Living & Building Green Expo

 

 

 

 

 www.newleafamerica.com

New Leaf America is dedicated to helping homeowners and small businesses to evaluate and implement cost effective energy saving retrofitting options.  The process starts with a home evaluation. Once completed, a retrofitting plan is presented to the home or business owner.  These recommendations focus on the most affordable, high return on investment, (ROI) energy efficient retrofitting options and include a true “common sense” approach to taking the first steps toward energy saving retrofitting for a home or business. 

These first retrofitting steps (before going solar) focus mainly on exterior and interior lighting through the use of state of the art lighting products, water saving devices, slaying power vampires, and weatherization.  The local contact for New Leaf America is long time Park City resident Eric Miller, a LEED Accredited Professional.  Eric Miller can be reached at (435) 640-3934 or emiller@newleafamerica.com

               

The Swaner EcoCenter, a non-profit organization founded in 1993, is home to a 1200 acre Nature Preserve as well as a new, LEED Platinum, nationally acclaimed green building.  The opening of the Swaner EcoCenter in 2009 has enabled the organization to become something quite unique – a “Green Building that Teaches.”  Our EcoCenter is a living demonstration of green building, and was designed to test new materials and energy technologies.  It houses the Swaner educational series that began long ago as one focused on traditional environmental education and now includes sustainable living topics for learners of all levels.  The Swaner EcoCenter’s deep understanding of “green” began with our restoration of the land.  This, coupled with the first LEED new construction building in Utah, and our green education mission, make us a vital part of the Summit County community.

The EcoCenter design is based upon the same elements critical to our Preserve and a healthy ecosystem – sunlight, earth, air, and water.  Our building’s design enables visitors to view the Preserve from every interior space – keeping the importance of the land, and our connection to it, top of mind.

The four ecosystem elements were incorporated into the EcoCenter as follows:

Sunlight

Optimizing EcoCenter energy performance:

• Rooftop photovoltaic array produces onsite electricity

• Innovative evaporative cooling system decreases annual energy use by 42%

• Solar power heats hot water

• High efficiency glazed windows filled with argon gas for unparalleled insulation

• Radiant floor heating—up to 40% more efficient than forced air

• Deep roof overhangs provide passive shading

• Light-colored roofing and decking decrease building heat gain

Earth

Optimizing building material choices – Renew, Restore, Recycle:

• Sunflower seed composite countertops

• Sorghum stalk composite board cabinetry

• High recycled-content steel

• High recycled-content carpet

• Cementitious siding with post-industrial and post-consumer recycled content

• Toilet partitions made with 40% recycled content

• Recycled cotton insulation made from denim scrap material

• Dense ipe (e-pay) wood durable without the need for stains or sealants

• Rapidly renewable bamboo flooring and cabinetry

• Wood timbers salvaged from the Great Salt Lake

Air

Optimizing indoor air quality:

• Low-emitting materials avoid odors, off-gassing, and harmful chemicals

• Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, primers, and stains

• No urea-formaldehyde

• Passive ventilation through observation tower

• Operable windows provide natural ventilation

Water

Optimizing water conservation:

• Innovative rooftop water collection system collects 40,000 gallons annually

• Cisterns store 15,000 gallons of rainwater/snowmelt for later use

• Stored water utilized for toilet flushing and irrigation

• Low-flow toilets, faucets and shower save water

• Waterless urinals

• Porous pavement allows for groundwater recharge

The U.S. Green Building Council recently certified the Swaner EcoCenter as LEED Platinum, the highest level of certification, and we received all 61 points submitted.  52 points are required for Platinum status.

                                                                                

Ray-Core Inc. is a pioneer in developing energy efficient building materials for today’s energy conscious homebuilder.

The Ray-Core Energy Saving Building System provides a simple construction solution for attaining peak performance in energy conservation. Through its simple to use wall and roof panel system savings are obtained during construction and over a lifetime for the homeowner.

Ray-Core’s superior panel system exceeds any comparable panel or composite wall construction in R-value inch for inch. As an example: Ray-Core’s 2×6 wall system boasts an incredible R-42 value at 50^o. With RAY-CORE you simply frame, insulate and wrap in one easy efficient operation.

