With the focus on preserving and improving the environment, Richard Granoff, whose Greenwich-based architectural firm carries his name, spoke about “green” building to members of the Greenwich Association of Realtors.

Granoff, who holds a bachelor of architecture degree, cum laude, from Syracuse University, spent a school semester studying design and history in Florence, Italy. Recently, he established the Richard S. Granoff Endowed Scholarship Fund at his alma mater.

A registered AIA architect in Connecticut and New York, he is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional, focused on “sustainable” green building practices.

Using as one example a custom home in midcountry Greenwich built by Hobbs Inc. in New Canaan, Granoff reviewed many of the special features of this green mansion of 7,000 square feet, plus basement.

“Big can be green,” Granoff said. “And most of the ‘green’ is invisible.”

The main living area of the Greenwich house faces in a southerly direction, offering heating help from the sun. Insulation is efficient, fiberglass-free, spray-in icynene foam, as are the ductlines, which are lined with recycled blue jeans. With a higher R value, a rating of the insulation’s effectiveness, this high-performance insulation provides what Granoff describes as a “tight building envelope.”

Radiant heat in the floors is used throughout, as the Romans did centuries earlier. In Ephesus, Turkey, you can still see some of the half-buried clay pipes that carried warm water into the ancient buildings. In the Greenwich home, the system used is warmboard, where subflooring is bonded with aluminum. Warmboard combines a structural subfloor and a thermodynamically sophisticated radiant panel system, where channels for radiant-heat tubing can be custom cut.

A photovoltaic system of solar panels is recessed into the roof, making use of the sun’s radiance. The boilers are superefficient, as are all the mechanical systems and the energy-rated appliances.

Windows are low-E argon-filled Thermopane glass, and naturally treated lumber was used for the sills. All rooms have cross ventilation, and the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system is controlled by a computer that adjusts the heating and cooling automatically.

To keep the air in the house healthy for its occupants, low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and adhesives were used throughout, and radon piping was installed below the slab and vented through the roof. All the millwork, doors, paneling and cabinetry is free of formaldehyde.

The ducts were sealed during the construction period to make sure the house stayed healthy. Another factor in this healthy home environment is the ozone-based pool filtration system, replacing chlorine, according to Granoff.

For sustainability, the siding, a clapboard look-alike, is made of durable HardiPlank, a cement resembling cedar that will not require paint for at least 10 years. FSC lumber, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a global network that encourages sustainable forestry management worldwide, was used throughout. The roof was crafted of natural slate, with copper detailing. Plywood was used for subflooring, natural stone from Connecticut is in place, and there was extensive recycling at the site during the construction, with donations to nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

A house Granoff designed that is under construction in Conyers Farm in Greenwich will soon have a geothermal system that provides 100 percent of the heating and cooling. Geothermal uses the energy generated by heat stored in the earth, some 1,500 feet down, where the temperature is a constant 55 degrees. At a “spec” house in the Hamptons, rainwater will be harvested and stored in underground cisterns, to be used for irrigating a landscape that is planned to require little irrigation.

At his own Greenwich home, Granoff has done a photovoltaic, or solar, retrofit, installing low-flow plumbing fixtures and programmable thermostats, and he is considering heating his pool via an attic heat-recovery system.

“Within five years, there will be a building requirement for LEED, or the equivalent,” Granoff said.

LEED is a green guilding rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that provides standards for environmentally sustainable construction. Certification exists at the silver, gold and platinum levels.

To date, the only house with LEED certification in Fairfield County is the first home built at Windermere in Stamford, a gated, eco-conscious development in Stamford.

Some “green” elements carry no cost, others are inexpensive, and still others do require an investment but offer paybacks.

No-cost elements include the building’s orientation and ventilation, low/no VOC products, alternative insulation and other building materials, not forgetting recycled wood and soil, rocks and plants found on-site.

Those elements that are low-cost could be a tight building envelope, FSC-certified lumber, recycled wood and other natural materials, and water-efficient plumbing fixtures.

Photovoltaic systems cost money upfront but pay back over time in rebates and energy savings, as do geothermal heat pump systems, high-efficiency HVAC equipment and electronic controls.

[by Team TreeHugger]

A greener workplace can mean a lighter ecological footprint, a healthier and more productive place to work, and good news for the bottom line. Whether you’re the boss or the employee, whether your office is green already or still waiting to see the light, some practical steps can lay the groundwork for a healthy, low-impact workspace.

From how you get to work — we recommend telecommuting — to helping your company walk the walk through corporate financial investment in green, to getting a new green job that matches your career with your ideals, to starting your own green business, we break down your green workplace. Read on for all the details.

