Going Green

 

October 2009

by Rebecca Falzano
Photography Irvin Serrano

In our October issue, we found proof that green doesn’t have to come at a super high premium. A Portland home built by developers Catherine and Jonathan Culley of Redfern Properties and designed by architect Chris Briley of Green Design Studio earned the ultimate in LEED ratings—platinum—and was sold for $415,000. Its photovoltaic panels, solar-evacuated tubes, solar shade system, and myriad other sustainable solutions will save the homeowner significantly in operating costs. It is estimated that total heat and electric costs will amount to just $80 a month, making it well worth the price. For homeowners looking for some quick solutions to greening their homes, Culley and Briley share a few suggestions. Quick Fixes to Green Your Home:
·         Buy your power from green power sources. Visit the Green Power section of renewmaine.org for more information.
·         Install foam insulation inserts for outlets and light switches to manage leaky spots.
·         When planning a garden, use landscaping to prevent water runoff—like rain gardens, edible landscaping, groundcovers rather than grass, and native and drought-tolerant species.
·         Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs or LEDs, and replace traditional light switches with dimmers.  -  “Put a lid on it.”
·         Air-seal your attic or roof. That’s usually where you lose the most heat.
·         Choose high-efficiency kitchen appliances.
·         Install low-flow faucets with aerators.
·         Use no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint.
·         Buy timers for bathroom fans. Leave fans on for at least twenty minutes to properly ventilate bathrooms for moisture control.
·         Use a rain barrel to collect and store water for when you need it most.
·         If a new boiler isn’t in the cards, have the old one cleaned by a professional annually to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
·         Clean your air ducts.