Green Remodeling

and
Home Performance Improvements

Presented by
Tony Grahame

Co-presented by
Rich Peterson

March 21, 2009

CAZREN Workshop

Credentials
• Program Director,
Yavapai College
Residential Building Technology Program

• Certified Master Builder

(Energy & Environmental Building Association)

• National Trainer for “Houses that Work” (Energy &

Environmental Building Association)

• AZ Registered Contractor
– Global Building Technology LLC
(Home Performance and Green Building Consulting)

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 Presentation Outline

• Building Science Fundamentals

• What are the Green Building Criteria to Follow
in a Remodel?
• Green Building Criteria Applied to
– Kitchen Remodel
– Bath Remodel
– Room Addition
• Green Remodeling Discounts: An Overview of
Available Rebates and Tax Incentives

Building Science = Green Building

What is Building Science?

 The science of making buildings that work

What are Green Buildings?

 Buildings that work… well

Safe
Comfortable Energy
Healthy Durability
Affordable Materials
Resource Environment
Efficient
Durable

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Fundamentals of Building Performance

What is our goal?

– Create an enclosure that separates the

indoors from the outdoors.

– Construct the “house as a system”

• Thoughtful design and building techniques
• Minimize energy consumption
• Contribute to the safety and health of its occupants,
and the environment.

Building Science Fundamentals that Affect

Performance

–Thermal Control (surface radiant temperature)

–Moisture Control (vapor and water mgmt)
–Air Flow Control (pressure differentials)
–Climate Zone (Hot-Dry/Mixed-Dry)
–Ultraviolet Radiation / Lighting / Daylighting
–Acoustics (noise control)

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8 Building Science Rules

1. Heat flows from warm to cold

2. Moisture moves from warm to cold
3. Moisture moves from more to less
4. Air out equals air in
5. Air behaves like a fluid
6. Rain follows gravity
7. Everything gets wet … let it dry
8. It all happens at the surfaces and the
connections

Building Science is About

the Flow of Three Things

Heat
Air
Moisture

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1. Heat Flows from Warm to Cold

All surfaces of the

building envelope
must be air sealed
and properly
insulated
to control heat flow

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2. Moisture Moves from Warm to Cold

Select materials and wall

systems that:
– Reduce water vapor
flow through the
building envelope
– Reduce the potential
for condensation in
building cavities

3. Moisture Moves from More to Less

Select materials that
reduce the flow of
moisture through the
building enclosure by
controlling:
– Bulk water
– Water vapor

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4. Air Out Equals Air In
For each volume of air that leaves the
building envelope there is an equal amount
of air that enters.

5. Air Behaves Like a Fluid

To effectively manage
a high performance
home, air must be
controlled with as
much attention as
water is in plumbing
pipes

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6. Rain Follows Gravity

• Drain the site

• Drain the assembly

• Drain everything

• Install gutters and

downspouts

7. Everything Gets Wet…Let it Dry

• Design and construct

the building envelope
to dry to the interior,
exterior, or both

• Keep siding out of the

dirt and off the roof

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8. It All Happens at the Surfaces and
the Connections
• Assure that components
are contraction differences
between dissimilar
products
• Compatible with each
other and their
environment
• Allow for expansion and
counter-flashing is
essential for durability

Building Science Principles Applied to

Mainstream Construction Practices
What can you expect?

More energy efficient

Increased comfort
Healthier houses
Increased durability
Reasonable payback period for upfront costs
Reduced long-term operation & maintenance
costs

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 Where are We in the Presentation?
• Building Science Fundamentals
What are the Green Building Criteria to Follow
in a Remodel?
• Green Building Criteria Applied to
– Kitchen Remodel
– Bath Remodel
– Room Addition
• Green Remodeling Discounts: An Overview of
Available Rebates and Tax Incentives

Green Remodeling Guidelines -

Regional/Local Programs
Alameda County
Home Remodeling Green
Building Guidelines

San Mateo County

Smart Ideas for Home
Improvement

City of Scottsdale
Green Building: Home
Remodeling Guidelines

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Green Remodeling Guidelines -
National Program

ASID & USGBC

Regreen: Residential
Remodeling Guidelines

Green Remodeling Guidelines -

Reference Book

See handout for book

title and ISBN

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Green Building Categories
• Important to pick one or more programs and
use it as a guide !!

