Take a look at the Guide to Greener electronics for more detailed information (including the grading criteria).
Posted on 6/29/2009 7:22:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: climate change | CO2 emissions | energy-efficient | recycle | emissions | e-waste | toxics
Tags: greenpeace
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With the cold weather, it's a good time save money and energy with an Energy Star natural gas heating system.
If you upgrade your furnace or boiler to an Energy Star system, you can save upto $950 in bill credits and rebates. Terasen Gas will provide you with a bill credit of $250 when you upgrade before Dec 31st 2009 and manufacturers will provide $700 in rebates when you upgrade before Jan 31st 2009. A furnace or boiler that is more than 13 years old is probably a low efficiency model, running at 60 to 70% AFUE (Annual Fuel utilization Efficiency). An Energy Star natural gas furnace can run at 97% while an Energy Star boiler can perform at 85%. Heating your home accounts for a large portion of your home energy costs so you should have your furnace checked by a licensed natural gas contractor so it is operating efficiently. They do specialized tests on gas pipes as well.
Here are some simple ideas that can help you save energy, the environment and money.
Posted on 1/6/2009 6:59:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: air quality | energy costs | energy star | energy-efficient | insulation | programmable thermostat | weather striping
Tags: terasen
With the New Year approaching rapidly, people may be thinking about resolution ideas, some of which may be to do something positive for the planet. The majority of us know the basics of carpooling, recycling and using CFL bulbs. Here are a few more from our good friend Chris Whitney of Royal LePage. Single Serving Kettle Try the new single serve kettle models that boil water for a single cup. If you need to heat water for yourself for a cup of coffee, tea, or soup, these models save energy. It uses the same technology that makes hot water in a drip cofeemaker. Solar Powered Roof Ventilator Install solar-powered fans in the attic which remove the hot air that builds up in the attic. This will keep the home cooler in the summer months and reduce your air-conditioning bill and save energy at the same time. Biodegradable Party Plates and Cutlery If you are throwing a party, consider biodegradable cutlery that is compostable. Since they are made from organic materials such as corn and not plastic, they can also be used in the microwave. When you are done with them, simply throw them in the compost bin. If you can't have a compost, it may be a good time to start using compost pick up services; Cherry Hill Coffee has a partnership with a local company that does weekly compost pickup.
Posted on 11/17/2008 7:28:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: biodegradable | cfls | energy-efficient | environmentally friendly | green reno | organic | solar power
Tags: chris whitney, royal lepage, eco-kettle, cherry hill coffee
Posted on 11/4/2008 7:23:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: cfls | energy costs | energy-efficient | water conservation
Tags: bc hydro
The biggest share of home energy costs is accounted to home heating at 60%. If your boiler or furnace is more than 10 years old, it's probably a low-efficient model having a Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) between 60 to 70%. i.e. It's only producing 60 to 70 cents worth of heat for every dollar you are spending.
There are Energy Star natural gas equipment that can perform upto 97% AFUE (furnace) and the Energy Start boilers can perform at 85% or more AFUE.
Terasen Gas has 14 leading brand manufacturer rebates that range from $150 to $700 which expire on January 31 2009. Visit terasengas.com to take a look at the offers. Terasen will also give you a $250 credit for replacing your old furnace or boiler with an Energy Star model by December 31 2009.
The Province of BC's LiveSmart program has other incentive for renovating your home with the federal government's ecoENERGY retrofit program. Visit www.LiveSmartBC.ca and click on 'Save on Energy'
Posted on 10/7/2008 6:50:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: eco-friendly | energy costs | energy-efficient
Tags: terasen, ecoenergy, livesmartbc
Wal-Mart has 3 long term global sustainability goals:
Posted on 8/28/2008 7:28:00 AM by Maizal
Categories: energy costs | energy-efficient | environmentally friendly | green | net-zero energy | recycled | sustainability | renewable energy | zero waste
Tags: walmart
Posted on 8/25/2008 7:44:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: energy costs | energy-efficient | environmentally friendly | green | green roof | home value | solar panels | solar power | water conservation
Tags: royal lepage
The Interior Health Authority (IHA) received $78,000 from FortisBC recently for their energy efficient lighting upgrades.
They exchanged over 16,000 light fixtures across South and Central Okanagan. The facilities that were upgraded were the Penticton Regional Hospital, Kelowna General Hospital, Cottonwoods Extended Care and Three Links Manor. The lighting upgrades cost $714,000 but will save IHA $100,000 each year. The IHA is commited to reducing energy use and environmental emissions.
The City of Castlegar also received $13,600 in rebates for their upgrades in the Castlegar City Hall project. The energy efficient upgrades will reduce power consumption by 230,000 kWhs each year, enough to power 23 houses. The City Hall also has geothermal heating and cooling, a heat recovery system, energy efficient glazing on the windows and an energy efficient elevator.
