Sustainable Housing Professional course at Earth Advantage Institute

Next week, I'm starting this course at Earth Advantage which I'm looking forward to.  Stephen Aiguier of Green Hammer is teaching it, which should be good.  David Heslam, who started Coho Construction, used to teach the course, but he is now devoting his time to Earth Advantage's remodeling certification program.

I've been wary of gaining certification in many of the sustainable/green courses that are out there, just because I wondered about the value really being offered.  After looking into the curriculum that Earth Advantage Institute (EAI) and the staff they have, I'm convinced this is worth it.  It's recognized as a 400 level course by the US Green Building Council, 84 learning credits by AIA and the CCB, it lasts 6 months and the material that they base the course on is well respected and scientifically solid.

Next year, I'll likely look at going through the Passive House consultant training.  I recently picked up the "Passivhaus-Bauteilkatalog / Details for Passive Houses" which I'd recommend to anyone getting into the field of Passive House construction.

Posted via email from Blair's posterous

What Could You Do With An ADU?

I've done the excruciatingly hard work [sarcasm!] of aggregating some additional news and info on ADUs.  Since System Development Charges have been erased by the City of Portland, this is a great time to think - "What Could I Do With an ADU?"

Bainbridge Island, WA featuring ADUs (or Mother-in-Law units) in home tour:

http://bit.ly/cTHICc

Method Labs and Skylab Architecture's work on DADU (Detached ADUs).  Article in Seattle Post-Intelligencer about ADUs being featured in latest home-show.:
http://bit.ly/b6yOjD

Seattle architect Sloan Ritchie's prefabbed, passive-house ADUs:

http://bit.ly/b0wL6d

These bits of news focus on Detached ADUs or DADUs, but an ADU can also be part of the existing house.  Common locations for ADUs within the house are the converted basement or converted attic.  An attic or basement conversion project typically becomes an ADU when a kitchen is added.

This link is the City of Portland's program guide for ADUs.  Skip down to Section IV to read on Zoning Standards and Section V for Building Standards:

http://bit.ly/9QPY1J

Suffice it to say - the door is open to add some square footage for a bit less than we could do it before.  This seems like a good move on Portland's part, as it could stimulate infill building and create more affordable housing.  I am still unclear on how long this moratorium on System Development Charges will last, but I tend to think they would be reinstated at some point... but, perhaps not?

Posted via email from Blair's posterous

Edmiston Design/Build Community Enhancement Project

Edmiston Design/Build is always looking for new ways to contribute to the health of our community and natural environment. Because of this, we have decided to allow our clients the opportunity to donate 1% of their project cost to a local non-profit during the Winter/Early-Spring season (2/1/2010 to 5/1/2010). With no extra cost to you, your design/build project will enhance not just your home, but also the community in which you live.

You can choose from any of the local organizations listed below:

The Architectural Heritage Center is a non-profit resource center for historic preservation, located in Portland. The Architectural Heritage Center’s mission is to preserve the historic character and livability of our built environment, and to promote sustainability through the re-use of period homes and buildings.
http://www.visitahc.org/

Oregon Environmental Council is a non-profit organization with many programs and projects in Oregon dedicated to safeguarding and improving the health of our natural environment.
http://www.oeconline.org/

Mercy Corps Northwest, a local chapter of Mercy Corps, an organization which is committed "to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities."
http://www.mercycorpsnw.org/

Other - clients may also write in their preferred charity to donate to.

Click here to inquire.

A little update

This fall has been absolutely great!  We have 6 projects in the works (most in design) and the company that was started about 4 years back is finally starting to blossom.  It is coming to the point where I'll need to find an office space soon.

Two new people are now working with me - Rob Kebbon and Heather Scannell.  Rob has 25 years experience working in a residential architecture firm, and Heather has about 10 years experience working for 3 different design/build companies.  Rob is helping with design development and feasibility issues while Heather's main role is scheduling and project management.  We're still figuring it all out, but it is coming together well and I'm pleased with the level of talent that is here.  Still working with me is Peter Yost, who ran his own design/build company for over 18 years, and Anne Mead, a young designer with years of talent.

Our focus is still the same: using sustainable methods for remodeling in Portland.  Modus operandi while designing is to make sure we balance the needs/wants of the client, the home and the constructibility.  I'm still wanting to dig into Passive House more and look forward to our first project that incorporates Passive House standards.

Fiberglass vs. Cellulose

Guest Post by Dawn Killough of Tree Hugger Consulting

In the average home, up to 40% of the total energy used is for temperature control.  One way to decrease this cost is by adding blow-in insulation to the exterior walls and attic space.  Doing this can save 20-30% on your heating bills.

There are two main types of blow-in insulation: cellulose and fiberglass.  Cellulose insulation is made from ground up used newspapers and cardboard, with chemicals added for fire retarding and to deter rodents, insects, and mold.  Fiberglass is molten glass that has been spun or blown into fibers.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages, some of which will be explored here.

