Information on making building and remodeling projects more eco-friendly.
A version of this post first ran in 2016. Using greywater (sometimes spelled graywater) to irrigate your landscaping is an excellent way to reduce your water use in California's drought-prone climate. What Is Greywater? Greywater is water generated from household use that would otherwise go to waste. Water from bathroom sinks, laundry, shower, bath and
This post first ran in 2016. With summer just around the corner, it’s an excellent time to think about remodeling your outdoor living spaces. One excellent, eco-friendly upgrade to consider is replacing patios and walkways made from impermeable paving materials—such as traditional concrete or stone, asphalt, or plastic—with permeable paving. Why Use Permeable Paving Materials?
This post first ran in 2016. With summer just around the corner, this is an ideal time to think about installing a solar energy system to take advantage of the abundance of sun we get in Marin and to increase the eco-friendliness of your home or business while potentially lowering your energy costs. So where
Every three years, the California Energy Commission (CEC), which is responsible for developing the state’s energy efficiency standards, updates regulations for buildings in California. Changes made in 2019, which took effect January 1, 2020, bring some big changes in the requirements for new construction. Most New Homes Must Have Solar Systems California is the first
This post first ran in 2016. How much construction waste did your last remodeling project generate? Chances are, it was more than necessary. According to California's 2008 Statewide Waste Characterization Study, 29 percent of the state's solid waste stream comes from the "Inerts and Other" category, which includes construction and demolition. But with a little planning,
This post first ran in 2017. You recycle, you compost, you turn off lights when you’re not using them, but have you ever wondered what else you can do to improve your home’s “green quotient?” One way to make sure you’re doing everything you can to save energy and water and protect our environment is
This post first ran in 2015. Green design, also known as sustainable design, was once an afterthought – a nice "extra" to think about after the big design decisions had been made. As our awareness of the importance of caring for our planet has grown, green design has evolved to become a key consideration for
Building design can have a signficant impact on your health. According to the landmark National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS), conducted between 1992 and 1994, people spend an average of 87 percent of their lives in enclosed buildings, where pollutants like tobacco smoke, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), asbestos, pesticides and carbon monoxide can prolilferate and,
(This post originally ran in 2016.) Solar shading is a system of controlling the effects of the sun’s heat and light for your home or office. It allows you to make the most of natural light, heat, and shade for a more comfortable, eco-friendly environment. Benefits A well-designed solar shading system helps you regulate the
(This post originally ran in June 2016.) Solar shading is a system of controlling the effects of the sun’s heat and light for your home or office. It allows you to make the most of natural light, heat, and shade for a more comfortable, eco-friendly environment. Benefits A well-designed solar shading system helps you regulate