Summer Cooling Tips from FortisBC:
Posted on 8/10/2008 11:25:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: cfls | eco-friendly | energy costs | energy-efficient | environmentally friendly
Tags: fortisbc, interior health
What is the Cool Shops program? It's a program put together by FortisBC, Terasen Gas, and the City of Kelowna, in partnership with the Clean Air Foundation that helps small businesses conserve energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying and implementing in-store energy management measures.
Through their efforts, they've helped 8,000 retailers become more energy efficient and 5,073 megawatt hours and 1,532 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved.
Case Study Olympia Greek Taverna recently switched to a high efficiency pre-rinse spray valve which will reduce their hot water consumption by 2/3s. That’s a saving of between $400—$800 a year.
Also, the owner's found out that through the Cool Shops program that they have the potential to save approximately $1,400 per year if they upgrade their incandescent and fluorescent lights to more efficient lighting.
If you own a business or work for a business you can set up a free no obligation energy audit. What your business is provided with:
If you are interested, please contact: Fawna More Cool Shops Program Coordinator coolshops@fortisbc.com 250-469-8107
Posted on 8/6/2008 7:50:00 PM by Maizal
Tags: fortisbc, terasen, city of kelowna, clean air foundation, brite-lite
We finally got a chance to test out our front-load Frigidaire Affinity washing machine and dryer set that we bought from the Brick. While removing the shipping components and plugs I noticed that the drain hose was slim and compact; this of course makes sense because front-loaders use less water so there's less water to drain. There will be no more overflowing due to the force and amount of water.
My wife threw in the first load and we were both surprised at how quiet it was; also there were no vibrations and we could see that it wasn't using alot of water through the glass see-through door. We used Sunlight high-efficiency (HE) detergent which limits the excess suds and is made to clean in low water levels; the Sunlight product is 100% phosphate free and contains biodegradable surfactants. The Fridigaire models are also energy star products which will save on our utility bills.
Needless to say we were both very impressed.
Frigidaire also provides a service contract that can extend the 1 year factory warranty to 2 additional years for a total of 3 years with no worries about repair bills. They also have a replacement coverage where you get a brand new washer/dryer if they can't fix yours.
Posted on 7/3/2008 6:47:00 AM by Green Experiences
Categories: energy costs | energy-efficient | water conservation | front-load
Tags: frigidaire, brick
FortisBC, Terasen Gas, and the City of Kelowna, in partnership with Clean Air Foundation, are testing a program that helps small businesses conserve energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Small businesses in Rutland and downtown Kelowna can benefit from the free audits provided from the program. The "Cool Shops" program also provides the businesses with energy efficiency options that can help them save money on their utility bills.
Downtown Kelowna and Rutland based businesses can book an audit by contacting the Cool Shops team via email at coolshops@fortisbc.com or by phone at 250-469-8107
Source: Kelowna Capital News article titled "Cools Shops initiative to help choose energy options"
Posted on 6/27/2008 6:58:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: clean air | energy costs | energy-efficient | environmentally friendly
Tags: fortisbc, terasen, city of kelowna
Weatherford Place in Roswell Georgia is a green residential community. It's described as a "solar community of net-zero energy homes" built to the greenest building standards.
In fact, each "EcoCraft" home is at a platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) level. The highest level which includes points for such things as reuse of materials, pollution reduction, green power, rapitable renewable resources, etc. It's the first project of it's kind built using "Nature's Code". The solar power generation in the community is what differentiates this development from the rest. One of the unique features is that each house serves as a power source for the community. The solar energy collected from the houses are put in to the power grid and used by everyone. The specifications show that each home should generate more than it uses thus making each home a net-zero energy home.
The homes also use 2/3 less energy than regular homes and use solar power to heat water, etc. Each home will have monitors and sensors to measure energy consumption and the overall eco-friendliness. The data will be used in energy-efficiency studies.
The prices of these homes are listed at $750,000 USD (for homes between 2500 to 3900 square feet), but have already appraised at $1 million. This project indicates that green homes can be built to LEED standards and can be profitable.
Source: Article in Event Magazine by Maria Saporta titled "Green Homes"
Posted on 6/25/2008 7:09:00 AM by Maizal
Categories: eco-friendly | energy costs | energy-efficient | home value | recycled | renewable resource | solar panels | solar power | net-zero energy | green building standard
Tags: leed, ecocraft
Scotiabank has made strides in it's commitment to its employees, the communities that they are a part of, and the world at large, to work towards positive change.
They have:
In addition, the institution works diligently to reduce their environmental impact by making choices that leave a minimal carbon footprint.
Their efforts include:
Posted on 6/24/2008 6:14:00 AM by Maizal
Categories: energy-efficient | environmentally friendly | paper-free | recycled | trees
Tags: scotiabank
We were on a mission last night to find blinds for the home and to get tips on making the windows more energy-efficient.
Our stops included Sears and Home Depot. The staff pointed us towards cellular honeycomb blinds which maximizes energy efficiency and insulates the home fairly well. They come in single, double and triple cell arrangements which provide different levels of insulation and light transmission. Chelsea at Home Depot indicated that depending on the supplier, installation times can range from 12 to 19 days. Both places offer free in-home consultation though. I think we are definately leaning towards these shades.
