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.
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
YouthBuild USA CEO John Valverde Named an “Influencer” by the Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy has named YouthBuild USA CEO John Valverde "an Influencer" in the nonprofit world - someone who is “flying under the radar yet having a big impact on society’s toughest issues.”
Youthbuild USA is the parent organization for Youthbuild's Green Inititative, a Rate It Green Community Member Organizarion and Resource Partner. The Green Initiative was launched in 2005 to bring green building practices into the YouthBuild USA network, as green skills training… Show more
Mayor Marty Walsh Launches "Carbon Free Boston" - Can the City Become Carbon Neutral by 2050?
Mayor Walsh announces the launch of Carbon Free Boston and the first steps to look at options for the city to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Carbon Free Boston will analyze the cost and benefits of technology and policy options to reach Boston’s carbon neutral goal. Working with the Green Ribbon Commission and Boston University, the team will quantify how various actions, policies and technologies can reduce Boston’s greenhouse gas emissions. The results should be released in a report by the fall of 2018 a… Show more
Harvard Maintenance: BSCAI Health and Wellness Award recipient
Harvard Maintenance:
BSCAI Health and Wellness Award Recipient
Harvard Maintenance, a privately owned national commercial cleaning contractor, was recognized as the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) Cleaning for Health Award recipient last month. Jason Lee, LEED AP O+M is their corporate Director of Sustainability explains “this is a huge step toward communicating the triple bottom line benefits of a certified custodial service provider”. According … Show more
Matrix Energy Inc. Saves Energy and Improves Air Quality for IKEA
Matrix Energy Inc. recently installed a solar air heating system for IKEA's location in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. Next up: Halifax! The systems help reduce fuel consumption y 18% while also supporting improved indoor air quality.
For more information:
http://www.matrixairheating.com/matrixair-ikea-halifax.html
http://www.matrixairheating.com/matrixair-ikea-halifax.html Show more
"Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home," by Marla Esser Cloos
Marla Esser Cloos has published "Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home," a how-to manual on living a green life from the ground to the roof, and for different home sizes and styles.
In addition to her role as The Green Home Coach, Marla hosts the Green Gab Podcast, writes for a number of online publications, and created the HomeNav.com, an online homeowner's manual. Marla is a NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP, and Missouri Certified Women Business Enteprise.
… Show more
China Sets Ambitious Targets, Helps Set Global EV Trend
China has joined the UK and France in setting goals and a timetable for the elimination of fossil-fuel powered vehicles. China has vowed to cap its carbon emissions by 2030 and curb worsening air pollution which has a negative impact on public health. Reducing emissions for the over 200 million vehicles traversing the country’s roads will contribute significantly to that plan and additional will support China’s auto market. China is also host to the world’s largest scale of fossil-fuel vehicle production facilities. &nbs… Show more
On Twitter, Elon Musk Discusses Using Solar Technology Rebuild Puerto Rico - Can and Will Tesla Help?
The power grid in Puerto Rico, already vulnerable, after a decade without maintenance, clearly suffered crippling damage when Hurricane Maria struck on September 20th. Though progress has been made, nearly three weeks later the vast majority of the island is still without power. About 80,000 of the island’s customers are still without electricity, according to the power authority, PREPA. Earlier this week it was 200,000, according to PREPA's executive director Ricardo Ramos Rodríguez.
A conversat… Show more
It's Energy Efficiency Day, 2017!
October 5 is Energy Efficiency Day!
"Energy Efficiency Day is a collaborative effort between regional and national organizations, businesses, utilties, and individuals working to promote energy efficiency: the cheaptest, quckest way to meet our enenrgy needs, cut customer bills and reduce pollution."
Goals include:
-Raise awarness of the energy issues we all face and what we can do to fix them
-Help individuals and businesses save money through education on efficiency techniques
-Unite people who… Show more
ZeroEnergy Design is Named "Best of Boston" Top Sustainable Architect by Boston Magazine
Congratulations to ZeroEnergy Design! The company was recently named the top Sustainable Architect in the Boston area by Boston Magazine as a part of the publication's 10th Annual Best of Boston Home Awards.
According to Boston Magazine, "Stormwater-capturing cisterns, triple-paned glass windows, and renewable bamboo flooring are just three of many devices this full-service architecture firm employs to produce ultramodern homes that are as beautiful as they are eco-friendly."
Show more
World Green Building Week - September 25th - October 1st
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), including 70+ green building councils and thousands of their member companies, are celebrating World Green Building Week from September 25th - October 1st.
The theme this year is "Our Hero is Zero," a celebration and amplification of a goal to make all buildings net zero energy by 2050. According to the WorldGBC, "Together we can change the perception that buildings are roadblocks on climate change, and empower the global community to recognize the potential buildings … 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