Entries tagged with “Green Tips” from enrgPATH Grassroots
Approximately 95% of the energy output of a standard incandescent light bulb is given off as heat, while only 5% is given off as light. What are the other options out there?
CFLs: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are a smaller version of the fluorescent tubes everyone is familiar with.
Use 50 - 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
Last up to 10 times longer than incandescents
Replacing one incandescent with one CFL will reduce CO2 emissions by 700 - 1,000 lbs. over its lifetime
Can be installed into a standard socket
Use the "15 minute rule" - the life of the bulb is decreased when a CFL is frequently turned on an off. If you're leaving the room for less than 15 minutes, leave the CFL turned on.
Can't all be used on dimmers
Should be covered if used outdoors
Not recommended for spotlighting
Contain small amounts of mercury and must be disposed of properly to prevent contamination
When choosing a CFL, compare Lumens (amount of light produced), not Watts (energy usage), to the current incandescent light bulb
LEDs: Light Emitting Diodes have generally been used in electronic clocks and panels and Christmas lights, but are making their way to the mainstream market.
Use 50% less energy than incandescent bulbs - are becoming more efficient every year while CFLs are not7
Last up to 133 times longer than incandescents and 10 times longer than CFLs - 100,000 to 1 million hrs1
Very durable
Produce 96% less heat than incandescent lamps
Replacing one incandescent with one LED will reduce CO2 emissions by over 9,000 lbs. over its lifetime (EcoLEDs brand)
Do not contain mercury
Not recommended for flood lighting - they don't have a "lamp", but have a lens that focuses and directs light
Can be used with dimmers
Turn on instantly and don't wear down when turned on and off frequently
The initial cost is much higher, but LEDs pay for themselves in 1-2 years
Halogen: Typically used in street lamps, but also have other applications.
More efficient than CFLs
Last twice as long as incandescent lamps
Save 20% of the energy of incandescents
Operate at slightly higher temperatures, and put out UV rays at a slightly higher rate than incandescents
Mercury
One CFL contains enough mercury to poison 7,000 gallons of fresh water, so it is important to dispose of CFLs and fluorescent tubes properly to avoid mercury poisoning or contamination. The best option is to take them to the local hazardous waste collection center. For the Des Moines area, this is located:
Regional Collection Center
1105 Prairie Drive SW
Bondurant, Iowa 50035
(515) 967-5512
www.mwatoday.com/mwa_reg.html
Look for Energy Star CFLs. These have been certified with known mercury levels, and usually have a longer lifetime.
You can also go online and order a bucket to collect your old CFLs and ship it back for recycling when it's full. Visit www.lamprecycling.com for more information.
Dimmers
Another way to increase the efficiency of your lighting is to install dimmers. Dimmers decrease the amount of energy a light bulb is using, and therefore increase the efficiency of any type of bulb you choose to use.
To get the most out of your dimmer, be sure to match the type of dimmer with the specific type of light bulb you are going to install.
Be aware that a CFL may say "dimmable" on the box, but the fine print may say "not to be used with dimmers".
For more information:
EarthEasy - www.eartheasy.com
Sierra Club - www.sierraclub.org
National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) - www.nrdc.org
Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities - www.iamu.org
Iowa Association of Energy Efficiency - www.iowaenergy.org
Iowa Energy Center - www.energy.iastate.edu
Lighting Research Center - www.lrc.rpi.edu
Sources:
1Eartheasy.com
2Lutron.com
3Pruitt, Amy, The Lamplighter
4Raver, David, RDG Planning & Design
5LEDProfessional.com
6ScienceMode.com
7PESWiki.com
8Wikipedia
Compiled by
Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager
Center on Sustainable Communities
www.icosc.com
CFLs: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are a smaller version of the fluorescent tubes everyone is familiar with.
Use 50 - 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
Last up to 10 times longer than incandescents
Replacing one incandescent with one CFL will reduce CO2 emissions by 700 - 1,000 lbs. over its lifetime
Can be installed into a standard socket
Use the "15 minute rule" - the life of the bulb is decreased when a CFL is frequently turned on an off. If you're leaving the room for less than 15 minutes, leave the CFL turned on.
Can't all be used on dimmers
Should be covered if used outdoors
Not recommended for spotlighting
Contain small amounts of mercury and must be disposed of properly to prevent contamination
When choosing a CFL, compare Lumens (amount of light produced), not Watts (energy usage), to the current incandescent light bulb
LEDs: Light Emitting Diodes have generally been used in electronic clocks and panels and Christmas lights, but are making their way to the mainstream market.
