#green insulation

[lewisinsulation]

Cellulose insulation is considered “green” as it is made from recycled newspaper and requires less energy to manufacture than fiberglass insulation.

[inmacinline]

[westchestergreenluxury]

My 50s Ranch Goes Green! Open House Bar None!

Bravo to Adam Zdrilic, the project manager, who scheduled the various crews to get everyone on board in preparation for the impending Open House on Saturday.  Three such open houses had been cancelled and he was in charge to ensure this planned open house actually took place.

Crews were working fast and hard to apply the gorgeous cedar siding in preparation for the planned open house.  OMG! The beauty of the cedar siding blows my mind!  I so love it!

The clerestory window above the front door was installed along with the stationary window on the side of the vestibule.

The Total Green crew installing the Geothermal were working fast and furiously as well to finish installing the geothermal system so they could then back fill the trench.  It was imperative to back fill the trench to ensure the safety of the public who would attend the open house.

Inside the house, the Green Star insulation crew was cleaning up the extra debris from blowing in the closed cell insulation into the walls, ceiling and attic. The objective is to create an air tight house.

After much preparation to safeguard the public, the educational Open House finally took place as planned and orchestrated by Michael Murphy of the Murphy Brothers this past Saturday from 10-2PM.  It was a great success in spite of the cold rainy weather.  We had a fabulous turn out of professionals from related fields, fellow real estate agents and neighbors who were interested in learning about greening their own homes or homes for others.  It was fascinating to witness the sincere curiosity of those who took the time to attend and to listen to their questions about the various green aspects of my GREEN renovation. I just hadn't realized how unique a project I had undertaken - it was just something I wanted to do for my own satisfaction.  I did not even plan to attend, showed up primarily to meet with the project designer to confirm some decisions regarding the master bath but was delighted I was there as it turned out to be enlightening and energizing.

To check out the Open House go to www.lohud.com and click on the photo titled "1953 Ranch Goes Green" and it will provide you a glimpse into the Open House event.  Also don't miss Landscape Architect, Richard Heller's, video which he posted on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IElQzwXNcAw.  It will give you further insight into the educational aspect of this singularly unique Open House Event.  It is one of four such planned open houses.  Inasmuch as we are applying for a Platinum LEED Certification it is incumbent upon the contractors to hold four educational open houses or class instruction.  Michael Murphy is planning such a class which will be held in the house towards the end of construction for some 30 architects.  Very cool!

On hand were the following vendors: the Murphy Brothers - Michael, Chris with his wife, Diane, who also works in the company and Sean along with the project manager, Adam Zdrilic; Paul Auerbach, who represented Total Green, the company which installed my geothermal; Joseph Novella, partner of Green Star Energy solutions was present to explain the insulation used on the exterior and interior of the house; and Richard Heller, landscape architect and owner of Greener Designs was present to discuss the recycling of rain water to irrigate the landscape and the sustainable landscaping that will get implemented over time. it will be a 3-5 yr project.  Most importantly, Christina Griffin, the architect of this beautiful Green home was on hand to discuss the Green renovation project.  Christina's project designer, Suzanne Levine, was also on hand for a period of time but was mostly there so that we could make some last minute decisions about the master bathroom surfaces - the reason for my presence as well.  All the vendor representatives were constantly engaged in conversation with someone curious about their respective green contribution.  The energy in the house was electrifying, encouraging and so engaging.  With high oil and gas prices it appears individuals are starting to take green initiatives seriously. 

In my opinion, if these GREEN products and systems exist enabling us to create a more energy efficient, healthier home while at the same time affording us the opportunity to maintaining a more sustainable environment then we should avail ourselves of them so that each one of us can contribute to a more sustainable society and ultimately a more sustainable universe.  True, one has to lay out the expenditure up front before reaping the benefits of the government incentives, tax credits and rebates provided at both national and state level which can be financially challenging but if it can be managed, it is well worth it.  It is estimated that one gets the full return of investment within 5-7 years.  Please do yourselves a favor and check the available rebates at state and national government websites.  You will be thankful that you did.  And please join us at one of our next three open houses between now and June.  Stay tuned and you will be informed as to when.