Southern California Green Real Estate Blog

BUILDINGGREEN’S TOP 10 GREEN CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

BUILDINGGREEN’S TOP 10 GREEN CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

BuildingGreen, is offering its seventh annual list of its top 10 green building products.

Half of the products on the annual have been deemed green because they are made from natural or rapidly renewable materials or agricultural waste. Such products require significantly less energy to manufacture.

And this year’s Top 10 Green Building products are:

Resource Monitor by Agilewaves

http://www.agilewaves.com/products.html

Developed by former NASA engineers, Agilewaves’ flagship product constantly monitors electric, gas and water use and provides accurate consumption and carbon footprint information in real-time, from any web enabled device, from anywhere in the world.

Compacted Earth Brick by Integrity Block

http://www.integrityblock.com/product_line.php

A seamless green replacement for conventional concrete block (CMU), as Inegrity Block products come in a variety of common form factors and sizes. Integrity Block products also meet relevant ASTM (C-90) performance standards for load bearing CMU.

Natura Paint by Benjamin Moore

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=fh_aura_hiddenPage&NodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F574014

Natura premium interior waterborne paint is a zero VOC, virtually odorless formula that doesn’t compromise on performance. It dries fast, has excellent adhesion and provides a durable finish with an unlimited color selection. Natura features our Green Promise designation, so you can breathe easy knowing that you’ve used the very best for your environmentally sensitive projects.

Matrix Total Home System by NTI

http://www.ntimatrix.com/

For our planet and our children, NTI has spent almost 10 years developing, testing and perfecting the technology of The Matrix to deliver a premium system that incorporates a Condensing Water Heater, Condensing Furnace, Condensing Boiler and Heat Recovery Ventilator, and which is already pre-wired for air conditioning. All of these functions are contained in one powerful system that requires less energy to operate than competing products.

Safe N’ Sound Emerald Doors by Masonite

http://www.masonite.com/product_newProducts.php

Masonite’s Safe‘N Sound® is said to be a door that is truly environmentally responsible. Manufactured with DorCor™, a low density fiberboard made from wheat straw, an annually renewable agricultural wheat by-product with a formaldehyde-free synthetic resin.

Natural Fiber Fabrics by O Ecotextiles

http://www.oecotextiles.com/

You can have an immense impact on lightening your environmental footprint by the textile choices you make.

Plyboo by Smith & Fong

http://www.plyboo.com/

Plyboo bamboo flooring and plywood products offer endless possibilities for architects and interior designers, whether the focus is on green building or cutting-edge design.

H2OG by Rainwater HOG

http://rainwaterhog.com/

The rainwater from your roof is a valuable commodity: use Rainwater HOG modular tanks to catch and store your rainwater for reuse  on  your garden and even in your house.  Irrigate with it, hose with it, even shower with it!

SunCache Solar Water Heating System by Harpiris Energy

http://www.harpiris.com/whatissuncache.html

SunCache is an inexpensive solar water heating (SWH) system for residential applications in Sunbelt locations which pre-heats cold water before it enters a conventional backup water heater.

PolyWhey Floor Finish by Vermont Natural Coatings

http://www.vermontnaturalcoatings.com/VNCFloor.html

A clear, durable, topcoat seal for new bare wood flooring or previously stained wood floors.  Available in semi-gloss and satin finishes.

“Our selections of the Top 10 Green Building Products represent a wide range of product types in many different application areas,” says BuildingGreen president Alex Wilson.

The Top 10 Green Products list has become a yearly ritual in which the Vermont publisher recognizes the most exciting products drawn from the more than 200 products added to its GreenSpec Directory in the last year.

An appearance on BuildingGreen’s list is seen by many in the industry as a significant event, as the company’s endorsement signals that a product is legitimately sustainable. “New products seem to be appearing all the time, making it a challenge for our staff to keep up,” Wilson says.

This year’s list includes the very first Forest Stewardship Council-certified and formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring, doors made with wheat-straw particleboard, a transparent finish produced from a byproduct of cheese making, and a compressed-earth masonry block. Three of the remaining products save energy, including a low-cost, solar water-heating system; a combination heating, water heating, and heat-recovery ventilation system; and a system for monitoring real-time energy (and water) use in buildings.