Use 50% less energy than incandescent bulbs - are becoming more efficient every year while CFLs are not7
Last up to 133 times longer than incandescents and 10 times longer than CFLs - 100,000 to 1 million hrs1
Very durable
Produce 96% less heat than incandescent lamps
Replacing one incandescent with one LED will reduce CO2 emissions by over 9,000 lbs. over its lifetime (EcoLEDs brand)
Do not contain mercury
Not recommended for flood lighting - they don't have a "lamp", but have a lens that focuses and directs light
Can be used with dimmers
Turn on instantly and don't wear down when turned on and off frequently
The initial cost is much higher, but LEDs pay for themselves in 1-2 years
Halogen: Typically used in street lamps, but also have other applications.
More efficient than CFLs
Last twice as long as incandescent lamps
Save 20% of the energy of incandescents
Operate at slightly higher temperatures, and put out UV rays at a slightly higher rate than incandescents
Mercury
One CFL contains enough mercury to poison 7,000 gallons of fresh water, so it is important to dispose of CFLs and fluorescent tubes properly to avoid mercury poisoning or contamination. The best option is to take them to the local hazardous waste collection center. For the Des Moines area, this is located:
Regional Collection Center
1105 Prairie Drive SW
Bondurant, Iowa 50035
(515) 967-5512
www.mwatoday.com/mwa_reg.html
Look for Energy Star CFLs. These have been certified with known mercury levels, and usually have a longer lifetime.
You can also go online and order a bucket to collect your old CFLs and ship it back for recycling when it's full. Visit www.lamprecycling.com for more information.
Dimmers
Another way to increase the efficiency of your lighting is to install dimmers. Dimmers decrease the amount of energy a light bulb is using, and therefore increase the efficiency of any type of bulb you choose to use.
To get the most out of your dimmer, be sure to match the type of dimmer with the specific type of light bulb you are going to install.
Be aware that a CFL may say "dimmable" on the box, but the fine print may say "not to be used with dimmers".
For more information:
EarthEasy - www.eartheasy.com
Sierra Club - www.sierraclub.org
National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) - www.nrdc.org
Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities - www.iamu.org
Iowa Association of Energy Efficiency - www.iowaenergy.org
Iowa Energy Center - www.energy.iastate.edu
Lighting Research Center - www.lrc.rpi.edu
Sources:
1Eartheasy.com
2Lutron.com
3Pruitt, Amy, The Lamplighter
4Raver, David, RDG Planning & Design
5LEDProfessional.com
6ScienceMode.com
7PESWiki.com
8Wikipedia
Compiled by
Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager
Center on Sustainable Communities
www.icosc.com
Concrete is used more than any other manmade material on the planet.7 It's a very strong and long-lasting material and has a great number of uses, but it also has high embodied energy: it takes a lot of energy to produce.
For every ton of cement manufactured, about 6.5 million BTUs of energy are consumed.3
For every ton of cement manufactured, about one ton of carbon dioxide is released.3
However, there are steps being taken to make concrete into an even better product. Fly Ash and Slag Cement are both being used in place of Portland cement, which lowers the embodied energy, conserves virgin materials and reduces pollution.2
Fly Ash:
A by product of coal fired electric generating plants. Millions of tons are produced in the U.S. annually. Using it in concrete diverts it from going to the landfill.1
Replacing 1 ton of Portland cement with fly ash would save enough electricity to power the average American home for 24 days and reduce carbon dioxide emissions equal to two months use of an automobile.3,4
Can be used sparingly or in large amounts to replace Portland cement by up to 60% by mass7
Improves the strength of concrete1
The tiny glass beads in Fly ash improve flow, workability and ease of pumping1, 3
Requires up to 10% less water to mix than Portland cement, so it conserves resources, is easier to use in cold weather and is less likely to crack1, 3
Somewhat lighter than Portland cement1
Meets applicable U.S. codes1
In 2003 over 15 million tons of cement were imported into the US to make up for a shortage in US cement production. If domestic fly ash had replaced those imports, the result would have been an improvement in the US balance of trade of at least $1 billion.4
There are some concerns about freeze-thaw performance1
It comes from operations in different regions, so its mineral makeup may not be consistent1
Slag Cement (Ground granulated blast furnace slag):
A by product of steel production. Its use in concrete diverts it from the landfill.7
Used to partially replace Portland cement by up to 80% by mass and conserves virgin resources7
Like Fly ash, replacing one ton of Portland cement reduces greenhouse gas emissions by one ton5
