https://livegreenmarin.wordpress.com/2012
27 Sunday May 2012
27 Sunday May 2012
27 Sunday May 2012
Traditional forms of housing no longer address the needs of many people. Dramatic demographic and economic changes are taking place in our society and most of us feel the effects of these trends in our own lives.
A NEW TYPE OF HOUSING
Cohousing is a grass-roots movement whose initiators drew inspiration from the increasing popularity of shared households, in which several unrelated people share a traditional house, and from the cooperative movement in general. Yet cohousing is distinctive in that each family or household has a separate dwelling and chooses how much they want to participate in community activities. There are of course other innovative ideas being experimented with – for example, single-parent cooperatives and congregate housing for the elderly with private rooms arranged around shared living spaces. But unlike these approaches, cohousing developments are not targeted for any specific age or family type; residents represent a cross section of old and young, families and singles.
Cohousing also differs from most of the intentional communities and communes we know in the United States.
This kind of relationship demands accountability, but in return provides security and a sense of belonging. Cohousing offers a contemporary model for recreating this sense of place and neighborhood, while responding to today’s needs for a less constraining environment.
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS
Cohousing developments vary in size, location, type of ownership, design, and priorities. Yet in our research we were able to identify four common characteristics:
Participatory Process * Residents organize and participate in the planning and design process for the development and are responsible as a group for all final decisions. This element is essential; no cohousing development has been built any other way. The process can be long and frustrating, but those now living in cohousing communities universally agree that it was well worth the effort. As one resident commented, “Those meetings created an openness between us as we learned each other’s strong and weak sides. . . . Without that phase I would not have the same relationship to the common house or the outdoor areas.”
Intentional Neighborhood Design * The physical design itself encourages a strong sense of community. A successful design depends largely on the architect’s and the organizing group’s understanding of how design factors affect community life. For example, if residents must pass by the common house on their way home, they are more likely to use it. Without thoughtful consideration, many such opportunities can be easily missed.
Extensive Common Facilities * The common area is designed for daily use, to supplement private living areas. The heart of a cohousing community, the common house is a place for common dinners, afternoon tea, children’s games on rainy days, a Friday night bar, crafts workshops, laundry facilities, and numerous other organized and informal activities. Common facilities often extend beyond the common house to include barns and animal sheds, greenhouses, a car repair garage, and the like. Common dinners, prepared by small teams on a rotating basis, have proven enormously popular and provide residents with the option of eating communally or privately. By allowing residents to get acquainted, discover mutual interests and share experiences, common facilities contribute greatly to the formation of a tightly knit community.
Complete Resident Management * Residents – renters and owners alike – manage the development, making decisions of common concern at community meetings. Inevitably some residents feel they do more than their share, and the process of discussing and solving problems often involves long discussions and debates. But once an agreement is reached, it is usually respected, because everyone knows they had a say in it.
A DIVERSITY OF EXPRESSION
While these four characteristics are not unique to cohousing, their consistent combination is. And their application in practice has been quite diverse, since each community is developed to fit the particular needs and desires of its residents.
Size * Although there are cohousing developments as small as 2 households, we have found that groups smaller than 6 households tend to function more like situations in which a number of unrelated people share a house or apartment. Such small groups are more demanding because residents depend so heavily on each other. The average cohousing size of around 40 to 100 people allows residents to retain their autonomy and choose when or when not to participate in community activities. Those living in larger communities of around 80 households sometimes feel they are too large and institutional; often they subdivide into smaller groups.
Location * The location of cohousing developments are limited only by the availability of affordable sites. The majority are situated just outside metropolitan areas where sites are affordable and yet within reasonable distance from work, schools, and other urban attractions. Ten communities have been established in rural settings, some of them using an old farmhouse for the common house. While these developments have a “rural atmosphere,” most residents must still commute to nearby cities for work. Still other communities are located in the inner cities.