• Most green building programs have similar

essential categories:
Building site factors
Energy efficiency
Resource efficiency
Indoor air quality
Water efficiency

Elements of the Green Building Categories

Building Site Factors

• Design for natural and solar resources

• Minimize slope and soil disturbance
• Manage storm water
• Limit water and energy demand
• Wildlife habitat
• Minimize vegetation and soil disturbance

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Elements of the Green Building Categories
Energy Efficiency

• Improved insulation systems

• Tighter building envelope and ducts (draft free)
• Efficient HVAC, ventilation, and filtration
systems
• High-performance windows
• Energy efficient lighting and appliances
• Energy efficient hotwater delivery
• Commissioning/testing

Elements of the Green Building Categories

Resource Efficiency
• Floor Plan
• Building Material Optimization
• Building Material Selection
• Entry and Overhangs
• Termite Protection
• Water Management
• Material Durability and Longevity
• Use Recycled Materials and Recycle Waste Materials
• Use Renewable and Resource-Efficient Materials

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Elements of the Green Building Categories
Indoor Environmental Quality

• Minimize Potential Pollutants

– Combustion Systems
– Indoor Materials
– Ventilation Systems
– Humidity, Radon, and Exhaust
• Moisture Management
– Bathrooms
– House and Materials
– Plumbing
– HVAC and Enclosed Spaces
• Noise Management

Elements of the Green Building Categories

Water Efficiency

• Hot Water Distribution

• Water Conservation
– Indoor
– Outdoor
• Rainwater and Wastewater

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 Where Are We in the Presentation

• Building Science Fundamentals

• What are the Green Building Criteria to Follow
in a Remodel?
Green Building Criteria Applied to
– Kitchen Remodel
– Bath Remodel
– Room Addition
• Green Remodeling Discounts: An Overview of
Available Rebates and Tax Incentives

Green Building: Kitchen Remodel

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What are the Existing Design or Performance
Problems to Be Addressed?

• Water leaks
• Long hotwater delivery
• Kitchen too hot or cold (air leakage, thermal
comfort)
• IAQ hazards (lead, asbestos, radon, interior humidity,
mold, carbon monoxide)
• Noisy and inefficient exhaust fan
• Outdated appliances
• Outdated cabinetry
• Poor lighting
• Outdated paint

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Issues Re-arranged by GB Category
• Indoor Environmental Quality
– Water leaks
– IAQ hazards (e.g., mold, CO)
– Ventilation and exhaust
– Noise (acoustic comfort)
– Cabinetry
– Paint
• Energy Efficiency
– Air leakage
– Thermal comfort (too hot, too cold)
– Outdated appliances
– Poor lighting
• Water Efficiency
– Long hotwater delivery
• Resource Efficiency
– Water leaks
– Donating rather than dumpster
– Recycled content materials

Kitchen Strategy – IEQ

Water Management and Mold

• Conditions for mold growth

– Moisture
– Food source
– Suitable temperature range
• Eliminate one of these and mold dissipates
Fix plumbing leaks!!!
If possible, design to locate plumbing lines
within the conditioned space

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Kitchen Strategy - IEQ
Kitchen Ventilation

Ducted to Exterior!!!

Kitchen Exhaust Ventilation Concern

• Improved ventilation =
house depressurization potential

• If any combustion appliances (hotwater

heater, furnace, wood stove), then noxious
gasses may be drawn into the home

• Consider installing carbon monoxide detector

The house components act interdependently!!

i.e., “House as a System”

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 What is Wrong Here?

Kitchen Strategy - IEQ

Range Hood Exhaust Fan Noise

Sone Level Versus Common Noises

Background Sound Level Typical Sones Comfort Level

Rustling Trees 0.5 Noise Free

Evening Outdoors In Suburbs 1

Open Office 1.5 to 2 Comfortable Verbal
Conversation
TV & Radio 3 to 4
Noticeable Background
Traffic Noise 5 to 8
Noise
Quality Range Hoods 3 to 6

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Kitchen Strategies – IEQ
Kitchen Cabinets

What are the

cabinets made of ?
…outgassing concern

Kitchen Strategies – IEQ

Paint
Specify low Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC) paint and flooring
adhesive

VOC Guidelines

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Kitchen Strategies – Energy Efficiency
Appliances
Always select EnergyStar
kitchen appliances:
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Hotwater heater

Look for the Energy Guide

Label !!!

