Storm Windows

It is certainly the time of year to keep warm air inside while considering winter storm protection for windows. Storm windows can be made of glass, rigid plastic panels, or durable plastic sheets and they can be installed on the outside or inside of a home's existing windows. The cost of storm windows have [...]

By |2020-12-30T00:15:49+00:00December 29th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Storm Windows

Geothermal Heat Pumps

A geothermal heat pump, also known as a ground-source heat pump, is a central heating and/or cooling system that uses the constant below-ground temperature of soil or water to heat and cool a building. In the cooler months, this system draws heat from the earth or water and brings it inside the building using a [...]

By |2018-03-07T02:36:38+00:00March 7th, 2018|Blog|Comments Off on Geothermal Heat Pumps

Green Insulation

Insulation is a crucial component of energy efficient buildings. It helps keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, heating and cooling costs are 50-70% of energy use for the average household in the U.S. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by the ability of the [...]

By |2018-01-02T04:43:36+00:00January 2nd, 2018|Blog|Comments Off on Green Insulation

Earth Buildings

Earth buildings are structures that are made from earthen materials, such as straw or adobe. An earth building can range from a simple garden shed to a residential dwelling that is large enough to be called home by multiple people. Earth buildings are environmentally sustainable, affordable, stable, strong, comfortable, and are appropriate for a variety [...]

By |2017-08-07T23:11:33+00:00August 7th, 2017|Blog|Comments Off on Earth Buildings

Recycling and Reuse Centers for Construction Materials

Recycling construction and reusing salvaged materials not only helps to conserve natural resources, but also saves money. According to Metro (oregonmetro.gov), as much as 90 percent of construction waste could be recycled or salvaged for reuse at a lower cost compared to disposal. Garbage disposal fees in the Portland metro area are approximately $94 per [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:01:45+00:00April 13th, 2017|Blog|Comments Off on Recycling and Reuse Centers for Construction Materials

Sick Building Syndrome Solutions

Sick Building Syndrome comprises of various non-specific health symptoms that appear to be related to spending time in a building (EPA, 2009). To learn more about SBS and the contributing factors of SBS, please see our previous article. Various buildings across the globe have been surveyed for SBS and studied further. An example of a [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:02:13+00:00February 18th, 2017|Blog|Comments Off on Sick Building Syndrome Solutions

Solar Panels

  Solar power can lead to financial savings in the long run as well as being beneficial for the environment. The yearly reduction in carbon from generating electricity from the average 4 kilowatt home solar power system is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by half an acre of trees. There are four primary [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:09:02+00:00September 9th, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Solar Panels

Ecodistricts

Neighborhoods are more than just groups of buildings. They are where people live, work, play, shop, socialize, and learn. There are neighborhoods called ecodistricts that have this in mind while also considering resource efficiency and environmental sustainability as well as promoting health and well-being. According to EcoDistricts (formerly the Portland Sustainability Institute), these areas are [...]

By |2017-07-31T21:11:17+00:00February 29th, 2016|Blog|Comments Off on Ecodistricts

Residential Green Buildings

An Overview of Green Residential Buildings  Sustainable homes can offer benefits to everyone involved in creating and inhabiting such dwellings. Residents of green homes can breathe cleaner air indoors as well as save money on operating costs. In the building process, recycled and reused materials can be used whenever possible, which may help to save [...]

By |2017-07-30T23:24:46+00:00December 20th, 2015|Blog|Comments Off on Residential Green Buildings

Oregon CCB CE (Part 2)

Contractors that are licensed in Oregon must complete Continuing Education (CE) units for every two-year license renewal period. All contractor license holders need at least 8 hours of CE, consisting of 3 hours of Business Law and Practices (only available from the CCB) and 5 hours of Series A courses. Series A are courses in [...]

By |2017-08-01T19:41:38+00:00July 30th, 2015|Blog|Comments Off on Oregon CCB CE (Part 2)