Design * Most cohousing communities have attached dwellings clustered around pedestrian streets or courtyards. Generally they are new construction because it is difficult to create the desired relationships between spaces in existing buildings. Nevertheless, two communities have adapted old factory buildings and another an old school building. While all the newly constructed Danish developments are low-rise in scale, in both Denmark and Sweden high-rises as well as sections of huge housing projects have been converted to cohousing to overcome impersonal environments that encouraged vandalism and high turnover.
Financing and Ownership * Cohousing developments utilize a variety of financing mechanisms and ownership structures: privately owned condominiums, limited equity cooperatives, rentals owned by non-profit organizations, and a combination of private ownership and nonprofit-owned rental units. While financing does determine who can afford to live in a particular development, it makes little difference in the actual functioning of cohousing. Cohousing refers to an idea about how people can live together, rather than any particular financing or ownership type.
Priorities * The priorities of cohousing developments are as varied as the residents themselves. In addition to seeking a sense of community, some groups emphasize ecological concerns, such as solar and wind energy, recycling, and organic community gardens. In other developments, residents place less priority on community projects and spend more time on individual interests such as local theater groups, classes, or political organizations. Priorities often change over the years, reflecting the desires of the residents.
COME TO 2012 NATIONAL COHOUSING CONFERENCE IN ~ OAKLAND CA 6/13-6/17 http://conference.cohousing.org/
06 Tuesday Sep 2011
Tags
Green Real Estate, marin county homes, money savings ideas, solar water heaters, sustainable living
Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Solar water heating systems utilize the sun’s energy to heat water for use within a household or commercial property. Typically, solar water heaters are made up of a storage tank, a solar collector, and a series of tubes, valves, pumps and fluids that allow for water circulation. While certain systems may function at higher capacities in warmer locations with greater sun exposure, they do work in all climates. Different models are available for the home, pools, and commercial properties.
There are two types of solar water heating systems – active and passive. The former have circulating heat pumps while the latter do not. Active systems are either direct (circulates water directly from collectors to the home) or indirect (circulates non-freezing heat transfer liquid from the collector through tubes in the storage tanks to heat the surrounding water). Passive systems, which are generally cheaper, but less efficient, are typically either integral-collector systems or thermosyphon systems. Integral-collector systems are best in warmer climates where temperatures rarely drop below 32 degrees. Thermosyphon systems use basic water principles for circulation by placing the outlet that goes to the home at the top and the outlet that goes to the solar collector at the bottom. This allows for the hot water (which rises) to go to the home and the cold water (which sinks) to be circulated through the solar heater.
Storage tanks should be well-insulated to prevent heat loss. There are two main types of storage tanks: two-tank systems and one-tank systems. Two-tank systems have an additional conventional water heater attached for back-up while one-tank systems have the conventional heater and solar heater integrated into the same tank. Both systems provide back-ups in case the solar heat is insufficient on any given day.
There are many different types of solar collectors and system set-ups. Consult a local specialist and the online resources listed at the bottom of this page to determine which type is right for you.
For a basic overview of the different types, visit http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/homes/system_types.htm,.
Estimated Cost Savings:
While solar water heating systems are more expensive than conventional heating systems, they can save you up to 50-80% on your water heating bills. The amount of money you save depends on several factors, including the amount of water, geographic location, fuel costs, financing incentives available, and the system’s performance. Installation and maintenance costs create additional expenses, but these are still minimal when compared to overall savings.
To determine your estimated savings, visit http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12910.
For information on financial incentives in your state, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/).
Issues: As solar heating systems rely on the sun’s energy to heat your household’s water, weather can sometimes create an issue by preventing adequate sunlight from reaching the collector. However, the storage tanks often store enough hot water to compensate for lapses in sunlight. Also, a conventional water heater is attached to most systems to provide back-up in case there is not enough solar heat.
These systems require a decent amount of maintenance to ensure they are working properly. Check annually for problems like obstructions shading the collector, failing pipe and storage tank insulation, and visual signs of wear or corrosion on pipes and tanks. Consult a technician for routine qualified inspections. For a complete list of recommended inspections, visit http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12950.