Kitchen Strategies – Energy Efficiency

Lighting
• Select CFL bulbs and
EnergyStar light fixtures

• Fluorescent tube lighting

available in various color
renderings

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 Kitchen Strategies – Energy Efficiency
Recessed Lighting

CFLs available for

recessed lighting

Kitchen Strategies – Energy Efficiency

Air Leakage Around Recessed Lighting
• Potential heat, air, and
moisture loss / gain to the
attic

• Recommended solutions:
– Use air tight (AT), insulation
contact (IC) rated fixtures
– Seal recessed-light ceiling fixtures
with mastic
– Seal ceiling penetration with
caulk

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Kitchen Strategies – Energy Efficiency
Windows
• Windows can be the
cause of significant
heat loss or gain
• Solution:
Install a high-
performance
EnergyStar window

What Defines High-Performance Windows?

• Heat gain & heat loss reduction

– Energy efficiency
– Four technologies are common:
• Low emmissivity coatings
• Insulated spacers
• Argon gas filled
• Better frame technology
• UV light reduction
• Durability
• Wind and rain resistance

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Window Performance

DP 30

Images © Efficient Windows Collaborative Website, www.efficientwindows.org

Windows – U Factor

• Rate of heat loss = U

Factor

• Lower U-factor =
– Window has a greater
resistance to heat flow
– better insulating value.

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 Windows - Solar Heat Gain / Low E
• SHGC = amount of
solar radiation
admitted through a
window

• SHGC is expressed as
a number between 0
and 1

• Higher SHGC value =

more solar heat
admitted

What Window Ratings are Appropriate?

IECC 2006 Code Compliant

* EnergyStar windows required to qualify for federal tax incentives

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Kitchen Strategies – Energy Efficiency
Solar Domestic Hotwater
• On average, 20% of
annual energy
usage is for
hotwater heating
• Central Arizona
climate is ideal for
this renewable
resource

Kitchen Strategy – Water Efficiency

Low Flow Fixtures and Appliances

• Water efficient faucets

less than 2.5 gpm
• Optional aerators can
further reduce flow rate

• EnergyStar dishwashers
use less than 6.5 gal per
load … look for the label !!
\

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Kitchen Strategy – Water Efficiency
Efficient Hotwater Delivery Systems

Tankless HW Heater Recirculation Pump

Kitchen Strategy – Resource Efficiency

• Durability - by fixing plumbing leaks,

wood materials have a longer life
• Recycled content materials – concrete
countertop, recycled glass floor tiles
• Reuse materials - consider donating used
materials rather than dumpster to
landfill

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Bathroom Remodel

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What are the Existing Design or Performance
Problems to Be Addressed?

• Poor lighting
• Long hotwater delivery
• IAQ hazards (interior humidity, mold)
• Noisy and inefficient exhaust fan
• Outdated and inefficient fixtures
• Outdated cabinetry
• Outdated paint
• Tub or shower wall is cold

Issues Re-arranged by GB Category

• Indoor Environmental Quality
– IAQ hazards (e.g., mold)
– Inefficient exhaust fan
– Noisy exhaust fan (acoustic comfort)
– Cabinetry
– Paint
• Energy Efficiency
– Air leakage
– Thermal comfort (too hot, too cold)
– Poor lighting
• Water Efficiency
– Long hotwater delivery
– Inefficient fixtures
• Resource Efficiency
– Salvage rather than dumpster
– Recycled content materials

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Bathroom Strategy – IEQ
Mold

• Conditions for mold growth

– Moisture
– Food source
– Suitable temperature range
• Eliminate one of these and mold dissipates
Solution… stop feeding the mold!
Specify paperless drywall in high-humidity
areas

Bathroom Strategy – IEQ

Ventilation

Specify higher quality

bathroom ventilation fans
•Effective (50 – 100 cfm)
•Quiet (<0.3 sones)
•Energy efficient
(EnergyStar rated)
•Can be motion-sensor
activated

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Ventilation Effectiveness… Dependent on
Proper Installation
Right

Wrong

Bathroom Strategies – IEQ

Vanity Cabinets

What are the

cabinets made of ?
…outgassing concern

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Bathroom Strategies – IEQ
Paint
Specify low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint and
flooring adhesive

VOC Guidelines

Bathroom Strategies – Energy Efficiency

Lighting
• Specify EnergyStar
light fixtures
• Install CFL lighting
• Consider solar tube
lighting for baths
without windows

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 Bathroom Strategies – Energy Efficiency
Air Leakage Around Recessed Lighting
• Potential heat, air, and
moisture loss / gain to the
attic

• Recommended solutions:
– Use air tight (AT), insulation
contact (IC) rated fixtures
– Seal recessed-light ceiling fixtures
with mastic
– Seal ceiling penetration with
caulk

Bathroom Strategies – Energy Efficiency

Thermal Comfort
• Tub/shower unit on an exterior wall needs
particular attention… “thermal bypass”
potential
• Before tub or shower is installed, the exterior
wall must be insulated and an air barrier
installed
If insulation is not installed properly, the tub
or shower wall (and you) will feel cold !!