Improves the strength and durability of hardened concrete5
Uses 3-5% less water than Portland cement6
Like Fly ash, slag improves flow, workability and ease of pumping6
Slag requires less than 1/5 of the energy to produce than cement and produces less than 1/10 of the CO2 emissions7
Concrete recycling
Concrete is recyclable, with 45 to 80% of crushed concrete usable as aggregate in new construction.3 Concrete debris was once routinely shipped to landfills for disposal, but recycling is becoming more widely used. This saves landfill space and using recycled concrete as aggregate reduces the need for gravel mining.7
Crushing facilities accept only uncontaminated concrete, which must be free of trash, wood, paper and other such materials.7
Concrete in Framing & Foundations
ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms):
Foam forms that are set in position and filled with reinforced concrete and reinforcement bar to create insulated structural walls1
Great for foundations and above-grade walls11
Insulating foam provides an ideal curing environment, leading to stronger concrete11
Provide an R-value of 17-261
ICFs absorb sound, leading to a 75% quieter home8
Average energy savings of 25-50% vs wood framed home8
ICF foundations require less time to install than traditional1
SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels):
Pre-made panels made from a thick layer of foam between and attached to two layers of OSB, plywood or fiber-cement1
Used above-grade (for walls, floors and roofs)11
Provide an R-value of 15-4511
Panels can reach long distances without structural support and are suitable for large-span roofing applications11
Panels are made off-site and can create any shape11
No need to locate studs when drywalling11
Can also use agricultural fibers instead of foam1
Both ICFs and SIPs
Insulation doesn't settle like other types can11
Concrete framing is more likely to withstand hurricanes and other severe weather8
A tighter building envelope increases energy efficiency and air infiltration, but proper ventilation is needed to control indoor air quality and humidity11
Both buffer the home from extreme air temperatures11, 8
Any siding can be used11
Some providers incorporate recycled content foam11
Pre-planning reduces on-site waste11
Can look just like traditionally built homes8
Both require an experienced contractor to install9
Last longer in fire tests than wood framed homes10
Less prone to termites and moisture than wood1
For more information:
Toolbase Services - www.toolbase.org
Greenbuilder.com - www.greenbuilder.com
Green Building Solutions - www.greenbuildingsolutions.org
Sources:
1 Toolbase Services
2Greenbuilder.com
3Headwaters Resources
4King, Bruce, P.E. Making Better Concrete
5Slag Cement Association
6American Concrete Pavement Association
7Wikipedia
8Insulated Concrete Form Association
9U.S. Dept. of Energy - EERE
10Portland Cement Association
11Carol, Deniz, Green Building Solutions
For every ton of cement manufactured, about 6.5 million BTUs of energy are consumed.3
For every ton of cement manufactured, about one ton of carbon dioxide is released.3
However, there are steps being taken to make concrete into an even better product. Fly Ash and Slag Cement are both being used in place of Portland cement, which lowers the embodied energy, conserves virgin materials and reduces pollution.2
Fly Ash:
A by product of coal fired electric generating plants. Millions of tons are produced in the U.S. annually. Using it in concrete diverts it from going to the landfill.1
Replacing 1 ton of Portland cement with fly ash would save enough electricity to power the average American home for 24 days and reduce carbon dioxide emissions equal to two months use of an automobile.3,4
Can be used sparingly or in large amounts to replace Portland cement by up to 60% by mass7
Improves the strength of concrete1
The tiny glass beads in Fly ash improve flow, workability and ease of pumping1, 3
Requires up to 10% less water to mix than Portland cement, so it conserves resources, is easier to use in cold weather and is less likely to crack1, 3
Somewhat lighter than Portland cement1
Meets applicable U.S. codes1
In 2003 over 15 million tons of cement were imported into the US to make up for a shortage in US cement production. If domestic fly ash had replaced those imports, the result would have been an improvement in the US balance of trade of at least $1 billion.4
There are some concerns about freeze-thaw performance1
It comes from operations in different regions, so its mineral makeup may not be consistent1
Slag Cement (Ground granulated blast furnace slag):
A by product of steel production. Its use in concrete diverts it from the landfill.7
Used to partially replace Portland cement by up to 80% by mass and conserves virgin resources7
Like Fly ash, replacing one ton of Portland cement reduces greenhouse gas emissions by one ton5
Improves the strength and durability of hardened concrete5