More info -

http://www.builderonline.com/green-products/buildinggreen-names-top-10-green-products-for-08.aspx?cid=BLDR081215003

GREEN AFFORDABLE HOUSING – THE NEXT FRONTIER?

GREEN AFFORDABLE HOUSING – THE NEXT FRONTIER?

The experts say green affordable housing is within reach. The theory is that if President Barack Obama would green the existing US affordable housing stock–some six million units—this would provide important fiscal, economic and environmental benefits.

David M. Abromowitz, a partner with the law firm of Goulston & Storrs and a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress–a nonpartisan research and educational institute notes that if President Obama’s sustainability goals targeted green retrofitting, it can lead to a growth in employment within the sector. Further, investment in making low-income housing more efficient has the potential to stimulate a green renovation industry with best practices and technologies that would apply to the market-rate housing sector.

Affordable housing currently accounts for almost 17% of the 35-million-unit US housing inventory and because it is federally assisted, targeted green policies would apply. A good portion of subsidized housing is at least 20 years old; more than 65% was built before 1970, before the sustainability trend even emerged.

“A targeted emphasis on energy conservation means these units are prime candidates for necessary renovation work that will generate significant energy and carbon dioxide reductions,” pontificates Abromowitz.

While current government spending on affordable housing energy expenses totals $5 billion, according to the Government Accountability Office, implementing relatively inexpensive improvements–about $2,500 to $5,000 a unit–could result in a cost savings of between 25% and 40%.

“Spending today on a large scale to retrofit millions of units stimulates construction activity, creates jobs and produces better-quality housing and long-term energy cost reductions,” relates Abromowitz.

Public housing authorities and private owners of federally subsidized housing aren’t likely to invest in green improvements themselves, given the costs and existing rules and policies to overcome. Therefore, sustainability would have to be mandated through policy changes that entice owners to give their affordable projects a makeover.

The experience gained from the green retrofit of federally subsidized communities can be applied to the market-rate segment of the housing industry, and a widespread effort to make affordable units more environmentally friendly would result in an increase in green products and workers, leading to a full-fledged green renovation industry. “Early action by HUD on green retrofitting can boost green workforce development and training through recognized federal programs such as YouthBuild and other national service programs, as well as fulfill a longstanding mandate to promote local economic development and improvement and individual self-sufficiency for low or very-low income residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods,” concludes Abromowitz.

Get the full story @

http://www.globest.com/news/1318_1318/insider/176097-1.html

http://www.youthconservation.org/Images/ABOUT_YCC/Youthbuild%20logo.jpg

http://www.csc.gen.or.us/YouthBuildLogowithText_small1.gif

http://www.youthbuild.org/atf/cf/%7B22B5F680-2AF9-4ED2-B948-40C4B32E6198%7D/realestate_davida.jpg

CALIFORNIA MAKES IT EASY TO BUY, SELL, BUILD AND EXCHANGE GREENER REAL ESTATE

 CALIFORNIA MAKES IT EASY TO BUY, SELL, BUILD AND EXCHANGE GREENER REAL ESTATE

Yeah! for the politicos up in Sacramento that are incredibly supportive of California evolving mandatory green building codes, Bravo for the complete support the measures received from the state’s Building Industry Association (CBIA). After decades of debating over codes and other regulatory initiatives affecting the industry, the CBIA has changed its tactics to cooperation and ­consensus—and has won safeguards for its builder members and housing affordability. “It kind of freaked them out that we were willing to work with them,” notes CBIA spokesman Mike Castillo, referring to the seamless adoption of the new code authored by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

Rising standards will make new housing around our state to be 50 percent more energy efficient than current national standards (a 20 percent bump up from the state’s existing code) and progressively address critical issues of water conservation and indoor air quality during the next three years. “It will be a smooth, easy transition with interim steps and programs that help builders comply,” says Castillo. “Builders can ease into new technology and products [such as photovoltaics] while their costs come down over time.”

