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Allison Friedman
Rate It Green Admin Boston - Metrowest MA United States Member Since: 01/11/2006
My Activities
- 102 Discussions
- 131 Group Posts
- 24 Replies
- 12 Articles
- 0 Ratings
- Comments
About Me
Professional Information
Position: Founder
Company: Rate It Green, LLC
Activity
What is the Future of Gas Cooking?
I n mid-January 2023, there was what seemed like a surprise announcement one day acknowledging the dangers of gas stoves and announcing possible regulatory action, and then this whole story seemed to be taken back and almost completely disappeared from the news the next. If you weren’t paying attention to the news in that 24-hour period, you might even have missed it. For people who are knowledgeable about indoor air qual...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 06/10/2024 + Show |
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation
It’s a fairly well known generalization in the building industry and beyond that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, so it seems that most people would agree easily enough that the quality of indoor air matters. In fact, and according to the EPA, indoor air pollutant levels are 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels and can even exceed outdoor pollutant levels by up to 100 times. However, most building occ...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 11/14/2023 + Show |
I had given some thought to the significant, known challenge we face in decarbonizing homes to meet climate carbon reduction goals, and in particular that it’s going to be daunting to retrofit millions of existing homes, both to make sure companies are eager and available to do this work and to inspire or require homeowners to make the necessary changes for new and existing buildings. Many in the sustainable building world have...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 03/02/2023 + Show |
What Will Offices Look and Feel Like Going Forward? Top Considerations, Strategies, and Challenges
“The world of work will never be the same again….In a post COVID-19 world, work not only has to be safe, it has to be “clean and assured.” - Larry Pearlman, Marsh Risk Consulting “ The science is decades old on all the benefits that come from healthy buildings, including infectious disease reduction…But these strategies have not been fully deployed in buildings.” -Joseph...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 03/06/2023 + Show |
Protecting Workers on the JobSite - Emerging Ideas on Communication, Safety Procedures & PPE
"Pipes break, HVAC equipment fails, service will have to be done during this crisis.” This is how Bob Krell of HealthyIndoors.com started his regular afternoon show on a Thursday in late April, just as the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 impact were beginning to become clear. Indeed, I had been wondering how long we might hope for good luck in terms of nothing breaking or needing critical service during this time of ...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 03/06/2023 + Show |
Greenbuild 2019 - Looking to the Future (Sustainable and Successful, for Everyone)
It is a fun and fairly common experience at Greenbuild to find mid conversation that you already know the person you’re speaking to from an email exchange, a social media connection, or in my case that they’re already a member of our online green building network! One of my favorite moments this year was when someone stopped me on the trade show floor and thanked me for promoting an event for an organization she interned for...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 03/10/2023 + Show |
RGGI - Acadia Center's 10 Year Review (Reduced Emissions and Economic Growth Go Hand in Hand)
The Acadia Center has released a review of the first ten years of operation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI (pronounced “Reggie”), and the results are exceedingly positive and show that a clean energy economy really can have it all. The analysis concludes that CO2 emissions from power plants in the RGGI states fell 90% faster during this time period than in the rest of country, while economic growth in the ...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 03/11/2023 + Show |
Greenbuild 2018 - Report Out, and Top 10
The participating companies and attendees at Greenbuild 2018 seemed to have a wider, more open outlook about our work as an industry than I have perceived at times. We talk about collaboration and even harmonization, but who's going to take that risk and share their inspirations and even some secret sauce? Who really believes that a rising tide can lift all boats to the point where they will share some of t...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 11/27/2018 + Show |
Greenbuild 2017 Wrap Up - Some Top Show Moments and Activities
Greenbuild 2017 was a whirlwind week! I am excited to share some top Greenbuild 2017 activities and moments. Sometimes, I wished I could be in more than one place at once! Conversations on the show floor gave me an opportunity to make new connections, and to see some familiar faces. More than once, I was enjoying speaking with someone, and we realized when we looked at our name tags that we know each oth...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 11/16/2017 + Show |
We've been hearing and reading excitedly recently that communities are committing to running 100% on renewable energy... First there were 5, and then the number rose to 23 and counting! Cities are being announced in the news, but it would be helpful to have a few places to view "the list" and to really see what's going on and to watch this trend. Fortunately, several organizations have stepped forward to pr...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 03/24/2023 + Show |
Urban Green Council Emerging Professionals
Awesome, and welcome Ic! Please feel welcome to post this same also in the NY Green Building Group! … Awesome, and welcome Ic! Please feel welcome to post this same also in the NY Green Building Group! (Group posts have to belong to one group technically, but this post seems worthy of two!
