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New Resource Group Forms: Dallas Green Building Alliance

Last year a group of contractors, while working together on a sustainable/green/resource-efficient residential project on Walnut Hill, started hanging out together to talk about sustainability, how to make their projects more sustainable, and how to support each other in those efforts.  After months of once-a-week conversations, they decided to start a new group, the Dallas Green Building Alliance.  Their mission is to be a resource for homeowners, Realtors, builders–anyone with an interest in learning more about building and remodeling in a sustainable way.  Their brand-new website is absolutely loaded with information, technical and otherwise, on heating and air conditioning systems, low-VOC finishes, solar, projects, etc.  Yes, they are looking for business, but they have definitely drunk the Kool-Aid and they are really committed to this.  Check it out.

Green Certification Class for Realtors This Week

You’ll remember that last year the National Association of Realtors developed a pretty comprehensive certification for Realtors that covered many different aspects of “green” buildings.  There’s a two-day core curriculum class, being offered this week at MetroTex/dfwRealtors, and then a one-day elective in residential, commercial or property management.  It’s hard to give up two days, but you Realtors will be amazed at how much has been crammed into the class–all of which will come in handy sooner or later.

Green Labron Ctd.

I had the chance to take a tour of the Green Labron home in June and if you are looking for a few good “green” ideas then this stop on the AIA Dallas house tour is definitely worth your time. While these guys shot for the moon (LEED Platinum certification) when it comes to reducing their carbon footprint, you don’t have to spend as much green to help the environment. Simple things like installing energy star appliances, dual flush toilets and tankless water heaters will make your home more engery efficient. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat that allows you to set different temperatures during the day and at night (or while on vacation) then I recommend getting one — it’s an easy DIY project that will only cost you around $75. I just installed one in my 1970s circa home and my wife no longer complains about waking up to a cold house in the morning. If you need more inspiration, head on over to the Green Labron website.

Also, if you’re curious to read about a teeny, tiny struggle they had with the city of Dallas then click here. But keep it on the DL, because more than a few people are unhappy I wrote that article.

Energy-Efficiency Incentives For Home Buyers Are Growing, Blowing

I’ve heard this from both coasts, and already happening in Austin. FHA is prepared to give borrowers up to 5% more in loans if they use the funds to make their homes more energy efficient. That could be an extra $15,000 on a $300,000 mortgage to use for tighter windows, improved insulation, tank less water heaters, etc. Remember that FHA only covers conforming loans, that is, up to $417,000 in our area. But still, this could not only help spur home sales but stir up business for the folks who make your home energy efficient. Stay tuned this week for an interview with a realtor who takes 1% of his commission, comes to your new house, and puts the money to work making your home superbly green.

Dallas Dirt Comments

We have people of superior intelligence commenting here on Dallas Dirt. Proof: someone just posted a comment that I think is brilliant and appropriate for Earth Day. Why don’t electricians wire houses so that, as you walk out the door, you could flip a switch and turn off all electrical outlets? Not only would that save electricity it would prevent potential fires from hair dryers/curling irons/irons/Christmas tree lights left plugged in. Our house is wired as a “smart house”, meaning we are able to access electronics (lights, music) from our cell phones or computer. Naturally, I have done it once in nine years. But if I could shut down the juice remotely, I might do it more often.