The new code also creates a level playing field for green building standards across all local jurisdictions. To date, only about 40 California municipalities mandate any sort of green building standards, causing confusion and cost overruns among builders who cross borders. (See THE LOS ANGELES GREEN BUILDING ORDINANCE VS. CALIFORNIA’S OTHER GREEN CITIES @ http://www.socalgreenrealestateblog.com/?p=75 for more information). Local officials will now have to adopt the state’s code as a minimum standard, with the ability to boost certain segments at their discretion.

Info courtesy of http://www.builderonline.com/green-building/left-coast-formula.aspx?cid=BLDR090107002

REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING GREEN CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE IN 2009

REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING GREEN CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE IN 2009

Bet you’ve already realized that the housing market is way down. 31.7% in 2008, according to the year-end statistics from the California Association of Realtors, and they predict a drop of 6% in 2009.

6%…guess we’re hitting the bottom…that’s the nice thing about deflated housing markets like Arizona, California, Florida, and Nebraska, they’ve fallen so low that they’re starting to rebound. Analysts have noted that prices have fallen to the point that those with average salaries can afford to buy once again.

“The buyers are returning,” says Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors chief economist. “And in such a strong way that, now, we are hearing in some cases there is multiple bidding, which hints that maybe pricing is reaching a bottom point. But inventory remains high.”

“Green” properties are going to be a priority in 2009, with increasing numbers of buyers opting for smaller homes that are within walking distance of school and work.

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008121602?OpenDocument

http://www.inman.com/news/2008/12/18/california-sales-spike-reflects-distress

LOS ANGELES HAS MORE PEOPLE THAN MICHIGAN

State Population Estimates

The Economic Data Global Express offers statistics from the California Department of Finance (DoF) report on 2008 population for the state and its counties and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates as of July 1, 2008 for the states. Comparisons of the two are interesting.

The DoF reported that California added 435,905 residents between 2007 and 2008, pushing the July 1 population count to 38,148,493 persons. The Census Bureau estimated that the state added 379,132 residents over that time frame and placed the July 1, 2008 count at 36,756,666 persons.

If it were a separate state, Los Angeles County (July 1, 2008 estimate of 10,347,437 according to DoF) would rank 8th in the nation, ahead of Michigan (July 1, 2008 population 10,003,422). (Jack Kyser)

PR: http://www.census.gov/

http://laedc.org/eedge/index.html#2

REAL ESTATE 2009 - GREEN ALL OVER

REAL ESTATE 2009 - GREEN ALL OVER

Now is the time of year all of the pundits gaze into their crystal balls and come up with their predictions for the upcoming year (that will most likely go unchecked at year’s end).  We see green…the world will continue to go green…and face tough times ahead…but beyond the obvious; the site www.FrontDoor.com expects 2009 “to be filled with more change and adjustment in home values and expectations.”

FrontDoor.com’s predictions for 2009:

1.    Continued market adjustments.

With home prices in some markets having reached astronomical levels, it was inevitable a reset button be pushed. Sellers will continue to be challenged in 2009 as the inflated pricing of years past adjusts to normal levels. With banks and builders willing to slash prices to sell a backlog of foreclosures and new homes, individual sellers will have to price their homes competitively.

2.    Action from the Obama administration.

Obama’s plan to help the housing sector includes a 10 percent mortgage tax credit for homeowners who don’t itemize their taxes and a crackdown on abusive lending practices.

3.    More assistance programs for homeowners in danger of foreclosure.

While the federal government is attempting to reduce foreclosures, a report released by the Joint Economic Committee predicts 2 million foreclosures in 2009. Homeowners who are at risk should take steps to avoid foreclosure.

4.    Some calm to the chaos of the banks’ restructuring.

This should cause loan modifications and short sales to get easier, and will also (eventually) decrease the number of bank-owned properties on the market.

5.    Thorough reviews of mortgage applications.

Before the subprime mortgage debacle, you didn’t have to prove you could afford to borrow $200,000 for a home and you didn’t need a down payment. Those days of sketchy lending practices are gone. Lenders now require potential borrowers to provide extensive income and expense documentation. Homebuyers with the best credit will get the lowest interest rates. Take steps now to get your finances in order and boost your credit score.