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Bathroom Strategies – Energy Efficiency
Thermal Bypass Example

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Bathroom Strategy – Water Efficiency
Low-flow Fixtures

• EPA WaterSense
Program … parallel
program to EnergyStar
• Look for the label
– Toilets (1.28 gal per
flush or less)
– Faucets
– Showerheads (max 2.5
gpm)

Bathroom Strategy – Water Efficiency

Efficient Hotwater Delivery Systems

• Water heaters are

EnergyStar labeled
• Hotwater lines are
insulated

Other options include:

• Tankless hotwater
system
• Undersink recirculation
pump

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Bathroom Strategy – Resource Efficiency

• Wood resources – FSC certified wood

products
• Recycled content materials – concrete
countertop, recycled glass floor tiles
• Reuse materials - consider salvaging used
materials rather than dumpster to
landfill

Room Addition

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Major Addition

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 Where Are We in the Presentation

• Building Science Fundamentals

• What are the Green Building Criteria to Follow
in a Remodel?
• Green Building Criteria Applied to
– Kitchen Remodel
– Bath Remodel
– Room Addition
Green Remodeling Discounts: An Overview of
Available Rebates and Tax Incentives

Tax Incentives and Rebates

• Federal Tax Credits

• State Tax Credits
• Local Rebates
• Utility Company Rebates

Definitive Information Resource:

Database of State Incentives for Renewables &
Efficiency (DSIREUSA.ORG)

52
 Tax Incentives and Rebates: Federal
• Energy-efficiency upgrades
(existing homes only, effective 1/1/09 through 2010)
– Windows and doors
– Insulation
– Roofs (metal and asphalt)
– Heat pumps and air conditioners
– Water heaters (non-solar)
– Biomass stoves (wood, pellets, plants)
• Items must meet federal efficiency criteria to qualify
• Eligible for a tax credit of 30% of qualifying costs up to $1,500
aggregate
• Applies to materials only… not installation costs

Tax Incentives and Rebates: Federal

• Renewable-energy systems
(existing homes and new construction, through 2016)
– geothermal heat pumps
– Solar panels
– Solar water heaters
– Small wind energy systems
– Fuel cells
• Eligible for a tax credit of 30% of qualifying costs
with no upper limit
• Includes material and installation costs

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 Tax Incentives and Rebates: State
• Residential Solar and Wind Energy Systems Tax Credit
– Passive Solar Space Heat
– Solar Water Heat
– Solar Space Heat
– Photovoltaics
– Wind
– Solar Ovens
– Solar Cooling
– Solar Pool Heating
– Daylighting
• 25% of the cost with a $1,000 maximum credit

Tax Incentives and Rebates: State

• Solar Energy Property Tax Exemption

– No added value for property tax assessments
• Solar and Wind Equipment Sales Tax
Exemption
• Converting wood fireplace to qualifying wood
stove
– Purchase and installation deductable up to $500

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 Tax Incentives and Rebates: Local
City of Prescott WaterSmart Conservation

Tax Incentives and Rebates: Utility

• APS - Energy Efficient AC Rebate Program
– Air Conditioner: SEER 14 / EER 11.5: $250/unit
– Air Conditioner: SEER 16 / EER 12.25: $400/unit
– Duct Test: .75 X cost of test (up to $75)
– Duct Repairs: .75 X cost of repairs (up to $175)
• APS - Renewable Incentive Program
– Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal
Heat Pumps, Solar and many others
– PV: 50% of project costs; Up-front incentive limited to $75,000
– SWH: 50% of system costs

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 Tax Incentives and Rebates: Utility

• UES – Efficient Home Heating

– rebates for qualifying high-efficiency natural gas
equipment, replacing older, inefficient furnaces.
– Rebate amount $200 - $325 dependent on AFUE rating

Home Performance

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Home Performance

Energy Testing
Combustion Safety Testing
Insulation
Air Sealing
HVAC (Fresh Air Exchange, Filtration)
Radon Testing
Moisture Management
Home Owner Education
Lighting

