Greencastle, Inc. practices green building practices to deliver a high quality green home to their clients.
From their website...
Greencastle, Inc. is a Southwest Florida custom home builder focusing on hurricane-resistant, super energy efficient, Green building practices. We strongly encourage the use of Energy Star appliances, impact resistant glass, sustainable construction methods, recyclable products, and especially I.C.F. (Insulating Concrete Forms) exterior wall construction. The end result - A house that uses a fraction of the energy of a conventionally built house, offers unsurpassed security, and comfort that speaks for itself, quietly.
Our vision is based upon building houses which are green, high efficiency, sustainable, storm, fire, termite and mold resistant, quiet, comfortable, and with greater indoor air quality. That sure sounds like a tall order, but we assure you that it is achievable and affordable!Some builders make their money by dealing in volume and selling upgrades. They want to build as many houses as possible to the minimum level of acceptability, while we focus on building homes of quality that you will enjoy for years to come.
Greencastle, Inc. was established in 2004 by Shawn and Natalia Harvey after starting and operating a successful remodeling company in Northern Virginia for seven years. Tired of snow and ice, they relocated to sunny Cape Coral, Florida.Greencastle, Inc. is a small company with big ideas.
Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Many homeowners overlook their garage door when remodeling their green home. Wooden garage doors require extra maintenance, painting and are damaged by weather and termites. Garage Door Florida has the new generation of green garage doors. Made of composite materials they have the look and style of wooden doors without the maintenance. Each Garage Door Florida Garage door is custom made for your home. Your Garage Door Florida door is more insulated and energy efficient that typical wooden garage doors.For more information please visit www.garagedoorflorida.com
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Housewatch: Building Green Without Losing Greenbacks
washingtonpost.com
By Katherine Salant
Although home builders have the opportunity to make a huge impact on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming, very few mention it in their sales pitches.
To make a difference, home builders do not have to reinvent the house; they simply have to build ones that use less energy. Their challenges are minor compared with those faced by automakers shifting to plug-in hybrids, electric, and hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered cars. Builders can achieve significantly higher rates of energy efficiency with only a few minor changes: plugging air leaks in the building envelope so that the owner will not be heating or cooling the great outdoors; sealing the ducts that deliver heating and air conditioning with mastic glue instead of tape, which can disintegrate; installing better windows with a low-emissivity coating; and adding more insulation to basements, crawl spaces, walls and attics.
Other changes will help, such as increasing roof overhangs to shade windows in summer; building houses to minimize western exposures to the hot summer sun; and planting fast-growing shade trees after houses are built.
How much would such modest changes add to the cost of a house? During the recent boom years, they might have added as much as 4 percent. In today's market, the added cost probably would be closer to 1 percent because a builder can get good work from subcontractors at very competitive prices, said Ron Jones, president of GreenBuilder Media and a builder for more than 30 years.
This added cost might discourage some builders. But the main reason that most are not pushing energy efficiency is their desire to avoid debate about a subject that they sense the buying public rejects -- and one that could affect their sales, said Jones, who is also a director of the National Association of Home Builders and is in frequent contact with builders all over the country. He was instrumental in establishing NAHB's green building certification program.
"Home builders tend to be stubborn and absorb change slowly, but above all," Jones emphasized, "home builders are business people who want to sell houses, and they approach most things pragmatically.
"They are not going to focus on global warming because they have observed the public's skepticism, and they don't want to scare off potential customers," he said. "Instead, builders are promoting energy savings as a way to save money. They'll wait for the client to talk about improved energy savings and climate change."
Kevin Morrow, NAHB's green building senior program manager, said most builders think the best way to sell energy efficiency to "today's value-conscious consumers" is to show the money saved on utility bills. But, he said, "the end point is still the same." Energy-efficient houses reduce the emissions that are causing climate change.
Sam Rashkin, program manager for the federal government's Energy Star for Homes program, said he also takes a neutral, "bipartisan approach" in offering reasons to save energy. "If I bring up climate change, I will offend 50 percent of my audience -- I will see a body language change," Rashkin said. His solution has been to tailor the message to the audience.
