In case you are unfamiliar with the EPA, the US Environmental Protection Agency it is an agency that was established in 1970 to protect human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. The EPA is responsible for conducting environmental assessments, research and education. They set and enforce national standards under a variety of environmental laws. The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention and energy conservation efforts.
The EPA has an Indoor Environmental Division (IED) that’s goal is to reduce the human health risks posed by contaminants in indoor environments. As time passes, we discover more about the chemical reactions in the synthetic materials we use. You may be familiar with DDT, Asbestos, Lead Based Paints and Formaldehyde for instance. Our society has been encouraged to grow, and provide the supply for the demand, and increase availability, while staying affordable. We have embraced a culture of instant gratification, not knowing the repercussions of our actions. We have now reached a time where we, as Americans, are sick to death and have no idea why. Not correlating the four walls that surround us. The health care industry is struggling and at capacity. Could it be possible to fix the strain of our nation by re-evaluating our decisions as consumers? I don’t believe we understand the influence and control we have. Did you know that big businesses work for us? If we take an oath of personal responsibility to redirect our funds to a healthy, efficient, and sustainable life for our families, we will be provided such.
The following information can be found on the EPA’s website, along with other great material.
“Since 1987, EPA has addressed public health risks from indoor radon, indoor asthma triggers, environmental tobacco smoke, and air toxics, in schools, public and commercial buildings, homes, and communities. Other program areas include mold, green buildings and international assistance in developing nations to reduce indoor smoke from household heating and cooking.
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.
Most Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, where pollutant levels may be 2-5 times higher, and occasionally 100 times higher, than outdoors. The Agency defines indoor air pollution as chemical, physical or biological contaminants in the breathable air inside a habitable structure or conveyance, such as in homes, schools, offices, and vehicles. Sources of indoor air pollution include natural sources, building materials, products, and occupant activities. Health effects from indoor air pollution range from immediate to long-term, and treatable to severely debilitating or fatal.”
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html#Intro
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html
April 10, 2010
February 24, 2010
Changing Times Call for Changing Minds..
I attended the Green Building Summit here in Dallas, earlier this month. There was so much energy and excitement I intended on writing about it weeks ago, but life in the fast lane had other plans..
It was such a pleasure to be in the same room as so many amazing "green" practitioners. Their ability to translate complex design situations into simple terms was a relief to most of us in the room.
Peter Pfeiffer was one of my favorite speakers at the event. I first saw Peter on Planet Green's: Worlds Greenest Homes in Austin Texas. You must check out this Texas beauty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEc7CUD2Svo
Peter has been doing this long enough to know what to do and what NOT to do. How long? He has 32 years in the green game, so if you want to take notes, do it from him! Speaking of note taking, Peter encourages you "to do your homework, or dont do it at all". This is, unfortunately, what is happening as we speak. There are businesses out there that could care less about energy consumption and efficiency but are blinded by the cha-ching of the "green movement" and are trying to get a piece. This happens in any industry. However, you have to be careful who you get your info from or you may find yourself highly disappointed an unable to recoup costs associated. You cant turn the TV on without seeing "green" this and "green" that. How do you know what to believe? Surround yourself by people you trust and do your homework! Is someone paying for the information you are receiving? Here's a link that has great environmental building news, no paid sponsors. www.buildinggreen.com
Peter told us to never underestimate pointing out the obvious.. So, obviously, what are the reasons we should embrace a greener lifestyle adjustment? That's easy: 1) Consumption 2) Health 3) Environment
The fact is, mankind has been building structure since the beginning of time. It used to be when considering building, you had to make the best use of the materials to get the best ventilation and longevity of the structure (no mass production tract builders). When we finally figured out how to put HVAC & plumbing in our buildings we stopped needing efficiency, or so we thought, because energy was so readily available and cheap. Not to mention we had no idea about the affects of hazardous materials and population was not an issue. The Industrial Revolution created a one track mind for Americans: CONSUME!!!!! And we haven't really changed our mindset, yet.
According to the US Census, as of 18:53 UTC (EST+5) Feb 24, 2010, the current population is as follows: U.S. 308,750,405 / World 6,804,791,258
Another question we should ask when building structures: Is the design conducive to the needs of the climate conditions of the location?