Home Performance with Energy Star

Energy Audit Includes:
Home Owner Interview
Consumption History
Appliances, Lighting, Controls
Building Information
Attic Insulation
Wall Insulation
Basement/ Crawl Space Insulation
Heating and Cooling Systems
Domestic Hot Water
Distribution System/Duct Work
Notes

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Home Performance Assessments
Who to Contact in North Central Arizona
Global Building Technology LLC
Tony Grahame
928.848.0126

E3 Energy Inc.
Justin Erickson
928.226.0056

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Residential Building
Technology Program
YC Residential Building Technology

www.yc.edu / rbt Program mission is to teach students to …

– design, manage, and build
– crafted, healthy, safe, durable, comfortable,
affordable, energy and resource efficient,
environmentally responsive houses
– incorporate appropriate (climate specific)
building materials, systems and technologies
– based on current applied building-science
principles and sustainable design/green
building practices.

Residential Building
Technology Program
Most Popular RBT Courses

– Solar and Renewable Energy

www.yc.edu / rbt

– Alternative Building Materials and Designs

– Energy Efficient Building and Design
– Sustainable Design/Green Building
– Residential Building I and II
– Residential Technology I and II
– Weatherization for New and Existing Homes

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Residential Building
Technology Program
Degrees/Certificates Offered

Residential Building Technology

www.yc.edu / rbt (Degree and Certificate)
Residential Construction Management
(Certificate)
Residential Design
(Certificate)
Green Building
(Certificate – forthcoming)
Course Schedules
Most RBT courses are offered in the evening
or online
– Fall ’2010 Schedule available soon at www.yc.edu

Summary
Reasons to Build Green
Comfort and Security
Affordable Housing
Durability
Resource Efficiency
High Performance
Welfare of the Planet
Our Children Health and Safety

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Green Building – Local and Global Impacts

With Green Building…

we can satisfy all of our
housing needs,
conserve limited resources,
and protect our natural
environment
for the long-term health of our
planet
and future generations.

Green Building Remodeling Resource Guide

CAZREN Presentation, March 21, 2009

Building Design and Performance

Builders Guide series, by Joe Lstiburek, Building Science Press, ISBN 0-
9755127-0-6
Builder’s Manual, Canadian Home Builder’s Association, ISBN 0-86506-062-2
Green Remodeling, Your Start Toward an Eco-friendly Home, Creative
Homeowner Press, ISBN 9781580113960
Green Building Magazines
Environmental Building News, www.BuildingGreen.com
Home Energy, www.homeenergy.org
Solplan Review, published by the drawing-room graphic services ltd.
Builder, www.builderonline.com
Energy Design Update, www.cutter.com/energy
Eco-structure, www.eco-structure.com
Green@work, www.greenatworkmag.com
Green Building Products
Green Building Products, The GreenSpec Guide to Residential Building
Materials, ISBN 0-86571-543-2
Greenspec Directory, Produt Listings & Guideline Specifications from
BuildingGreen, ISBN 978-1-929884-18-6
Green Building Materials, A Guide to Product Selection and Specification
ISBN 0-471-70089-4
Your Green Home, A Guide to Planning A Healthy, Environmentally Friendly
New Home, ISBN 978-0-86571-555-4

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Green Building Remodeling Guidelines
City of Scottsdale GB Home Remodeling Guidelines,
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding

LEED Regreen, www.regreenprogram.org/

San Mateo County Smart Ideas for Home Improvement,

www.recycleworks.org/pdf/Green-It-Yourself-091305_1.pdf
Alameda County Home Remodeling Green Building Guidelines
http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=488

Green Building Websites

www.buildingknowledge.net
www.BuildingScience.com
www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america
www.buildinggreen.com

Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality Internet Resources

-Appliances
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=appliances.pr_appliances
-Lighting
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=lighting.pr_lighting
-Windows
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows
www.efficientwindows.org/
-Water Efficiency
www.epa.gov/watersense/
-Indoor Air Quality
www.healthhouse.org/build/2007-2008HHbuilderguidelines.pdf
-Building Science Video Series (multiple relevant subjects)
www.bestofbuildingscience.com/
Tax Credits and Rebates
City of Prescott
www.cityofprescott.net/services/water/conservation.php
Federal and State
www.dsireusa.org
Utility
www.aps.com/
http://uesaz.com/Green/Home/index.asp

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