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Welcome to GreenSpec Insights, an independent resource for architects, green consultants, and building product specifiers. Each week, we aim to bring you not only unbiased new product reviews, but also insights into what's really important for environmental performance in specific product categories. We hope you find it useful -- send your suggestions and other comments to Insights@GreenSpec.com.
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August 9 - 10, GreenExpo 365 brings you 10 prerecorded sessions helping you decipher rating systems, understand key terms, and choose the right product for your project. You can also join in on four LIVE sessions with industry leaders -- including BuildingGreen founder Alex Wilson's presentation on Evaluating Green Building Product Performance.
This online-only event is free. GreenExpo365 registration is required.
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- Brent Ehrlich
White cedar shingle siding protect a building from the elements, have a small environmental footprint, are easy to maintain, and they look good.
After a long summer of too much rain followed by too much heat, I am finally able start painting the clapboards on our house. The house desperately needs it, but I don't look forward to the prepping, scraping, caulking, and eventual painting. It got me thinking: what siding would I choose if I were starting over with a new home? (Hey, I can dream.) The answer was simple for me...white cedar shingles.
Problems with paint
Most wood needs to be coated repeatedly over its lifespan to prevent damage from moisture, insects, and various fungi. And though there are still low-toxic, old-fashioned options like lime paint, most paints or stains are petroleum-based, requiring significant amounts of materials and energy for their manufacture, distribution, and application. The environmental impact of maintaining a simple pine siding over its lifespan can be substantial.
Read the rest of the article and Join the discussion
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- Tristan Roberts
There are good ways to modify windows to prevent too much solar gain in the summer.
For buildings with windows--which is most of them--retreating inside gets you out of the shade, but it can be hotter and stuffier. Cranking the AC only drives up the power bill.
We use windows to give us views, fresh air, and passive solar heating in the winter, but are there good ways to modify them to prevent too much solar gain in the summer? Yes, and new research from BuildingGreen (my company) and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) tells us which "window attachments" are worth using.
Read the rest of the article and Join the discussion
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