For builders, Rashkin promotes energy savings as a way to compete against foreclosed houses. For homeowners, he emphasizes energy savings as a way to lower utility bills. With both groups, Rashkin shows that home energy efficiency benefits everyone, homeowner or not, because it reduces the overall dependence on foreign sources for oil and natural gas used at home.
For rest of article please visit www.washingtonpost.com
© 2010 The Washington Post Company
By Katherine Salant
Although home builders have the opportunity to make a huge impact on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming, very few mention it in their sales pitches.
To make a difference, home builders do not have to reinvent the house; they simply have to build ones that use less energy. Their challenges are minor compared with those faced by automakers shifting to plug-in hybrids, electric, and hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered cars. Builders can achieve significantly higher rates of energy efficiency with only a few minor changes: plugging air leaks in the building envelope so that the owner will not be heating or cooling the great outdoors; sealing the ducts that deliver heating and air conditioning with mastic glue instead of tape, which can disintegrate; installing better windows with a low-emissivity coating; and adding more insulation to basements, crawl spaces, walls and attics.
Other changes will help, such as increasing roof overhangs to shade windows in summer; building houses to minimize western exposures to the hot summer sun; and planting fast-growing shade trees after houses are built.
How much would such modest changes add to the cost of a house? During the recent boom years, they might have added as much as 4 percent. In today's market, the added cost probably would be closer to 1 percent because a builder can get good work from subcontractors at very competitive prices, said Ron Jones, president of GreenBuilder Media and a builder for more than 30 years.
This added cost might discourage some builders. But the main reason that most are not pushing energy efficiency is their desire to avoid debate about a subject that they sense the buying public rejects -- and one that could affect their sales, said Jones, who is also a director of the National Association of Home Builders and is in frequent contact with builders all over the country. He was instrumental in establishing NAHB's green building certification program.
"Home builders tend to be stubborn and absorb change slowly, but above all," Jones emphasized, "home builders are business people who want to sell houses, and they approach most things pragmatically.
"They are not going to focus on global warming because they have observed the public's skepticism, and they don't want to scare off potential customers," he said. "Instead, builders are promoting energy savings as a way to save money. They'll wait for the client to talk about improved energy savings and climate change."
Kevin Morrow, NAHB's green building senior program manager, said most builders think the best way to sell energy efficiency to "today's value-conscious consumers" is to show the money saved on utility bills. But, he said, "the end point is still the same." Energy-efficient houses reduce the emissions that are causing climate change.
Sam Rashkin, program manager for the federal government's Energy Star for Homes program, said he also takes a neutral, "bipartisan approach" in offering reasons to save energy. "If I bring up climate change, I will offend 50 percent of my audience -- I will see a body language change," Rashkin said. His solution has been to tailor the message to the audience.
For builders, Rashkin promotes energy savings as a way to compete against foreclosed houses. For homeowners, he emphasizes energy savings as a way to lower utility bills. With both groups, Rashkin shows that home energy efficiency benefits everyone, homeowner or not, because it reduces the overall dependence on foreign sources for oil and natural gas used at home.
For rest of article please visit www.washingtonpost.com
© 2010 The Washington Post Company
he state owes Floridians $52.7 million in unpaid solar energy rebates and has no immediate plan to honor its financial promise.
More than 15,800 people await the rebates, which were dangled before homeowners and businesses to encourage greater investment in solar energy technologies such as solar-power water heaters and electric systems.
The state's new fiscal year, which started in July, marks the second consecutive year that the Florida Legislature has refused to fund the popular program.
Some people have been on the waiting list for years, said Travis Yelverton, deputy director of the Governor's Energy Office.
Independent gubernatorial candidate Bud Chiles has made the state's stalled renewable energy plan a campaign bulwark and flagged the unfunded rebates Monday as he toured Solar Source, a solar installation company in Largo.
He called the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster an alarm bell.
"Florida consumers are getting a much better sense that fossil fuels cost more than the $3 you put in at the pump," said Chiles, who drives a Toyota Prius. "There is a real pressure mounting."
The rebate program kicked off in 2006, but soon lost political capital as lawmakers looked to close billion-dollar budget gaps.
Homeowners and businesses could apply for rebates ranging from $500 for a solar water heater to $100,000 for a commercial roof system.
