From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
New program addresses energy-efficiency and quality-control needs specific to Wisconsin homes
(April 13, 2011) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, recently debuted the Focus on Energy New Homes Program. The program pairs Wisconsin builders with leading energy experts in order to construct new homes that are safer, more durable, and are 10 to 100 percent more efficient than typical homes built to the state’s Uniform Dwelling Code. Builders throughout Wisconsin can enroll in the program, and prospective homebuyers can work with participating builders to choose one of four levels of efficiency.
ENERGY STAR® Roots – An Evolution for Wisconsin Homes
Focus’ New Homes Program is a natural progression from the national ENERGY STAR Homes Program that Focus sponsored locally in the past. When the ENERGY STAR Homes Program overhauled its criteria in 2010, Focus collaborated with state builders to determine if the changes were appropriate for Wisconsin.
“When the new ENERGY STAR requirements were released, we realized that while they provided some great general building standards, not all criteria addressed the unique needs of Wisconsin homeowners,” said Sara Van de Grift, residential programs director for Focus on Energy.
“A home in Wisconsin isn’t going to need the same features as a home in California. This is why we created the Focus New Homes Program, to provide a customized, cost-effective option for Wisconsin residents looking to build safe, smart, energy-efficient homes.”
With builder support, Focus decided to forego ENERGY STAR requirements that weren’t applicable to Wisconsin homeowners, and instead develop standards that could yield superior energy savings at a more affordable price. For example, the following are just a few of the Focus on Energy New Homes Program requirements that homeowners will benefit from:
Air tightness. Air leaking into and out-of a home is major source of energy loss and can make a home feel drafty and uncomfortable. Homes certified by Focus’ New Homes Program must meet a stringent air tightness standard, dramatically reducing uncontrolled air leakage.
Whole house ventilation. Because the home is air tight, it is important to manage its indoor air quality. This is why whole house ventilation is required in a home certified by the Focus New Homes Program. The program has adopted the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 62.2, allowing a homeowner the ability to manage their home’s indoor air quality.
Space heating and water heating design standard. Because homes certified by Focus’ New Home Program have such strict requirements when it comes to air tightness and ventilation standards, as a safety precaution, the program does not allow atmospherically ventilated space heating or water heating appliances. Reason, in a home that is more air tight the ventilation fans can cause an atmospherically ventilated combustion appliance such as a natural gas water heater or furnace to back draft, drawing carbon monoxide and other combustion by-products into a home.
Showing posts with label Green building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green building. Show all posts
Eco-friendly apartments proposed for Eagle Plumbing building in Stevens Point
From an article by in the B. C. Kowalski in the Wausau Daily Herald:
If all goes according to plan, the former Eagle Plumbing building is in for a makeover.
The Stevens Point Plan Commission on Monday will consider allowing a plan to build apartments at 1000 Third St., the former Eagle Plumbing site. The plan also would encompass adjacent property at 941 Portage St.
Arc Central has proposed converting the existing structure into a two-story, eco-friendly apartment building, company co-owner Jim Lucas said.
"Our interest is to build an energy-efficient building," Lucas said. "The brick walls tend to lend themselves to that."
Lucas said Arc Central also is considering amenities such as catching rainwater, solar panels, tilled gardens and outdoor bicycle storage.
"I think most building owners want energy-efficient buildings," Lucas said. "It's not a matter of promoting green; it's just a matter of good design. Nationally, more energy is consumed from heating and cooling than transportation."
If all goes according to plan, the former Eagle Plumbing building is in for a makeover.
The Stevens Point Plan Commission on Monday will consider allowing a plan to build apartments at 1000 Third St., the former Eagle Plumbing site. The plan also would encompass adjacent property at 941 Portage St.
Arc Central has proposed converting the existing structure into a two-story, eco-friendly apartment building, company co-owner Jim Lucas said.
"Our interest is to build an energy-efficient building," Lucas said. "The brick walls tend to lend themselves to that."
Lucas said Arc Central also is considering amenities such as catching rainwater, solar panels, tilled gardens and outdoor bicycle storage.
