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.
USGBC Green Building Policy Outlook (Panel), A Moment for Optimism and Broad-based Support
On December 10, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) gathered a panel of policymakers and business leaders to consider the current green building policy outlook in the context of pandemic and the incoming Biden Administration. Panelists included USGBC’s Senior Policy Counsel, Elizabeth Beardsley, Representative Kathy Castor (D-Florida; Chair, House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis), Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont; Member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce), and Don Anderson, Operating… Show more
Congratulations to PCC Community Markets - The World’s First Living Building Challenge Petal-Certified Grocery Store
PCC Community Markets has opened the World's First Living Building Challenge Petal-Certified Grocery store in the Seattle area. 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 Petals of the Living Future Institute's Living Building Challenge.
For more information:
https://www.rateitgreen.com/green-building-community/discussions/sustainable-building-communities/pcc-community-markets-ope… Show more
USGBC to Fund 500 LEED Professionals in Underserved Communities
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 "All In; Building Equity Together" initiative, also announced at the start of Greenbuild.
For more information:
https://www.rateitgreen.com/green-building-community/discussions//usgbc… Show more
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) Study: Finds 81% Emissions Savings in All-Electric Single Homes
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has updated previous research in a report titled, "The Economics of Electrifying Buildings” and concludes in current findings that new all-electric single homes result in a net present cost savings of up to $6,800 over 15 years and 81% lower carbon emissions on average than the same homes when built to run on mixed fuels for cooking, space heating, and water heating.
For more information:
https://www.rateitgreen.com/green-building-community/groups/posts/rocky-mountain-institute-rmi-study-81-emi… Show more
Thank You, Green Dot Sign for our Awesome New Rate It Green Sustainable Sign!
Check out this video where Matt Hoots "unboxes" our new sustainable Rate It Green sign, courtesy of Rate It Green Member Company, Green Dot Sign! We love working with Gretchen and Simon at Green Dot Sign, and we will be happy to show off this awesome aspen sign in Matt's YouTube studio space!
Thank You, Green Dot Sign!
To learn more about Green Dot Sign, check out their Rate It Green Profile!
To learn more about Sustsinable and ADA compliant signage:
Sustainable ADA Signage – Top Six Trends
htt… Show more
Global GreenTag Releases the World’s First Modern Slavery Transparency Declaration
Global GreenTag has released the first ever Modern Slavery Declaration for products. The Global GreenTag International MSD™ Modern Slavery Transparency Declaration (GGTI MSD) implements a comprehensive risk assessment and verification process in association with manufacturers on individual product supply chains.
Helping manufacturers to monitor, report on and ultimately eradicate human slavery occurring in their supply chains; the GGTI MSD will, in addition, support companies with large procurement portfolios to comply with … Show more
Rate It Green's August News: Our First 15 Green Building Videos - and a YouTube Subscription Challenge
In our August News, we asked Rate It Green's Members to help us pass the 100 Member mark for our new YouTube channel, to help unlock some key features. Mission accomplished and in record speed. Thanks everyone! Over 50 Members and friends responded!
We also shared our first 15 videos, including companies like Cove.Tool, Trakref, Thermacote, Rockwool, Wooster Products, Cambria, Rheem and more.
We hope eveyrone is doing well in these unprecedented times. In my introduciton, I shared ho… Show more
Stephanie Horowitz of ZeroEnergy Design Featured in Forbes Interview
ZeroEnergy Design's award-winning Lincoln Farmhouse
"We envision a status quo of healthy, comfortable, energy-positive, carbon-neutral buildings made of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Not only will they entirely avoid fossil fuels onsite and sequester carbon in their construction materials, but they will also produce enough clean renewable energy to offset the energy consumed in their construction, operation, and by the owners’ vehicles.” - Stephanie Horowitz, ZeroEnergy Design
ZeroEnergy Design continues… Show more
Challenges to the 2021 Energy Code - Opportunity to Speak up for Energy Efficiency (Act Fast - Comments Due by 8/17!)
We at Rate It Green were already celebrating the Changes voted in for the 2021 Energy Code, voted on by over 1,000 representatives from US cities and states, but not so fast.
Apparently three main appeals have been filed, and the National Buildings Institute (NBI) has shared excellent information:
https://newbuildings.org/2021-energy-code-progress-challenged-climate-and-affordability-stand-to-lose-unless-we-speak-up/
In brief:
The eligibility of some voters to overturn items not approved earlier in the process has … Show more
Rate It Green's July News: Be a part of a Green Building YouTube World Premiere!
Rate It Green's July News is out, and Rate It Green's Youtube Channel is officially launched!
Recently, we had the opportunity to watch a Rate It Green "World Premiere" video, and it was so much fun. The film literally counts back 10, 9, 8.... and there it was, an introduction to Thermacote's Waterproof, High-performance Ceramic Insulating Coating/Weather Barrier. We have also been pleased to work with Rockwool, Rheem Manufacturing, Wooster Products Inc, Solaria Lighting… 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