Can You Trust "Green" Claims?

I've always wondered what rules manufacturers of products use when labeling. When it comes to "green" labeling, it seems that there are no guidelines or limits to unsubstantiated claims and unknown seals or certifications. The green terms are very confusing and, even more importantly, misleading. I understand the Federal Trade Commission is looking into setting up "Green Guides" to substantiate green claims and to recognize legitimate seals and certifications. Companies will need to tell customers if the seals and certifications they use are made by their own companies as opposed to being certified by a third party or a trade organization to which they belong. Hopefully this will make it easier for the consumer to know what a label really means and be comfortable knowing that any claim meets FTC standards.

I have also been concerned about misinformation in the home market. Claims of green or energy efficient are pretty broad. While there are many shades of "green" and "energy efficient", these terms are very different from each other. Including green materials in construction will be good for the environment and conserve natural resources. Energy efficient construction methods and certified energy ratings will mean dollars saved for the life of the home. I don't count a 90+ furnace in a home that has standard insulation as being an energy efficient home--or Energy Star windows in a traditionally constructed home--these are one step up and a nice improvement but there is a lot more needed. I believe that a certification or accepted energy rating is the only way that a home should be listed as green or energy efficient. It's the only way to know if a home has the benefits that we are looking for. In the Rockford Illinois area some home builders are offering green conservation homes, some are offering energy saving construction techniques and materials. These homes are affordable, energy efficient, green, and healthy and now we are moving ahead with at least one new home builder offering an energy efficient home with a HERS rating of 50% -- a Department of Energy Home Energy Rating which means energy savings of 50% over a traditionally built new home. I am encouraged that alternatives are becoming more available.

Solar-Wind Tour in Rockford Area a Wealth of Information

Our part of the world has some amazing solar, wind, and energy efficient examples. Freedom Field in Rockford is an experimental proving ground for wind turbines, solar panels, co-generation techniques, water conservation and green technology. It's an ever evolving learning center. Other places on the October 2nd tour featured wind turbines in operation with both grid and battery back-up, stationary and tracking solar electric generating panels, passive heating using an earth tube that brings air from outside into the home, an under-roof heat capture system, building with SIPS and ICF for performance. The idea of earth friendly and energy efficient building is growing and those in the forefront are sharing their experience. One Rockford area builder is offering a new 1514 square foot energy efficient ranch plan starting at $166,500 -- that compares exceptionally well to the cost of building a traditional home but has the additional benefit of a lifetime of savings. Think of it as more home miles per gallon. Learn more at www.e2residential.com/jwc.

October 2nd Solar Tour in Rockford

Freedom Field, located in the Winnebago County Water Reclamation District's complex, building 9, at 3333 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, Illinois will be open during the Tour of Solar Places on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to see a variety of renewable energy 'producing' systems in operation, including photovoltaics, two types of wind generators, solar heating, and, believe it or not, solar hot water air conditioning.  Another unique feature is the buildings' green roof which is being used as an energy 'saving' device.

Is Energy Efficiency and Green the future

I've been following the "Green" concept for many years now and it appears that it is becoming more clearly defined as to what Green is, what it includes, and what it means when you are thinking of building a new home. The marketplace is changing. Will the change be irreversible? Have frugality and living within one's means become more important than building a McMansion. Are homebuyers looking for smaller, more practical, manageable, affordable and sustainable homes?--homes that will have a lifetime of energy cost savings. Has the move to Green-Energy Efficient thinking been bolstered by the rising cost of energy and a concern over global climate change? Or, will new home buyers sacrifice everything for excessive square footage?