Regional Issues:
It is important to take into account local temperatures when choosing a solar water heater. While the heaters generally work for any climate, certain types will not work in colder climates where temperatures frequently drop below freezing because the outdoor components may freeze. Dry climates may also require extra maintenance including cleaning the collector glazing as there is no natural rainwater to cleanse it.
As solar water heaters use the sun as a source of energy, items blocking direct sunlight may inhibit their proper function. Be sure to trim branches and trees that may block sunlight.
Check local codes and regulations before installing a solar water heater. Some areas require permits or special permissions before installation. See the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Codes, Covenants, and Regulations for Solar Water Heating Systems for more information and to find the requirements in your area (http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12920).
Installation (Getting It Done):
Most solar water heaters require professional installation. For a list of solar water heater companies,visit http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/homes/installation/index.htm. If you decide to install your system yourself, visit Florida Solar Energy Center for a series of articles to help guide you through the process (http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/homes/installation/index.htm).
Before installing a solar water heater, make sure there is enough sunlight to create noticeable energy savings. In the northern hemisphere, this typically means installing the solar collector on a south-facing roof. In some cases, they can be installed on roofs facing up to 90 degrees east or west and still provide adequate heat. Consult a professional to find out what type of solar water heater best suits your needs before purchasing. Also, remove any obstructions that could potentially block sunlight from reaching the collector. These include branches, satellites, tall trees, etc. Collectors should usually be installed flat on the roof or according to the guidance of your installation professional.
As a rule of thumb, solar collectors should be at least 20 square feet for each of the first two family members in the house. For any additional family members, add 8 square feet if you live in the Sunbelt region (south and southwest U.S.) and 12-14 square feet if you live in more northern regions. For example, if you live in the Sunbelt region and there are five people in your house, your solar collector should be at least 64 square feet (20 + 20 + 8 + 8 + 8) to ensure adequate hot water supplies.
The size of the storage tank also correlates to the number of people in the house.
Small – 1-2 people
Medium – 3-4 people
Large – 4-6 people
It is important to purchase the right size solar collector and storage tank for your system to properly heat enough water for every member of the household.
More Information on This Topic:
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers – Solar Water Heaters
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers – The Economics of a SolarWater Heater
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12860
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers – Estimating a Solar Water Heater System’s Cost
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12910
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers – Building Codes, Covenants, and Regulations for Solar Water Heating Systems
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12920
Home Power – Hot Water Heaters
http://homepower.com/basics/hotwater/
Solar Energy Industries Association – Factsheet on Solar Water Heaters
http://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/factsheet_solar_water_heating.pdf
Florida Solar Energy Center – Solar Hot Water
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/index.htm
Florida Solar Energy Center – Simplified Residential Solar Hot Water System Calculator
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/homes/calculator/index.htm
16 Tuesday Aug 2011
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping, designed to conserve water, with slow-growing drought-tolerant plants. Xeriscape generally requires less fertilization and use of pesticides as compared to more traditional landscaping. The slower growing plants used in xeriscape require less maintenance, saving time and energy and producing less waste in the form of clippings.
Estimated Cost Savings:
There is great potential for cost-savings with xeriscaping. Those who pay for water use save simply by using less water. Reduced need for fertilizers and clippings disposal saves money as well.
Regional Issues:
Xeriscaping may be a necessity in some regions with arid climates or in cities or towns that restrict lawn watering.
Installation (Getting It Done):
Preparation in advance will help xeriscaping achieve long-term resource efficiency. However, it is not always possible to design entire landscapes from scratch, as they are often established when moving into a home. Converting portions of the landscaping to more resource-efficient plants and designs is a good option. Proper soil preparation and irrigation are key to successful xeriscaping.
Xeriscaping contractors come a in variety of shapes and sizes. Doing one’s homework in advance is good practice.
