Going Green: Building A House With Sustainable House Plans

Years ago the idea of building a home with green principles seemed a bold investment. Now that everyone and every organization in the world unites to find ways to lessen global warming, the same idea has made a great impact on the Home Building Industry especially in Australia. Thus, almost all home builders including Melbourne home builders are now building a sustainable home.

Presently, Urbanedge Homes is recognized as one of the top eco builders known for building a house with sustainable long term modern home designs and green principles without compromising style and architecture.

Their GreenSmart Homes have already attracted the fantasies of new home buyer’s dream of building an eco friendly home while at the same time offers timeless elegance and sophistication. On top of these features, Urbanedge GreenSmart Homes are built in sustainable modern home designs and green principle house plans which can reduce water and energy usage.

Thus, these Eco friendly homes demonstrate improved energy, resource and water efficiency, which in turn reduces household running costs and greenhouse gas emissions into the environment. By building a GreenSmart new home, home owners can reap long-term benefits such as lower energy and water bills, for years to come.

With the rising cost of energy and the need to conserve our precious resources, a sustainable home is becoming a highly favorable and more economical option when it comes to building a new home. With GreenSmart home buyers will not only achieve an environmentally responsible home that is cleaner and healthier for their family to live in. They will also be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with cheaper running costs.

To know more about GreenSmart homes, visit Urbanedge Homes display homes and display centres throughout Melbourne. Or log on to http://www.urbanedgehomes.com.au/greensmart.aspx for more information.

About the Author:
A computer professional who works on the internet helping Urbanedge Homes increase its viewers through optimization. For world class Eco builders visit us online at www.urbanedgehomes.com.au

Building A New Home? Go Green!

With the rising cost of energy and the need to conserve the planet’s precious resources, a sustainable home is becoming a highly favorable and more economical option.

So, if you are planning on building a home, incorporate sustainable principles on your home designs and house plans. There are many reliable home builders in Melbourne who will be pleased to assist you in achieving that goal. One of the most recognized green Melbourne home builders in Australia is Urbanedge homes.

Urbanedge Homes features Green homes which are known to demonstrate improved energy, resource and water efficiency which in turn reduces your household running costs and greenhouse gas emissions into the environment.

These eco friendly homes are designed to minimize the use of heating and cooling. Through careful solar orientation on the site, the sun’s energy is maximized throughout the year and natural ventilation methods are used to circulate air in and around the home. Effective insulation is used to prevent heat loss and heat gain through walls, roofs, and floors, whilst heat loss through windows is reduced through high-performance glazing.

As for your house interior and exterior designs, Urbanedge home builders guarantee that you will love your home and will stand out in your neighborhood. Their team of professional architects and designers will create modern home designs and house plans that fit your neighborhood block, lifestyle and budget.

If you also have ideas or designs you want to include in your home, Urbanedge will be happy to guide you through the process and assist you with the many things that need to be taken into consideration. They will help you select the exterior bricks, render and roof colors; doors and windows; flooring and all internal and external features as well as your home’s finishing touches.

Building a house with sustainable designs will not only help you achieve an environmentally responsible home that is cleaner and healthier for your family to live in, you will also be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with cheaper running costs.

Know more about Urbanedge green and affordable homes at http://www.urbanedgehomes.com.au/greensmart.aspx or visit Urbanedge display homes in Melbourne.

About the Author
Ace
A computer professional who works on the internet helping Urbanedgehomes increase its viewers through optimization. For world class Home builders visit us online at www.urbanedgehomes.com.au

Sustainability Declaration - Top 10 Most FAQs

Q1: What is a sustainability declaration?

A: A sustainability declaration is a compulsory checklist that must be completed by the seller when selling a house, townhouse (class 1a buildings) or unit (class 2 building) from 1 January 2010 in Queensland.

The Queensland Sustainability declaration will inform buyers about the sustainability features of a property and increase community awareness of the value of such features.

Q2: IS THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION RELATED TO THE CONTRACT OF SALE?

A: No. The declaration does not form part of the contract of sale.

Q3: DO ADVERTISEMENTS NEED TO REFER TO THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION?

A: Yes. Under the new legislation, from 1 January 2010 real estate agents and private sellers cannot publish an advertisement for the sale of the property unless the advertisement includes information about where a copy of the sustainability declaration can be obtained.

This requirement excludes advertisements published in newspapers and magazines, or signs that are not designed to specifically advertise the sale of a particular property (e.g. a generic ‘for sale’ sign).

Q4: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MAKING THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION AVAILABLE?

A: During the period that the property is on the market, certain requirements exist for making the sustainability declaration available:

Advertisements (excluding newspapers, magazines and non-property specific signs) must not be published unless they declare the location the sustainability declaration can be obtained from.
if requested, the sustainability declaration must be made available to a prospective buyer. Will the declaration be required at open inspections? Yes. Whenever the home that is for sale is open to the public for inspection, the seller must ensure a copy of the sustainability declaration is visibly displayed at the site or in the dwelling.
The seller’s agent is not obliged to provide a copy of the sustainability declaration to every prospective purchaser in this instance if requested.

Q5: WHY IS THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION BEING INTRODUCED?

A: There is growing concern about the impacts of climate change and the need to improve existing housing stock. Encouraging prospective buyers to make informed choices about the sustainability performance of residential buildings is becoming increasingly important.

