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.
Appraisal Institute Updates Green and Energy Efficiency Home Tool
The Appraisal Institute has updated a resource first released in 2011 called the "Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum." The Addendum is designed to help appraisers and real estate professionals better analyze and clearly report on data related to sustainable and energy efficient home features. The Addendum was last updated in 2013.
The Addendum is significant partly as it represents a milestone in the evaluation and valuation of green and energy efficient home features. In the past, appraisers did not… Show more
Rate It Green's Open Green Building Calendar
We're excited to announce the launch of Rate It Green's open Green Building Calendar. More than the tool itself and the events we can now host and promote, this calendar represents the idea of expanding collaboration. As a platform, Rate It Green of course facilitates online connecting and discussion. But we all know that when we can get together in person, we can also learn and collaborate in tremendous ways.
What's so exciting about a Calendar? Lots! For one thing, the calendar will accept events in ANY&… Show more
Pledge Your Support for Vehicle Emissions Standards - Climate Reality
Put simply, the President's effort to roll back vehicle emissions standards makes little sense. As Climate Reality points out, these standards "will prevent about 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and save over 2 million barrels of oil a day and $1.7 trillion in fuel costs by 2025. They also show the world we’re serious about leading the fight to stop the climate crisis — while protecting our health by reducing smog and dangerous carbon pollution."Climate change and protecting our environment for f… Show more
Alliance to Save Energy Campaigns - To Support Energy Star and to Support Energy Efficiency Standards
Posted by: Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin
There are two Alliance for Energy petitions/campaigns open right now that relate to green building and energy efficiency. Add your voice!
These camaigns are highly professional. Protecting the environment should be a bipartisan issue!
To support the EnergyStar Program:https://www.ase.org/advocacy/energy-star-chopping-block
"We are urging energy efficiency supporters to write your Members of Congress and voice your support for ENERGY STAR and the Department o… Show more
Petition in Support of the EPA's EnergyStar Program
The Alliance to Save Energy has a petition you can sign in support of the EPA's EnergyStar program.
It can be difficult to sign some petitions at times due to not agreeing with all the positions or the extreme language that is often used, but this is very reasonable and I encourage you to read it and sign if you can support the statement.
From the petition:
"Eliminating ENERGY STAR would be a devastating setback for energy efficiency. With more than 18,000 private and public participants, it is the most succes… Show more
We should be INCREASING the EPA Budget, not Decreasing it.
The above image suggests an EPA budget of $10billion in 2016. According to the Washington Post, the current budget is approximately $8.1 billion headed to $5.7 billiont, with a projected loss of about 3200 jobs. If the Trump budget is passed. The suggestion alone that the EPA should be cut so drasitcally is pretty much insulting, to be honest. This is a 31% cut to a budget that is already the lowest in the past 16 years.
Here at Rate It Green, we didn't know the EPA "only" had $10 billion, or les… Show more
Executive Order: Dakota Access and Keystone Pipeline To Move Forward?
On January 24th, President Trump made a statement by signing off on the continuation of two major oil pipelines that have made headlines in the United States: The Dakota Access and Keystone XL. One of the documents signed invites the company behind Keystone XL, TransCanada, to resubmit a proposal for the project which had been rejected earlier in 2015 by the Obama administration. President Trump also encourages Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, to continue working on the original route of the nearly comple… Show more
Should the Green Building Industry Be Worried about a Trump Administration? (Yes)
Should the Green Building Industry Be Worried about a Trump Administration? (Yes)
Some (ok, MANY) in the green building industry are worried about a pending Trump Administration, as reported by Construction Drive recently: http://bit.ly/2hXLpHo. While it may be affirming that you aren't crazy if you've been thinking about this, attend any green building organization meeting or event, and you'll hear the same thing. What the heck happens next when it seems an anti-environment wave is coming out of the US when the rest … Show more
Tesla Unveils Revolutionary Solar Panels
On October 28th, tech tycoon Elon Musk unveiled a new product that could revolutionize the household implementation of solar energy. With the aid of SolarCity, a solar company that merged with Tesla earlier this summer, Musk has developed a new brand of solar panels, one that in many ways challenge pre-existing conceptions regarding these alternative energy sources.
The biggest difference between Musk’s model and those that have come before is its aesthetic appeal.
Read Our Member Jack Benoit's ful… Show more
Post Election '16 - What Can You Do?
Rate It Green is not a political organization to be sure, but this community resource supports the natural environment by working with others to lessen the impact of the built environment. We promote healthy and sustainable building practices, and it's our goal to help as many people and companies connect and share informatoin to help green building become mainstream. As such, our goals pretty much make it clear that we support safe air and water, healthy and green materials and buildings, resouce and energy efficiency , reuse a… 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
Green Building Optimism for 2025 and Beyond - December 2024 Green Building News
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Happy New Year!! I hope this year has delivered progress on key goals and wishes and that you remain solidly optimistic about the future of green building in 2025 and beyond. If yes, let's discuss. And if no, let's also discuss. That's the idea of building a community together where we can grow as we support our mutual goals, and we also support each other's growth as well.
Our team is excited about 2025, even though I also remain anxious short-term about environm… Show more
The Toitu Earth-Sheltered House - Comfortable, Energy Efficient & Unique - October, 2024 Green Building News
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
The title of this news may seem a bit provocative, but hold on to your construction hats. We just got word that Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. will be working on the Toitu House, an earth-sheltered home that really could last several hundred years, as in 500 (we will have to wait to find out)! Some claim an earthen home can even last 1000 years in theory.
What does earth-sheltered mean? Earth-sheltered homes can be partially or completely… Show more
HVAC Project Progress Update - September Green Building News
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
I hope this September news finds you well and feeling great about your green building goals for this year and beyond. I want to hear about your progress, and also your challenges as well. We can all learn from each other! I am happy to share that we've almost completed a personal HVAC upgrade project where we installed two VRF heat pumps and replaced our boilers with new 96% efficient equipment. Why both? Read all about it in my upda… 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