Peter has coined a new phrase that I thought was great! Buyer Beware of the "ECO-BLiNG"!! Lets be sensible here people. Eco Chic is cool and all, but what does it really do for you? Lets get back to basics and figure out the best orientation of the house, make sure shedding moisture away from the house is a priority. Inefficiency is the ABSOLUTE most important problem to solve. You can put solar panels, tankless water heaters, bamboo flooring and all the recycled material you want in your house, but then what? Don't spend your entire budget blinded by the "Eco-Bling". Let a certified professional help you make the right decisions. Call me, I can help! Stephanie Ebbesen 214-563-5769
See more of Peter's information at:
www.buildingsystems.com/profiles/blogs/spring-issue-design-strategies
Stephen Mouzon was also a great speaker at the summit. I will talk a little more about him, at a later date, but would like to leave you with something he mentioned. Stephen said the answer to this question will tell you a lot about a company's motives: "We do this because..." I will elaborate on my answer but in short. I do this because..I've witnessed the blind leading the blind and understand the importance of strong leadership that cares. I do this because I love life and believe where there's a will, there's a way. And most of all I do this because my ancestors tried for me and I will continue to try for my family, friends, and unborn children to improve their quality of life.
It was such a pleasure to be in the same room as so many amazing "green" practitioners. Their ability to translate complex design situations into simple terms was a relief to most of us in the room.
Peter Pfeiffer was one of my favorite speakers at the event. I first saw Peter on Planet Green's: Worlds Greenest Homes in Austin Texas. You must check out this Texas beauty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEc7CUD2Svo
Peter has been doing this long enough to know what to do and what NOT to do. How long? He has 32 years in the green game, so if you want to take notes, do it from him! Speaking of note taking, Peter encourages you "to do your homework, or dont do it at all". This is, unfortunately, what is happening as we speak. There are businesses out there that could care less about energy consumption and efficiency but are blinded by the cha-ching of the "green movement" and are trying to get a piece. This happens in any industry. However, you have to be careful who you get your info from or you may find yourself highly disappointed an unable to recoup costs associated. You cant turn the TV on without seeing "green" this and "green" that. How do you know what to believe? Surround yourself by people you trust and do your homework! Is someone paying for the information you are receiving? Here's a link that has great environmental building news, no paid sponsors. www.buildinggreen.com
Peter told us to never underestimate pointing out the obvious.. So, obviously, what are the reasons we should embrace a greener lifestyle adjustment? That's easy: 1) Consumption 2) Health 3) Environment
The fact is, mankind has been building structure since the beginning of time. It used to be when considering building, you had to make the best use of the materials to get the best ventilation and longevity of the structure (no mass production tract builders). When we finally figured out how to put HVAC & plumbing in our buildings we stopped needing efficiency, or so we thought, because energy was so readily available and cheap. Not to mention we had no idea about the affects of hazardous materials and population was not an issue. The Industrial Revolution created a one track mind for Americans: CONSUME!!!!! And we haven't really changed our mindset, yet.
According to the US Census, as of 18:53 UTC (EST+5) Feb 24, 2010, the current population is as follows: U.S. 308,750,405 / World 6,804,791,258
Another question we should ask when building structures: Is the design conducive to the needs of the climate conditions of the location?
Peter has coined a new phrase that I thought was great! Buyer Beware of the "ECO-BLiNG"!! Lets be sensible here people. Eco Chic is cool and all, but what does it really do for you? Lets get back to basics and figure out the best orientation of the house, make sure shedding moisture away from the house is a priority. Inefficiency is the ABSOLUTE most important problem to solve. You can put solar panels, tankless water heaters, bamboo flooring and all the recycled material you want in your house, but then what? Don't spend your entire budget blinded by the "Eco-Bling". Let a certified professional help you make the right decisions. Call me, I can help! Stephanie Ebbesen 214-563-5769
See more of Peter's information at:
www.buildingsystems.com/profiles/blogs/spring-issue-design-strategies
Stephen Mouzon was also a great speaker at the summit. I will talk a little more about him, at a later date, but would like to leave you with something he mentioned. Stephen said the answer to this question will tell you a lot about a company's motives: "We do this because..." I will elaborate on my answer but in short. I do this because..I've witnessed the blind leading the blind and understand the importance of strong leadership that cares. I do this because I love life and believe where there's a will, there's a way. And most of all I do this because my ancestors tried for me and I will continue to try for my family, friends, and unborn children to improve their quality of life.