Properties with a greater number of sustainability features potentially have lower energy costs and use less water. They can also be more comfortable to live in and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Homes with access features may be more liveable for occupants during their various life stages and the inclusion of safety features can reduce potential risks around the home.

The Sustainability declaration aims to increase awareness about sustainable housing features when a property is marketed for sale. It also promotes possible ongoing financial and environmental benefits that could be achieved with specific features. It is anticipated that the declaration will help promote the sustainability of a home and become a key marketing tool for real estate agents and private sellers.

Q6: WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION?

A: For a professionally completed sustainability declaration please visit our online booking and one of our trained Sustainability assessors will contact you immediately.

Q7: WHO CAN COMPLETE THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION?

A: The Sustainability declaration is a self-assessable checklist that can be completed by a property owner. However, if an owner is unable to complete the form, they can seek help from another person to complete it on their behalf as long as the owner signs it. Where an owner cannot sign the form, a person authorised under a power of attorney or other statutory power may sign the form.

Q8: I NEED HELP COMPLETING THE DECLARATION. IS A GUIDELINE AVAILABLE?

A: A guideline to assist with completing the sustainability declaration is not currently available on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning’s website but will be shortly. we advise you contact one of Sustainability assessors to make sure you complete your declaration correctly.

Q9: WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THE INFORMATION ON THE DECLARATION WAS FALSE OR MISLEADING?

A: If a buyer purchased a home and the sustainability declaration was found to be false or misleading or prepared without reasonable skill and care, the seller may be liable to compensate the buyer for the loss or expense (for example, where a seller claims that ceiling insulation is installed and it is not).

Q10:COULD A BUYER TERMINATE A CONTRACT IF THE DECLARATION IS INCORRECT?

A: No. The buyer would not be able to terminate a contract on the basis of information contained in the sustainability declaration as the declaration does not form part of the contract of sale.

Wait there's more here are two more very important questions and answers!!!!

Q11: HOW DOES THIS AFFECT RENTAL PROPERTIES?

A: A sustainability declaration is not required when a new lease is signed for rental properties.

However, if a rental property is being sold, a sustainability declaration will still need to be completed.

Q12: WHAT IF I NEED TO AMEND THE DECLARATION?

A: If the home has been upgraded during the marketing period or the seller recognises that the Sustainability declaration has been incorrectly completed, the Sustainability declaration should be amended or replaced. The seller should initial and date the change on the original form, or alternatively prepare and sign a replacement declaration.

About the Author:
Scott Parsons

Environmental-Friendly Homes Using Natural Building Materials And Techniques

With today’s inflated prices on energy and the urgent need to be more environmentally friendly, building a self-sustaining home that will save you money as well as your environment is on the rise. If you are considering building a new home, do check out the natural building materials available today. It will have a positive effect on your pocket and the environment.

There are nearly 20 types of natural building techniques used in home building today. Some of the most common techniques used are outlines below.

One of the most popular forms of natural building in America is the bale building. Straw-Bale Construction is the practice of taking baled straw stacks to create extra-insulated walls. Straw bales provide the ultimate in insulation, are lightweight, cost almost nothing and do not require many tools. Mixing straw with natural plaster provides homes the ability to ‘breathe’, something missing in our society today. HUD (Housing and Urban Development), Fannie Mae (a shareholder owned company, established to expand the flow of mortgage funds in all communities, at all times, under all economic conditions and to help lower the costs to buy a home) and Habitat for Humanity have approved the construction of bale buildings which are economical, healthy and insurable too.

You can say adobe style houses are built both by the rich and poor. It’s because in the South these types of homes are built because the homeowners cannot afford anything better whereas in the Southwest, the rich build adobe homes. This type of housing made from sun-dried mud bricks, has been in use for centuries all over the world.

A mixture of clay and sand are used in the construction of adobe homes. Sometimes straw and manure are added. The clay mixture is poured into molds and left to harden in the sun for days. They are then laid on a stone or concrete foundation using traditional masonry techniques. Mud is the mortar of choice for adobe style homes, however concrete or lime also has a history of use. Because of the severe restrictions on adobe constructions, it is limited to the desert southwest.

Among the most self-sufficient homes built are earthship homes. Michael Reynolds of Solar Survival Architecture started earthship construction. An independent structure, created and sustained by solar energy and recycled materials, the walls of earthship homes were and still are created from soil-filled tires, which are excellent thermal conductors. Bottles, cans and other recyclables fill the gaps between the tires. The building is typically framed with localized wood and roofed metal that will collect rainwater. Optical upgrades include integrated wastewater treatment systems, photovoltaic electrical systems and solar hot water and heating. There have been many Earthships communities built in places like New Mexico and Arizona.

Another common method of building homes today are using recycled building materials, with the sole purpose of creating less waste. By using materials and objects that would otherwise end up as trash, you will not only build an affordable home but one that is earth-friendly as well.

Global warming is a threat that will affect generations to come. The atmosphere surrounding us that supports life is a God-given gift. It must be protected. We should be leaders in efforts to curb global warming, not resistant followers.

Erin Hunt is an avid writer and activist. She discovered that many are still unaware of the dangers of global warming and thus created a website to educate others on how they can play a role in the fight against global warming. Find out more about the effects and causes of global warming and how you can make a difference at http://www.fightagainstglobalwarming.com

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Code For Sustainable Homes Assessment: What’s It All About?