Reply given on: 05/19/2023
#GreenInfluncerATL group members connect at #IBS2022 in Orlando
Hey #GreenInfluencerATL Members - Here's a post we wrote up on "Filtration and Airflow in Whole Hous… Hey #GreenInfluencerATL Members - Here's a post we wrote up on "Filtration and Airflow in Whole House HVAC Systems: Filter Cabinets and MERV Options" that includes these videos plus the one Matt recorded with Chris Howells at IBS. I have appreciated this recent great filtration content! https://www.rateitgreen.com/green-building-community/discussions/products/filtration-and-airflow-in-whole-house-hvac-systems-filter-cabinets-and-merv-options/5906
Reply given on: 06/16/2022
NOT COMPLICATED - JUST GREEN, podcast of common sense for better construction
I really enjoyed this conversation, thanks James and Matt. I think it lived up to its name of n… I really enjoyed this conversation, thanks James and Matt. I think it lived up to its name of not being complicated and was super approachable. I’d recommend giving a listen, but just in case it can help to give some highlights, here’s some of what was discussed: -Why not just build cheaper buildings? Goodness we could go on forever about that. Liability was one point, but also taking short cuts or just not building better leads to higher costs, upset clients and maybe even health impacts down the road. As Matt points out, selfishly, sustainability saves money! -What items are the longer term decisions people should be thinking about? I enjoyed Matt’s point about having a Bentley in the driveway but a Yugo in the mechanical room. We spend a lot on our homes - which is a good reason to get it right. And, cheaper systems can be more to install, and might have more maintenance costs or need to be replaced sooner... -How can we think about possible impacts? A key answer is really that if we do everything right, it all adds up. Matt makes a great point that we don’t often do our math right. If something costs 20% more but will last 5x as long, or we focus on aesthetics and install an exterior surface that the sun and rain will destroy, we’re not making cost effective decisions. We need to talk and teach more about operating and long term costs in the structure of costs. We need ot figure out people’s pain points, whether it’s comfort, health issues, costs, and then we can educate and introduce options that will work for occupants and overall. -What are builder’s pain points? This is a super interesting question. Matt believes if we provide solutions and don’t just point out problems, and if we educate clients, people will make better decisions. -Can the game be stepped up even higher? Well, yes. We’re going to see more energy efficiency, more electrification, and more power creation at the source. Why not become more efficient and save, AND make it clean? -Where can you learn from Matt? Well, on Sawhorse, Inc’s site of course, on Sawhorse’s YT channel, and here on Rate It Green! Matt also talks about the WHY of creating content - it’s helpful in onboarding and educating clients, and also helping others to do the same. Once we know more, and as we learn, he really believes it’s our obligation to share. That’s one of the reasons he’s a founding member of the #GreenInfluencerATL group… -Should people get educated? Heck yes. -What are calls to action, if people want to create a movement? I appreciate Matt’s thought here to “Be the resource for your friends.” I am repeating that one below with more thoughts, but Matt brings up continued education for professionals as well as for consumers. We need a plan for when things break, so we’re ready to install good solutions, and not just what’s cheapest or easiest. These are long-term decisions! Overheard in this podcast: “Go Green, Go Naked!” I’ll let you go find that one in the podcast. :) “Be the resource for your friends.” Once we educate more people, each person can in turn get more people excited about these core concepts. James brings up the idea of what people can do if they want to create a movement. That’s what this group is all here for, to share what we’re learning, and to ask each other and others our questions. !! Thanks again, James and Matt! To see all of James’ podcasts: https://notcomplicatedjustgreen.buzzsprout.com/1987668
Reply given on: 06/08/2022
#GreenInfluncerATL group members connect at #IBS2022 in Orlando
Here's the link to Corbett's presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgcqgYMg79A&t=0s I … Here's the link to Corbett's presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgcqgYMg79A&t=0s I took some notes and will post on it separately, but if all everyone learns are the 3 key considerations about air management, we will be in a better place: Air has to be something we’re all thinking more about, not just those who already know more, because there's just too much work to be done for everyone to live in a healthier, more sustainable space. 1. Don’t bring bad stuff in - as a professional or occupant! 2. Ventilate 3. Keep it dry Among so many other key thoughts, I appreciated Corbett mentioning that it's important to ventilate during construction, so you don't allow mold to grow and then have people move in. That happened to us, and it was very expensive to repair.
