Two of the criteria of being green is sustainability and re usability, of course in my case I added a third element, It’s painted green as well. As you can see from the Rudolph costume, it is a driver.
My 1927 Ford Model-T
How to get ready for Cash for Caulkers
By Lori Bongiorno
Posted Tue Jan 5, 2010 1:52pm PST
Related topics: Finances, Government, Tips, House, Saving energy at home
More from The Conscious Consumer blog
122 votes
Buzz up!
Cash for Caulkers
(Photo: Getty Images)
Details for the U.S. government’s Cash for Caulkers program aren’t available yet, but it’s not too early to start thinking about how to cash in on the proposed stimulus program.
“Homeowners that educate themselves will be the first ones to take advantage of the program,” says Lane Burt, at the Natural Resources Defense Council. He recommends that you get educated about your home now so you’ll know what kinds of changes you’d like to make when the money becomes available. This is good point when you remember that Cash for Clunkers ran out of cash in the end. “Understand what you want to do so that you’re not the one left in line when the program runs out of money,” says Burt.
While the details are still being hammered out, there are potentially two ways to have the government help with the costs of making your home more energy efficient:
1. One idea is that an accredited buildings professional would come in to conduct an energy audit to determine where energy efficiency improvements can be made, help you decide on a plan of action, and then execute that plan. The expectation is that homeowners could get back 50 percent of what they spend up to a maximum rebate of $12,000.
2. The other way to get government money is to buy an energy-efficient furnace, windows, or other component. There are federal rebates already available and several states also offer rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances and more.
If you decide to make changes yourself and get a rebate on an individual purchase, then know that which order to make home improvements in is important. You’ll want to seal leaks and tighten your building’s shell so the air you pay to warm or cool doesn’t leak out before you buy a new furnace, for example.
While we’re all waiting for the proposal to get passed, Burt suggests thinking what your home needs. Figure out where you are wasting energy. Take a look at your energy bill and compare it to others in the area. Start looking for leaks. Look at ducts and make sure they are all connected.
Do the things that you can do yourself and that don’t cost much money. Some suggestions:
* Install a programmable thermostat.
* Weatherstrip windows and doors.
* Caulk the obvious leaks.
* Insulate your water heater.
* Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs or efficient halogens.
These are all baseline changes that should be made before you embark on more extensive changes so that you can maximize energy and money savings.
Also, think about whether you want to hire a contractor and go for the whole-house approach or if you’d like to pick one project to focus on.
Experts say that you’ll most likely need to hire a professional contractor to get the most financial support from the government. If you hire a contractor, that person will tell you exactly where you can save money and in which order you should make changes so that you can maximize savings.
Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green’s users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com.
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July & August 2009
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| July 10 & 11 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Building Science Fundamentals – Portland and Bend This 2-day class explores the fundamental laws that govern the dynamic flows within a building. The goal of the class is to understand the interconnectedness of house systems. These basics are necessary tools when making design, construction, and operation decisions that affect project sustainability. This class enables participants to comprehend the natural laws that drive the thermal, air, and moisture flows within a house; develop strategies for analyzing how dynamic flows affect the performance of a house; and explore the importance of place and its impacts on building performance, occupant health, well-being, and resource efficiency. The second day of class includes site visits related to lessons learned during day one. Class size is limited to the first 10 students. This class joins the Sustainable Homes Professional course already in progress. CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AVAILABLE
Home Inspectors: Earn 14 CEUs through EAI’s approved
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| July 13 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Residential Green Building and the Building Codes – Klamath Falls
Attention: Residential Builders, Designers, Engineers, Inspectors, & Building In partnership with Earth Advantage Institute, the Oregon Home Builders Association is offering Residential Green Building and the Building Codes. This class includes an overview of green building, third-party certification programs, incentive programs, and opportunities and challenges presented by the Oregon codes. This is an all-day class, including a networking luncheon. This class is brought to you by the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer & Business Services. Klamath Falls Fairgrounds-Blue Building #2 Questions? Johnathan Balkema, Oregon Home Builders Association, (503) 378-9066 Ext. 5 |
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| July 23 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
Introduction to the LEED® for Homes Program - Portland LEED® for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance green homes. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and healthier indoor air quality. LEED certification recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards and for providing homeowners with the confidence that their homes are durable, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Earth Advantage National Center |
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| July 29 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Residential Green Building and the Building Codes - Grants Pass Attention: Residential Builders, Designers, Engineers, Inspectors, & Building Professionals In partnership with Earth Advantage Institute, the Oregon Home Builders Association is offering Residential Green Building and the Building Codes. This class includes an overview of green building, third-party certification programs, incentive programs, and opportunities and challenges presented by the Oregon codes. This is an all-day class, including a networking luncheon. This class is brought to you by the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer & Business Services.
