independence day in dallas

We enjoyed the 4th of July from the 19th floor of One Arts Plaza in downtown Dallas. We could see fireworks exploding across the entire Metroplex area. What a fabulous view! We hope to make this an annual affair!

investigating the geothermal option

We're planning to install a geothermal heating and cooling unit in our new energy-efficient home. Geothermal technology uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home or office using less energy than conventional systems. According to the California Energy Commission, studies show that approximately 70 percent of the energy used in a geothermal heat pump system is renewable. Geothermal heating and cooling technology is efficient, comfortable, and quiet. The units are generally more costly to install initially than traditional HVAC units, but can produce markedly lower energy bills - 30 percent to 40 percent lower, according to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who now includes geothermal heat pumps in the types of products rated in the EnergyStar® program.

Because they are mechanically simple and outside parts of the system are below ground and protected from the weather, maintenance costs are often lower as well. The underground piping used in the system is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years and is virtually worry-free. The components inside the house are small and easily accessible for maintenance. Warm and cool air is distributed through ductwork, just as in a regular forced-air system.

Take a look at this video from Water Furnace which does a fabulous job of explaining how a geothermal heat pump system works for both heating and cooling. Of course Water Furnace is just one of a number of very functional units.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybfVoiN14HE

If you are interested in learning more about geothermal technology, here are some links to get you started.

http://www.geoexchange.org/

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/geothermal.html

http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/re_geothermal.htm

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/geothermal

EcoCab

My friend and client, Andrzej Kaminski, recently returned from a trip to Toronto, Canada. He sent me this photo of an EcoCab. Andrzej said "this is not a tourist attraction, it is a real cab..."

With a few adjustments would they work in Texas?

Thanks Andrzej!

power to choose

Jay and I feel it's important to select an electrical provider that uses 100% renewable sources. For this reason we currently use Green Mountain Energy and plan to continue service with them when we move to our new home. To initiate service call Green Mountain at 866.785.4668.

We've been very happy with Green Mountain & their rates are competitive. If you are inclined to compare rates and/or the level of renewable energy sources for all available providers for your area, click on the link below to see what is available in your zip code.

http://www.powertochoose.com/_content/_compare/

site visit

We had our first "official" site visit with our architects on 6/13/08. Louise Harpman, Scott Specht, and Brett Wolfe began by presenting us with 3 massing diagrams, 3 exterior elevation schemes, and 3 alternative floorplans. They were seeking our feedback re: the pros and cons of each of the alternatives to provide direction as they design the final plan. It was very exciting to see things beginning to take shape. We loved what we saw - Specht Harpman exceeded our expectations!



Here's a shot of us reviewing the LEED for Homes project checklist. That's me on the left, Scott Specht in the middle, and Brett Wolfe on the right. Photo courtesy of Louise Harpman.






After going over all the drawings we drove to the site and took another look at the drawings from the perspective of how the 3 elevations would look on our lot and the proximity to the trees and to our neighbors. We looked at our lot first and then walked through the entire project to get a general feel for everything from an overall perspective. It was fun and interesting to hear Louise and Scott share their insights. Photo courtesy of Brett Wolfe.

Now we wait.....they are back at the drawing board and we can't wait to see what they have in store for us next!

price of gasoline getting to you?

Gas is now over $4.00/gallon! A friend just returned from a trip to Norway and has reported that gas in Norway is now the equivalent of $12/gallon! It's difficult to consider ourselves lucky, but maybe we really are?

One of the criteria for a home's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is proximity to mass transit. Urban Reserve is only a short walk from the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail station. At the current price of gasoline, DART is looking more and more inviting! Here's the link to DART in case you want to check your local schedule.

http://www.dart.org/

a great place to start

Austin Energy Green Building holds a Green by Design workshop four times a year - I attended in February and I loved it! If you're thinking about building green this workshop is a great place to start.

When I attended the workshop I learned about Eco-Wise. Recently I had a friend ask me about a source for environmentally friendly kitchen & bath countertops. Eco-Wise instantly came to mind!

Here are both links:

http://www.austinenergy.com/energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Building/Resources/GreenByDesign/index.htm

http://www.ecowise.com/