Environment - "Green" Building & Home
The way we build our environment is changing. Whether you are a homebuyer, educator, student, designer, builder, contractor, real estate professional, we have resources on a broad range of "Green" topics that will help you make informative choices on whatever your need is. This page is your "Green" resource center. Browse links and read articles that will help you:
- Hire the right talent
- How to check a contractor's license
- Learn "Green" industry trends
- Latest information on "Green" building and home improvements
- Identify "Green" electronic and appliances
- Understand the cost to live "Green"
Hiring Tips: Worker Guide: Understanding how to hire a contractor
Green Contractor Guide – California Directory (by County)
U. S. Green Building Council
U. S. Department of Energy – 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor
Hiring Tips: Check the Contractor's License
Hiring Tips: Look for Certified Green Building Professionals
Hiring Tips: Hiring an Architect
Sustainable design, or "green" building, is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels. This site offers a consumer's guide to hiring a California architect who has the ability to produce projects that conserve resources, provide healthy environments for users and occupants, and reduce the impacts of building construction and operations on future generations.
Green Info: What is Green Building?
According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.
Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:
- Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
- Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
- Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation
Green Info: Why Green Building?
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency -Green Building – Why Build Green?
Green Info: California's Green Building Directory
Department of General Services – California's Green Building Directory
Green Info: Facts About Your Home
Green Contractor Guide – Green Info: Latest Articles: Fast Facts About Your Home
Green Info: 16 Ways to Green Your Home
Green Contractor Guide – Green Info: Latest Articles: 16 Ways to Green Your Home
Green Info: San Francisco Adopts Green Building Standards
Green Contractor Guide – Green Info: Latest Articles: San Francisco Adopts Green Building Standards
Green Info: Green Product Directory
U. S. Department of Energy – Clothes Washers for Consumers
Dehumidifiers
U. S. Department of Energy – Dehumidifiers for Consumers
Dishwasher
U. S. Department of Energy – Dishwashers for Consumers
Refrigerators & Freezers
U. S. Department of Energy – Refrigerators for Consumers
Room AC
U. S. Department of Energy – Room Air Conditioning for Consumers
Room Air Cleaners
U. S. Department of Energy – Room Air Cleaners for Consumers
If you need to repair your household or electronic appliances, check the repairer's license before you hire!
Department of Consumer Affairs – License Search for Service and Repair Dealers
Green Info: California Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - California
Guideline: Proper Ways to Dispose and Recycle Appliance
Earth 911 – Find Recycling Centers and Learn How To Recycle/
Guideline: How to Spot Fake "Green" Cleaning Products
Utility Consumer's Action Network (non-profit) - How to Spot Fake "Green" Cleaning Products
Guidelines: Green Building Checklists
The Green Building Guidelines - Build it Green
These guidelines were developed and refined by a diverse set of residential building stakeholders including production builders, contractors, architects and designers, multifamily home developers, state and local government leaders, regional and national building-science experts, product manufacturers and suppliers, and green building advocates. In the past six years, numerous local governments have adopted and use the Guidelines.
Making your home more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR
U. S. Department of Energy – Home Improvement: Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick
Find out how your household's energy score compare to others across the country and get recommendations for improvement.
U. S. Department of Energy
Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR
This brochure educates homeowners about common techniques to make home envelope improvements.
U. S. Department of Energy – Home Improvement – ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick: What's Your Score?
U. S. Department of Energy – New Home Industry – Make Sure Your New Home Plans Are Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR
Flex Your Power – Best Practice Guide to Commercial Office Buildings
Scams: Green Scams and Energy Fraud
Scam Busters – Misinformation and Good Intentions Drive Green Scams and Energy Fraud