The Code for Sustainable Homes is a rating system that measures the environmental impact for new build housing in England. The code was officially launched back in December 2006 and was designed to complement the system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new homes that were built or developed in 2008 under the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment is a mandatory assessment under current building regulations but it does represent important development towards limiting the environmental impact of housing. Currently the minimum Code level for newly built social housing is CSH Level 3. As of Spring this year this minimum target level well also be mandatory for new-build private dwellings

The Code has taken over from the previous Building Research Establishment's EcoHomes rating scheme that was first used back in 2000. The Government owned scheme currently only applies to new build dwellings in England but the National Welsh Assembly recently announced a plan to adopt the code, while Northern Ireland are required to achieve a code level 3 on all public sector homes. The rating acts as an incentive to home builders to consider building to the Code's higher standards, whilst making the information routinely available will encourage consumers to be more demanding.

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Going Green With Commercial Real Estate

Investing in a facility that adheres to green building standards and performance efficiency is a smart and responsible decision. When considering the value energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings can bring to the commercial real estate market, it seems as if going green is the wisest of investments. The practice of "going green" has been gaining popularity within the last decade.

It is more important than ever to ensure we are doing all we can to lessen mankind's harmful impact on the environment, and the government is offering tax incentives to those who take on environmental challenges with green building practices. Our society as a whole has changed the way it sees building, living and working. That's why living and building "green" is more attractive than ever to both residential and commercial real estate investors. Green building design consultants can help a facility reach its efficiency goals. Green design can alleviate and reduce exposure to toxic materials, as well as ensure the conservation of non-renewable materials and energy.

When it comes to green facility construction, a green design consultant will make sure the building process minimizes the ecological impact of building as well as oversee the construction to guarantee the protection of local water, soil, air, plants and wildlife. When designing a green facility, it is important to take into account the lifestyles of those who will be using the building. Make sure the facility offers support of transportation alternatives, such as walking, mass transit, biking and alternative fuels. Incorporating design features that will make it easier for commuters who use non-traditional transportation is a responsible and modern necessity.

Of course, you'll want to utilize non-renewable energy and recycled, environmentally friendly materials in your building. Many wonderful decorations and practical applications can be made out of the abundance of recycled plastic and rubber. Plastic and rubber are extremely durable, but not very environmentally friendly. It is a wise choice to use the recycled plastic and rubber, however, because otherwise it would end up sitting in a landfill for thousands of years. And, by using recycled materials, it eliminates the need to create new, un-degradable plastic.

You may think that going green and increasing building performance efficiency would cost a lot of money. While this has been the case in the past, it is becoming more and more cost effective. In fact, green design and building often costs the same as traditional building methods. And with all the money that can be saved through efficiency and recycling, green building can actually cost far less than traditional methods over the long run. Corporations and businesses are far more likely to invest in a green building if they know it will increase their bottom line.

If you consider the long-term maintenance and energy costs, using green and energy efficient products and designs will significantly increase profitability. As green building continues to gain popularity, tax incentives will increase. It's easy see how green design and construction will pay for itself as times goes on.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Servidyne. The commercial and industrial building experts can help you manage your building's energy-efficiency while lowering operating costs. From consultations to energy audits and even to installation of a CMMS system that will keep tabs on your building maintenance and energy output for years to come. For more information on their Green Building Consultant please visit their website.

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Finding Information About Green Communities

Green housing communities and residential buildings will continue to grow by large multiples over the next several years in the United States. McGraw-Hill Companies predict that the market share of green new construction be as large as 20% of all home starts and worth up to $70 billion by 2012. This sustainable housing market is selling strong despite the economic downturn since consumers recognize that the energy efficiency gains can amount to serious monthly savings. The danger is that "green" is a term used widely and is largely unregulated when developers promote their communities. Consumers are finding it more difficult to navigate the "green" housing market, oftentimes finding homes that claim to be green really aren't. This is called "greenwashing", a trend we will certainly see grow in the coming years. Fortunately, there have been several organizations which have created standards which measure all communities against the same benchmark. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has emerged as the most widely accepted. LEED assigns a rating to a home or neighborhood of Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The rating is based on a set of six widely reaching principals designed to assess the environmental friendliness of the community. www.GreenHousingDevelopments.com has created a national website which displays information about many of the nation's leading green developments in a non biased and easy to understand way. Interested consumers can confidently research different green communities and compare the ones which they like best for their green features. Features which are displayed for each community include Price, home type, heating and cooling systems, windows and plumbing used, access to transportation and much more. Through the website, interested consumers can request a brochure, floor plans, or MLS listings from green agents in each geographical area.

About the Author:
This article is written by Luke Blahnik for Green Housing Developments. Get information about USA green homes for sale from Green Housing Developments.

Today's Sustainable Design Home Plans

In today's world, it is important to make many considerations when designing a home. Going green is vital to our future and today's sustainable design home plans reflect this need.

Sustainable home design is defined as the philosophy of designing a home with its environment and services focused with emphasis on economic, social and ecological responsibility providing a minimal environmental impact.

When designing a sustainable home, it is an integrated design process between the architect, engineers, and design team and of course, their client at all stages on construction. From the site selection, design formation, material selected and how they are procured on up to their implementation.

The following are some options for sustainable design home plans. These include some building designs that have been in existence for quite a while and are now being reconsidered due to their beneficial nature.

