Reducing Carbon Emissions
The new trend...
 

Defined: Emissions to the atmosphere principally from the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.  Increased atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases trap more of the earth's heat leading to the phenomenon known as global warming (as defined by corusconstruction.com)

10 Easy ways we can all reduce our carbon emissions:

1) Drive less aggressively- accelerating and braking less rapidly will save approx. .66 tons of CO2 per year per person!

2) Taking one less short domestic flight per year will save approx. .54 tons of CO2 per year.

3) Drive the speed limit- not only will you save gas, but also approx. .33 tons of CO2 per year.

4) Install programmable HVAC thermostats and set to adjust automatically and save approx. .36 tons of CO2 per year.

5) Drive 10 miles less every week, not only will you save time you will save approx. .31 tons of CO2 per year.

6) Replace a porch light that is always on with a compact fluorescent light and save on your electric bill as well as approx. .30 tons of CO2 per year.

7) Switch 3 lights you use 4 hours per day with compact fluorescent lights and you will save not only on your electric bill but also approx. .15 tons of CO2 per year.

8)Turn heater down 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer and you will save on your electric bill and also approx. .15 tons of CO2 per year.

9) Set water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees this will save on your electric bill, stop you from scalding and save approx. .08 tons of CO2 per year.

10) Buy carbon offsets for what you cannot reduce. 

There are also many other ways to reduce our carbon emissions, such as changing HVAC filters, unplugging electronics when not in use, washing clothes in cold water, and buying locally grown produce.  Our average meal travels 14 days and 1600 miles to get to our plates!  Also, be sure to recycle all plastic, glass, tin, steel and aluminum containers to help reduce the waste that is being put into our landfills.  Let's change the fact that the United States of America is the most wasteful country on the planet!

Remember it's not about being an environmentalist, it's about being aware of our impact on our environment to ensure it's future for generations to come! 

Hot Products
 

Acclima Closed Loop Irrigation Systems:

Acclima offers an unprecedented solution to inefficient irrigation.  By irrigating according to soil root zone moisture requirements, Acclima delivers only the water needed, applying up to 40% less water while maintaining healthy landscape.  Acclima's patented digital TDT Moisture Sensor technology reads absolute soil moisture to within +/- 1%.  The sensor is integrated through embedded software to a computerized controller. The result is a self-regulating irrigation control system that maintains soil moisture at optimal levels for plant growth at significant savings and convenience.  Sensor accuracy & reliability have been independently verified by the Center for Irrigation Technology, University at Fresno (CIT).

The systems are so effective at conserving water, many local municipalities & water districts offer rebates to encourage residents to install Acclima's SMART controllers.

Dual flush toilets: Can save an estimated 20% more water than ultra low flow toilets.  They also now have very powerful suction so there is never a need to flush more than once.  I've even seen a demonstration with a dual flush toilet where the .08 gallon flush sucked down 2 potatoes, that's some power!  Most dual flush toilets come with .08 gallons per flush and 1.6 gallons per flush and the technology has come a long way. 

LED lighting: LED (light emitting diodes) are moving leaps and bounds towards trying to replicate the glow of incandescent lights.  The light they provide is a warm white light and the span of each light is 50,000 to 100,000 hours and they generate very little heat.  They also do not contain mercury like the compact fluorescent light bulbs.  While it is unlikely that traditional fixtures will be completely abandoned LED lighting is definitely making an impact.

Green Marketing 
Opportunity for Innovation

If you think your customers are not concerned about environmental issues, or won't pay a premium for homes built or remodeled with eco-responsible products, think again.

Green Building is one of the most significant developments in the housing industry today.  It is designed to build in a manner that conserves resources.  This affects virtually every aspect of the development and construction process as well as the physical structure of the house and landscaping.

Many homeowners are desiring and even insisting that their home be earth friendly, affordable to operate and healthy to live in. 

As our environment continues to deteriorate, the price of energy increases exponentially, and global warming concerns become more apparent, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion that the future of real estate and development must be green.