"Do I think they should be funded? Absolutely," said Sen. Michael Bennett, R-Bradenton, who introduced renewable energy legislation in the past to mixed results. "We just don't have any money." Bennett said solar companies that promised rebates to their customers also share some blame. "They didn't say, 'You'll only get the rebate if (the money) doesn't run out,' " he said.
Environmental activists said they weren't surprised by the program's neglect, which they linked to the Republican-led Legislature's unwillingness to promote new energy sources.
"The fact that there is no funding there demonstrates a complete lack of understanding by the leadership in the Legislature," said Cathy Harrelson, a St. Petersburg activist who organized a Hands Across the Sand offshore oil drilling protest in St. Pete Beach in June. "As I see it, the state of Florida has a contract with these people and they need to pony up."
Chiles was the first gubernatorial candidate to outline an energy plan. In June, he vowed to create a renewable energy loan fund and require utilities to set targets to conserve energy. He also called on Florida power companies to produce 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, a plan Gov. Charlie Crist touted early in his tenure, but could not get through the Legislature.
In Largo on Monday, Chiles lambasted the Legislature for paying deference to the state's powerful energy companies. "I don't know any industries that are more dinosaur-like," he said.
"You guys are like the messiah to the clean energy industry," said Wayne Wallace, president of Solar Source, before handing over a $50 campaign contribution and a promise to vote for Chiles.
Democrat Alex Sink proposed a similar energy plan last month that called for a "renewable portfolio standard," which would require electric companies to use a certain amount of clean energy to fuel their power plants by a set date.
Last week Republican Bill McCollum unveiled his plan, which calls for letting the free market sort out "expensive" wind and solar energy sources, partnering with private business to develop electric plug-in vehicles and removing regulatory barriers to expedite biofuel production.
His primary rival, Rick Scott, has not detailed his energy ideas. Scott has said he does not believe in climate change. He supports offshore drilling and expanding nuclear power.
Cristina Silva can be reached at (727) 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.
More than 15,800 people await the rebates, which were dangled before homeowners and businesses to encourage greater investment in solar energy technologies such as solar-power water heaters and electric systems.
The state's new fiscal year, which started in July, marks the second consecutive year that the Florida Legislature has refused to fund the popular program.
Some people have been on the waiting list for years, said Travis Yelverton, deputy director of the Governor's Energy Office.
Independent gubernatorial candidate Bud Chiles has made the state's stalled renewable energy plan a campaign bulwark and flagged the unfunded rebates Monday as he toured Solar Source, a solar installation company in Largo.
He called the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster an alarm bell.
"Florida consumers are getting a much better sense that fossil fuels cost more than the $3 you put in at the pump," said Chiles, who drives a Toyota Prius. "There is a real pressure mounting."
The rebate program kicked off in 2006, but soon lost political capital as lawmakers looked to close billion-dollar budget gaps.
Homeowners and businesses could apply for rebates ranging from $500 for a solar water heater to $100,000 for a commercial roof system.
"Do I think they should be funded? Absolutely," said Sen. Michael Bennett, R-Bradenton, who introduced renewable energy legislation in the past to mixed results. "We just don't have any money." Bennett said solar companies that promised rebates to their customers also share some blame. "They didn't say, 'You'll only get the rebate if (the money) doesn't run out,' " he said.
Environmental activists said they weren't surprised by the program's neglect, which they linked to the Republican-led Legislature's unwillingness to promote new energy sources.
"The fact that there is no funding there demonstrates a complete lack of understanding by the leadership in the Legislature," said Cathy Harrelson, a St. Petersburg activist who organized a Hands Across the Sand offshore oil drilling protest in St. Pete Beach in June. "As I see it, the state of Florida has a contract with these people and they need to pony up."
Chiles was the first gubernatorial candidate to outline an energy plan. In June, he vowed to create a renewable energy loan fund and require utilities to set targets to conserve energy. He also called on Florida power companies to produce 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, a plan Gov. Charlie Crist touted early in his tenure, but could not get through the Legislature.
In Largo on Monday, Chiles lambasted the Legislature for paying deference to the state's powerful energy companies. "I don't know any industries that are more dinosaur-like," he said.