February 18, 2010
Flowing through life, or at least trying..
We all have the same 24 hours in each day. Why do some choose to waste it complaining about all the problems in this world and in their life? What gives an individual the motivation to actively attempt to solve??
I could spend a lifetime pondering these questions..
If I choose to, I could find myself frustrated and disappointed. Instead, I choose to take it one day at a time and see where it goes..
I went to a lecture last night at UTD that was titled "Flow & The Quality of Life". As Dr. Chsiksqentmihakyi (yes this is spelled correctly) was interpreting his findings of studying "flow". The examples he gave were from quotes of rock climbers, surgeons, chess players and misc other peak performers. He explains, when you are in flow: "You're so involved in what you're doing, you aren't thinking about yourself as separate from the immediate activity. You're no longer a participant observer, only a participant. You're moving in harmony with something else you're part of."
After listening to this discussion I was left wondering how his quality of life is? I find studying brilliant people that assist others in their quest for knowledge and wisdom unbelievably fascinating. I wasn't able to engage the doctor with this question but discussed it with friends at dinner. Someone responded that perhaps my expectations for leaders were too high. Apparently there is no one that has "it figured out". Well that's obvious, look at the condition of this world. Is it really unrealistic to find the whole package in a leader? Is the human race incapable of having health, wealth, AND wisdom?? You can have one or two but all 3 are out of the question???
I think I'll test that theory. I certainly dont think that anyone will ever be perfect but I do believe only through the balance of these life goals will our quality of life be supreme. I am searching for a way to bridge the gap and co-exist on this planet.
Perhaps, we are all so involved with our own afflictions or self interests we have forgotten that we are all suffering in different ways. I wish we could ask ourselves: Does my happiness depend on someone else's suffering?
I have lived in America all my life. Home of the brave and land of the free. I have been told and now know for sure that nothing in life is free.. I love it here, I am extremely blessed to be born and raised with the ability to create the life I love. At whose expense though? There is so much political BS that surrounds our every move, that it has taken over our entire belief system. In the day and age where we are overflowing with different cultures and backgrounds why do we keep narrowing our views instead of widening them? Since when did you have to be a democrat to care about our Mother Earth? Why are we fighting about the legitimacy of global warming and alternative energy? Are our brains so fried that we cant see with our own eyes we have mistreated the earth for a long time? How can you see in any way, shape, or form that protecting our environment from further harm and adjusting our increasing consumption habits as bad? It makes NO SENSE at all. I dont have children yet. I really do want them, but it pains me that only a select few are able to look 10, 25 & 50 years down the line and see how our actions will affect them. I have 4 nieces and looking at their beautiful smiles gives me the drive to be better.
I am convinced that education is key. Where do we start though? If you start with the children we may have bigger problems to solve by the time they get old enough to do something about it. It is so difficult to change the old ways of thinking because it make people up top feel uncomfortable. How do we inject ethics and quality control in the top leadership roles? I'm certain if "We The People" hold higher standards for ourselves and demand stronger leaders that do their job and protect their people we could see a difference. I see it happening little by little, Im ready to propel it to the next level though.
Lets put our forces together and improve the Quality of Life for the world! Stop resisting a good idea because of pride or silly loyalty to a party that could honestly care less about how your quality of life is.
I could spend a lifetime pondering these questions..
If I choose to, I could find myself frustrated and disappointed. Instead, I choose to take it one day at a time and see where it goes..
I went to a lecture last night at UTD that was titled "Flow & The Quality of Life". As Dr. Chsiksqentmihakyi (yes this is spelled correctly) was interpreting his findings of studying "flow". The examples he gave were from quotes of rock climbers, surgeons, chess players and misc other peak performers. He explains, when you are in flow: "You're so involved in what you're doing, you aren't thinking about yourself as separate from the immediate activity. You're no longer a participant observer, only a participant. You're moving in harmony with something else you're part of."
After listening to this discussion I was left wondering how his quality of life is? I find studying brilliant people that assist others in their quest for knowledge and wisdom unbelievably fascinating. I wasn't able to engage the doctor with this question but discussed it with friends at dinner. Someone responded that perhaps my expectations for leaders were too high. Apparently there is no one that has "it figured out". Well that's obvious, look at the condition of this world. Is it really unrealistic to find the whole package in a leader? Is the human race incapable of having health, wealth, AND wisdom?? You can have one or two but all 3 are out of the question???
