By Brian Thompson, WNBC
What struck me as I reported on how homeowners are going green is the slow realization and acceptance that comes to environmentalism.
For example, one woman is all into saving money, but admits to no clue on the environment. I interviewed a corporate CEO who's totally committed to taking his company green. The vehicle he drives? A gas guzzling (albeit smaller sized) SUV. I know a dedicated environmentalist -he lives and breathes the stuff 24/7- and while he drives a small, relatively fuel efficient car, dismisses hybrids as a "drop in the bucket" gimmick.
In short, one person's idea of Going Green may be quite different from another's. In. Effect we are dealing with shades of green, which leads to this question: just how green are you?
Brian Thompson
Producer, NBC New York
http://wnbc.com/goinggreen/
I was amazed recently that a Hybrid Toyota Camry was actually lower cost than a non-hybrid version. My wife and I considered it, but still wound up settling for the Ford Edge because of the versatility. Had there been a hybrid version we definately would have considered it - we simply can't sacrifice the utility for the green effort. At least I can say we'll drive less with the bigger vehicle since it costs more to do so .. ahh the sacrifice!
HYBRID GREEN ECO MANUFACTURED HOME keeps 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions from our air - each year! The affordable path to green building is not getting enough "greenspot" in the news!
I designed and build an EPA ECO MANUFACTURED HOME which is open for tour at our design center at : 1450 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn CA 95603 Our Open House had Mayor Nesbit conducting the ribbon cutting and over 200 people in attendance! The Eco Home has received fantastic press including Sacramento Bee (2x), Wheatland Citizen, Flex Your Power, Good Day Sacramento, Channel 10 Sacramento, and other online articles. Please read more about my new concept home and contact me should you have any questions. Are you interested in writing an article about our new Eco Home?
The greenbuild features of our New EcoManufactured home are EPA Energy Star construction for energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable and eco materials, improved indoor air quality, reduced environmental impact, reduction of 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gasses every year, and also 'High Design.' They are important points to address because of the direct benefit to the homeowner with lower utility bills and a healthier indoor air environment. My focus while designing this house was to foster the natural harmony you should feel when you come home. High ceilings for the perception of 'clean open space', introducing abundant natural light to reduce the usage of lights during the day. Studies have show that increased natural light encourages healing, elevates moods and reduces tardiness. So we have lots glazing with clearstory windows, skylights, and solatubes. Also efficient engineering for the mechanical and ventilation systems. All this in addition to the current architectural trend of butler pantry, mud room, gourmet kitchen with eat-in center island, stainless steel appliances and more. This Eco Model Home underscores the notion that good architecture does not have to be expensive!
What some of the public doesn't realize is there is this amazing world of off site technology in home building. There has been this misconception that factory built homes are substandard . Because in the past we had trailer homes. But now, people are gravitating towards having a home constructed in a factory, because its built in a controlled environment, using precision cutting. And we can achieve 50-75% less waste and cut down on Co2 emission. All the building facets and tradesmen are consolidate. The framer, electrician, cabinet maker, all come to one place and work together to build the home. This allows for high efficiency and to get the most out of construction materials. And the topical impact on the placement property is greatly reduced because you only have one, two, or three trucks delivering your home at almost 90% complete. In lieu of site building where there are constant deliveries, from multiple trucks. We also try to incorporate Green property improvements including passive solar placement, rainwater catchment systems, insulated foundations, flyash concrete, and more. When you chose an Eco Home from American Home Sales, you work with a staff designer to customize your house plan and then we can typically have your home built in about six weeks, depending on how many orders are in lead at the factory. And our integrated project team will take the entire process from start to final with an average project time of four to six months. Our buyers only make the critical choices and we take care of all the scheduling and paperwork.
Our Eco Home is the first in it's industry and costs $88,000. But with our factory technology, we can build an Eco Home in almost any size and style, averaging $50-$70sqft. We are currently accepting orders for California and neighboring states. We are very proud of what we have accomplished, but will continue to research new developments in Green Building options and practices. Our Eco Home is the affordable path to a healthy, green lifestyle.
Nichoel Farris
American Home Sales
1450 Grass Valley Hwy
Auburn, CA 95603
530-885-4555
ecohomes@msn.com