"You guys are like the messiah to the clean energy industry," said Wayne Wallace, president of Solar Source, before handing over a $50 campaign contribution and a promise to vote for Chiles.
Democrat Alex Sink proposed a similar energy plan last month that called for a "renewable portfolio standard," which would require electric companies to use a certain amount of clean energy to fuel their power plants by a set date.
Last week Republican Bill McCollum unveiled his plan, which calls for letting the free market sort out "expensive" wind and solar energy sources, partnering with private business to develop electric plug-in vehicles and removing regulatory barriers to expedite biofuel production.
His primary rival, Rick Scott, has not detailed his energy ideas. Scott has said he does not believe in climate change. He supports offshore drilling and expanding nuclear power.
Cristina Silva can be reached at (727) 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.
Florida Green Homes, LLC. specializes in the construction of Certified Green and Hurricane Resistant, Energy and Water Efficient, Eco-Friendly Homes.There is really no way to place a value on your family’s health. A Certified “Green Home” built by Florida Green homes provides a safe and healthy environment for you and your family that can drastically reduce trips to the Doctor and even life threatening illnesses by keeping out dust, allergens, pollutants, black mold spores, and insects.
We use only Zero VOC paint, Certified Green Cabinetry and Carpet and Rug Institute Certified Green Carpet.
Our homes are built without products containing formaldehyde, chlorofluorocarbon, asbestos, and fiberglass which can cause serious illness and long term effects that can put a strain on your family’s budget financially.
The price for your family’s health… It’s immeasurable!
That’s why we build our homes the way we do!
Build Green and stay healthy. It’s our Standard!
It is our standard to make the world a better place by providing a healthy environment in and outside of your home, by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, improving both air and water quality, and protecting ecosystems.
An average 2,000 sf home built with ICF construction saves up to 47 trees and creates no ozone depletion.
Eugene Pan, Systems Administrator for NY Post IT Department:
I have been always very considerate of an environment and have been a member of a “Green Party” for many years. Our world promptly becomes soiled, resources are exhausted. Unfortunately, construction process can lead to environment and ecosystem destruction.
It is known that the modern person spends at the house more than 85 % of time. There is a question: whether it is possible to create such house in which residing conditions would be approached to the ideal as much as possible? It appears to be possible. These houses are called "Green". Green homes have such doubtless advantages as harmony with an environment, economy of energy, water, materials and resources, quality of water and pure air.
There is an opinion that green construction – is a whim of wealthy people. New technologies are more expensive than the traditional methods used by decades, but calculations show that in 8-10 years the choice of a "green" house pays off and also an ownership of such a house starts to make a profit. Florida Green Homes proved that construction of a green house doesn’t cost me more than the construction of traditionally built one. I am very happy with my choice of a green house which keeps my family in good health and is environment friendly. Also it is really important to me that my house is hurricane resistant and is very quite.
Construction of green houses remains the main world tendency of our time. "Green houses" are houses being in harmony with environment and people living in them.
Jeff Vasilevskiy - President
“After the tragedy in New Orleans, in which hurricane Katrina devastated so many lives, my concern was to create a hurricane-resistant home that will not only be safe and energy efficient but affordable as well. In the past three years we have developed one of the best products in the green construction industry. Now I’m proud to say, “Florida Green Homes are one of the safest structures in the world.” Together, with our team of professionals we are eager to show you how an affordable, highly energy efficient, healthy, environmentally friendly and certified green home can save you money and change your life.
We use only Zero VOC paint, Certified Green Cabinetry and Carpet and Rug Institute Certified Green Carpet.
Our homes are built without products containing formaldehyde, chlorofluorocarbon, asbestos, and fiberglass which can cause serious illness and long term effects that can put a strain on your family’s budget financially.
The price for your family’s health… It’s immeasurable!
That’s why we build our homes the way we do!
Build Green and stay healthy. It’s our Standard!
It is our standard to make the world a better place by providing a healthy environment in and outside of your home, by reducing waste, conserving natural resources, improving both air and water quality, and protecting ecosystems.
An average 2,000 sf home built with ICF construction saves up to 47 trees and creates no ozone depletion.
