When Ben Walsh, a well-liked and respected Portland builder, decided to build an affordable home with the efficiency of a luxury home he had no idea his ingenuity would be patent-worthy. Here’s a hint: Ply-On-Foam.
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Tag Archives: Portland
Green Appraisals: An Art Form, Part II
May 14, 2010 – 6:44 am
The building industry is being heavily targeted with environmental, political and societal pressure to become more energy and water efficient. This market trend makes it even more important for appraisers to have some formal, in-depth education or experience in green building principles and methodologies.
Ready to Plug In Your Tenant’s Leaf?
March 3, 2010 – 6:45 am
Certainly the use of electric cars provides an opportunity for a homeowner with a 120Volt outlet in the garage – and those with charging stations set up at work – but what about apartment residents? If predictions are correct, within a few years over 25 million vehicles are going to need plug-ins.
EcoFLATS, Net-Zero Apartment Living for Everyman
February 23, 2010 – 6:00 am
Jean-Pierre Veillet and Doug Shapiro, partners in a mixed-use development pursuing a Net-Zero energy operation known as ecoFLATS, believe that they have created the next 100 year model for market rate sustainable apartments. Here is a glimpse into the world of designing and eventually financing an innovative, inner-city sustainable design.
A Conversation with Janie Lowe, Co-founder of Yolo Colorhouse
February 11, 2010 – 7:40 am
YOLO Colorhouse was the first company to achieve the very difficult GreenSeal certification under their new GS-11 requirements for paint. We were interested in learning how a small company was able to compete against all the major paint houses with staffs of chemists and come out on top.
EPA: Parking Reduction 101
February 8, 2010 – 7:28 am
It is estimated that each time residential density doubles, auto ownership falls by 32% to 40% when more destinations can be reached on foot or bicycle. Of course, in a built environment de-constructing a lot is less practical than new construction. However, it is worth considering approaching your city planners with a proposal to ask for a reduction in your property’s required parking.
A Mini-Primer on VOCs & Paint
January 20, 2010 – 8:02 am
VOC ingredients can be natural or synthetic with hundreds of combinations in the products Americans use everyday. Unfortunately, our use does not make them safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effort to remove these VOCs from paints, sealers and primers is finally seeing some results.
We offer 13 tips for comparing prices, labels and using GreenSeal GS-11 non-VOC Paints.
Networks for Increasing Multifamily Housing Profits
January 8, 2010 – 11:08 pm
Multifamily housing managers benefit not only from the new emphasis by a majority of municipalities on sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction but from subsidies they offer residents for insulation, energy-efficient appliances and weatherization. However, owners need to be persistent in checking sources as funds often are disbursed quickly but also replenished without notice to previous applicants.