Passive solar home. These homes can be heated almost entirely by the sun or can have south-facing windows that provide a fraction of the heating. The key to designing a sustainable passive solar home is to take advantage of the climate where you live and customize your home to maximize its benefits.

Earthships/Rammed Earth. An earthship house is made up of rammed earth and tires. When constructing this home, the tires are stacked like bricks with dirt packed in each tire firmly. Once the tires are packed, they create a strong and quite thick wall. These walls help make these dwellings energy efficient by storing heat and releasing it slowly. By doing this, the interior temperature is kept more constant. Another good feature is that these homes are fire and insect resistant.

Adobe. A more familiar option is adobe, which is actually the name of the construction material rather than the design. These homes are typically found in dry climates and the bricks are made with tightly compacted earth, clay, and straw. These natural components make this construction eco-friendly. A similar style of sustainable home design is a Cob House. Like adobe construction, the materials comprise of clay-like lumps of soil, sand, and straw. However, this material is not made into bricks but can be sculpted into the form desired.

Underground homes. These homes are also called Earth Sheltered Homes. These dwellings are characterized by being located mostly under the surface of the ground. By being underground, the home has natural insulation, making it energy efficient and inexpensive to heat and cool. Most homes are located on a hillside with good drainage. To provide more light, the windows may be oriented in a south direction or a skylight may be added.

Whatever your choice for a sustainable design home plan, you are guaranteed a unique home with energy efficiency and character. You can be happy that your impact on the environment is much less than with traditional wood-frame home construction. The eco-friendly nature of your home and the money saved in the long run make your choice to build a sustainable home the right one.

About the Author:
Whether you need architectural drawings in Toronto or Toronto drafting services, we offer professional drafting and project management services for any of your Home Improvement, Renovation, Building or Construction projects, and BCIN in Toronto.

Green Building - Getting The Services Of A Green Architect And Contractor

For those who are planning to build a new house or do some major home remodeling, why not do such tasks the eco-friendly way?. The concepts of green building have taken a major foothold in the home building and construction industry.

Based on US Census figures, it was estimated that more than 1.3 million new homes were built in the United States in 2002, and remodelling and home improvement spending in 1996 amounted to $119 billion. Remodeling or constructing your home gives you a chance to help transform the marketplace towards a sustainability and environment-friendly one, and create living space that's better for you and the environment.

Homes Have A Major Effect On The Environment

It's a fact that homes affect the planet, from the use and depletion of natural resource, human health, to overall ecological integrity. Aside from basic health and safety measures mentioned in the building code, there's no requirement to minimize these impacts. A new home construction or remodel would serve an opportunity in creating a symbolic and physical representation of your commitment to caring for the planet, health, and in a vital and engaged community.

Why It Pays To Find Architects Or Contractors Who Espouse Green Building Concepts

One you try looking for eco-friendly home building concepts and practices, you'll be surprised to quickly find one once you tap into the local design community, that there are a number of firms that have gained stellar reputations for going green.

Upon closer observation, you'll notice that within the general category of green, each firm or architect will have its strong points, as some focus on healthy building, while other concentrate on energy efficiency and/or renewable energy, and some apply their expertise on green materials, natural building techniques, or building modular homes. Look for a professional contractor that has extensive applied experience in building green, and will gladly apply these elements to your home project.

Choosing Green Architects And Home Contractors

Check Out Their Previous Record For Demonstrated Experience

First, do a thorough background check on an architect or contractor's experience with green building. Find out if he or she can point to specific projects in their portfolio, and provide references as well. Aside from ensuring that the architect or contractor is licensed and bonded, ask if he or she is a member of green design organizations or has participated in any programs, and if the contractor follows construction practices that minimize pollution and protects indoor air quality and enhance worker health and safety as well.

Ensure That A Contractor Practices What He Or She Professes

Aska prospective home contractor or architect how he or she operates their business; like does he recycle in the office as well as on the job site? Find out if the green design elements evident,such as environmentally responsible materials and office supplies, energy efficient lighting, fixtures.

Check If Green Concepts Are Incorporated Into the Contract Details

Architects have standard specifications that lays out the orders for everyone involved in building the house, down to how the paint is applied and what quality of materials are chosen for the cabinets. These specifications are generally customized by each company, and further modified for each project. These specs are a powerful tool in green building, while at the same time, are a legal document, and can be tedious to review sometimes. Ask an architect or contractor to give you an overview of the specifications for your project, and ensure that they cover all these.

http://realestatepr.org - Real Estate PR

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

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Why Floor Sanding Is Sustainable

Floor sanding is an excellent method to transform a room or rooms in a house where old wooden floors have been hidden under carpets. Wooden floors can be restored to their natural beauty making them a feature of the house, and actually increasing the value of your property in many instances. There are various necessary stages that a floor sanding london company will do such as block sanding, the replacement of damaged boards, repairing any cracks, dents or stains and refinishing the floor in laquer, oil or wood stain. Depending on how warm you want the room to feel or if you prefer to go for a light and airy look, there are numerous choices of stains available to suit your chosen finish.

So although many people choose the option of floor sanding for the potential beauty they can achieve with this method, some people are also aware and influenced by the sustainability of their choice.