Reply given on: 06/08/2022
Can heat pump water heaters extend the life of your EV?
This is great information, thanks. I am for all the bonuses we can get as we work to improve energy… This is great information, thanks. I am for all the bonuses we can get as we work to improve energy efficiency and air quality in our homes and oher buildings!
Reply given on: 10/11/2021
Summer Electricity Demand – “Shave the Peak” to Save Money and Help the Environment!
It would be great if people could report in on what other states are doing as well. Thanks for this… It would be great if people could report in on what other states are doing as well. Thanks for this AbbieKnight - I just signed up, and it was super easy. You fill in your email and specify how often you want updates - and that's it! According to the Green Energy Consumers Alliance blog, the 40% of use you're reporting above is consumed during the 10% of hours that have the highest demand - ouch. I can certainly change some of my patterns to help, whether it's earlier or later.
Reply given on: 07/23/2019
Monocrystalline Solar Cells | What are they?
Thanks for this introduction. I have been wondering what we can do to limit the environmental impac… Thanks for this introduction. I have been wondering what we can do to limit the environmental impacts of solar panels. Of course it's more sustainable to produce energy through solar panels than to burn fossil fuels, but what can we do to reduce the materials, chemicals, water and energy consumed in the production and use of solar panels? What can we do to make sure they are also as durable as possible, and to reduce any end of life impacts?
Reply given on: 12/04/2017
Stewardship Mapping - find out what services are available in your community
What a fascinating concept of mapping stewardship - maybe we can apply this specifically to green bu… What a fascinating concept of mapping stewardship - maybe we can apply this specifically to green building. I feel that in recent years there has been a realization that none of us can "do this" alone. I see more partnerships and more collaborative opportunities. This link can take people directly to this blog post: http://usgbc-la.org/blog/environmentalism-isnt-what-you-think/
Reply given on: 06/06/2017
There's the business case - and the human case. Both make it clear: we can't wait. So much needs … There's the business case - and the human case. Both make it clear: we can't wait. So much needs to happen that it's daunting. But so much also is. I look forward to working with you to promote activity at every level that IS working already, and then also to to encourage, inspire and facilitate people to learn, engage with each other and collaborate, and to act. I struggle with how to get information where it's needed - and for this, I know we also need more people sharing what they know, and what they wish to know. One small example - I keep reading excited little blurbs of communities boting to go 100% renewable, and sometimes there's a count - like city #24 in the US! Great - I can't even find a master list to share with people. So even when there is good information, how do we find it and make it accessible. And your point is an excellent one about needing to think about sustainably more widely. While green building has been my focus, with encouraging products and services in mind, sustainability only works if there is health involved, and social justice as well. A community isn't truly sustainable if only some people benefit, to be sure.