1. More Work, Less Energy
   For many people, a computer is the central tool at work. Optimizing the energy settings for computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver. Set computers to energy-saving settings and make sure to shut them down when you leave for the day (“standby” settings will continue to draw power even when not in use). By plugging hardware into a power strip with an on/off switch (or a smart power strip), the whole desktop setup can be turned off at once (make sure to power down inkjet printers before killing the power—they need to seal their cartridges). Printers, scanners, and other peripherals that are only used occasionally can be unplugged until they’re needed. And of course, turn off lights in spaces that are unoccupied.
2. Digitize
   It does seem a bit strange that in the “digital age” we still consume enormous amounts of mashed up, bleached tree pulp, most of which gets used once or twice and then tossed or recycled (“downcycled,” as McDonough and Braungart would call it). The greenest paper is no paper at all, so keep things digital and dematerialized whenever possible. The more you do online, the less you need paper. Keep files on computers instead of in file cabinets (this also makes it easier to make offsite backup copies or take them with you when you move to a new office). Review documents onscreen rather than printing them out. Send emails instead of paper letters. New software like Greenprint helps eliminate blank pages from documents before printing and can also convert to PDF for paperless document sharing.
3. Don’t Be a Paper Pusher
   When buying printer paper, look for recycled paper with a high percentage of post-consumer content and the minimum of chlorine bleaching. Even recycled paper gobbles up a great deal of energy, water, and chemical resources in its processing (toxic pulp slurry is the paper recycling industry’s dirty secret). When using the real stuff, print on both sides of the page when appropriate and use misprints as notepaper. Try to choose printers and photocopiers that do double-sided printing. If your office ships packages, reuse boxes and use shredded waste paper as packing material.
4. Greening the Commute
   American workers spend an average of 47 hours per year commuting through rush hour traffic. This adds up to 3.7 billion hours and 23 billion gallons of gas wasted in traffic each year. We can ease some of this strain by carpooling, taking public transit, biking, walking, or a creative combination thereof. If there’s no good way to phase out your car, consider getting a hybrid, electric vehicle, motorcycle, scooter, or using a car sharing service like Flexcar or Zipcar. See How to Green Your Car for more depth on the subject. Some employers are even giving a bonus to bike and carpool commuters and special perks to hybrid drivers. For those who think bike riding is for kids and tattooed couriers, consider a high-tech folding bike or an electrically assisted one (see below for more).
5. Green Sleeves
   You might be amazed how sharp work clothes from thrift stores can look. If you buy new, get clothes made with organic or recycled fibers. Avoid clothes that need to be dry cleaned, and if they so demand it, seek out your local “green” dry cleaner. See How to Go Green: Wardrobe for more tactics on greening those work duds.
6. Work From Home
   Instant messaging, video conferencing, and other innovative workflow tools make effective telecommuting a reality. If you can telecommute, hold phone conferences, take online classes, or otherwise work from home, give it a try. It’ll save you the time you would have spent on the trip as well as sparing the air. As a bonus, you get to work in your pajamas. Telecommuting works for 44 million Americans (not to mention the TreeHugger staff). Also, consider the possibility of working four ten-hour days instead of five eight-hour days (a consolidated workweek), cutting the energy and time spent on commuting by 20% and giving you some lovely three-day weekends.
7. Use Green Materials
   Some paper use can’t be avoided, so use recycled paper and envelopes that have been processed and colored using eco-friendly methods. Pens and pencils can also be made of recycled materials, and refillable pens and markers are preferable to disposable ones. Use biodegradable soaps and recycled paper or cloth towels in the bathroom and kitchen, and provide biodegradable cleaners for the custodial staff. Buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste are reduced, and reuse the shipping boxes. Recycling printer cartridges is often free, and recycled replacements are cheaper than new ones.
8. Redesign the Workspace
   Greening the space in which you work has almost limitless possibilities. Start with good furniture, good lighting, and good air. Furniture can be manufactured from recycled materials as well as recyclable. Herman-Miller and Steelcase are two groundbreaking companies that have adopted the Cradle-to-Cradle protocol for many of their office chairs. Incandescent bulbs can be replaced with compact fluorescents and there is an ever-growing selection of high-end LED desk lamps that use miniscule amounts of energy (see How to Green Your Lighting). Not only is natural daylight a free source of lighting for the office, it has been proven to improve worker productivity and satisfaction (as well as boost sales in retail settings). Workspace air quality is also crucial. Good ventilation and low-VOC paints and materials (such as furniture and carpet) will keep employees healthy (look for How to Green Your Furniture coming soon).
9. Lunch Time
   Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at work. Getting delivery and takeout almost inevitably ends with a miniature mountain of packaging waste. But if you do order delivery, join coworkers in placing a large order (more efficient than many separate ones). Also, bring in a reusable plate, utensils, and napkins. If you do go out for lunch, try biking or walking instead of driving.
10. Get Others in on the Act
    Share these tips with your colleagues. Ask your boss to purchase carbon offsets for corporate travel by car and plane. Arrange an office carpool or group bike commute. Trade shifts and job duties so that you can work four long days instead of five short ones. Ask the office manager to get fair trade coffee for the break room and make sure everyone has a small recycling bin so that recycling is just as easy as throwing paper away. Ask everyone to bring in a mug or glass from home and keep some handy for visitors so that you reduce or eliminate use of paper cups.