"I think most building owners want energy-efficient buildings," Lucas said. "It's not a matter of promoting green; it's just a matter of good design. Nationally, more energy is consumed from heating and cooling than transportation."
Renewable Energy Options: Applications for Commercial-scale Development
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Green building,
Renewable energy
From a workshop announcement released by the Energy Center of Wisconsin:
April 21, 2010 | Green Bay, WI
April 22, 2010 | Rothschild, WI
This program provides a solid background in renewable energy technologies for commercial-scale applications. Get an overview of renewable energy, from an exploration of the benefits, to a view of technologies that work well in Wisconsin's northern climate. Learn how renewable energy technologies fit into the LEED™ design process and the software tools used for assessing renewable energy potential. Find out about design considerations, potential system performance, and the economics of installing a system in today's solar market.
April 21, 2010 | Green Bay, WI
April 22, 2010 | Rothschild, WI
This program provides a solid background in renewable energy technologies for commercial-scale applications. Get an overview of renewable energy, from an exploration of the benefits, to a view of technologies that work well in Wisconsin's northern climate. Learn how renewable energy technologies fit into the LEED™ design process and the software tools used for assessing renewable energy potential. Find out about design considerations, potential system performance, and the economics of installing a system in today's solar market.
Marathon Co. homeowner generates power with solar roof
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Green building,
Solar
From an article by in the D.J. Slater:
It has been in John Kregenow's nature for years to do his part to help the environment, and it goes beyond putting plastic in the recycling bin.
Kregenow, 57, of the town of Cassel, west and south of Marathon, reuses his old clothing as wash rags, maintains a compost pile, collects rainwater to use on his garden and grows vegetables for himself and food pantries.
So when he saw his roof was covered with cracking asphalt shingles nearly two years ago, he decided to invest in a solar roof.
Kregenow turned to Kulp's of Stratford, a roofing company, to install the solar roof, which actively started absorbing energy on Aug. 19.
Since that time, Kregenow has been able to generate $150 in energy. Kregenow typically spends $120 on his monthly energy bill.
"(My wife and I) are eager to see our September bill," he said.
Since mid-May, Kulp's has offered residents and businesses the chance to upgrade their properties with solar roofing, said Bob Kulp, co-owner of Kulp's. The systems allow property owners to generate electrical power from the sun, which can be used and sold to utility companies.
So far, Kulp's has installed the solar roof at Kregenow's home, has an order to install one on a home in Marshfield and has three other homeowners who are committed to buying the technology.
It has been in John Kregenow's nature for years to do his part to help the environment, and it goes beyond putting plastic in the recycling bin.
Kregenow, 57, of the town of Cassel, west and south of Marathon, reuses his old clothing as wash rags, maintains a compost pile, collects rainwater to use on his garden and grows vegetables for himself and food pantries.
So when he saw his roof was covered with cracking asphalt shingles nearly two years ago, he decided to invest in a solar roof.
Kregenow turned to Kulp's of Stratford, a roofing company, to install the solar roof, which actively started absorbing energy on Aug. 19.
Since that time, Kregenow has been able to generate $150 in energy. Kregenow typically spends $120 on his monthly energy bill.
"(My wife and I) are eager to see our September bill," he said.
Since mid-May, Kulp's has offered residents and businesses the chance to upgrade their properties with solar roofing, said Bob Kulp, co-owner of Kulp's. The systems allow property owners to generate electrical power from the sun, which can be used and sold to utility companies.
So far, Kulp's has installed the solar roof at Kregenow's home, has an order to install one on a home in Marshfield and has three other homeowners who are committed to buying the technology.
Interest in sustainable-energy buildings grows
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Green building,
Sustainability
From an article by Nathaniel Shuda in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
Sustainable building techniques are becoming increasingly popular in central Wisconsin and across the state, industry leaders say.
Most recently, the Mead Wildlife Area Education & Visitor Center near Milladore became the second new building in Wisconsin to receive LEED Platinum Green Building Certification, the highest possible level for sustainable-energy design.