The Bear Hotel Questions? Johnathan Balkema, Oregon Home Builders Association, (503) 378-9066 Ext. 5 |
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| Aug 11 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Residential Green Building and the Building Codes - Bend Attention: Residential Builders, Designers, Engineers, Inspectors, & Building Professionals In partnership with Earth Advantage Institute, the Oregon Home Builders Association is offering Residential Green Building and the Building Codes. This class includes an overview of green building, third-party certification programs, incentive programs, and opportunities and challenges presented by the Oregon codes. This is an all-day class, including a networking luncheon. This class is brought to you by the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer & Business Services. Centeral Oregon Home Builders Association Questions? Johnathan Balkema, Oregon Home Builders Association, (503) 378-9066 Ext. 5 |
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| Aug 12 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Residential Green Building and the Building Codes - Baker City Attention: Residential Builders, Designers, Engineers, Inspectors, & Building Professionals In partnership with Earth Advantage Institute, the Oregon Home Builders Association is offering Residential Green Building and the Building Codes. This class includes an overview of green building, third-party certification programs, incentive programs, and opportunities and challenges presented by the Oregon codes. This is an all-day class, including a networking luncheon. This class is brought to you by the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer & Business Services. Best Western Sunridge Inn & Conference Center Questions? Johnathan Balkema, Oregon Home Builders Association, (503) 378-9066 Ext. 5 |
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| Aug 14 & 15 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Integrated Design & Envelope Performance – Bend
This 2-day class enables students to articulate the intent and application of the integrated design process (IDP), emphasizing how the IDP promotes a cohesive team effort and a smarter, more sustainable design. In addition to identifying potential strategies for insulation, ventilation, and water management, students will develop the skills to select appropriate design features and assemblies according to project objectives, integrate building envelope details into plans and specification, and communicate strategies to trades. On the second day, students will analyze the importance and details of the building envelope. Class size is limited to the first 10 students. This class joins the Sustainable Homes Professional course already in progress. CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AVAILABLE
Home Inspectors: Earn 14 CEUs through EAI’s approved
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| Aug 20 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
What’s Green Building? - Portland
Discover why the Northwest’s largest builders are implementing green building construction practices in their homes. Learn about three green building certification programs: Earth Advantage®, ENERGY STAR®, and LEED® for Homes. Realize the benefits of sustainable building practices and discover the future of the residential green building market from local Oregon experts. Earth Advantage National Center |
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| Aug 21 & 22 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Integrated Design & Envelope Performance – Portland
This 2-day class enables students to articulate the intent and application of the integrated design process (IDP), emphasizing how the IDP promotes a cohesive team effort and a smarter, more sustainable design. In addition to identifying potential strategies for insulation, ventilation, and water management, students will develop the skills to select appropriate design features and assemblies according to project objectives, integrate building envelope details into plans and specification, and communicate strategies to trades. On the second day, students will analyze the importance and details of the building envelope. Class size is limited to the first 10 students. This class joins the Sustainable Homes Professional course already in progress. CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AVAILABLE
Home Inspectors: Earn 14 CEUs through EAI’s approved
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| Aug 26 & 27 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
S.T.A.R. (Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals) - Portland Students learn how to communicate with clients about sustainable building in order to market and sell green homes. This 2-day certification course provides an overview of residential home certification programs while teaching the skills needed to inform clients about green home features and benefits. Course graduates earn 16 Oregon CEUs, a personalized listing on EAI’s Web site, and up to $1,000 per quarter in marketing funds from Energy Trust of Oregon. Earth Advantage National Center |
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| Sept 25 & 26 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