Other options include bamboo roll-up blinds (as a easily renewable resource) and Home Depot also has energy film that has 99% UV Rejection, 85% Light Transmission, 65% Solar Heat Rejection. It can help you save up to 12-18% of annual energy costs but they are recommended for single pane windows.
The reviews have been good: "This film keeps out drafts and conserves heat in winter, to save money and conserve energy."
Posted on 6/20/2008 7:20:00 AM by Green Experiences
Categories: bamboo | eco-friendly | energy-efficient | environmentally friendly
Tags: home depot, sears
We were shopping for washers and dryers for our rental suites and we made our way to the Brick. We were looking for a decent set for our renters without going broke in the process.
The rep in the laundry area directed us towards front-load washers and explained how they could save us money in the long run and at the same time help us be environmentally responsible. He pointed out that front-load washers use 40% less water and if we did warm water washes then we would save on the electricity bill as well. Also, the washer/dryer sets that they carried were energy star products which would lessen our energy consumption. Not only that, apparently the front-load washers are gentler on your clothes so your clothes will last longer.
Our only concern was that we had heard of stories of mildew problems with front-load washers but the rep told us about special high-efficiency (HE) detergent made specifically for front-load washers which creates less suds.
We were sold on getting the Affinity model from Frigidaire.
Posted on 6/15/2008 3:59:00 PM by Green Experiences
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Categories: energy costs | energy-efficient | water conservation
Tags: brick, frigidaire
The Mission Group, the company that brought us developments such as the Verve and Sheerwater, are working on their eco-friendly project Mode - A smart address. The Mission Group has strived to be unique in their projects and Mode is by all means just that.
The Mode project is inspired green with the following features:
The project recently won an Mayor's Environmental Achievement Award for Most Sustainable Development.
Since the development is in the heart of the Landmark Centre, it only makes sense that it's equiped with hi-tech features such as iPod docking stations and the Telus Smart Box.
The Development is located at 1620 Dickson Ave and features "loft-style citi-homes with seperate street entry, and a variety of contempory living spaces from studios to two bedroom homes". Prices range from $185,900 to $415,900.
At the time of this posting, there's only 10 homes left.
Posted on 6/13/2008 7:28:00 AM by Maizal
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Categories: carbon footprint | clean air | energy-efficient | geothermal | solar power | voc | water conservation
Tags: mission group, mode, verve, sheerwater, landmark centre
It wasn't long ago that Dell as a company was crucified for its poor environmental efforts. But things have changed. On Earth Day, April 22, Michael Dell got acclaim as being one of the most forward thinking CEOs when it comes to eco-friendliness.
Dell introduced a new energy-efficient computer that will be available later this year. It is constructed from recyclable materials and encased in bamboo. The new coputer will be about 80% smaller but just as powerful as a desktop tower. It will use about 70% less power and it will sell between $500 to $700 USD.
Dell is reducing its own operating costs by cutting energy costs, reducing packaging, and taking other steps to help the environment. Dell's headquarters is powered by 100% renewable energy and the company plans to be carbon neutral by the end of the year. The company is able to reduce the annual cost of running its best-selling corporate desktop from $100 to $22 a year.
Posted on 5/13/2008 6:31:00 AM by Maizal
Categories: earth day | eco-friendly | energy costs | energy-efficient | environmentally friendly | renewable resource
Tags: dell, laptop
Tips gathered from Joanna Pachner's article titled "Green renos increase a home's value".
Posted on 4/25/2008 6:35:00 AM by Maizal
Categories: bamboo | clean air | cork | eco-friendly | energy costs | energy-efficient | green | green reno | home value | investments | low-flow | radiant heating | recycle | recycled | renewable resource | skylights | solar panels | solar power | voc
Tags:
The City Of Kelowna is spearheading a project to set the standard for sustainable planning and building practices. The project will have a mix of commercial and residential development alongside an extensive park.
Some of the highlights include:
The Central Green project will be developed to the gold standard of LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED™ is the most recognized green building rating system in North America and can achieve energy savings of 50 per cent and reduce water consumption by more than 35 per cent.
There is a public forum April 30th 2008 7 PM at the Laurel Building, 1304 Ellis Street.
Posted on 4/21/2008 6:32:00 AM by Maizal
Categories: energy costs | energy-efficient | geothermal | green | green roof | solar panels | solar power | water conservation
Tags: central green, city of kelowna, leed
When making environmentally friendly choices in home ownership or renovations, TD Canada Trust wants to support its customer with a new lineup of green products.
With a green home improvement or purchase, you can get:
Learn more about it at TD's Green Page.
Additional resources to check out when you go green:
Posted on 4/20/2008 6:14:00 PM by Maizal
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Categories: energy-efficient | green mortgage
Tags: td canada trust, cmhc, genworth