I think I'll test that theory. I certainly dont think that anyone will ever be perfect but I do believe only through the balance of these life goals will our quality of life be supreme. I am searching for a way to bridge the gap and co-exist on this planet.
Perhaps, we are all so involved with our own afflictions or self interests we have forgotten that we are all suffering in different ways. I wish we could ask ourselves: Does my happiness depend on someone else's suffering?
I have lived in America all my life. Home of the brave and land of the free. I have been told and now know for sure that nothing in life is free.. I love it here, I am extremely blessed to be born and raised with the ability to create the life I love. At whose expense though? There is so much political BS that surrounds our every move, that it has taken over our entire belief system. In the day and age where we are overflowing with different cultures and backgrounds why do we keep narrowing our views instead of widening them? Since when did you have to be a democrat to care about our Mother Earth? Why are we fighting about the legitimacy of global warming and alternative energy? Are our brains so fried that we cant see with our own eyes we have mistreated the earth for a long time? How can you see in any way, shape, or form that protecting our environment from further harm and adjusting our increasing consumption habits as bad? It makes NO SENSE at all. I dont have children yet. I really do want them, but it pains me that only a select few are able to look 10, 25 & 50 years down the line and see how our actions will affect them. I have 4 nieces and looking at their beautiful smiles gives me the drive to be better.
I am convinced that education is key. Where do we start though? If you start with the children we may have bigger problems to solve by the time they get old enough to do something about it. It is so difficult to change the old ways of thinking because it make people up top feel uncomfortable. How do we inject ethics and quality control in the top leadership roles? I'm certain if "We The People" hold higher standards for ourselves and demand stronger leaders that do their job and protect their people we could see a difference. I see it happening little by little, Im ready to propel it to the next level though.
Lets put our forces together and improve the Quality of Life for the world! Stop resisting a good idea because of pride or silly loyalty to a party that could honestly care less about how your quality of life is.
February 4, 2010
Dallas Council backs 'green building' rules
Dallas Council backs 'green building' rules
12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, April 10, 2008
By DAVE LEVINTHAL and RUDOLPH BUSH / The Dallas Morning News
Environmentally sensitive construction practices are now Dallas law, as the City Council unanimously voted to implement numerous "green building" regulations Wednesday.
The policy fulfills campaign promises of several city leaders, particularly Mayor Tom Leppert, who have argued that an ever-expanding Dallas must improve its environmental stewardship.
Among the first phase's requirements, effective Oct. 1, 2009: Builders of projects less than 50,000 square feet must use 15 percent less energy and 20 percent less water than current Dallas code standards mandate.
Under the new code, for example, builders must select four water conservation techniques among six options provided, such as installing faucets and shower heads with a two-gallon-per-minute-or-less water flow. The water regulations, in particular, are the product of a compromise by city leaders and builders, some of whom expressed concern over an original green building proposal calling for stronger water standards.
Under Dallas' new code, roofs also must be more energy-efficient on buildings smaller than 50,000 square feet. Projects larger than 50,000 square feet will face similar but less stringent requirements when compared with smaller buildings.
"We're at the lead of the major cities in this country," said Mr. Leppert, the former chairman and chief executive of construction firm Turner Corp. "We had industry come in and really embrace it. We crafted it to make sense for everybody."
Said District 10 council member Jerry Allen, "Dallas is a leader, and everyone else is looking at us."
By Oct. 1, 2011, the ordinance proposal states that all new Dallas construction must be certifiable under "leadership in energy and environmental design" standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council, or under similar standards, such as Green Built North Texas standards.
"The challenge is going to be to implement this – and education," Mayor Pro Tem Elba Garcia said.
Green building, Mr. Leppert said, can and should be as cost-effective as construction that doesn't meet established green building standards. Some builders had expressed concerns that the new regulations would increase construction costs.
Dallas' building inspectors will implement the green building program while the city's office of environmental quality will oversee educational and public-relations components, Assistant City Manager Jill Jordan said.
The months-long negotiations that led to the green building ordinance made for same strange bedfellows, particularly among environmentalists and builders.
But Paul Cauduro of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas said that the time has come for change and builders know it.
"We're all committed to a better-built environment," he said. And builders will have more than a year before the first phases of the ordinance take effect.
