News
Green Building & Eco Friendly News
We are excited to share green building industry developments, news about our Member Companies, and of course current Rate It Green information. Please feel welcome to submit interesting news you have found. Note that Rate It Green does include news announcements as a part of some sponsorship offerings.
You can also learn more by following Rate It Green on social media. We greatly appreciate your likes, follows, and general votes of support.
Fred Davis of the Fred Davis Corporation Honored with a NESEA Distinguished Service Award
At the recent BuildingEnergy19 show, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association leaders honored Fred Davis with the 2019 Distinguished Service Award. Fred has been an energy and lighting leader since before these fields became cool again. Back in high school, Fred started the Ecology Club. After college, he worked as a retrofitter and enertgy auditor - in the late 1970's. Fred became an Operations Manager, helped create companies, served on boards, mentored others, and created and chaired conferences, all before (and mu… Show more
Rubio Monocoat Featured in 2 Episodes of "Heart of Oak"
Rubio Monocoat was recently featured in a popular builder-oriented TV show on the East coast called Heart of Oak. Heart of Oak is based on the South Shore of Massachusetts and follows PJ Antonik and his team from Oak Development & Design as they turn tear downs into beautiful, customized homes. PJ found Rubio Monocoat's one-coat application and matte finish particularly appealing. Read more! Show more
Topp Remodeling and Construction Wins Best of Houzz Award for Client Service
Cpngratulations to Rate It Green Member Topp Remodeling and Construction of South Murray, Utah, for winning a 2019 Best of Houzz Award for Client Service! The locally-owned company has been serving the Salt Lake County UT, Summit County UT and Utah County, (Metro) areas with customized homes & customized remodeling since 1995. Show more
IECC Voting Registration Deadline is Approaching - Municipalities Must Register by March 29 (This is Low Hanging Energy Efficiency Fruit!)
According to the New Buildings Institute, "Improving the efficiency stringency in the energy code is the single most impactful action we can take to improve the buildings where people live and work.” We can do this if we and our elected officials work together, and there is an immediate action our towns and cities need to take.
The March 29 deadline is rapidly approaching for local officials to register their municipalities to vote for the next International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) version, which goes int… Show more
E2’s Clean Energy Jobs America Report Released - 3.3 Million Clean Energy Jobs
"In every region and every state in America, clean energy is creating jobs and careers.
Nationwide, nearly 50,000 new clean energy jobs were created in 2018, bringing the total number of Americans who work in clean energy to 3.26 million." - E2
According to E2, Clean Energy related jobs grew 3.6% in 2018, adding over 110,000 jobs nationally. Meanwhile, 12 states have or are considering policies to generate 100% of electricity from clean energy sources. 10 states already generate more than 20% of their elect… Show more
We Don’t Have 50 Years to Wait" - Craig Foley's Article in the March-April Edition of REALTOR magazine
Rate It Green Member Craig Foley's article on the urgency of discussing climate change head on and with some bravery appears in the March-April issue of REALTOR magazine. Craig has long been active in Sustainable Real Estate, and he's looking to "begin a realistic conversation" about climate change within this industry and also specifically within the National Association of Realtors.
Unsurprisingly, Craig's research revealed that plenty of real estate agents and their clients have … Show more
NEAPOLI receives Low Carbon City Award 2018
NEAPOLI, a Rate It Green Member Company, recently won the Low Carbon City Award for their PKNS Headquarters project in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. The award goes out to a project that best implements low carbon city initiatives that are promoted within the Malaysian Government’s Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and illustrates how these initiatives have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In response to the award, NEAPOLI’s CEO, Dr Stellios Plainiotis, stated, “At NEAPOLI, our primary mission is to help clie… Show more
Cascades Founders Alain Bernard and Laurent Lemaire Join the Cercle des Grands Entrepreneurs du Quebec
The founders of Cascades, a Rate It Green Member Company, were recently nominated to the Cercle des Grands entrepreneurs du Quebec. Alain Bernard and Laurent Lemaire were among a small group of 6 accomplished entrepreneurs that joined the Cercle des Grands entrepreneurs du Quebec earlier this month. This was the second annual event to showcase the achievements and commitment of people whose actions “have contributed to Quebec’s entrepreneurial vitality and economic development,” as well as, “inspire throu… Show more
Mindful Materials Pavilion to be Showcased at Futurebuild, March 5-7, in London
Futurebuild and GIGA have announced a partnership to create and launch a new Futurebuild product directory and a dedicated new area at the March 5th-7th event in London – The mindful MATERIALS Certification Pavilion.