Energy saving lighting, timers, thermostats, solar products

Energy Saving Lighting Product Categories
Dimmers Today lights are not just used to brighten a dark room. By adjusting lights we can meet the lighting specifications and requirements of the different people in the house. Dimmers can help you create the perfect ambiance. They come in a wide range of models and in addition to controlling lighting levels in the home, dimmers also conserve energy.	Energy Saving Lights Traditional light bulbs waste a lot of energy by turning it into heat. Energy efficient bulbs offer great opportunities for savings. For instance, if every household replaced its next light bulb with an energy efficient bulb the country would save more than 8 billion kWh hours of energy. This really is the brightest place to buy energy saving light bulbs on-line.
Motion Sensors Advances in technology make it easier for us to save energy. Motion Sensors automatically turn lights ON when you enter a room and OFF when you leave. In addition to the convenience of hands-free switching, motion sensors ensure that lights are not left ON unnecessarily, thereby saving energy.	Timer Switches Timer Switches offer timed ON/OFF control of energy-consuming loads like outdoor lighting, hot tubs and attic fans. Our range of timer switches provides quiet, accurate electronic timing for control of lighting and motor loads within the home, and can reduce energy costs. Just set the timer and go – you’ll never leave those lights on again.
Solar Lights The sun is the source of all energy on earth. Using lights powered by solar energy in your home or garden is a good energy saving option by making use of renewable energy with little or no emission of pollutants. Get your own solar lighting right now, right here. At ChangeForGreen, we have many excellent solar lighting options.	Other Lighting Products Browse through the Category to find products which you do not find in other categories.

Power Efficiency Product Categories
Energy-Efficient Products The more energy-efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run. You can lower your utility bill and help protect the environment with energy efficient appliances. By using energy-efficient products, the average household can save up to $400 per year on utility bills.	Power Monitors Real-time power consumption monitoring is the first step in saving energy. Connect your appliances to a power monitoring device and assess how efficient they are. You can figure out your electrical expenses, regulate them and thereby save energy.
Power Strips A power strip is a strip of sockets that attaches to the end of a flexible cable and allows multiple devices to be plugged in. With a few simple actions, we can set up our own homes or offices to work efficiently, save energy, and reduce operating costs. The power is at your fingertips. Browse through our collection of Power Strips to save energy.	Plug-In Timers Plug-in timers can be used to turn equipment off overnight and on weekends, saving energy and money used while running equipment unnecessarily. Plug-in timers are the ideal way to automate lights or appliances. Our range of Plug-in Timers save you energy and cost by automatic control of various appliances from indoor lighting to heavy duty appliances.
Water Heater Timers Electricity bills seem to increase each year with the ever rising cost of oil and natural gas. A standard water heater keeps gallons of water heated all the time contributing to higher utility bills. Installing a water-heater timer, enables you to set specific ON and OFF times for water-heater operation thereby saving on energy and your electric bills. Expect to see a 5-12 percent reduction in your hot water heater’s energy costs.	Thermostats During the heating season, lowering your thermostat by ten degrees for eight hours at night can reduce your energy costs by as much as seven percent, with no sacrifice in comfort. A programmable thermostat will ensure that your heating/cooling system runs less often during the day when the house is unoccupied, and less at night after everyone has gone to bed. They will also turn your heating or cooling system back on before you wake up or come home, so you may never notice a change (except when you get lower heating or cooling bills).
Weather Proofing While the weather is still warm, it is an ideal time to start thinking about making your home warmer for next winter. Don’t wait until the leaves start falling again before you take action. Weatherproofing is one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to make your home more comfortable and your monthly energy bills lower. Browse through our collection of weather proofing products to save energy.	Thermometers Refrigerators are one of the largest energy users in the home. The temperature of the refrigerator compartment should be between 36 degrees Fahrenheit and 38 degrees F. The freezer should be between 0 degrees Fahrenheit and 5 degrees F. If the temperature is set as little as 10 degrees lower than these temperatures energy use can increase by as much as 25 percent.
Rechargeable Batteries Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) are more environmentally responsible than other types of batteries. They do not contain any heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. These batteries are more convenient than disposable batteries. Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries will run up to 4 times longer than disposable batteries on each charge. Because they can be recharged again and again rechargeable Ni-MH batteries will help to save you money and reduce household waste.	Battery Chargers A battery charger is a device used to put energy into a cell or (rechargeable) battery by forcing an electric current through it. Throw-away batteries are bad for the environment. If you care about saving money, or protecting the planet, or conserving natural resources, NiMH rechargeable batteries and Battery Chargers are clearly the only way to go.