6.    Low prices and low interest rates.

2009 could be the time for reluctant homebuyers to act, as this is perhaps the last year of the best buying opportunity in recorded economic history.

7.    Cool tech tricks and tools for the real estate obsessed.

As homebuyers turn to the Web more and more for their real estate needs, video, webcasts and mobile search tools are becoming more prevalent. Sellers should consider using these cutting-edge tools to make their homes stand out.

8.    Wiser consumers.

After facing this foreclosure crisis, buyers, sellers, real estate agents and even tenants will have a deeper understanding of real estate, mortgage and credit, which they can use to make better decisions and be more self-protective in the future.

9.    Leaner, greener home buying.

Across the board, home buying is becoming more eco-friendly, from transactions being conducted digitally to buyers opting for smaller homes within walking distance of school and work.

10. An increase in consumer confidence.

As the year goes on and we near the projected end of the recession, sellers can breathe a sigh of relief as buyers regain confidence in the market.

Info courtesy of http://frontdoor.com

AFFORDABLE GREEN HOUSES IN EAGLE ROCK FOR U TO BUY = ROCK ROW HOMES

AFFORDABLE GREEN HOUSES IN EAGLE ROCK FOR U TO BUY = ROCK ROW HOMES

Now you can go green and save green in L.A. Rock Row Homes - the City’s first reasonably priced green housing project in Los Angeles is under construction. Rock Row offers 15 homes ranging from a two story 2/2 at 1300 sq ft to a three story 3/3 at 1540 sq ft with prices from $475,000 to $550,000. The affordably priced homes are being constructed under the LA City Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance which promotes smart growth through allowing smaller lots to combat LA’s traditional suburban sprawl. To maximize outdoor space all of the homes have a series of decks and balconies arranged to guarantee privacy, while affording the residents abundant usable exterior space. In harmony with its neighbors, each home has its own character while fitting into the whole.

The first such development in the City of Los Angeles to be LEED Certified, Rock Row is proud to be using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ that encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Rock Row is built under the new LEED for Homes program, incorporating many environmentally conscious features and sustainable construction processes.

Designer Kevin Wronske notes, “we saw a desire among our eastside neighbors for ecologically sensitive homes but the only available properties were on the Westside and well out of their price range.” He continues, “there is an opportunity to fill a need while exploring our own interest in housing solutions for 21st century issues such as sustainability, smart growth and affordability.”

Some of the green features that the builders, Heyday Partnership, have incorporated into Rock Row include a water permeable grass pave system for the driveway, preventing run off into the ocean; tankless water heaters and low flow fixtures that have quickly become the choice for families demanding water conservation; and exteriors designed with green roofs and water efficient, drought tolerant landscaping and photovoltaic lighting to maximize attractiveness while minimizing resource use and cost. The homes are planned for maximum energy efficiency including pre-wiring for a rooftop solar array, central A/C with ultra-high 14 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and fully engineered, efficient duct layout & A/C sizing.

Heyday’s innovative business model creates the affordability working people need in today’s economy, without sacrificing quality or features. Together the partners fill the roles of architect, developer and builder creating a vertically integrated company which eliminates costly inefficiencies and allows for seamless communication, tighter overhead and a lower break-even point allowing the use of higher quality materials and design.

The development half of the duo, Hardy Wronske adds, “since we see the $500k sales price as real money, not only did we want to deliver on our green goals, we also wanted to provide residents with real luxury in quality design, construction and materials.” He adds, “our efficient business model allows us to construct homes for people like our friends, who are ready to move up in lifestyle but stay in the area, people who want more for their money in a new single family home, and expect higher quality than existing bungalows.”

Some of the upper end amenities in Rock Row include the custom millwork throughout the homes; gourmet kitchens equipped with EuroCraft custom cabinetry, Silestone quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances; baths done in top quality tile; doors with solid cores throughout; flooring of sustainable strand woven bamboo with recessed reveal base molding; and recessed lighting throughout with attractive cove lighting in bedrooms.

Please contact us for more information - jodi@jodisummers.com.

Check out Rock Row property development @ http://www.heyday-la.com/blog.html.