This New House

This New House-Energy Sources

Thursday, 07 October 2010 13:34

The need to find new types of renewable energy is urgent - as shown in articles on this site and elsewhere, oil reserves are running out, and quickly.

This New House-Eco-friendly Windows

Monday, 04 October 2010 22:10

Windows play a key role in the sustainable design of any house. They are the objects through which most energy and light pass in and out of a building, and for this reason when properly designed, they can not only significantly reduce the heating and cooling expenses of a household, but also contribute to the preservation of the environment. There are a few things you should consider in order to ensure the optimal energy performance of your windows.

This New House-Health and Buildings

Thursday, 30 September 2010 23:02

Health and buildings, what this means to your home and office environment? As you are reading this from the comfort of your lounge or whilst sitting in your office chair. Look around at the room; the furniture, walls, flooring, products and accessories. What are they made from? Are they natural or man-made materials? Are you suffering from any illnesses? What affect do they have on your health?

This New House-Not Green Enough

Tuesday, 28 September 2010 11:10

As I mentioned in Sunday's Times, the nation's building stock plays a bigger role in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions than many Americans might realize - accounting for as much as 40 percent of primary energy use, 70 percent of electricity consumption and nearly 40 percent of carbon-dioxide emissions.

This New House-Efficiency of Your Home

Wednesday, 22 September 2010 20:17

Once all the insulation has been installed and air sealing is completed, the building needs to be tested to make sure that it performs as designed. This step typically identifies areas where insulation has been missed, air sealing is insufficient, or mechanical systems are not functioning up to specs. A zero energy house scores 0 or below on the home energy rating system (HERS) scale. Most near zero energy homes get below HERS 20, which is excellent given that a conventional home built to code has a HERS score of 100.

This New House-More Comfortable

Monday, 20 September 2010 21:08

There has been a lot of debate about which "sustainable" products are the best "value". The answer to this question may be influenced by utility cost, natural resource availability, whether the building is new or preexisting, and the quality of the construction. The debate includes technologies like radiant floor heating, geothermal, photovoltaic (solar electric) and hydronic solar water heating systems (solar thermal), wind turbine technology, methane accumulators for septic systems and other biomass based energy collectors, etc. I am going to focus on what is the most prevalent "alternative" system for homes: geothermal and radiant heating systems. It seems that geothermal systems are the first building block that people are using with their sustainable houses.

This New House-Energy Efficiency So Grim?

Thursday, 16 September 2010 12:43

If it's true that making money and creating wealth for shareholders is the primary objective in every business, one would expect companies to squeeze out every bit of profit from their operations by making them efficient and technologically advanced.

This New House-Green Kitchen Design

Monday, 13 September 2010 16:53

When people say green kitchen design they usually mean recycled glass counters or something. But the actual design of the kitchen doesn't change much. For me a green kitchen design alters the behavior of the inhabitants so that they better the environment without extra thought or effort.

This New House-Conserve Water

Thursday, 09 September 2010 00:32

Water is a valuable resource, but consumers should use it wisely to help conserve it. Whether you live in a bustling city or in the middle of a desert, everyone can help save water by finding ways to recycle and conserve, both indoors and outdoors, according to the Water Use it Wisely website. Saving water is easy, effective and beneficial for conservation in your neighborhood, and that contributes to global water conservation.

This New House-Heating Tips

Tuesday, 07 September 2010 14:00

Each year homeowners spend millions of dollars heating and cooling inefficient homes. Here are a few energy saving tips to make your home more efficient.