Reply given on: 05/03/2017
I am so in on using data for good! I know data can be manipulated, but if we're sincere, we can do … I am so in on using data for good! I know data can be manipulated, but if we're sincere, we can do so much. I so agree with you: "When light is shined on a complicated, wicked problem, we want to solve it. How do we solve this through green buildings?" "The key is to find solutions that win for everyone, not just for one group." How do we fond these win-wins together, as a community, and at a time when our politics are so "anxious" and somehow we can't agree that the environment generally and climate change are top concerns? And, when we need to solve our challenges in socially just ways?
Reply given on: 05/02/2017
VRF Heat Pump Installation - In Progress!!
Hi everyone - I've mentioned in our newsletters about how we are going to be intalling VRF heat pumps in the future, and.... the future is here! I look forward to sharing more information as we finish the project and also as I collect performance data in the future, but for now I can share some early photos and also...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 04/30/2024 + Show |
Remote Hood Exhaust Fan Retrofit Delivers Significant Noise Reduction
Sometimes, a smaller targeted project can be the best project! I am excited to report that we just completed a retrofit to install a remote hood fan for our kitchen exhaust hood, and it instantly made such a big difference. We reduced the noise of our hood fan significantly, by twenty decibels, and everyone in the family is already more...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 03/23/2024 + Show |
Finding Paths Forward: Ideas for When We Disagree in the Green Building Industry
It was energizing to receive quite a few positive responses to Rate It Green’s New Year’s email. Some people were appreciative of our efforts to bring the green building community together, and there was also some awesome general well wishing and support, especially since we mentioned we are about to embark on a complete redesign...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 01/28/2024 + Show |
Online Course: How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features Instructor: Marla Esser Cloos, also known as the Green Home Coach *This course is available in two formats, live or on demand "How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features" provides a great introduction to the major aspects...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 11/01/2022 + Show |
See Corbett Lunsford geek out during the #GreenInfluencerATL Mitsubishi tour, and you might be jealous. His first stop? The 3D i-SEE sensor, an 8-element infrared-ray sensor “camera” which is part of their FH HVAC equipment series and can “sweep the room,” aiming conditioned air towards or away from...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 06/02/2022 + Show |
Mini Split Compressor Placement in Cold Climates (Think about Snow and Other Conditions)
It’s important to think about mini split condenser location in cold climates where it’s likely to snow, or really where anything will affect the proper functioning and longevity/durability of the unit. I hope by sharing, someone else can learn from what I do see as a mistake I plan to fix. I’d rather you make a change...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin 4 replies Last updated: 02/03/2022 + Show |
What Makes Great (Green Building) Content?
I have had some super conversations recently with people who want to write real, meaningful content to represent their green building company, product or service. One thing to note is that we’re always talking about how to partner and collaborate and get the news or word out. We are not ever talking about actual selling....