Eugene Pan, Systems Administrator for NY Post IT Department:
I have been always very considerate of an environment and have been a member of a “Green Party” for many years. Our world promptly becomes soiled, resources are exhausted. Unfortunately, construction process can lead to environment and ecosystem destruction.
It is known that the modern person spends at the house more than 85 % of time. There is a question: whether it is possible to create such house in which residing conditions would be approached to the ideal as much as possible? It appears to be possible. These houses are called "Green". Green homes have such doubtless advantages as harmony with an environment, economy of energy, water, materials and resources, quality of water and pure air.
There is an opinion that green construction – is a whim of wealthy people. New technologies are more expensive than the traditional methods used by decades, but calculations show that in 8-10 years the choice of a "green" house pays off and also an ownership of such a house starts to make a profit. Florida Green Homes proved that construction of a green house doesn’t cost me more than the construction of traditionally built one. I am very happy with my choice of a green house which keeps my family in good health and is environment friendly. Also it is really important to me that my house is hurricane resistant and is very quite.
Construction of green houses remains the main world tendency of our time. "Green houses" are houses being in harmony with environment and people living in them.
Jeff Vasilevskiy - President
“After the tragedy in New Orleans, in which hurricane Katrina devastated so many lives, my concern was to create a hurricane-resistant home that will not only be safe and energy efficient but affordable as well. In the past three years we have developed one of the best products in the green construction industry. Now I’m proud to say, “Florida Green Homes are one of the safest structures in the world.” Together, with our team of professionals we are eager to show you how an affordable, highly energy efficient, healthy, environmentally friendly and certified green home can save you money and change your life.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Garage Door Maintenance Can be Reduced with Green Garage Doors
Though they look relatively simple in construction, garage doors actually have many components, especially if they’re hooked up to an electric opener.Because of this level of complexity—and the fact that a garage door must stand up against harsh weather—a garage door may suffer from any of several problems.
The most common problem is that the door becomes difficult to lift and lower. This may be something that can be resolved with a few simple adjustments and basic maintenance, or it may be more serious. If the door is connected to an electric opener, the first clue is to disconnect opener mechanism from the door by pulling the release cord or lever. If the door works fine manually, the problem is with the electric opener; in this case, consult your owner’s manual or call a garage door opener repair pro.
Wooden Garage Doors Require More Maintenance
If you have a wood door, be sure to keep it properly painted or stained, both outside and inside. If you finish only the outside of a garage door, the door may warp and the moisture will subvert the paint, causing it to peel. Manufacturers of wood doors recommend you initially paint both the inside and outside and repaint the exterior surface every year or two.
A door that seems unusually heavy to lift may have a problem with spring tension. Garage door springs are under extreme tension because of the loads they must lift, and this makes them dangerous to adjust. If your door’s springs are out of adjustment, do not attempt to work on them yourself. Call a qualified garage door company.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
The most common problem is that the door becomes difficult to lift and lower. This may be something that can be resolved with a few simple adjustments and basic maintenance, or it may be more serious. If the door is connected to an electric opener, the first clue is to disconnect opener mechanism from the door by pulling the release cord or lever. If the door works fine manually, the problem is with the electric opener; in this case, consult your owner’s manual or call a garage door opener repair pro.
Wooden Garage Doors Require More Maintenance
If you have a wood door, be sure to keep it properly painted or stained, both outside and inside. If you finish only the outside of a garage door, the door may warp and the moisture will subvert the paint, causing it to peel. Manufacturers of wood doors recommend you initially paint both the inside and outside and repaint the exterior surface every year or two.
A door that seems unusually heavy to lift may have a problem with spring tension. Garage door springs are under extreme tension because of the loads they must lift, and this makes them dangerous to adjust. If your door’s springs are out of adjustment, do not attempt to work on them yourself. Call a qualified garage door company.
Blog Sponsor: Garage Door Florida
Garage Door Florida is an educational website for homeowners and consumers who are considering purchasing a new garage door. The Garage Door Florida website provides information on Eden Coast Custom Garage Doors which are crafted from composite materials and color matched to your home.There are many advantages to a Garage Door in Florida that looks great and will not need nearly the amount of maintenance a wooden garage door would need. For more information on how your home can have an Eden Coast Garage Door please visit the website Garage Door Florida.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)