From a health perspective there is more and more infomation coming to light about the potentially unhealthy effects of carpets and PVC flooring, both of which are two of the most popular choices in Great Britain. In the case of carpets they are a comfortable home for dust which in turn means a build up of dust-mite allergen as well as pet allergena dn also toxic pollutants. PVC holds toxic pollutants also. Animal owners will especially appreciate the issues with carpets as anyone who has had a puppy or kitten will remember the very difficult to destroy stench that remains in a carpet, therefore illustrating how easily other unhealthy things could continue to reside there!

It is indeed a good thing that awareness is growing especially for those with young families who do not need their children to suffer unnecessary health complaints which could be eliminated by taking up the old carpet and deciding to have a floor sanding company in to do the job. One organisation that is championing the awareness cause is the Healthy Flooring Network, which is a group who are concerned about allergies, asthma and other health issues potentially affected by certain types of flooring.

Of course apart from the health sustainability of floor sanding there is the environmental and cultural sustainability to consider. It does not require a lot of common sense to realise that when you take up your old carpets and restore the wooden floor below you are of course recycling. Bearing in mind these days that 80% of our ancient forests have already been destroyed and our remaining 20% is under serious threat from illegal logging. On top of this there are approximately 1.6 billion people who depend on these forests for their livelihood. In case this was not enough to convince you there are the serious effects of de-forestation, with the loss of bio-diversity which is continually adding to the worldwide climate changes.

Floor sanding can add value to your home, while letting you and your family feel healthier living in a cleaner environment. You should also sleep better at night, partly due to a lighter, clearer concscience but also the air quality in your home will be improved, as these floors are then easily maintained and cleaned.

About the Author: Jackie de Burca is co-owner Creative Web Advertising, which is an International internet media consultancy specialising in Pay Per Click, SEO and web consulting. Contact Westend Flooring Masters for floor sanding london for an excellent result.

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Greener Interior Design - Where To Buy Sustainable Decorative Materials?

Green interiors: Where to by sustainable decorative materials,
finishes, surfaces and flooring

Decorating homes with the environment and health in mind can be done without any loss of style Although we understand the health benefits of eating natural or organic food, perversely we have been slow to recognize that how we decorate our homes can also affect our wellbeing. Modern paints, for example, are typically made from vinyl resins and petrochemicals. These not only ‘out-gas’ volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but being non-porous prevent walls from breathing turning rooms into plastic boxes. Non-toxic, breathable finishes – using linseed oil, natural pigments and minerals, and even milk, say – rival and often surpass their modern counterparts for longevity, colour depth and finishes. To partner these, there are masses of stylish options for natural or eco floorings, like linoleum or coir and seagrass matting, and surfaces and wall coverings using recycled glass or old Wellington boots, would you believe it?

Surfaces Dapple Glass www.dappleglass.com
Shimmering accent tiles created from glass cullet to resemble crushed jewels.

DURAT www.durat.com
A tactile, solid-surface material available in an extensive range of speckled colours. Designed for worktops and tabletops it can also be cast into basins, shower trays and baths. Made with 50% recycled plastic it is itself 100% recyclable.

Eight Inch www.eightinch.co.uk
Jazzy, hardwearing composite material made from 85% recycled glass chips and solvent-free resins. Available in numerous color combinations and aggregate sizes it can be cast into practically any shape or used as a seamless flooring screed.

Energywise Recycled Glass www.energywiserecycledglass.co.uk
Recycled glass tiles available plain or patterned in clear, blue, green or amber.

Smile Plastics www.smile-plastics.co.uk
Fun sheet materials suitable for flooring, worktops and cladding and the like, ingeniously recycled from Wellington boots, squeezy bottles, yoghurt pots, bank notes, reject toothbrushes and crisp packets.

Smith & Wareham www.smithandwareham.co.uk
Recycled glass mosaic tiles in 16 colours.

Flooring

Concept Carpets www.concept-carpet.co.uk
Luxurious tufted carpets made in Britain with Jacob wool. Free from bleaching agents, chemical dyes and insect and stain repellents, the Jacob’s Velvet comes in three natural colors – cream, pewter and dark brown – as well as five attractive marled versions.

Dalsouple www.dalsouple.com
DalNaturel is a ‘new generation’ natural rubber floor covering featuring over 90% natural ingredients (most ‘rubber’ flooring is actually made from SBR, a petrochemical by-product).

Forbo-Nairn www.forbo-flooring.co.uk
Retro-style Marmoleum flooring is made from linseed oil, chalk, wood flour, and pine resin. Available in a wide selection of plain and marbled colours, it comes as both a 200cm wide sheet and as a tile (333 by 333mm square).

Kersaint Cobb www.kersaintcobb.co.uk
Natural coir, jute, seagrass and sisal floor coverings backed with natural latex.

Panda Flooring www.pandaflooring.co.uk
‘Hardwood’ flooring made from bamboo, the most environmentally friendly plant resource on account of its growth rate.

Siesta Cork Tile www.siestacorktiles.co.uk
Insulating, noise-absorbing, flexible cork floor and wall tiles made from harvestable tree bark in numerous colours, thicknesses and finishes.

The Waveney Rush Industry www.waveneyrush.co.uk
Sweet-smelling carpets and matting handmade from natural, renewable rush fibre.

Paints and Finishes Auro www.auroorganic.co.uk
Gloss and eggshell for woodwork and various wall paints as well as a huge range of wood stains, waxes, oils, decorating adhesives, fillers and even paint stripping paste, all free from petrochemicals.