*NEW* Certified Green Appraiser Series – Portland A 3-part Certification Course for Appraisers Course 1: Green Homes for Appraisers Instructor Taylor Watkins has been appraising homes in the Portland and Southwest Washington region for the past 17 years. For the past 5 years, Taylor has focused his attention on green residential construction and is the proud owner of the area’s first zero net energy home. This course introduces students to the history and practice of local green residential construction. All phases of construction will be covered, from proper siting of a home to finish material selection and installation. Course materials, including a student handbook, site plans, photos, and actual samples of building materials, will be augmented with site visits to new green homes. Earth Advantage National Center |
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For more information, please contact the education department at
education@earthadvantage.org or 503.968.7160 x 32 |
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controlled by a thermostatic touch pad. This gives the homeowner complete control over the indoor environment.  |
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| May and June
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| May 8 & 9 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
S.T.A.R. (Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals) - Medford Click Here to Register This two-day course provides valuable tools to sell, market, and communicate with your clients about green building. Explore green home features and trends and learn about the ENERGY STAR, Earth Advantage, and LEED for Homes programs through interactive classroom presentations and tours of certified homes. Course graduates earn Earth Advantage Broker designation, 16 Oregon CEUs, a personalized listing on EAI’s Web site, and discounts to EAI education programs. Earth Advantage Brokers may join the Energy Trust Real Estate Professional trade ally (REPTA) network and receive $100 back on Earth Advantage Broker certification. To become a REPTA, Earth Advantage Brokers attend a free two-hour seminar through Energy Trust of Oregon and learn how to take advantage of program benefits, such as reimbursements for 33% of the cost of cooperative marketing materials (up to $4,000 a year) and $250 annual payment for posting Energy Trust’s logo and text on your Web site. |
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| May 14 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
Introduction to the LEED for Homes Program Click Here to Register LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance green homes. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and healthier indoor air quality. LEED certification recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards, providing homeowners with the confidence that their homes are durable, healthy, and environmentally friendly. |
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| May 19 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
Residential Lighting Strategies Click Here to Register This class begins with the fundamentals of lighting and proceeds through technologies, design basics, and residential applications. A discussion of control options, lamp choices, and practical lighting tips and techniques are offered. Participants learn how to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining lighting quality. Demonstrations of color, light distribution patterns, and lighting equipment are provided. |
| May 27 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m. |
Residential Green Building and the Building Codes - Eugene Click Here to Register - Preregistration required at www.oregonhba.com The Oregon Home Builders Association, in partnership with Earth Advantage Institute, is offering Residential Green Building and the Building Codes. This class will offer an overview of green building, third-party certification programs, incentive programs, and opportunities and challenges faced with the Oregon codes. This is an all-day class that includes a networking luncheon. This class is sponsored by the Department of Consumer & Business Services: Building Codes Division. |
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| May 27 & 28 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
S.T.A.R. (Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals) – Portland Click Here to Register This two-day course provides valuable tools to sell, market, and communicate with your clients about green building. Explore green home features and trends, and learn about the ENERGY STAR, Earth Advantage, and LEED for Homes programs through interactive classroom presentations and tours of certified homes. Course graduates earn Earth Advantage Broker designation, 16 Oregon CEUs, a personalized listing on EAI’s Web site, and discounts to EAI education programs. Earth Advantage Brokers may join the Energy Trust Real Estate Professional trade ally (REPTA) network and receive $100 back on Earth Advantage Broker certification. To become a REPTA, Earth Advantage Brokers attend a free two-hour seminar through Energy Trust of Oregon and learn how to take advantage of program benefits, such as reimbursements for 33% of cooperative marketing materials (up to $4,000 a year) and $250 annual payment for posting Energy Trust’s logo and text on your Web site. |
