2011 Green Trends

I found this very interesting and look forward to the new trends in Green Building:

Jerry Yudelson Associates Announces Top Ten Green Building Trends for 2011
Jerry Yudelson’s Top Ten Green Building Trends for 2011 include:
1. The worldwide green building movement will continue to accelerate.
2. Green building will rebound in 2011.
3. The focus of the green building industry will continue to switch from new buildings to greening existing buildings.
4. Blue will become the New Green. Awareness of the coming global crisis in fresh water supply will continue to grow.
5. Green building in the U.S. will continue to benefit from the Obama presidency.
6. Zero-net-energy designs for new buildings become increasingly commonplace, in both residential and commercial sectors.
7. Performance Disclosure will be the fastest emerging trend.
8. Certified Green Schools will grow rapidly as part the LEED System.
9. Local and state governments will step up their mandates for green buildings for both themselves and the private sector.
10. Solar power use in buildings will continue to grow.
http://www.azobuild.com/news.asp?newsID=12917

Geothermal interesting but no tax credits

We are in the process of buying a new home in North Carolina and have been very interested in the Geothermal heating and cooling. The technology is great but unfortunately it does not qualify for the tax credits that the other heating and cooling technologies get.

So as the year runs out, I debate whether it makes sense to wait for new tax credits.

Environmental Tax Planning

Dont miss out as you finish up the year on environmental discounts and tax credtis and rebates.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency can give you some ideas on how to use some of those tax credits. http://www.dsireusa.org/

Recognizing Tampa public buildings

If you haven't visited the new Tampa Bay History Museum, this is a great opportunity to learn about Green Building practices...and it wasn't overboard or even noticeable.

Check out http://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/green.html or better yet support our local economy...you can even bike there!

March 14 First Annual Green Builder Expo Tampa Bay

Here is a great opportunity for you to learn about green building and how you can make a difference with how you live. Check this event out at the new Wiregrass mall in Pasco county.
http://www.tbba.net/events/calendar.html?event_id=2641#bf_calFrame_906

There are many easy things you can do to make your house more 'Green'. Have you considered:

*Solar Tubes?
*Rain Barrels?
*Tankless water heaters?
*low water Florida native plants and drought resistent grass?

P.S. Little things may even qualify you for easy tax rebates and credits!

Economic Stimulus and Solar

As we get close to having a completed economic stimulus package, it looks like Solar is going to have a key part of that. In the current un approved form is the following according to Solar Energy Magazine:

"Primary among these provisions is a new renewable energy grant program intended to serve as an alternative to tax credits. Through the program, the U.S. Department of Energy will offer grants equal to 30% of a solar project's cost, if the system is placed in service during 2009 or 2010.Other provisions include an allowance for the federal government to enter into 30-year power purchase agreements (instead of the now-standard 10 years), the elimination of the penalty for subsidized financing for solar projects, the creation of a new loan guarantee program and a 30% investment tax credit for companies that manufacture renewable energy property or equipment."

This is on top of the existing tax incentives.

Water our Biggest "Green Project" in Florida

I constantly talk about recycling and ways to save energy as well as ways to generate energy but I have not mentioned much about using water resources more conservatively.

As you all know the Florida watershed works it way all the way down from the Eastern Continental Divide down through Alabama, and Georgia to reach us here in the Tampa Bay area. Every day there are news stories that should concern you about our ability to get clean water. Here are a few examples:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jan/13/na-court-declines-water-wars-motion/

http://www.abcactionnews.com/content/weather/story/Another-drought-likely-for-Tampa-Bay-area/QUArMQjo-UahBmlqxfdB0A.cspx

http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2008/08/reservoir-could.html


http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jan/22/na-swiftmud-to-start-pumping-sinkhole/

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jan/27/cooler-pacific-ocean-likely-worsen-floridas-drough/

Maybe we should look at ways to recycle water? If you are building a home, consider a gray water system installation where your sink & shower water is filtered and used to clean your close and flush your toilets.

If you live in Tampa, you can get a FREE rain barrel by attending a workshop http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Water/information_resources/Saving_water/free_rain_barrels.asp

There are many ways you can re-use your rain water. Also if you are considering re-landscaping your yard, look for low water landscaping options like Zoyzia grass or Florida Native plants that are used to our drought conditions and very wet seasons.