The pavilion will offer a unique, focused setting for Futurebuild attendees and exhibitors to unite around and explore the latest thinking and opportunities in sustainable product certification. In addition to exhibition space for Certification Programme Operators and manufacturers with key sustainability certificatio… Show more
Rate It Green Member, One Click LCA, Awarded Energy Globe Award 2018
Rate It Green member, OneClick LCA, was recently awarded the Energy Globe Award for Finland 2018. Established in 1999, the Energy Globe Award is granted by the Energy Globe Foundation annually to “extraordinary sustainable projects” in order to promote sustainability worldwide. The Energy Globe Award is awarded annually to projects focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energies, and the conservation of resources. Over 6000 projects in more than 180 countries were submitted for consideration in 2018.
The award takes i… Show more
Clean Vapor Becomes a Land Science Certified Applicator
Congratulations to Rate It Green Gold Company Member Clean Vapor for becoming a certified spray-applied barrier applicator for the Land Science family of products!
According to Rick Gillespie, Senior VP, Land Science, a division of Regenesis, "Clean Vapor's long track record of vapor intrusion mitigation expertise aligns perfectly with Land Science's industry-leading advanced composite barriers. Being a certified applicator for Land Science requires a commitment to quality installation and we are confid… Show more
School Air Quality and Sustainability Fellowship Opportunity, The Center for Green Schools, Apply by July 18
K-12 school professionals pushing for sustainability in schools, this program is your chance! The Center for Green Schools is accepting applications through Monday, July 18 for fellowships for School Air Quality and Leaders in Sustainability. Those chosen for the fellowship will gain access to networking opportunities, professional development and leadership training, and professional learning events to provide these advocates for environmental health with the resources to create change.
Children spend so much time in schools, but the actu… Show more
NRDC Petition: "Stop the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Cynical Exploitation of War in Ukraine to Expand Oil and Gas Drilling"
At Rate It Green, we agree that the unjustifiable and tragic war in Ukraine can not ethically or environmentally logically be used as an excuse to argue for more fossil fuel exploration and exploitation. Instead, we should of course be taking the opposite actions, to reduce our dependence on these fossil fuels which are a significant part of the tensions that lead to hostilities.
Why would we make backwards decisions that are bad for our health, the environment, and that threaten our best opportunities for&nb… Show more
For Sale: Healthy, Energy Efficient Micro-Farm in Concord, Massachusetts
After 45 years of careful renovation and maintenance, Rate It Green Member David Bearg, P.E. is looking to entrust his amazing healthy and sustainable home to the right new owners.
David and his family have grown the original small cottage on the property into a thriving mico-farm with a heat-storing greenhouse, a vegetable garden, raised bed gardens, a green, energy efficient house, and outbuildings that all take advantage of passive solar architecture.
Click to learn more about David's hom… Show more
ZeroEnergy Design Featured in Ocean Home Magazine
Congratulations to Rate It Green Member ZeroEnergy Design for the firm's recent feature in Ocean Home Magazine!
The magazine profiled Mt. Hope Modern, ZED’s green coastal 4,700 SF modern home in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
The piece includes interviews with owners Kerry Tyson and Zack King, who discovered the home while it was still under construction. The couple was particularly excited about the modern, energy efficient design as well as the stunning views of Mount Hope Bay.
Visit Ocean Home Magazine to re… Show more
10 New and Exciting Green Building Jobs Posted!
Are you looking for a new job centered around sustainability? Look no further — these 10 jobs are suitable for individuals with some experience in green building. For more environmental-related job postings, visit http://www.greenjobs.net.
California
Clean Power Alliance
Electrification Program Manager
https://cleanpoweralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Electrification-Program-Manager_Paychex-Version.pdf
Massachusetts
Solect Energy
Multiple Positions
https://solect.com/company/careers/
… Show more
Low Carbon Multifamily Retrofit Playbooks - Available Online for Free!
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Steven Winter Associates and the Building Enegy Exchange (BEEx) have published a series of five free low carbon multifamily retrofit playbooks.
The playbooks are organized by common building types: Pre-War 4-7 stories, Post-War 1-7 stories, Post-War 8+ stories, Post-1980 8+ stories, and Garden Style 1-3 stories, and include retrofit strategies to maximize comfort while saving energy by transitioning to electric-based HVAC and hot water heati… Show more
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta - 2021 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund - Apply by June 4!
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta - 2021 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund - Apply by Friday June 4!
Do you work for a financial institution or a community housing partner? Is your company located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, or the District of Columbia?
Are you looking for a way to widen your customer base, offer community-oriented lending, and/or facilitate residential development?
Are you seeking to fund the construction, rehabilitation, or financing of housing for low… Show more
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab - 6th Annual Healthier Design Innovation Contest! Submission Deadline: Monday May 17!
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab - 6th Annual Healthier Design Innovation Contest - Apply by Monday May 17th!
Does your work exemplify healthy materials innovation and advocacy in design?