Uses 3-5% less water than Portland cement6
Like Fly ash, slag improves flow, workability and ease of pumping6
Slag requires less than 1/5 of the energy to produce than cement and produces less than 1/10 of the CO2 emissions7
Concrete recycling
Concrete is recyclable, with 45 to 80% of crushed concrete usable as aggregate in new construction.3 Concrete debris was once routinely shipped to landfills for disposal, but recycling is becoming more widely used. This saves landfill space and using recycled concrete as aggregate reduces the need for gravel mining.7
Crushing facilities accept only uncontaminated concrete, which must be free of trash, wood, paper and other such materials.7
Concrete in Framing & Foundations
ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms):
Foam forms that are set in position and filled with reinforced concrete and reinforcement bar to create insulated structural walls1
Great for foundations and above-grade walls11
Insulating foam provides an ideal curing environment, leading to stronger concrete11
Provide an R-value of 17-261
ICFs absorb sound, leading to a 75% quieter home8
Average energy savings of 25-50% vs wood framed home8
ICF foundations require less time to install than traditional1
SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels):
Pre-made panels made from a thick layer of foam between and attached to two layers of OSB, plywood or fiber-cement1
Used above-grade (for walls, floors and roofs)11
Provide an R-value of 15-4511
Panels can reach long distances without structural support and are suitable for large-span roofing applications11
Panels are made off-site and can create any shape11
No need to locate studs when drywalling11
Can also use agricultural fibers instead of foam1
Both ICFs and SIPs
Insulation doesn't settle like other types can11
Concrete framing is more likely to withstand hurricanes and other severe weather8
A tighter building envelope increases energy efficiency and air infiltration, but proper ventilation is needed to control indoor air quality and humidity11
Both buffer the home from extreme air temperatures11, 8
Any siding can be used11
Some providers incorporate recycled content foam11
Pre-planning reduces on-site waste11
Can look just like traditionally built homes8
Both require an experienced contractor to install9
Last longer in fire tests than wood framed homes10
Less prone to termites and moisture than wood1
For more information:
Toolbase Services - www.toolbase.org
Greenbuilder.com - www.greenbuilder.com
Green Building Solutions - www.greenbuildingsolutions.org
Sources:
1 Toolbase Services
2Greenbuilder.com
3Headwaters Resources
4King, Bruce, P.E. Making Better Concrete
5Slag Cement Association
6American Concrete Pavement Association
7Wikipedia
8Insulated Concrete Form Association
9U.S. Dept. of Energy - EERE
10Portland Cement Association
11Carol, Deniz, Green Building Solutions
An average American meal has traveled between 1,500 and 2,500 miles to get to the table.2
The average American creates about 2.8 tons of CO2 annually by eating and only 2.2 tons of CO2 by driving.4
A typical meal bought from a conventional supermarket chain - including some meat, grains, fruit and vegetables - consumes 4 to 17 times more petroleum for transport than the same meal using local ingredients.2
Farmers in 2002 earned their lowest real net cash income since 1940. Meanwhile corporate agribusiness profits have nearly doubled since 1990 -USDA, 20026
Farmers' Markets -
Farmers' Markets are a great place to buy locally-grown, fresh food and produce. Buying local food saves fossil fuels from transportation, and allows the food to be picked at the peak of flavor. Farmers' Markets also help local farmers get better prices for their products.3 The number of registered farmers' markets in the U.S. has jumped from 300 in the mid-1970s to more than 3,100 today.2
Community Supported Agriculture Farms (CSAs)
CSAs offer a seasonal subscription for a flat fee, were the consumer receives a weekly delivery of fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat, or flowers. By making a financial contribution to the farm, the farmer has more economic security and the consumer has a relationship with where his or her food comes from. Iowa has between forty and fifty CSAs.5
Other Options -
Another great opportunity is to grow what you can in your own garden! Traveling from the back yard, of course, uses the least amount of CO2 (depending on how much you breathe) and will be the freshest and best-tasting.
For more information -
Practical Farmers of Iowa - a state-wide, non-profit organization that promotes profitable, ecologically-sound and community-enhancing approaches to agriculture. Also the Iowa steward of Buy Fresh, Buy Local - www.practicalfarmers.org
Buy Fresh, Buy Local - a marketing program for farmers selling directly to consumers, restaurants and grocers. They also have fliers that list local farms by county who sell produce, meat, eggs, honey, dairy, wine, etc.