Ray-Core is a local inter-mountain company based out of Idaho Falls, ID. Through its sales and service network local builders are supported in their projects from design through implementation.

Local contact information:

Sam Silvey – Utah Area Sales and Service

Phone: 801-367-8880

Email: ssilvey@raycore.com

Website: www.raycore.com

 

                                        

With more homebuyers looking for energy-efficient features, builders and real estate agents can gain a competitive advantage by being ThermWise. This newsletter offers you the most up-to-date information on energy-efficient building trends and energy-efficient home products in Utah.

For participating single and multifamily builders, Questar Gas® offers a variety of rebates for building ENERGY STAR® qualified homes or units, or installing high-efficiency equipment in the homes you build. The decision to build ThermWise is easier than ever!

For real estate agents, we offer the support and training you need to expertly sell the energy and cost-savings benefits of energy efficient homes. We also deliver appliance rebate information that can make upgrading to energy-efficiency appliances more affordable for your clients.

With free trainings and marketing materials, ThermWise helps you meet homebuyer demand for homes and products that use less energy and deliver cost savings. As a result, you’ll stand apart from your competition.

Visit ThermWise for more information or contact a ThermWise Outreach Specialist:

Bryan Taylor 801-324-5659 btaylor@Questar.com

Jami Walker 866-699-6034 jwalker@ThermWise.com

And please join us for these upcoming events:

UVHBA Building and Technology ShowcaseOctober Provo, UT

Questar Gas and Rocky Mountain Power Builder SummitNovember 13th Salt Lake City, Utah

International Builders ShowJanuary 19th-22nd Las Vegas, Nevada

For more information on how ThermWise can benefit you, please email us at builder@thermwise.com . Or come see us at the Park City Green Living and Building Expo.

The Harris-Dudley Company is a 3rd generation, family owned mechanical contracting company with over 75 years experience in the residential and light commercial market in Utah. We specialize in plumbing, HVAC, radiant heat & cooling, snowmelt, solar thermal and ground source renewable energy systems. We have been installing modern radiant heat systems since 1992 utilizing high efficiency, condensing boilers with thermal efficiencies of 90% of better. We are one of a very small number of local mechanical contractors that provide design and installation of highly efficient, mechanical systems that include renewable energy technologies.

Harris-Dudley in the finishing phase on several large solar thermal systems, most notably a commercial domestic hot water system at the Park City Mountain Resort’s Mid-Mountain Lodge. We also have experience with a variety of less-conventional mechanical systems including, all types of instantaneous hot water systems, heat recovery ventilation (HRV), energy recovery ventilation (ERV), mini-duct forced air systems, hybrid boiler/domestic hot water systems, and we are presently investigating a Combination system that incorporates a Condensing Water Heater, Condensing Furnace, Condensing Boiler and Heat Recovery Ventilator all pre-packed in one super efficient unit.

Welcome to Park’s Edge!
A brand new, 126 Townhome Community, located within minutes from downtown Park City, hiking and biking trails, Park City ski resorts, shopping, and more. Built using durable materials and with an emphasis on energy efficiency, each home is designed for both comfort and style. Select from one of three smartly designed floor plans. Each plan (approximately 1,450 sq.ft.) provides ample living and storage space, perfect for the weekend getaways, friends and family gatherings, or for extended stays. At Park’s Edge we recognize our responsibility to lessen our impact on the environment. On the “Cutting Edge” of Park City!
Pricing starts at $312,000
 
Madeleine Provo, Associate
CHIN |MACQUOID | FLEMING | HARRIS
Office:    435-647-8028
Mobile:  435-640-8097
E-fax:     435-647-8036
www.DeerValleyRealEstate.com

Utah’s (formerly Salt Lake) Clean Cities Coalition ( www.utahcleancities.org ) is one of 85 coalitions around the country that’s part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s strategy to reduce America’s dependence on imported foreign oil. We promote the following energy security strategies: alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), low-fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid electric vehicles and idle reduction. Locally, alternative fuels include compressed natural gas, propane, and to a lesser degree, ethanol and biodiesel.