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 01/23/2021 + Show |
Webinar: Basic Building Science: Moisture Management (Recorded: Content Available 24/7)
Recorded Webinar: Basic Building Science: Moisture Management Recorded: May 20, 2020 Speakers: Mike Barcik and Joey Starr Cost: $15 Southface experts Mike Barcik and Joey Starr present fundamentals of moisture flow within a house. Topics include an overview of the science behind moisture flow, best practices for managing bulk...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 12/11/2020 + Show |
Congratulations to PCC Community Markets for opening the World's First Living Building Challenge Petal-Certified Grocery store in Ballard, Seattle. PCC Community Markets (PCC) is the largest community-owned food co-op in the US. To chaieve the certification, PCC met the requirements for the Materials, Place and Beauty...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 12/03/2020 + Show |
Announced at the annual Greenbuild Conference and Expo this past week, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) plans to provide funding for 500 people in underserved communities to earn the LEED professional credential. A key goal is to help build capacity and expertise for green building, as a part of the USGBC's...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Last updated: 11/13/2020 + Show |
Green Real Estate Symposium (Vermont) - October 29th
Appraising, Selling & Financing with Energy Efficient & Renewable Energy Features Green Real Estate Symposium October 29 Lake Morey Resort Fairlee, Vermont $100, Includes lunch The 2015 Green Real Estate Symposium is presented by the Vermont Green Home Alliance (VGHA) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, VT Public Service...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/29/2015 + Show |
Green Building Tour at UMASS Amherst, and USGBC Green Social - October 28! 5 - 7 pm
Integrative Learning Center Tour and USGBC Green Social - October 28! 5 - 7 pm UMASS Amherst 5:00PM Tour departs from east lobby of ILC; 6:00pm Green Building Social Hour in the Physical Plant Building, Campus Planning Green Room The Integrative Learning Center is a LEED Gold certified facility that opened last fall and transformed...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/28/2015 + Show |
Legislative Hearing on Carbon Pricing Tuesday, October 27, 12pm – 3pm (we're expecting this to be a long hearing covering many bills, so we'll use some of the time to make visits to our representatives in the State House) Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon St, Boston (meet at the State House steps at noon; the hearing itself is in Room...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/27/2015 + Show |
Connecting for Change, Bioneers Conference @ The Marion Institute, Oct 23-24, New Bedford
Connecting for Change, Bioneers by the Bay Conference The Marion Institute, Oct 23-24, New Bedford Connecting for Change (CFC) presented by the Marion Institute is an annual solutions based gathering that brings together a diverse audience to create deep and positive change in their communities. CFC offers a variety of keynotes, workshops,...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/23/2015 + Show |
Passive House Massachusetts Symposium- Sat, October 17, 2015 9 AM to 5 PM
Passive House Massachusetts Symposium Sat, October 17, 2015 9 AM to 5 PM A Symposium connecting Architects, Builders, Engineers, Home/Building Owners, Policymakers, Real Estate Professionals, Students and the general public. The mission is to further educate through lectures by and discussions with esteemed professionals local to...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/17/2015 + Show |
Restoring Water Cycles to Reverse Global Warming, A Conference at Tufts, October 16-18
Restoring Water Cycles to Reverse Global Warming Even with elevated greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, water can cool the biosphere and address destructive feedbacks in the climate system. Friday – Sunday, October 16-18, 2015 A conference at Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts Sponsored by the Tufts Institute of the...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/16/2015 + Show |
Celebrate 25 years with Mass Recycle - October 14th, 6-9 pm
Mass Recycle - 25th Anniversary Celebration October 14th, 6PM to 9PM Rialto Restaurant (in the Charles Hotel) 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA Join MassRecycle at the Rialto in Harvard Square to celebrate 25 years of recycling advocacy and education. We welcome you to come and network with other recycling experts and enthusiasts, meet...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/14/2015 + Show |
Extending the Growing Season - A Green City Growers Workshop, October 8, 6:30-8 pm
Extending the Growing Season - A Green City Growers Workshop, October 8, 6:30-8 pm 600 Windsor Pl, Somerville, MA 02143 The growing season in New England is short. In Boston, we typically grow from the beginning of April to the end of October (last frost to first frost). Anything that can prolong our growing season, even for a few weeks,...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/08/2015 + Show |
"Off + On: The Climate Movement and the Road Through Paris". This Thursday, October 8th First Parish in Cambridge Unitarian Universalist; 3 Church Street, Harvard Square Time: Doors open at 7:00 p.m; Movie at 7:30 p.m The COP21, 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, will be held in Paris, from November 30 to December 11....
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin Event Date: 10/08/2015 + Show |
MIT ClimateCoLab's Crowds & Climate Conference: Tuesday, October 6, 2015, 8:00 am - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, October 6, 2015, 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts USA Along with the MIT Solve Opening Convocation Monday, October 5, 2015, 1-6:30 pm The MIT Climate CoLab is a community of over 40,000 people, where experts and non-experts work together to develop proposals to address climate...
By Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin 1 reply Event Date: 10/06/2015 + Show |
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