Sunnyside Community Center is Hosting Solar Installation Training Classes

Project partners Sunnyside Community Energy Group, South Union Community Development Corp, Houston Renewable Energy Group, Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Solar United Neighbors, and the developers of the Sunnyside Energy project are collaborating on a free 10-week mini-certification Solar Installation Training class. Classes will be held at the Sunnyside …

She’s a Geek About Energy Efficiency and She Wants You to Be Too

by JESSICA PARRACK, Contributing Editor, Texas Builder Magazine A PROFILE OF KATHY HOWARD, BURGESS CONSTRUCTION Her illustrious career in the building industry could be summed up under one title for Kathy Howard, advocate for change. When Howard started years ago as an auditor in existing homes for a utility company, …

Assess Your Home’s Efficiency with an Energy Audit

(NAHB) – Do you want to save money on energy bills but don’t know where to start? A good first step is to conduct a do-it-yourself (DIY) energy assessment, also called an energy audit. An audit can identify many of your home’s energy deficiencies, helping you make simple improvements to …

Knowledge, Skills, Experience: Hiring a Certified Green Professional

The NAHB Certified Green Professional (CGP)™ designation is a reliable way to identify builders, remodelers, manufacturers and other industry professionals who are committed to making your home green. CGP-certified individuals understand that combining good, cost-effective building science with the most optimal products and materials can help create a home that’s healthier, …

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Technology

Today’s home buyers are looking to incorporate home technologies that increase the long-term value of their house while also providing convenience, safety and comfort. In fact, NAHB research shows that most home buyers want an energy-efficient home and are willing to pay more for it. NAHB’s consumer preferences survey of …

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Comfortable in a Humid Climate

(Energy.gov) – Home energy efficiency is often dominated by discussions about cooling and heating, which account for about 48% of energy costs in the average home. However, when your air has too much moisture, your home may feel warmer than the actual air temperature. Any discussion of energy efficiency, especially in …

Insulation is the Icing, but DON’T FORGET THE CAKE

by GBGC Expert: Lee Kurtas – Perfection Fireplace & Supply As the pleasant spring weather comes to an end and you find yourself permanently closing the windows from the summer heat, many of you will think, “…I think we could use some more insulation.” That’s great! But understand what insulation …

Sustainable Living: Springtime is in the Air

GBGC Expert: Lauren Ballas, Luxury for the Home Most of us are indoors for most of the day, so why not get rid of up to 89% of those harmful VOC’s like formaldehyde and xylene? You could go out and purchase an expensive air purifying system or you could do …

Outslation is the New Insulation

GBGC Expert: David Suszko, Dow Chemicals  Outsulation Is The New Insulation: Addressing Air Infiltration, Thermal Bridging and Lowering Your Energy Bill. “What’s That Blue Stuff on The Outside of My House?” I must start by saying that I am biased. Yes, I admit it. So please, if you feel the …