Since October, 1994, Salt Lake Clean Cities has grown to an independent, non-profit organization made up of approximately 65 governments and private organizations.

The Clean Cities’ collective goal, nationwide, is to reduce this country’s import needs by one million gallons of oil per day by the year 2020. Such a reduction in petroleum use alone will improve air quality through reduced mobile emissions.

Goals:

• Reduce our dependence on foreign oil
• Enhance air quality in the community
• Familiarize fleet managers/operators with the benefits of including AFVs in their fleets
• Stay informed and knowledgeable about new technology, incentives and grants

Encourage involvement and participation because it’s the right thing to do!

Scott Brandeberry

Chairman of Public Awareness for Utah Clean Cities Coalition

Expo Teaches Green Living

By:  Liz Yokubison

We all need to live a little greener to breathe greener.  But for many people, it’s hard to know where to start.  Sure, we can recycle at home, ride to work whenever possible and take our own bags to the grocery store.  But what else can we do?

To help solve this dilemma, Recycle Utah and the Park City Board of Realtors are sponsoring the second annual Living and Building Green Expo.  The expo, which is open to the public and includes over sixty vendors and nonprofits, will be held at the Canyons Grand Summit Hotel on October 17^th from 10am-3pm.

An outgrowth of Build Green Utah’s community outreach, the event is designed for “local builders, contractors, architects and people who want to be green and learn more.  It is very helpful for anyone who is thinking that energy conservation is a good idea or is looking for healthier living options,” says Insa Riepen, Executive Director of Recycle Utah.

For a minimal entry fee of $2 (children are free), attendees can learn about everything from geothermal heating and cooling systems to organic clothing and drought tolerant landscaping.  According to Chairperson, Tom Ward, “This is the showpiece of Park City’s Green Month.  With such a variety of vendors and nonprofits, it certainly is worth the price of admission.”

The event creates a venue for people to look, listen and talk to exhibitors, thereby educating themselves on how to be more earth-friendly.  “Green living means the personal choices that you make on a daily basis such as taking public transportation or using a low flow showerhead to conserve water,” says Ward.

A number of green living exhibitors will be available to answer questions and provide guidance.  Utah Moms for Clean Air will help address concerns about air quality and Mountain Trails Foundation will promote Park City’s trail system as a means to reduce our carbon footprint.  For a healthier environment inside the home, Five Step Carpet Care will showcase residue-free carpet and upholstery cleaning that uses a biodegradable process safe for kids and pets.  Thermwise and Energy Star will show how energy audits and ratings can help reduce gas and electric costs with a few simple strategies.  They will also educate consumers on tax credits and rebates when implementing green solutions.

While many assume green building refers only to new construction, green living and green building are very much interrelated.  According to Ward, “Green building is not only about how you build it, but it is also about choices made when remodeling to reduce energy consumption within your home.”  He promises that all aspects of living and building green will be represented at the expo.

One such example is Nielco Roofing, which sells roofing material that reduces air conditioning use by thirty percent and heat costs by ten percent.  The sustainable metal product, which lasts thirty to fifty years, replaces traditional shingles.  Dennis Duce of Nielco Roofing, says, “There is a perception that green means more expensive, but a lot of things are far more efficient and outlast previously used methods.  The green movement is a very real force in our economy and it makes financial sense just as much as it makes environmental sense.”

In addition, suppliers of tankless water heaters, reclaimed and sustainable hardwood flooring and low VOC paints will also be displaying their products.  Certified Green Professionals, general contractors or trades people certified from the National Association of Home Builders, will be on hand to answer questions.  And of course, solar thermal and solar electric suppliers will be in attendance.

Aside from educating themselves on how to reduce energy consumption in their own homes, expo attendees will also learn about what Park City Municipal is doing for the community as a whole.  Mayor Dana Williams will give a brief presentation on Park City’s sustainability efforts and its use of alternative fuel vehicles.

“Last year’s expo was a really good event and this year it’s going to be even better.  People are more conscious of conservation issues and are more willing to step forward and say:  ‘This is my responsibility.  What can I do about it?’  This is just the venue in which they can find out,” says Riepen.

For more information visit www.recycleutah.org or contact Tom Ward at 435-647-3727.