The TerraCycle Story…

Click here to watch the video.

…is a tale of ultimate Eco-Capitalism. The company’s flagship product, TerraCycle Plant Food™, is an all-natural, all-organic, ‘goof-proof’ liquid plant food made from waste (worm poop) and packaged in waste (reused soda bottles)!

It all started in 2001 when two Princeton University students set out to change the way people do business. Inspired by a box of worms, these students had a dream: a company could be financially successful while being ecologically and socially responsible.

Co-founders Tom Szaky and Jon Beyer were determined to turn the worm box concept into a real-life, commercially viable process. That summer, they developed prototype equipment and proved their concept was feasible by reprocessing solid waste from dining halls at Princeton University.

[the] story is a reminder about following your dreams. The pot of gold may require dealing with a ton of crap.” — CBS Evening News

Get the best deals and expert advice on the complete line of Panasonic Bathroom Exhaust Fans at waveplumbing.com

Call Toll Free: 888-875-WAVE (9283)

Panasonic WhisperGreen Premier

Panasonic WhisperGreen Standard

Constant CFM Performance
This WhisperGreen™ model features built-in intelligence called SmartFlow™ Optimum CFM Technology. This unique “electronic-brain” lets the fan do what was once thought to be impossible, perform at a constant CFM regardless of elbows and other factors that might hinder performance. Basically, when a WhisperGreen™ fan faces static pressure, its speed is automatically increased to ensure that the desired CFM is actually achieved. This allows the fan to perform as rated and makes for easier installation because the installer no longer has to worry as much about compromising the fan’s performance.

Variable Speed Control
This fan is equipped with a CustomVent™ Variable Speed Control. This allows the fan to run continuously at a pre-set lower level of 30-70 CFMs that can then be elevated to a maximum of 80 CFMs when the switch is turned on for intermittent ventilation. In fact, it is quiet enough that you might not even know it’s on.

Quiet Motor Means Quiet Operation
Panasonic is the first ventilation fan manufacturer to incorporate a DC motor in residential mechanical ventilation fans. The WhisperGreen™ series incorporates a totally enclosed DC motor designed for extremely quiet, energy-efficient operation. The permanently lubricated motor is also engineered for trouble-free, continuous run for several years.

Bright Ideas
Electronic ballast technology and two ENERGY STAR® qualified 18-watt compact, flicker-free fluorescent lamps are equivalent to 100-watt incandescent lighting. And a 4-watt night-light is convenient for all, especially young families. All lamps are included.

User-Friendly Installation
Detachable adaptors, firmly secured duct ends, adjustable mounting brackets (up to 26″), fan/motor units that detach easily from the housing and uncomplicated wiring all lend themselves to user-friendly installation. This model also features a double-hanger bar system for ideal positioning.

Energy Star® Qualified for Energy Savings
ENERGY STAR qualified products feature super-quiet operation and high CFM-to-Watt efficiency. The ENERGY STAR program was created to help consumers identify products that can save them money and protect the environment by saving energy. As an ENERGY STAR partner, all our fans are ENERGY STAR qualified and labeled accordingly.

Tired of Cold Air Coming Through Your Ventilation Fan?
This Panasonic fan has a built-in damper to prevent backdraft, which helps to prevent outside air from coming through the fan. Also, thanks to our efficient, cool running motors and fluorescent bulbs, it does not create excessive heat-a common problem with recessed lighting fixtures and some competitors’ fan/light combinations. Loose fill or batt insulation can be placed directly over the fan housing to prevent heat from escaping.

1. Don’t Wait to Insulate
Upgrading your insulation to a higher R-value can lower energy costs dramatically. Start with insulating the attic and unheated crawl spaces. Sealing ducts, caulking, and weatherstripping reduce energy loss even more.

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