Francesca’s Paints www.francescaspaint.com
Traditional lime wash (interior and exterior), ‘chalky’ emulsion, flat oil, eggshell, gloss, masonry and water-based, breathable ‘eco emulsion’ paints, all tinted with natural pigments and mixed by hand in 146 shades.

Georgina Barrow Natural Paints www.naturalpaints.org.uk
Matt, water-based emulsion and interior and exterior eggshell paints in 30 muted colours

Precious Earth www.preciousearth.co.uk
Environmentally friendly, low-impact finishes and flooring outlet in Ludlow offering a specialist design consultancy.

Ray Munn www.raymunn.com
Stockists of the Beckers range of eco-friendly paints, varnishes and finishes from Sweden, which offers a computerized colour-matching service.

Contemporary furniture for the home. Storage, shelving and home office furniture, offering contemporary style and sustainability www.ottofurniture.com. Further information on eco furniture, eco designers and eco-retailers is available on this site.

About the Author: Contemporary furniture for the home. Storage, shelving and home office furniture, offering contemporary style and sustainability http://www.ottofurniture.com. Further information on eco furniture, eco designers and eco-retailers is available on this site.

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Shipping Container Homes Are Ecological And Sustainable

Have you ever considered looking into shipping container homes? If the answer is yes, then you are in for a real surprise. For starters, shipping container homes are the most environmentally stable and sound form of home development on the market today.

Using only a tiny percentage of the typical materials to build most standard homes, costs and labor to actually create one of these is astounding compared to constant price increases of your average house today.

The overall structural strength of a shipping container allows the builder to develop multi-story dwellings, offering a larger living space without expanding its footprint. The heavy corrugated steel framing allows the unit to withstand 65,000 lbs of stacked weight.

It has been estimated that 86% of the materials used to build a shipping container home have been recycled. Also, the main foundation design is not as expensive and uses a fraction of material which is much quicker to assemble.

If you are concerned about the transportation infrastructure of these containers, no need to worry because it already exists, so the container homes can be easily moved by train, ship or truck, thus reducing major transport time.

Everything needed to complete the final product is delivered in one trip. An investment is already made by not having to pay extra money for several deliveries and separate construction materials.

Many people today have explored the possibility of getting a shipping container home. With a little research on the internet, you will be amazed at what is available today. The cost of regular constructed houses are sky rocketing as we speak. Even the materials being used are getting cheaper and seem to not last as long as they once did in the past. With the money you can save by investing into a container home, a bright future is in store for you.

Anyone who would like more information on shipping container homes, please visit my site below.
Container Homes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_A_Lee

How To Build A Sustainable Kitchen Design

There is a looming reality taking place in the society today. Increasing concerns on global warming and rising energy prices are on the loose, and so, the concept of high-performance homes and sustainable designs are considered to be urgent issues. The need for more energy-efficient utility and facility designs is inevitable.

A home's energy and conservation points are located within the house itself. A large part of domestic costs are from maintenance, service, and energy. Reports on energy analysis have shown that homes together with buildings, commercial establishments, and facilities contribute tremendous consumption of resources especially energy, which accounts nearly 40 - 60% of the total consumption. Lighting, refrigeration, plumbing, and fire-fighting facilities represent the largest percentage of structural energy demand. Because of the impact on energy, it is important that efficient facility designs are integrated into a home or building.

These things when left unattended can wreak havoc not only to the structure's life cycle but more importantly on its operation and maintenance cost. With this, it is not surprising why homeowners do not just entrust facilities design to ordinary contractors. They assign it to the best professionals in town who can weave in all aspects and engineer the whole into a fine working specimen that can breathe efficiently for years to come.

Considering the many parts of a home, the kitchen is considered to be one of the most important sections. This is where the family's food are being stored, prepared, and cooked.

Hence, it is important to maintain safety and security at all times to ensure harmonious work in the area. Additionally, this is where most of the appliances are located. Hence, among all other parts in the house, the kitchen contributes almost half of the total energy consumption. With this, it is equally important to create a kitchen design that will match the requirements of integrated or sustainable design.

Why Sustainable Design?

Sustainable design, when incorporated within a home or building, triggers high performance and various advantages and keep energy consumption at a minimum. Creating sustainable kitchen design includes putting together "green design strategies" into standard design criteria. With this, you may consider the following areas:

1. Lighting design

Lighting efficiency is an essential factor in developing high-performance in homes. Like HVAC, several factors are necessary to ensure sustainable development in building operations - quality of lighting, aesthetics, energy efficiency, etc.

Designs that provide occupancy or light-level sensors, lighting controls, and dimming systems to determine when lights are illuminated, optimizes lighting needs, and provides homeowners with timed overrides. With advanced lighting designs, modulated lighting levels in proportion to available daylight are possible, which, in the end, saves energy. With this, you can maximize light coming from natural source. You may also use window panels that are specifically designed for optimizing the principles of sustainable development.

2. Materials

Wallpapers, table countertops, wood cabinets, carpet tiles - every material used in your kitchen should be designed according to the current standards of sustainable or green design. In this way, you can be sure that whatever material you use in your kitchen, you can be sure that you do not just provide clean living to your family but you also help protect the environment.

3. Appliances

To match the sustainability of your kitchen, make it a point to use appliances that provides high energy savings and are environmentally friendly. Among all appliances being used in the kitchen, refrigerators are considered to be the most important. This is where you keep and preserve your food.