Are you a design activist creating innovative design while promoting equity? Are you using healthy materials and addressing climate change? Parsons Healthy Materials Lab is hosting the 6th annual Role Models Contest to award design innovations for material use that have no negative impact on the planet.
Win $1,000 , and socia… Show more
ZeroEnergy Design Featured in Boston Magazine's Spring Edition
Congratulations to Rate It Green Member Company ZeroEnergy Design for their feature in Boston Home's spring issue! The magazine profiles fhe firm's Hingham, Massachusetts "eco-oasis" in a piece called, "Everything you Need to Know to Design a Greener Home."
The 4.200 square foot home, designed by ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz and John Mucciarone, features continuous insulation, triple pane windows, air-source heat pumps, and a 36-panel solar electric system, all contributing to net zero energy per… Show more
All Electric Summer: Opportunities to "amp up" your electrification expertise
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
It’s a great time to learn about electrification! Whether you are just learning about today’s energy efficient electric equipment and appliances, or you’re already somewhat expert, there’s really something for everyone to learn or contribute this summer, as several leading green building organizations are hosting some terrific educational offerings. And most are free! Check out Rate It Green's open green building calendar for these and more green bu… Show more
All About Heat Pumps
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
If you feel that recent news has been all about heat pumps, I agree! It seems there's a growing push to educate consumers and increase demand, as part of support for wider electrification and decarbonization efforts. Why are heat pumps so exciting? As you may already know, heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, as they move energy instead of generating it, and without onsite fossil fuel combustion. The numbers seem almost unreal. Heat pumps a… Show more
What Happens In Vegas... (Will We See You There?) Let's Create Some Great Green Building Content!
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
I know, the leading image for this email shows some serious wattage and doesn't really make me think first about green building. And yet, suddenly it seems like everyone I know is heading to Vegas next week for the International Builders' Show. That includes Green Builder and Rate It Green Content Partner Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc.! I encourage you to connect with Matt to say hello, or to share your expertise or to introduce your company and what y… Show more
Looking Forward - Engaging Together as a Green Building Community
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Thank you for being a part of our green building community, and welcome to our first newsletter of 2024! With this email, we bring you so much positive energy and a reaffirmation of the spirit of what we do. As Green Builder and Rate It Green Content Partner Matt Hoots said the other day, "The only way we are going to keep progressing toward solutions is to continue the conversation and share.” I wholeheartedly agree!
I am excited to report that I am&n… Show more
Happy New Year, 2024!! Looking back at Top 2023 News, and Some Sneak Previews for 2024!
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Happy New Year! Thanks for all you do, and here's to an AMAZING 2024!
We expect great things from this new year! Whether you celebrate recent COP28 Results or feel anxious about insufficient progress, perhaps we can agree that 2023 was a year of foundation building and stage setting. We can then think of 2024 then as a year of great framing, where the structure and promising opportunities really come together more rapidly, where we can see tangible gains… Show more
Reframing Perspective: What Can "Positive" (Nature Positive) Look Like?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
There are so many pressing crises, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do first or next. At a time when we need to take immediate and drastic action to mitigate the worst climate change consequences, some of which have already arrived, how is it possible that there are ongoing and disastrous wars and famine, extreme weather crises, raging fires, disease, and areas that are literally becoming uninhabitable for human life, among other global challenges which are hard to fully i… Show more
Making Smart Window Choices for Meeting Comfort, Health, Energy & Sustainability Goals
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Do you have window questions? We've got some information and answers! Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. has been busy answering Rate It Green Member questions and also interviewing manufacturers to learn about their energy efficient window and doors as well as the latest technological advances.
Matt recently recorded a series of conversations to answer key window questions, including:
How do you decide when and whether to replace windows? &n… Show more
Understanding The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) - Introduction and Update
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Hello to everyone gathering at Greenbuild this week! I had hoped to attend in person but had some schedule complications. As much as I think we absolutely need to connect and share information online when we can’t be together, I of course believe it’s meaningful and impactful to gather and build community in person. I’ll be attending as I can online, and I’ll hope to ”see you” there!
I have spent a good deal of time in the past weeks &ldq… Show more
Strategies for Staying Cool: Air Sealing and Insulation
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
It’s quite an understatement to say it’s been hot this summer. Playfully, and yet deadly seriously, Vox declared that this scorching summer might just "be one the coolest summers of the rest of your life." Scientists at the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service estimate current summer temperatures as not only the hottest since modern record keeping began, but possibly in the last 120,000 years. And summer&rsqu… Show more
The Perfect Wall - Explained
It feels a bit funny to describe a product or practice as "Perfect," but that's our task as we explore "The Perfect Wall." In a recent video, Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. explains this important concept and also shows how he and his team are applying theory to practice at the #1920sMakeoverATL deep energy retrofit project in Ansley Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
As Matt explains, along with fellow Rate It Green Membe… Show more