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 [...]
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 [...]
Radon gas is a natural chemical element that affects the air quality inside of buildings. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It forms when uranium breaks down to radium, which further breaks down to form radon. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled into the lungs. Radon is emitted from the ground [...]
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 [...]
Preparing for winter in the Pacific Northwest means more than just buying warm coats, drinking hot cocoa, and knitting fluffy scarves. It also means getting your home ready for wet and cold weather. Winter weatherization is maintenance for your home that can help prevent costly repairs and save on heating bills. Below are winter [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
An Overview of Green Commercial Buildings Buildings can become green, also known as sustainable, in the design, building, and renovating stages. Green buildings are resource-efficient and the overall impact to the environment is reduced. Operating expenses are lowered, plus employees and visiting clients benefit from greater air quality. Qualities of green commercial buildings include: [...]
The design-build project delivery method combines design and construction services. There is one contract for the project owner. A design-build entity can vary, such as a contractor with knowledge about design, an architect that went into the construction business, or a partnership between a contractor and an architect. Our previous article on design-build includes information [...]
There are various tax incentives and rebates that commercial buildings can qualify for. Certain incentives apply to new construction, renovations, or both. Below is a description of some of the benefits available to LEED-certified and energy efficient buildings in the Portland metro area. Fire Station 18 - City of Portland. LEED Gold certified. [...]
