2008-06-17_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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r � � �. ,� reen r�modeling is an all-encom- �assing approach that emphasizes ma.kinga home healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient. It revoives around five equally importani concepts: energy effi.ciency, resource efficiency, water con- servatoon, indoor enviranmental quality, and site and community m.anagement and applying them tQ the traditional com- ponents o# home building. Now, rernodel- ing green is easier than ever be#ore. 7he f�atianal Associatian of the Remadeling Industry (NARI) has recently launched its new green remadeling certi- fication Green Certified• Professional (GCP}�ffering remodeling contractars across the country a unique appor�unity to leam a6ou2 and incarporate cost-saving and earth-sust�ining green concepts into their clients' homes (see NARI Gertification, page 08). In addition, remadeling prajects and new homes in Minnesota car� now achieve green certifi- cation through a new voluntary program called Minnesota GreenStar: Ce�tified Greer� Homes and Remodeling. WHY GO G�EEN? Goi�g green is easier on the earth, it lowers costs, and it provides a healthier � � � � � 3 . _�. � 5� �; � � home in. which to live. According to �he Sustainable Buiiding Industry Caunci4 {SBIC), housing alone consurries 20 per- cent of America's energy, Nameowners who chaose to remodei green can lower their energy consumption by 30 percent to 50 percent. It's widely agreed that forests produce 40 percent of Earth's axygen, an� that building supplies use 25 percent of its forests. Remodeling green by incorparating recycled materi- als or sustainable species will help homeowners to tread more lightly on the Earth's riatural resaurces. Green remodeling is becaming rnore popular as homeowners consider heaith issues, skyrocketing energy costs, an:d Earth's natural resources. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age child:ren, and more than 28 miilion Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies, all of which are aggra- vated by poor indoor air quality. NARI past president, Everett Coflier, CR, states, "Remodeling Green of€ers every homeowner the opportunity to re�uce home energy demands, lessen home maintenance casts, and increase comfort. Remodelers are � � � � �� � �� .� � :- � :> � � increasingly exploring green remodei- ing principles for their overall value for their clients and for the sake of the environment." The GCP designation. helps remodel- ers do just tF�at. "If a remadeling con- tractor seeks to develop knawledge and skill in the acea of green remodeling," says the Chair of the Green Education Sub-Committee, Chris Dona#elli, CR, CKBR, °the NAR1 Green pragram will �elp realize t�ose goals. This program thoroughly educates the contrac#or who desires ta facus on environmentally friendly remodels," MINNESUTA GREENSTAR Minnesota GreenStar is a collabarative effort between NARI Minnesota, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, and the environmental nonprofit Green Institute. These three founding arganiza- tions had been pursuing independent green building initiatives and recognized the value and enhanced oppartuni#y by joining their efforts. "Minnesota is known as a forward- thinking state when it comes to fhe environment and this certification pro- gram enables hameowners ta choose a 36 NA�I nnN