Local Harvest - www.localharvest.org includes a searchable database of CSAs, farmers' markets, restaurants, groceries, co-ops and farms.
Slow Food USA -non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America that reflect generations of commitment to the land. At international. national and local levels, including a Des Moines chapter - www.slowfoodusa.org
Iowa Network for Community Agriculture - aims to promote relationships among people who are developing sustainable local food sources that are safe and healthy for people, all creatures, and the land - www.growinca.org
Organic Consumers Association - an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability - www.organicconsumers.org
Local CSAs: (courtesy of Local Harvest)
SalAmander Farms - Bondurant (a member of COSC)
Turtle Farm CSA - Johnston
MYfarmer LLC - Urbandale
The Homestead - Pleasant Hill
L.T. Organic Farm & Restaurant - Waukee
Blue Gate Farm - Chariton
Small Potatoes Farm - Minburn
Sources:
1 Practical Farmers of Iowa
2 Organic Consumers Association
3 Wikipedia
4 Forecast Earth - The Weather Channel
5 Local Harvest
6 Food Routes Network
Buy Fresh, Buy Local DSM Directory: www.law.drake.edu/centers/docs/bfblDirectory07.pdf
Compiled by
Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager
Center on Sustainable Communities
www.icosc.com
The average American creates about 2.8 tons of CO2 annually by eating and only 2.2 tons of CO2 by driving.4
A typical meal bought from a conventional supermarket chain - including some meat, grains, fruit and vegetables - consumes 4 to 17 times more petroleum for transport than the same meal using local ingredients.2
Farmers in 2002 earned their lowest real net cash income since 1940. Meanwhile corporate agribusiness profits have nearly doubled since 1990 -USDA, 20026
Farmers' Markets -
Farmers' Markets are a great place to buy locally-grown, fresh food and produce. Buying local food saves fossil fuels from transportation, and allows the food to be picked at the peak of flavor. Farmers' Markets also help local farmers get better prices for their products.3 The number of registered farmers' markets in the U.S. has jumped from 300 in the mid-1970s to more than 3,100 today.2
Community Supported Agriculture Farms (CSAs)
CSAs offer a seasonal subscription for a flat fee, were the consumer receives a weekly delivery of fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat, or flowers. By making a financial contribution to the farm, the farmer has more economic security and the consumer has a relationship with where his or her food comes from. Iowa has between forty and fifty CSAs.5
Other Options -
Another great opportunity is to grow what you can in your own garden! Traveling from the back yard, of course, uses the least amount of CO2 (depending on how much you breathe) and will be the freshest and best-tasting.
For more information -
Practical Farmers of Iowa - a state-wide, non-profit organization that promotes profitable, ecologically-sound and community-enhancing approaches to agriculture. Also the Iowa steward of Buy Fresh, Buy Local - www.practicalfarmers.org
Buy Fresh, Buy Local - a marketing program for farmers selling directly to consumers, restaurants and grocers. They also have fliers that list local farms by county who sell produce, meat, eggs, honey, dairy, wine, etc.
Local Harvest - www.localharvest.org includes a searchable database of CSAs, farmers' markets, restaurants, groceries, co-ops and farms.
Slow Food USA -non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America that reflect generations of commitment to the land. At international. national and local levels, including a Des Moines chapter - www.slowfoodusa.org
Iowa Network for Community Agriculture - aims to promote relationships among people who are developing sustainable local food sources that are safe and healthy for people, all creatures, and the land - www.growinca.org
Organic Consumers Association - an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability - www.organicconsumers.org
Local CSAs: (courtesy of Local Harvest)
SalAmander Farms - Bondurant (a member of COSC)
Turtle Farm CSA - Johnston
MYfarmer LLC - Urbandale
The Homestead - Pleasant Hill
L.T. Organic Farm & Restaurant - Waukee
Blue Gate Farm - Chariton
Small Potatoes Farm - Minburn
Sources:
1 Practical Farmers of Iowa
2 Organic Consumers Association
3 Wikipedia
4 Forecast Earth - The Weather Channel
5 Local Harvest
6 Food Routes Network
Buy Fresh, Buy Local DSM Directory: www.law.drake.edu/centers/docs/bfblDirectory07.pdf
Compiled by
Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager
Center on Sustainable Communities
www.icosc.com
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