"I believe the trend has been going up for the building of LEED-certified buildings in general," said Sue Loomans, executive director of the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance. "People are seeing the importance of sustainable building."
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationwide energy-efficiency program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and overseen by the Green Building Certification Institute.
The Mead building joins the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center near Baraboo, the renovated Hunzinger Construction Offices in Milwaukee and a private home in Madison in carrying the LEED Platinum rating.
Sustainable building techniques are becoming increasingly popular in central Wisconsin and across the state, industry leaders say.
Most recently, the Mead Wildlife Area Education & Visitor Center near Milladore became the second new building in Wisconsin to receive LEED Platinum Green Building Certification, the highest possible level for sustainable-energy design.
"I believe the trend has been going up for the building of LEED-certified buildings in general," said Sue Loomans, executive director of the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance. "People are seeing the importance of sustainable building."
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationwide energy-efficiency program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and overseen by the Green Building Certification Institute.
The Mead building joins the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center near Baraboo, the renovated Hunzinger Construction Offices in Milwaukee and a private home in Madison in carrying the LEED Platinum rating.
Energy fair stresses jobs, training and ROI
From an article by George Leopold and video posted on EE Times:
CUSTER, Wis. — With the U.S. economy still in the tank and the ranks of the unemployed still growing, many visitors to this year's Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Energy Fair came here looking for work or a career change.
Engineers and other professionals flocked to sessions on subjects like "green-collar careers" at the 20th annual event in this bucolic central Wisconsin community. Renewable energy experts stressed the job-creating potential of emerging solar, wind and other alternative energy sources.
Meanwhile, vendors, mindful of the still-high up front costs for renewable energy systems, emphasized what they claimed is the shrinking time needed to recoup the cost of investment in new energy systems.
Workshops were heavy on the nuts and bolts of renewable energy, ranging from how to become a certified installer to the latest building codes and tax exemptions for energy-efficent homes and retrofits. Much of the discussion here was driven by Obama administration plans to pour billions of dollars into renewable energy programs aimed specifically at creating green jobs.
Job seekers were told they should have an intergrated set of professional skills covering electrical, electronics and even plumbing. One expect, Jason La Fleur of the green energy education group Eco Achievers, estimated that 110,000 solar energy installers will be needed over the next year.
Solar installation tops a growing list of green jobs that La Fleur said includes "eco-preneurs," urban planners and sustainable systems managers. Engineers already possess many of the skills needed to fill these new jobs, he added.
CUSTER, Wis. — With the U.S. economy still in the tank and the ranks of the unemployed still growing, many visitors to this year's Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Energy Fair came here looking for work or a career change.
Engineers and other professionals flocked to sessions on subjects like "green-collar careers" at the 20th annual event in this bucolic central Wisconsin community. Renewable energy experts stressed the job-creating potential of emerging solar, wind and other alternative energy sources.
Meanwhile, vendors, mindful of the still-high up front costs for renewable energy systems, emphasized what they claimed is the shrinking time needed to recoup the cost of investment in new energy systems.
Workshops were heavy on the nuts and bolts of renewable energy, ranging from how to become a certified installer to the latest building codes and tax exemptions for energy-efficent homes and retrofits. Much of the discussion here was driven by Obama administration plans to pour billions of dollars into renewable energy programs aimed specifically at creating green jobs.
Job seekers were told they should have an intergrated set of professional skills covering electrical, electronics and even plumbing. One expect, Jason La Fleur of the green energy education group Eco Achievers, estimated that 110,000 solar energy installers will be needed over the next year.
Solar installation tops a growing list of green jobs that La Fleur said includes "eco-preneurs," urban planners and sustainable systems managers. Engineers already possess many of the skills needed to fill these new jobs, he added.
Green-certified house takes shape in Marshfield
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Green building
From an article by Liz Welter in The Stevens Point Journal:
MARSHFIELD -- A ranch-style home under construction in Marshfield's Prairie Run subdivision will be central Wisconsin's first verified "green-built" home.
"That means it meets the national standards for green building and it will be certified" during different steps in the construction process, said Jeff Redetzke, owner of JR Builders of Marshfield, which is constructing the house.