Temperature control is critical to food safety, shelf-life and quality. However, in most cases temperature control and energy consumption do not go along together. You want to keep food fresh by providing better gauge on the temperature, which will eventually put an impact on your energy consumption. Higher temperature means higher electricity bills. But with a good refrigeration design, you can be sure that you can keep these two factors working harmoniously together.

With increasing requirements for energy efficient facilities in most countries and with the growing environmental awareness, the idea of incorporating sustainable design into your kitchen will not just provide your family a better environment within your home but also offer the community a better place to live.

Jo is an author and publisher for 'Benchmark Interiors' - http://www.benchmarkinteriors.co.uk - a UK kitchen furniture company that focuses in bespoke handmade kitchens, bedroom and home office furniture development and fabrication. If you are eager to create a sustainable kitchen design and want it to be austere yet useful or just want to know about bespoke kitchens design then you ought to have a look at Benchmark Interiors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Alelsto

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Sustainability Rebates

Everything you ever wanted to know about sustainability rebates - Sanctuary magazine issue 9

A Business Plan For Sustainable Modular Homes eBook

Sustainable Housing Design

Green Home Renovation - Eco In Your Bathroom

While building a new green home may not be in everyone's household budgets, there are plenty of eco home renovation ideas for your current abode.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between 1992 and 2002, Australians spent over $1.6 billion on home renovation. And with the current economic downturn, more and more homeowners are considering hanging on to their residents and giving them a new look instead of buying a new one.

One of the first renovation considerations for most homeowners is remodelling the bathroom. That salmon colour scheme with sea foam green might have been a great look for the 50s, but it just might not be your cup of tea.

For the eco minded renovation, there are many sustainable options for the bathroom. From tips to save water, energy - and some precious cleaning time - here are some Green Pages eco home tips for a sustainable bathroom:

Eco Home Tip # 1 - Up cycle/Recycle - Consider second hand pieces for furniture. An old dresser or buffet could make a great vanity. By visiting some great recycle shops, you may find a treasure trove to inspire the ecomagination.

Eco Home Tip # 2 - Lighting au natural - consider installing a skylight to let in natural light during the day. Many skylights can also be ventilated which will save on cleaning (see Eco Tip 5). For artificial, opt for energy efficient globes and fixtures.

Eco Home Tip # 3 - Hey you, try a water saving loo - Australians were the first to pioneer dual flush toilets, let's all be proud. The unique shape of the bowl is the secret behind this ingenious invention, which can save on average 35,000 litres of water a year. There's also the option of installing a waterless urinal in your home, the perfect water saving solution for a house of growing boys.

Eco Home Tip # 4 - Low flow taps and showerheads - Get your fittings measured up and put in flow restrictors or install some low flow fittings. When getting your plumbing put in, call certified Green Plumber who can answer many of our eco bathroom questions.

Eco Home Tip # 5 - Ventilation Revolution - Hate cleaning the bathroom? Here's a quick tip - by installing a fan or ceiling ventilation, you reduce the build up of mold, mildew and foul odors. This means less cleaning, especially with those harsh bleach based chemical cleaners. (which you should ditch for eco cleaning ideas)

Eco Home Tip # 6 - Eco IS a material change - there are eco option for practically everything, solvent free eco paint, sustainable timber or bamboo cabinetry, recycled glass tiles, screens, blinds, windows, everything you can think of.

Do your research on sustainable architecture and eco home products such as those listed on the Green Pages green directory for the green home.

And don't forget, once you have eco bathroom of your dreams, stock it up with some great eco home products. Delectably scented beeswax candles, luxurious organic cotton or bathroom towels, organic hemp shower curtains and organic soaps (and of course recycled loo paper!) are just some great items you can use to give the your own personal eco touch.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wai_Chim

Green Home Building Is Gaining Momentum

Green homes are expected to make up to ten percent of new home construction over the next several years, according to a study done by McGraw-Hill Construction. Homeowners are interested in purchasing green homes because of the benefits they offer -- from healthier indoor air to energy savings.

What are some of the primary benefits of a green home? Such a home is constructed with much thought given to the materials used in construction. Building materials are expected to be toxin-free, sustainable and energy-efficient. The use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution. Since we are exposed to the air in our homes as much or more often than outside air, indoor pollution can pose serious health risks to residents. A healthier home means fewer visits to the doctor and hopefully fewer respiratory problems.

Besides potential health savings, the net cost of owning a green home is typically comparable to, if not cheaper than a standard home. People who live in green homes save money by consuming less energy and fewer resources than standard homes. The savings add up over the years in decreased energy and water bills.

Insurance companies are becoming convinced that green may be the way to go. More and more insurance companies are offering discounts on policies covering green homes. Similarly, there are even a few mortgage companies offering discounted loan rates for home buyers buying green.

Here are some of the reasons for the heightened interest and discounts offered by the business community:

A green home is often more durable than standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.

The value of a green home is often higher than that of a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes is expected to rise. A green housing development in New York has demonstrated the ability to command ten to fifteen percent higher rental rates than comparable units in the surrounding area.

And local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and incentives for building a green home or adding green features to an existing home.

What are some of the features of a green home? Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping and water-conserving irrigation systems help green homes use less water than standard homes. This feature will become increasingly important as the prospect of water shortages loom in some parts of the country.

Because many green building materials incorporate significant recycled content, they require the use of fewer natural resources. The amount of excess building materials dumped in landfills is significantly less than the amount generated by traditional practices.

