - it also saves the environment.
“Investing in public transportation is one of the more effective ways to combat global climate change and conserve energy,” says William M. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association. “People who live near public transportation are more likely to walk, bike or take shorter car rides to get to their jobs and leisure activities.”
Households in communities with access to public transportation drive an average of 12 fewer miles daily, as compared with households who do not live near public transportation -; a 27 percent reduction in mileage and 223 fewer gallons of gas each year. Nationally, public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually -; more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day -; according to the APTA report “Broadening the Connection Between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation.”
Public transit systems such as buses and commuter trains allow more travel in less space and reduce the strain on roads. In addition, public transportation supports efficient land use and reduces carbon emissions in the U.S. by 37 million metric tons each year. To achieve a similar reduction in carbon emissions without using public transportation, the APTA says that every household in New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles would have to stop all electricity use.
ICF International, a global consulting firm, prepared the report for APTA. For more information about public transportation and to read the complete report, contact APTA by visiting www.publictransportation.org.
Like Roche, consumers can go beyond recycling and find new ways to reduce their environmental footprints
(NewsUSA) - Being environmentally responsible is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do. While helping preserve the environment, it is likely you will save money. Many U.S. corporations understand that being green is good for the environment and for their bottom line, which is why they have implemented original ways to reduce their environmental footprints.
Companies and consumers who want to be greener, but don’t know what to do beyond recycling, can look to some of these innovative companies for eco ideas. For example, Roche pharmaceuticals has been very successful in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the company achieved this goal two years ahead of schedule, which was set with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program (http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/).
Roche’s pharmacuetical division cut down waste and energy use in a variety of ways, such as:
- Changing the packaging of its osteoporosis drug, Boniva (ibandronate), from a plastic material to a recyclable “blister wrap.”
- Converting its system for submitting paper documents to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to an electronic submission process, saving reams of paper and energy that would have been spent shipping the materials.
- Offering its pharmaceutical sales force the option to choose a hybrid car to drive, saving more than 80,000 gallons of gas per year.
- Roche also introduced co-generation, the ability to generate steam and electricity simultaneously as a source of energy, at its Nutley, New Jersey, headquarters. With co-generation, the costs and emissions were reduced, but generated enough electricity to meet 65 percent of the site’s electricity needs.
(ARA) - The green building and remodeling movement puts great emphasis on natural lighting, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Moving air through our homes and distributing light can be, and usually is, accomplished by a combination of mechanical and passive means, with a fan and an open window for example. But, in today’s technical world, what’s simple?
According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, following the age-old example of a teepee is a great way to ventilate our homes today–cutting a hole in the roof creates a chimney effect. “Warm air rises. If there’s a hole in the roof it will escape,” Patrick says. That can be a good thing if that air is carrying volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stale air, odors, and other air-borne pollutants out. It can be a bad thing if it’s raining.
But what if you put a venting skylight in that hole? “Then,” Patrick says, “you’ve provided a source of free, healthful natural light and ventilation. And you’ve made your home a more attractive, brighter place with an open feeling. In other words, you’ve put an emphasis on natural lighting, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.”
Green Attributes
Skylights, both the traditional type as well as the newer tubular skylights that are growing in popularity, fit nicely with today’s emphasis on green construction, both new building and remodeling. But you’ve got to plan and shop carefully, position the units properly, and have a proper installation to assure a productive and pleasant experience with skylights.
Among The Benefits
Some of the major pros of skylights are that units from leading manufacturers are as well or better made than brand name windows. They are ENERGY STAR qualified with dual pane, argon gas-injected, low-e glass that is an excellent insulator and they also block UV rays from the sun that can fade furniture.
Traditional skylights are available in fixed or venting models with a wide selection of glass, including electrochromic glazing which allows homeowners to darken or lighten the glass by remote control without losing the view of the sky. “There is also the option of a complete selection of traditional accessories, including interior blinds and shades and exterior heat block awnings to control heat loss and gain while adjusting the light as desired,” Patrick says.
Tubular models, such as VELUX Sun Tunnel skylights, offer passive light collected by a roof-top dome and transmitted into the home through a highly reflective rigid or flexible tube to a ceiling diffuser that looks very much like a light fixture. These units are usually less expensive and easier to install. An experienced DIYer can often handle the job in a morning if a professional installation isn’t available or desired.
Leaks Should no Longer be Feared
Among installation factors to be aware of, Patrick says, is location and orientation of the units. This should be determined by how the suns rises and sets relative to your roof. He suggests consideration of a shading accessory to address heat gain and possible glare from the afternoon sun if your skylights face south or southwest.
“After picking the location, proper installation is the most important factor in having a positive experience with skylights,” Patrick says. “Quality units are sold with matched flashing kits designed and manufactured for the type of roof they are going on — shingles, tiles, or metal. A quality skylight properly installed has no more tendency to leak than any other component that requires a hole in the roof of a home,” he says.
For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For more information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov and for independent agency information visit http://www.nfrc.org or http://www.efficientwindows.org .