R-Value

R-value is the measurement of the insulating property of a material.  It measures how well the material resists the flow of heat.  The higher the R-value, the more insulation from heat a material provides.  Blow-in insulation comes with recommendations for depth and density of application.  These should be strictly adhered to in order to insure the proper insulation value.

Blown-in cellulose insulation provides an R-value of 3.6 to 3.8 per inch.  In order to achieve R-38 (the standard for attic insulation), there would need to be 10-12 inches of insulation in the space.

Blown-in fiberglass provides an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch.  Therefore, 14-17 inches of insulation material would be needed to reach R-38.

Looking at the straight numbers, cellulose seems to be the winner in insulation value.  However, there is another factor that should be taken into consideration: settling.  Cellulose settles more over time than fiberglass, and can lose up to 20% of its insulation value.  Therefore, it is recommended that 20% more material than is needed be installed, in order to compensate for this loss.

Material Content

Cellulose is made up of up to 85% recycled newsprint.  Borate and ammonium sulfate are added as a fire retardant, and to deter rodents, insects and mold.  These chemicals have been determined to be safe for humans, although masks should be worn during installation.

Fiberglass contains 20-30% recycled glass, which is spun or blown into fibers.  Often formaldehyde is added, although insulation companies are now coming out with formaldehyde-free insulation.  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and can off-gas through the walls into the living area.  Fiberglass itself was declared a possible carcinogen by the federal government in 1994.  This is due mostly to the amount of fibers that become airborne during installation.  Installers are required to wear masks.

Both materials pose hazards to the installers, and are relatively safe once installed and sealed in the building cavities.  Cellulose uses more recycled materials, but may not be as fire resistant as fiberglass.  Both types of insulation must be carefully installed around light fixtures and other electrical heat sources.

Installation

Both types of blow-in insulation are installed in basically the same way.  The most popular method for exterior walls is called the “two-hole” method.  It involves cutting two 2” diameter holes, one 16” below the top of the wall, and the other 24” from the bottom of the wall.  This is done in each stud cavity of the wall.  Insulation is blown-in from both holes until the desired concentration is reached.  Then each hole is sealed and patched.

Attics are insulated either through the attic access in the home, or by drilling holes in the ceiling or between roof rafters.  These holes are also sealed and patched once the required depth and density is reached.

Conclusion

The addition of blow-in insulation is a great way to retrofit an existing house and improve energy efficiency.  Of the two most popular materials, cellulose and fiberglass, there is no one clear winner.  Each has its pluses and minuses.  There are many qualities to consider, such as the materials and chemicals used in each one, and the insulation value.  It is up to the homeowner and installing contractor to decide which is best for each situation.

Sources

www.bobvila.com

www.eere.energy.gov

www.askthebuilder.com

Note by Blair Edmiston:

To a large degree, I agree with Dawn.  I think that Cellulose is a clear winner since it is recycled and actually more fire resistant with the additives.  Also, if compacted cellulose gets wet it doesn't lose its insulative value.

Organic Marketing for Sustainable Remodeling Contractors

Originally published on Peter Korchnak's "Sustainable Marketing Blog".  Written by Blair Edmiston, Owner of Edmiston Design/Build.

You have the tools, the experience, the drive and will to do things the sustainable way.  How do you get the clients?  Let’s face it, they are the ones who make this all possible and without the clients everything just sits idle, under-utilized and under-appreciated.  If you represent yourself as a sustainable remodeler, you will likely find your clients through a combination of networking, social media and conventional advertising.  Networking by using social media and attending networking events are, in my opinion, the best ways to expand your client base, since the cost is lower and you are more likely to succeed in finding people who share your values this way.

Social Media

If facebook was a country, it would be the fourth largest in the world and it is rapidly growing.  Social media has taken off like know other media before it’s time and is quickly changing the ways in which businesses and customers interact.  There are many gurus in the field of social media who can help you find your way, but I find that tinkering at it and being actively involved is the best way to truly and authentically represent myself.

Places that I am currently using to represent my business are:

Facebook – create a page for your company where you can have photos of projects.  Update your company’s status on a fairly regular basis.  Be authentic!  You want to interact with your audience and give them the opportunity to respond to what you post.

Twitter – Many people ask, “What’s the point of Twitter?”  I can understand the puzzlement felt by those new to social networking sites.  Without some time, Twitter does seem to just be a lighter version of Facebook.  To me, Twitter seems like a way to reach more people with quick news-blasts and links to things that you find interesting.  Facebook is more of a discussion where Twitter is like a post on a bulletin board.

LinkedIn – Here you can link to your blog, have professional contacts, recommend the work of your associates and colleagues as well as be recommended by them.  I under-utilize this great resource, but know that many business professionals have excellent results with their time spent on LinkedIn.  If you are looking to hire, definitely look at finding your candidates through LinkedIn! 