David Marquis, an activist and writer who helped kick-start the green buildings initiative, added that no one went into the process with unrealistic expectations.
"This is not a feel-good environmental discussion. This is a practical means of ensuring our future," he said.
The task force of real estate brokers, builders, environmentalists, consultants and others who helped write the green ordinance isn't going away. The group plans to work with city staff members to create green rules for remodeling homes.
The council could get a look at those plans by the end of the summer. But it isn't clear what the remodeling rules will look like.
dlevinthal@dallasnews.com; rbush@dallasnews.com
12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, April 10, 2008
By DAVE LEVINTHAL and RUDOLPH BUSH / The Dallas Morning News
Environmentally sensitive construction practices are now Dallas law, as the City Council unanimously voted to implement numerous "green building" regulations Wednesday.
The policy fulfills campaign promises of several city leaders, particularly Mayor Tom Leppert, who have argued that an ever-expanding Dallas must improve its environmental stewardship.
Among the first phase's requirements, effective Oct. 1, 2009: Builders of projects less than 50,000 square feet must use 15 percent less energy and 20 percent less water than current Dallas code standards mandate.
Under the new code, for example, builders must select four water conservation techniques among six options provided, such as installing faucets and shower heads with a two-gallon-per-minute-or-less water flow. The water regulations, in particular, are the product of a compromise by city leaders and builders, some of whom expressed concern over an original green building proposal calling for stronger water standards.
Under Dallas' new code, roofs also must be more energy-efficient on buildings smaller than 50,000 square feet. Projects larger than 50,000 square feet will face similar but less stringent requirements when compared with smaller buildings.
"We're at the lead of the major cities in this country," said Mr. Leppert, the former chairman and chief executive of construction firm Turner Corp. "We had industry come in and really embrace it. We crafted it to make sense for everybody."
Said District 10 council member Jerry Allen, "Dallas is a leader, and everyone else is looking at us."
By Oct. 1, 2011, the ordinance proposal states that all new Dallas construction must be certifiable under "leadership in energy and environmental design" standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council, or under similar standards, such as Green Built North Texas standards.
"The challenge is going to be to implement this – and education," Mayor Pro Tem Elba Garcia said.
Green building, Mr. Leppert said, can and should be as cost-effective as construction that doesn't meet established green building standards. Some builders had expressed concerns that the new regulations would increase construction costs.
Dallas' building inspectors will implement the green building program while the city's office of environmental quality will oversee educational and public-relations components, Assistant City Manager Jill Jordan said.
The months-long negotiations that led to the green building ordinance made for same strange bedfellows, particularly among environmentalists and builders.
But Paul Cauduro of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas said that the time has come for change and builders know it.
"We're all committed to a better-built environment," he said. And builders will have more than a year before the first phases of the ordinance take effect.
David Marquis, an activist and writer who helped kick-start the green buildings initiative, added that no one went into the process with unrealistic expectations.
"This is not a feel-good environmental discussion. This is a practical means of ensuring our future," he said.
The task force of real estate brokers, builders, environmentalists, consultants and others who helped write the green ordinance isn't going away. The group plans to work with city staff members to create green rules for remodeling homes.
The council could get a look at those plans by the end of the summer. But it isn't clear what the remodeling rules will look like.
dlevinthal@dallasnews.com; rbush@dallasnews.com
February 3, 2010
Go Green for Green
I was excited to read this in USAA's Winter 2009 magazine.
"Want to potentially reduce taxes and energy bills at the same time? Install Energy Star-qualified insulation, windows, doors, roofing, heating and colling systems, water heaters or fuel-efficient stoves in your primary residence. You may be able to receive a federal tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500 for products put in service in 2009 and 2010. Consult with a tax advisor before making any large purchases.
Additional tax credits are available through 2016 for 30 percent of the cost of qualified geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters,small wind energy systems and fuel cells installed on existing homes or new construction. and there's no cap-an important perk given the high cost of some of them items."
**Note that not all Energy Star products qualify for tax credits. Read rules at energystar.gov/taxcredits
"Want to potentially reduce taxes and energy bills at the same time? Install Energy Star-qualified insulation, windows, doors, roofing, heating and colling systems, water heaters or fuel-efficient stoves in your primary residence. You may be able to receive a federal tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500 for products put in service in 2009 and 2010. Consult with a tax advisor before making any large purchases.