"A green-built home is a good value for a home buyer," Redetzke said. Using geothermal energy cuts a natural gas bill by 50 percent to 70 percent, he said.
There are a multitude of components considered and used in building a home that maximizes energy efficiency while diminishing its carbon impact on the Earth, Redetzke said.
"We try to use materials that will last for 50 years and are recyclable afterwards. Like a metal roof is very green. It lasts for the life of the house and later can be recycled," he said.
Geothermal energy and other energy efficiency building standards are practices embraced by the developers and owners of Prairie Run, said Dan Helwig, one of the development's owners.
"We're just totally excited. This is the kind of home that hasn't been seen in this marketplace," Helwig said.
Prairie Run was conceived to utilize green or sustainable concepts in developing the site and in building a variety of homes and businesses, Helwig said.
"I've wanted to do something like this, and Prairie Run is the right place," Redetzke said.
MARSHFIELD -- A ranch-style home under construction in Marshfield's Prairie Run subdivision will be central Wisconsin's first verified "green-built" home.
"That means it meets the national standards for green building and it will be certified" during different steps in the construction process, said Jeff Redetzke, owner of JR Builders of Marshfield, which is constructing the house.
"A green-built home is a good value for a home buyer," Redetzke said. Using geothermal energy cuts a natural gas bill by 50 percent to 70 percent, he said.
There are a multitude of components considered and used in building a home that maximizes energy efficiency while diminishing its carbon impact on the Earth, Redetzke said.
"We try to use materials that will last for 50 years and are recyclable afterwards. Like a metal roof is very green. It lasts for the life of the house and later can be recycled," he said.
Geothermal energy and other energy efficiency building standards are practices embraced by the developers and owners of Prairie Run, said Dan Helwig, one of the development's owners.
"We're just totally excited. This is the kind of home that hasn't been seen in this marketplace," Helwig said.
Prairie Run was conceived to utilize green or sustainable concepts in developing the site and in building a variety of homes and businesses, Helwig said.
"I've wanted to do something like this, and Prairie Run is the right place," Redetzke said.
MREA's 2009 workshops now open!
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Green building,
Renewable energy,
Solar,
Wind
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) offers workshops that cover a variety of topics in renewable energy (solar, wind, and more). See the course workshops page for a listing of all of the workshops and to register Click here.
Lunchtime workshp: Green Business—Are You Ready?, Rothchild, Jan. 21
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Green building
Presented by the Energy Center of Wisconsin
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Lodge at Cedar Creek
805 Creske Avenue
Rothschild, WI 54474
715.241.6300
Agenda
11:30 am—Registration & Lunch
12:00 noon—Presentation
1:00 pm—Question & Answer
1:30 pm—Adjourn
Media coverage around energy and environmental issues exploded over the past year. Sustainability considerations factor into more business decisions as companies green their supply chains and roll out new, eco-friendly products. Major policy initiatives at the federal and state level in Wisconsin will help push what has been called "the green industrial revolution." What does all this mean for economic development here in Wisconsin? What opportunities should you be considering in your business planning? What are the benefits of greener choices at work and at home? Join us for a lively look at top trends in sustainable business-and discuss cost savings, brand enhancement and the policy climate to help you position your company for new opportunity.
Register here.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Lodge at Cedar Creek
805 Creske Avenue
Rothschild, WI 54474
715.241.6300
Agenda
11:30 am—Registration & Lunch
12:00 noon—Presentation
1:00 pm—Question & Answer
1:30 pm—Adjourn
Media coverage around energy and environmental issues exploded over the past year. Sustainability considerations factor into more business decisions as companies green their supply chains and roll out new, eco-friendly products. Major policy initiatives at the federal and state level in Wisconsin will help push what has been called "the green industrial revolution." What does all this mean for economic development here in Wisconsin? What opportunities should you be considering in your business planning? What are the benefits of greener choices at work and at home? Join us for a lively look at top trends in sustainable business-and discuss cost savings, brand enhancement and the policy climate to help you position your company for new opportunity.
Register here.
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