• One more thing I would like to say about LinkedIn – I am seeing the groups really take off on this site.  I am currently a member of the Oregon Remodeler’s Association and the Construction Business Owner’s Group.  Members of these groups can post questions that other members can reply to, and this allows users to interact and engage one another.  I think this has a lot of potential.

There really are so many other social media sites and it is rapidly developing.  Ultimately, I think the best strategy is to blog, pick two or three social media sites that work for you and then link blog to at least one of those social media sites.

Groups and Associations

Social media is great and will do an enormous amount for your credibility, but it has to be coupled with face to face interaction with people.  Joining groups and associations that are in line with your values and give you the venue to meet other professionals will greatly accelerate the growth of quality connections.  For me, it isn’t about the number of connections but the quality of the connections.  If you invest the time into your associations, you will find a network of people whom you respect and care for.  It takes time, but it is well worth the effort.

Oregon Remodelers Association – The ORA is a division of the National Association of The Remodeling Industry and includes member events such as the Annual Golf Tournament, Summer Social, Membership Luau, the Home Improvement and Remodeling Show, the Remodelers Home Tour, the Suppliers Fair and Holiday Party.  This is a great place to meet some of your peers and find excellent subcontractors (if you are a general contractor).  The Home Improvement and Remodeling Show is a good way to connect to potential clients, but besides this the ORA is more about business to business networking.  If you have work to showcase, entering it into the “Outstanding Remodeling Achievement Awards” is a great way to gain recognition for your company.  There is a “Green Building Remodel” category for the award, so go for it!

Architectural Heritage Center – My favorite part of the AHC is the educational seminars they put together.  These are usually on Saturday and 10:00 am and vary in scope and quality, but the quality is generally quite good and the presenters are usually top-notch.  The AHC has also been having occasional networking evenings at their headquarters on SE Grand.  The “Old House Fair” in June allows AHC members to set up small stations to present to old house lovers and prospective clients.  It is less trade-show-esque and more information fair, but certainly a good way to meet homeowners that need a good contractor.

EcoBuilding Guild – This one is new for me, so I’m still figuring it out.  Above all else, the Eco-Building Guild is a collection of die-hard green builders who really push the “envelope” (pun intended!).  I’ve gone to two great meetings on Passive Houses, which have had that (un)conference feel – the agenda is set by the attendees, attendees vote on the items they’d like to discuss, people are welcome to cross between different presentations.  The quality of the discussions is phenomenal simply because the members are such whizzes when it comes to engineering, design, building and so on.  I’m into it and look forward to more meetings with this group.

There are A LOT of other places for sustainable builders to network – Cascadia, ReDirect Guide events, Energy Trust of Oregon events and so many other meet-ups that are out there.  My strategy is to get out there and incrementally adjust how I network to fit what I value and where I want to take my practice and business.

Networking can feel like work.  The more you follow your joy, the less like work it will feel.  Do what you love and find others who resonate that love for their work as well.  Your business will grow from this, you will be happier and it follows that your clients and associates will be happier as well.  We can’t talk about sustainability without happiness at its center!

How to find the right sustainable builder or remodeler

Guest post by Peter Korchnak, who writes the Sustainable Marketing Blog.  All views in the post are the author's alone.

Congratulations, you've made the good decision to do your next construction or remodeling project in a sustainable way. Now you need a contractor to help you achieve your vision. How do you go about it? There are two basic steps in the process: compiling a shortlist of possible companies and selecting the right one from among the alternatives.

How to compile your local sustainable contractor shortlist

•          Ask your friends for recommendations. 

•          Search customer review websites for local sustainable contractors.

•          Browse member lists of your local chamber of commerce, or neighborhood or builders' associations in your area.

How to select your sustainable contractor

Before you make your selection, first determine your main criteria and rate the shortlisted contractors against them. Next, research the contractors on your shortlist. Get as much information as you can both about the contractor and about their customers' satisfaction. Look for answers to these questions about each company.

•          Is the information about each company easy to find? Is it professionally presented? Does it inspire trust? What is the company saying about itself? What is the company's vision, mission, and values? How is it promoting its work and results? What green projects has the company completed? How does the company implement sustainable practices? What organizations is it a member of? Does the company build according to any green building standards or certifications?

•          What do the online reviews say? How are the company's rankings? Most importantly, what are the company's customers saying about their experiences (contractor's professionalism, quality of work)? It's not easy to talk to the actual customers, but it's the most reliable way to get the needed information. What, if any, coverage with third-party views does the company have in the local media?

The task of identifying a sustainable builder is easier in areas where fewer contractors operate, provided there are any. Regardless of the length of your shortlist, hiring the right sustainable contractor for your construction project and remodel entails more than the job itself. You're looking for the right match because you'll also be building a relationship.