Green Resources

Green is a hot topic everywhere, including home building.  There are volumes of information available online and it is changing every day.  We think the websites below contain some great information on building Green. 

For information on Green Programs and Certifications:

• US Green Building Council and LEED.
  Information on the LEED program and how a home qualifies for the individual rating programs.  www.usgbc.org
• ENERGYSTAR®
  Government sponsored site that details what products and services have earned the ENERYSTAR® seal. www.energystar.gov
• National Association of Homebuilders.
  Information and guidelines for the National Association of Homebuilders® green building program.  http://www.nahbgreen.org/

For information on geothermal heating and cooling, the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling system available today:

• Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium. 
  Reference and resource information for geothermal - an environmentally friendly and cost-effective heating and cooling alternative.  http://www.geoexchange.org/

For more information on infill development:

• Congress for the New Urbanism.
  Community case studies and references for urban development. http://www.cnu.org/index.cfm
• EPA Brownfield program.  
  EPA programs focused specifically on reclaiming former brownfields. http://www.epa.gove/brownfields/about.htm
• NAHB's guidelines for land development.
  Recommendations for developers when planning communities and land use. http://www.nahb.org/page.aspx/category/sectionID=219

For information on tax incentives and rebate programs:

• Environmental Protection Agency. 
  Legislative and regulatory information on green building. Residential and commercial.  http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/
• City of Cincinnati
  Information on the tax abatement program for LEED Certified Homes  http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cdap/pages/-16936-/
• ENERGYSTAR®. Where to find rebates and tax credits for ENERGYSTAR® -rated products. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator

For information on energy-efficient landscaping:

• US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
  Tips on how to select and maintain climate-appropriate landscaping. http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11910
• American Water Works Association
  Selecting landscaping that uses less water  and links to existing conservation projects. http://www.awwa.org/waterwise

For information on energy efficiency and insulation:

• US Department of Energy, Insulation Fact Sheet
  Tutorial on insulation ratings and tips for selecting insulation. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_08.html

For more information on energy efficiency and windows:

• ENERGYSTAR®
  Tutorial on low-e windows and ratings for windows, doors and skylights.  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows

For information on renovation of existing homes to incorporate green features and save money on energy costs:

• Green Home Guide. 
  Comprehensive resource for green remodeling. Also includes green landscaping and ask-the-expert advice. http://www.greenhomeguide.com/
• Duke Energy
  Helpful tips to help reduce your energy bill, no matter how new or old your home. http://www.duke-energy.com/ohio/savings/reducing-your-bill.asp?sec=right_col
• Green Flooring Options
  A great resource for learning about the wide variety of green flooring options available today. http://www.greenfloors.com/
• Eartheasy
  Details the many different low VOC wall covering options available and explains how they improve indoor air quality.  http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm

For information on green products used by Potterhill Homes:

• NuWool® cellulous insulation.
  Detailed product information about this innovative and environmentally friendly insulation. www.nuwool.com
• Sherwin Williams
  Leading the way in developing lower VOC paints and wall coverings. http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/sherwin_williams_products/green/
• Kemper Cabinets
  Kemper is certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Environmental Stewardship Program.  Their cabinets are built using environmentally friendly materials and processes.  www.kempercabinets.com
• Panasonic® Whisper Green Fans
  Ultra-quiet fan that keeps air circulating to improve air quality and remove moisture.  Costs less than $8.00 a year to operate.  http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/learn/building-products/ventilation-systems/index.jsp

 

(These links will take you to websites not associated or affiliated with Potterhill Homes. Links are not endorsements and Potterhill Homes is not responsible for external content.)