For those still on the edge about switching over from standard lighting to energy efficient light bulbs, Eco-Hatchery has just released an app that can provide the final push over that edge. Their Bulb Finder app allows you to calculate an approximation of the money you would save by switching the light bulbs in your house with a variety of different energy efficient bulbs. The app is available on the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android devices.

The app begins by asking you which type of fixture you want to put an energy efficient bulb in. There are a ton of different options, including lamp, torchere, ceiling, chandelier, fan, both covered and exposed outdoor fixtures, and many more. Once you have told the app which fixture, it will ask you what type of bulb is already in there, including the style, the base type, the wattage, and if there are any special features, such as if it is a dimmable bulb. It will then ask you how long, approximately, the bulb is on per day.

In the first quarter of 2011, renewable energy production in the United States surpassed nuclear production in overall quantity and percentage. Also, the percentage of natural gas is growing slowly, while coal is declining.

Entrenched energy industries like to say that renewable energy can never provide a significant amount of U.S. energy needs. And while it’s true that some technologies still face barriers to widespread implementation and others, while technically renewable, might not be very green, renewables as a percentage of U.S. energy generation are creeping up steadily — and not just in California, with its target of 33 percent renewables by 2020.

In the first three months of 2011, renewable energy — hydroelectric, geothermal, solar/PV, wind, and biomass — made up 11.7 percent of the U.S. energy production mix, surpassing nuclear at 11.1 percent. The same period last year, nuclear was 11.6 percent, and renewables 10.6, according to a June report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (Table 1.2).

“The rise in conventional hydroelectric generation was by far the largest absolute “fuel-specific” increase as it was up 10,759 thousand megawatthours, or 52.2 percent,” according to Electric Power Monthly. This was largely due to heavy spring rains in Washington, Oregon, and California, which accounted for 71.5 percent of the national rise.

However, environmentalists find objectionable the two biggest technologies that make up the renewables sector: hydroelectric power at 35 percent and biomass at 48 percent.

While large hydroelectric power doesn’t emit emissions (at least not after accounting for the materials and energy expended in building it), it has harmful impacts on river ecosystems and has therefore fallen out of favor as a power source in the developed world.

As for biomass, there are many types of feedstocks, and each much be evaluated individually for its emissions profile, it’s water footprint, and other considerations, such as whether farm fields or forests need that material to decompose in place to retain soil or ecosystem function.

Wind was next highest at 13 percent of renewables, or 1.5 percent of total U.S. energy production, up from 1.1 percent the same time last year.

This represents a 20.4 percent increase from March 2010, and the third-largest fuel-specific increase, according to the report. “Wyoming, California, and Illinois had the largest gains, but the increase was widespread,” it said.

The top ten are California, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Vermont, Texas, Massachusetts and New Mexico.

Site Selection Managing Editor Adam Bruns says “Top-ranking areas for sustainability don’t just pass restrictive laws or put token solar panels on every edifice. They nurture an ecosystem of business, institutions, government and individual citizens all striving to place a proper value on their locality’s limited resources, and sometimes to make or save money in the process.”

So, Go Texas and Go Austin Metro!  Bring on the leadership to move us to number one!

Last year, 80 billion square feet of commercial building space consumed roughly 20 percent of all energy in the U.S. economy.  This new energy saving, sustainable building product will debut at the 2011 AIA conference in New Orleans on May 12.

Read more at http://www.4-traders.com/ALCOA-4813/news/ALCOA-Unveils-Revolutionary-Sustainable-Solution-for-Commercial-Buildings-13621110/

 Their program is offered all over Central Texas, and they have homes priced from the $170s to $350s.  The plans include many high performance green features that can save homeowners as much as 50% on their energy bills, depending, of course on your lifestyle, number of occupants, and the size of the home.  These green, energy saving features are becoming more in demand in the marketplace, which means they add value when it comes time to sell (we Realtors are always looking ahead to resale value!).  If you want to find out more about “Build on Your Lot” options, and who is doing what locally, shoot us an email or call.

Check this out:  Built Smart Resources in San Antonio has a resource center where you can see green building in action.  What a great way to see renewable energy choices, responsibly sourced building materials, energy saving systems…

The Resource Center has scored the highest Emerald level with the national NAHB Green Building program and achieved the Level 3 Solar Home designation with the Build San Antonio Green Program, and it is open seven days a week for your viewing pleasure! Take an educational drive to our Sister City and come back inspired!

President Barack Obama touted gains made by a Wisconsin renewable energy firm as the kind of innovation that will bolster the United States.

“I’m here because this business and others like it are showing us the way forward,” Obama said in the weekly address.

Obama said in the coming days he will highlight “innovators across America” who are relying on new technology to create jobs, and allow U.S. firms to beat competitors.

Read the full text from Reuters Green Business section here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/29/us-obama-address-idUSTRE70S3H120110129

The demand for greener homes in real estate is shifting right now.  National Association of Realtors surveys show that 46% of buyers would prefer a “green” home.  According to a study by McGraw-Hill, about 2% of American homes have notable green features.  That study was done in 2007, so the numbers are certainly higher, but not by a lot.  How’s that for a disconnect that is between supply and demand?  It makes no sense to spend money building or remodeling and NOT choose greener methods and materials.

Right now, Americans are consistently responding in surveys that they will pay more for homes that have energy saving features, recycled or sustainable materials, save resources like old growth trees, and improve air quality.  Building a green home means using more environmentally friendly materials and practices, and setting higher standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality, while reducing waste in the process.  It’s also not necessarily more expensive.

According to What’s Working (www.whatsworking.com), a 15 year old company that offers traiing on green construction, a green home can be built for less than 1% additional cost– and you’ll see the difference when you are ready to sell.  Many of our local Central Texas builders are making green and energy efficient features standard on new construction.  We can tell you which ones, and compare what they offer.  You will see a difference in your monthly energy bill, and in the value of your home when you are ready to sell.

Today’s ideal home is making way for new ideals: No or low VOC paints and materials, recycled glass tiles, recycled marble flooring and wood. Green materials are available in an array of beautiful choices, and living in a green home offers definite health benefits to you and your family’s respiratory system.

If you are planning to sell now, consider adding some green upgrades that will let your Realtor tell a “greener” story and set your home apart from the competition.  We’d love to show you how.