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| June 6 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
Creating a Green Home: New, Addition, Remodel – Portland Click Here to Register This class provides students with information about what constitutes a green new home or a green remodeling project. Participants gain valuable insights through visual presentations of actual projects that illustrate green building concepts. Hands-on investigation of various green building products offers a glimpse of the options available to make effective changes to a home. |
June 2 |
Residential Green Building and the Building Codes – Portland Click Here to Register The Oregon Home Builders Association in partnership with Earth Advantage Institute, are offering Residential Green Building and the Building Codes. This class will offer an overview of green building, third-party certification programs, incentive programs, and opportunities and challenges faced with the Oregon codes. This is an all-day class that includes a networking luncheon. This class is sponsored by the Department of Consumer & Business Services: Building Codes Division. |
| June 11 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
What’s Green Building? Click Here to Register Discover why the Northwest’s largest builders are implementing green building construction practices in their homes. Learn about three green building certification programs: Earth Advantage®, ENERGY STAR®, and LEED® for Homes. Determine the benefits of sustainable building practices and discover the future of the residential green building market from local Oregon experts. |
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| June 12 & 13 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Sustainable Homes Professional – Bend Click Here to Register The SHP course is a rigorous curriculum that offers builders, remodelers, designers, and architects the necessary strategies to achieve high performance residential construction. Six monthly 2-day sessions include interactive workshops, site visits, readings, homework, and a final project. Comprehensive training is provided on advanced building science topics, such as certification programs, integrated design, envelope performance, mechanical systems, health, materials, and resource efficiency. Students gain the technical knowledge and tools needed to implement sustainable building practices in their professions. The registration deadline is June 1, 2009, for both locations. Class size is limited to the first 30 students who submit payment by the registration deadline.
Home Inspectors can earn continuing education |
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| June 19 & 20 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Sustainable Homes Professional - Portland Click Here to Register The SHP course is a rigorous curriculum that offers builders, remodelers, designers, and architects the necessary strategies to achieve high performance residential construction. Six monthly 2-day sessions include interactive workshops, site visits, readings, homework, and a final project. Comprehensive training is provided on advanced building science topics, such as certification programs, integrated design, envelope performance, mechanical systems, health, materials, and resource efficiency. Students gain the technical knowledge and tools needed to implement sustainable building practices in their professions. The registration deadline is June 1, 2009, for both locations. Class size is limited to the first 30 students who submit payment by the registration deadline.
Home Inspectors can earn continuing education |
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For more information, please contact the education department at |
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We invite you to tour the completed home during the Ultimate Open House Tour, April 18 & 19 and April 25 & 26. 
Earth Advantage Sustainable Community projects selected Earth Advantage, Inc. (EAI) recently announced the first three residential projects involved with its Earth Advantage Sustainable Community (EASC) certification program.
The selected projects include a Clackamas Community Land Trust development in Oregon City, Pamelia Lane in Newberg, and Verde Village in Ashland. EAI publicly launched the EASC standard in September and selected the three projects following a competitive process.
Energy Trust of Oregon played an important role in the development of the community standard.
This is a groundbreaking certification that will offer residential developers an opportunity to showcase an entire development in addition to the homes within it. In order to achieve certification, a residential development must meet conditions in four program categories by demonstrating how it will
• Protect and enhance natural systems;
• Respect environmental and community needs in its built systems;
• Provide complete connecting and mobility systems;
• Establish community systems to provide ongoing community interaction and stewardship.
The Pamelia Lane development in Newberg is managed by Larry Anderson, an engineer and Newberg resident. Anderson is passionate about building a local sustainable community. The Pamelia Lane project, which will include twenty single-family homes, features open areas for birds and other wildlife, and enhancements for the Springbrook Creek stream corridor.