Some green homes incorporate carpets and floor tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Other homes use salvaged materials or renewable and sustainable products, such as bamboo, hemp and soybean. Homeowners can choose countertops made from recycled street lights and other recycled glass.

Low-volatile organic compound paints and finishes inside the home reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. Formaldehyde-free insulation also insures fewer dangerous chemicals are released into the atmosphere.

Energy-efficient appliances, insulation, roofing materials, doors and windows lower heating and cooling bills.

In many cases, builders are also including universal design elements into green homes. These designs, which include wider doorways, no stairs, flat entries and accessible bathrooms, sinks and showers, assure that people with varying abilities can live in and age in their homes and their neighborhoods.

Preston Sandlin is a home inspector and real estate investor in Charlotte NC. He has been performing home inspections and buying real estate in Charlotte NC for over 12 years. He is a member of the North Carolina Home Inspector's Association, the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association, and the BBB.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Preston_Sandlin

Aesthetic And Sustainable Architecture

I recently attended a global eco design conference. Whilst the basic principles of a sustainable house such as insulation, ventilation and orientation to suit the climate were good - the resulting houses seemed to lack something. They didn't seem to have much intrinsic beauty or elegance.

The only principle that was mentioned that excited me was "bio-mimicry" - copying nature. Although the concept has been around for some time, it has been brought to prominence recently by by Janine Benyus in her book ""Biomimicry, Innovation Inspired by Nature". It was mentioned at the conference by Ray Anderson - an American manufacturer of commercial carpet tiles who is trying to make his company more sustainable and it was also touched on by Dr David Suzuki - the famous environmentalist - who also spoke at the conference. It seems to be the latest buzz word.

Perhaps it is the fact that Vedic houses - those based on ancient Sthapatya Vedic principles - are also based on natural design that makes them have a better feeling and which makes them look more appealing.

I have had a house built according to these principles. It faces true East and is aligned to the cardinal points. This design in accordance with natural laws is called "Vastu". You enter from the East and North sides only. One of the main guiding principles is that everything good comes from the East. But this doesn't mean that you can't also design your house to suit the climate (in my case the tropics) and filter the light if necessary and have large eves.

So the design corresponds to the effect of light on the earth - to the effect of the sun. In fact you can work out what true North is simply by observing what the sun does to the shadows it creates at different times of day. You can also use a GPS to confirm it.

In Vedic architecture the placement and dimensions of the rooms, as well as the length, width and elevation of the building are individually calculated. The measurements are based on ancient mathematical formulas. These formulas take into consideration, among other factors, the relationship of the house owner with the planets according to Jyotish (Indian Astrology). So the design relates to the people - it isn't based on some man-made notions of what would be good.

According to Vedic principles, the nourishing aspects of the house are placed on the East side of the house just as the rising sun coming from the East provides nourishment. So the meditation room is placed in the North East corner to nourish the spiritual aspects of the individuals in the house. The kitchen which nourishes the physiology is placed in the South-East. The North is considered the best side of the house in which to pursue creative activities and so that is where the study is located. The Western side of the house embodies the qualities of the setting sun - that being relaxation, calmness and restful sleep. So it is the best side on which to locate bedrooms and relaxation rooms. So in this sense, they are also mimicking nature.

I think that a lot of houses these days lack the fine details (see http://www.newhousebuilding.com). We used to have the beauty of ornate cornices and ceilings shaped like flowers and so on. When Ray Anderson talked about bio-mimicry he gave the example of his carpet tile designers going into the forest. They found that every part of it was different and that no two leaves or other parts of it were the same and yet the overall effect was one of unity. So he decided to make a range of tiles where no one tile was the same as the other. They were very popular. This also explains the beauty of marble tiles - no one tile is ever the same as all the others.

Vedic houses have this attention to detail and their aesthetic beauty arises as a result of it. For example, the house is elevated on a plinth which makes it appear more grand and stately and the roof is adorned with an intricately shaped and curved kalash. Modern sustainable houses need to learn some of these principles so that they too will be satisfying on all levels and not just functional.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Chambers

The Natural House - Pilot

"The Natural House, is a thirty minute home tour, building and ‘workshop’ series that illustrates how homeowners incorporate innovative architectural design, natural building materials, and flexible construction techniques to create uniquely livable homes that reflect principles of harmony, economy, self-reliance, health and ecological balance. Each of the first thirteen episodes – and twenty six homes – will introduce viewers to unique houses and homeowners, forward looking builders, and visionary designers who have created sustainable homes utilizing the latest innovative sustainable and green technologies. In addition, each program in the series will include two on The Natural House pilot has been produced and directed by Ed Eberle."

Green From The Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, And Energy-Efficient Home Construction

"David Johnston and Scott Gibson offer guidance on environmentally sensitive home building in Green from the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient Home Construction (Taunton Press, paperback). The book is packed with information, tips, illustrations and case studies that offer wisdom earned from experience." -- Detroit Free Press (Michigan)

"Eco-friendly housing used to be thought of as expensive, ugly or just plain weird. Now it's becoming common. David Johnston and Scott Gibson offer guidance on environmentally sensitive home building in Green from the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient Home Construction. The book helps builders and homeowners create houses that conserve natural resources and are energy-efficient and healthful. It's packed with information, tips, illustrations and case studies that offer wisdom earned from experience." -- McClatchy-Tribune News Service