Additional tax credits are available through 2016 for 30 percent of the cost of qualified geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters,small wind energy systems and fuel cells installed on existing homes or new construction. and there's no cap-an important perk given the high cost of some of them items."
**Note that not all Energy Star products qualify for tax credits. Read rules at energystar.gov/taxcredits
January 26, 2010
Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credits
By Amanda Goucher
The Federal Government continues to provide incentives to homeowners to help encourage improvements in energy efficiency. Credit opportunities exist for everything from cars and appliances to homes and buildings. With more available options for energy-efficient appliances and products, a tax incentive is a wonderful way for the public to become more aware of green alternatives.
Credits are available for both residential and commercial buildings. Many credits are based on standards for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) or Energy Star, and must meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Tax credit details for home improvements:
Improvements must be installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
They must be for your principal residence, except for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems, where second homes and rentals qualify.
Each must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement3 to qualify.
For record keeping, save the Manufacturer Certification Statement and your receipt.
Claim improvements made in 2009 on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010). Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version), which will be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
If you building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters. (Source: EnergyStar.gov)
$1,500 is the maximum total amount you can claim for products placed in service in 2009 and 2010 for most home improvements. Exceptions – in effect through 2016 – are geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems, which are not subject to this cap.
An eligible residential project could include new roofing using metal or reflective shingles that meet ENERGY STAR standards. In this case, the tax credit would be for 30% of the cost of roofing materials only, up to $1,500. This is one of many examples of residential upgrades. The ENERGY STAR website and www.dsireusa.org have many more specific examples (and ideas) for green residential upgrades and describe any stipulations there in.
The Federal Government continues to provide incentives to homeowners to help encourage improvements in energy efficiency. Credit opportunities exist for everything from cars and appliances to homes and buildings. With more available options for energy-efficient appliances and products, a tax incentive is a wonderful way for the public to become more aware of green alternatives.
Credits are available for both residential and commercial buildings. Many credits are based on standards for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) or Energy Star, and must meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Tax credit details for home improvements:
Improvements must be installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
They must be for your principal residence, except for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems, where second homes and rentals qualify.
Each must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement3 to qualify.
For record keeping, save the Manufacturer Certification Statement and your receipt.
Claim improvements made in 2009 on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010). Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version), which will be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
If you building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters. (Source: EnergyStar.gov)
$1,500 is the maximum total amount you can claim for products placed in service in 2009 and 2010 for most home improvements. Exceptions – in effect through 2016 – are geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems, which are not subject to this cap.
An eligible residential project could include new roofing using metal or reflective shingles that meet ENERGY STAR standards. In this case, the tax credit would be for 30% of the cost of roofing materials only, up to $1,500. This is one of many examples of residential upgrades. The ENERGY STAR website and www.dsireusa.org have many more specific examples (and ideas) for green residential upgrades and describe any stipulations there in.
January 24, 2010
The Unveiling of Green Home Residential
Welcome to my blog, Green Home Residential. My name is Stephanie Ebbesen and I am pleased to announce Green Home Residential is finally my reality! It took a year and a half of researching, conceptualizing, and inventing but the day is here. If you are not currently familiar with my real estate brokerage, please visit my website at www.GreenHomeResidential.com.
I look forward to sharing the journey of my first year as Green Home Residential with you.
I would like to take an opportunity to thank all the wonderful people in my life that have supported and inspired me thus far. I hope to repay you by elevating the awareness of sustainability. I invite you to join me as I take you through "A Day in the Life of a Texas Real Estate Broker Trying to Save the World"...
*A very special thanks to Maureen Wigzell who designed my logo.
AND Jules Stuer who assembled my website and has taken care of ALL my technology needs. www.advancedluxury.net
More to come soon, but not soon enough! ;)
I look forward to sharing the journey of my first year as Green Home Residential with you.
I would like to take an opportunity to thank all the wonderful people in my life that have supported and inspired me thus far. I hope to repay you by elevating the awareness of sustainability. I invite you to join me as I take you through "A Day in the Life of a Texas Real Estate Broker Trying to Save the World"...
*A very special thanks to Maureen Wigzell who designed my logo.
AND Jules Stuer who assembled my website and has taken care of ALL my technology needs. www.advancedluxury.net
More to come soon, but not soon enough! ;)
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