More Information On This Topic:
California Integrated Waste Management Board: Xeriscaping
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/Xeriscaping/
Colorado State University: Xeriscaping – Trees and Shrubs
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1911.html
Colorado State University: Xeriscaping – Annuals and Perennials
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1909.html
Colorado Waterwise Council: Xeriscape Colorado
http://www.xeriscape.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=145
Xeriscape for Beauty & Conservation
21 Thursday Jul 2011
Perhaps you’ve heard that this is a good time to buy a new home in California because of historically low prices and interest rates and the prices are down. This is certainly true, and there are many bargain homes on the market to choose from, but some are in run-down condition and need considerable work before moving in. Too often new owners do not see the opportunity to take advantage of all of the sustainable improvements they can make and simply add a new coat of paint, install carpet and a couple of kitchen appliances, mow the yard and that’s it.
Today, however, it is possible to do substantial sustainable upgrades to make your home much more energy- and water- efficient, improve indoor air quality, and allow you to live comfortably while both saving money and having a positive impact on the environment.
Fortunately there are many resources for buyers who want to upgrade a home into a healthy, high- performance green one. So with a little planning, proper financing, and a skilled contractor, along with some rebates and tax credits, your new home could actually cost less at the end of the year to live in than comparably priced homes without these improvements.
Here’s how you can purchase and turn a toxic, run-down, energy-wasting house into a beautiful green home:
First, get prequalified by a mortgage broker not only to determine your price range but to choose the best mortgage or mortgages for you.
Two of the best ones are the FHA’s 203K and Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) because most of the costs of improvements can be included in the mortgage package. Make sure your broker has knowledge and experience with these kinds of loans.
… A proprietary combination of FHA EEM / Renovation financing which has been optimized with the power of our “Superior Financing” system…to deliver homeowners and homebuyers with market rate financing that has been specifically structured to fund “Acquisition/Greenovation” & “Refinance RetroFit/Greenovation” projects .
The Superior Financing program is focused on one goal…
To identify the “lowest total cost of ownership” for the homebuyer / owner.
¨ Base loan amounts up to $729,750
¨ Energy Efficient Retrofit allowance up to $29,312.50 (without apprais-al considerations), over and above $729,750.
¨ Alternative Energy Systems allowance up to 20% of the value of the home, over and above the $729,750 (subject to appraisal considerations)
¨ Can be combined with Renovation Loan OR Conforming Loan
¨ H.E.R.S. (Home Energy Rating Systems) Report establishes “savings”
Now you are ready to contact a REALTOR® to help search for your dream home. Be sure your agent is familiar with existing green features of the homes you are considering, since these can save you money right away.
The old mantra “location, location, location” has now been replaced by “location, location, energy rating.” You will soon find out why.
When your offer is accepted, open escrow, and if you are using an EEM or 203K, you will need to hire an energy auditor and contractor. They will test the home to find air leaks and other sources of energy losses, and then help draw up a plan for improvements and upgrades along with cost estimates. Your real estate agent can apply for a rebate of up to $250 for the energy audit from the California Association of Realtors. Make sure your agent does this for you.
Your upgrades will usually fall into the following categories. Improvements in energy and water efficiency carry the most weight in green certification programs, followed by air quality.
Some good resources for green rehabs are Eric Corey Freed’s “Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies” and the U. S. Green Building Council’s “Green Home Guide.” (www.greenhomeguide.com)
Don’t forget about rebates and tax credits. Energyupgradeca.org and local city, county and water district offices are sources for rebates, and so are the manufacturers of products you are buying. Your accountant can give advice about tax credits.
Want to have your new home certified green?
The ultimate green home meets standards of organizations such as the U. S. Green Building Council, California’s Build it Green, and ENERGY STAR®. Ask your contractor about these when you are drawing up a plan for your home.
Now you are ready to close the transaction. Some improvements might have already been made, but others will be completed follow closing depending on the terms of your mortgage. Enjoy living in your new home, knowing that it will be comfortable, high performing and economical, as well as very beautiful.
– Example of a HERS rating by an energy auditor. (Source: U. S. Department of Energy. For a HERS 2 rating certificate, see car.org)
Eco-Broker, Bradley Real Estate
415-710-4090 www.MarinBestHomes.com
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