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Build Your Services with this Workshop and Training Series

Luis Espinoza - noemail@builditgreen.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

OTHER NEWS
AND EVENTS

Help Us Develop the
New Standards for GreenPoint Rated!

We are currently in the process of updating our standards for GreenPoint Rated and would love to hear your thoughts and recommendation on the proposed revisions. This initial comment period will be open from May 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

During this period, we invite you to comment on the general program and measure list. All checklists are open for the 60-day review period. Help us shape the future of residential green building in California by providing us with your expert input!

GreenBuilder Survey: 80% Want a Home with a Green Label

GreenBuilder Magazine's survey was conducted in March 2013, where respondents were asked about their preferences, attitudes, behaviors, and purchasing patterns in regards to homes and sustainable living.

85% responded that energy-efficiency features would help sell a house faster, while 80% also stated that a green rating matters to them when buying a new home.

See the survey results

May | 2013

Training & Education Events
Grow Your Service Offerings and Qualify for More Green Building Jobs

Tue, May 28 | Mountain View | More info
Members $10 / Non-Members $15 | Food Provided
Pre-registration is encouraged
Recertification CEU Value: 1.5 credits

Join us for an engaging workshop discussing the tradeoffs and challenges faced when selecting green materials for a home design or remodel.

Kurt Hurley will share his experience in achieving a zero energy home: the unexpected choices he faced, the tradeoffs associated with those choices, and the products selections he made to create his ideal space.

Lydia Corser brings expertise in green materials and client communication. She will offer information about products she works with at Greenspace and give advice on how to work with your clients to define priorities they have for their projects.

Register Now

Training & Education Events

Course Dates
GreenPoint Core (GPR Core)
Oct 29-30 | More info

GreenPoint Rated New Home (GPR NH)
Nov 6 | More info

Course Location
1537 Webster Street
Oakland CA 94612 US

New home builders are differentiating themselves in the marketplace by building more sustainable homes, while homeowners want assurance that their home remodel is truly built to greener, healthier standards. As a certified GreenPoint Rater or Advisor, you can give them the quality assurance they are looking for.

Continuing education credits available.

Please forward this email to anyone else who might be interested in attending these meetings.

May 16, 2013 11:00 AM

Expand Your Business by Becoming a GreenPoint Rater!

Luis Espinoza - noemail@builditgreen.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

OTHER NEWS
AND EVENTS

Help Us Develop the
New Standards for GreenPoint Rated!

May | 2013

GreenPoint Rated Training Series

New home builders are differentiating themselves in the marketplace by building more sustainable homes, and homeowners want assurance that their home remodel is truly built to greener, healthier standards. This series trains and certifies you to be a GreenPoint Rater or Advisor for new homes, so you can give them the quality assurance they are looking for.

Continuing education credits are available for BPI and AIA.

Course Dates
Certified Green Building Professional Training
Jun 18-19 | More info

GreenPoint Core (GPR Core)
Jul 18-20 | More info

GreenPoint Rated New Home (GPR NH)
Jul 31 | More info

Course Location
Irvine, CA

Please forward this email to anyone else who might be interested in attending these meetings.

May 16, 2013 11:00 AM

GreenPointers: Roofing

Wed, 08 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Norwood Estate Earns the GreenPoint Rated Label

Mutual Housing is thrilled to have earned a very special distinction from the rating agency Build It Green for its recent green rehab of Norwood Mutual Housing.

"It is the first and only existing multifamily project to get rated in Sacramento County," said Christopher Becker, Project Manager for Build It Green's GreenPoint Rated program.

The Norwood Mutual Housing rehab received a score of 40 from the rating agency. The minimum score for certification is 25, and the maximum is 50.

Read the full article here

Is Your Home
Undervalued?

The GreenPoint Rated label can help increase the value of your home by 9% according to recent studies. This quick survey tool will help you gauge if your home would qualify for the GreenPoint Rated label, and offers suggestions on upgrades you may still need.

> Take it online
> Download the survey

Get FREE Answers From Our Building Experts!

Do you have a green building question? The "Ask an Expert" forum on GreenPointRated.com is an excellent place to get your questions answered for FREE.

Our resident green building expert will give you a detailed answer, and other homeowners will have the opportunity to weigh in with their opinions and experiences.

Ask your question now!

CONNECT & SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Join Build It Green's network to get tips on GreenPoint Rated and more.

GreenPointers: Roofing

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic is Roofing.

Whether you're tackling a reroofing project yourself or hiring a roofing professional, it's worth your while to get familiar with today's environmentally friendly roofing options. A good roof will hold up for decades, protect your home from water damage, keep your repair and replacement costs in check, and reduce your heating and cooling bills. They can also provide valuable real estate for locating solar panels or a beautiful roof garden.

Here are some great tips and information for reroofing.

USE DURABLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE ROOFING MATERIALS

When it comes time to reroof your home, choose a durable material. Durable roofing materials are better able to withstand the elements, including the sun's heat and ultraviolet light. Short-lived roofing materials result in more waste going to landfills and more money spent on roof replacement. In extreme cases, early failure of a roofing material can result in water damage to the home.

It's important to check the fire rating and warranty period of any roofing product. Avoid shakes and shingles made from cedar and other woods. These can be a fire hazard. They also tend to have a shorter life span than other roofing materials and they are high maintenance. If you must have wood shakes or shingles, choose a product that has been certified as sustainably harvested by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

There are many options for durable roofing products

Get more information for each option here.

INSTALL ADEQUATE OVERHANGS AND GUTTERS

Overhangs and gutters reduce maintenance and repair costs by helping keep water off of the siding, windows and doors, thereby reducing the likelihood that rot and mold will develop. Gutters provide a pathway for water to flow off of the roof without hitting the walls, splashing back onto the foundation and siding, dripping onto people and eroding the landscape.

Overhangs can also shade windows, helping keep the home comfortable and reducing air conditioning costs. And overhangs can provide protection from the sun's harsh UV rays, which can degrade building materials and furnishings.

Ideally, a home's entire roof should be built with at least a 16-inch overhang with gutters. When building an addition or substantially remodeling areas of the house, be sure to include adequate overhangs with gutters on the new sections of the roof. Consider adding deeper overhangs where needed to shade walls and windows to provide cooling during summer.

Instead of draining gutters into the sewer system, drain them at least 24 inches from the building and into a rainwater cistern. You can use the stored water to irrigate your landscaping. Or drain the gutters toward adjacent landscaped areas that are graded to receive the excess water; this will allow the rainwater to water vegetation and recharge groundwater. Check with the local building department for applicable codes.

	MAKE ROOM FOR SOLAR
	If you are reroofing, building an addition or doing a major remodeling project, look for opportunities to add solar electric or solar hot water panels to the roof. Even if you don't plan to add solar right away, reserving roof space for future panels can be a smart move. Read more in our know-how feature on Renewable Energy.

PLANT SHADE TREES

The sun's rays beating on the roof can really heat up a house and drive up cooling costs. Good insulation, a radiant barrier in the attic, and reflective roofing materials are all excellent strategies for blocking heat. Another great option is utilizing shade trees. Plant them where they will cast summertime shade on the roof when they reach maturity. Keep shade off of roof areas where solar panels may be located now or in the future.

	FLASH IT
	Proper flashing details help increase the roof and building life. Read our know-how feature on Moisture and Pest Control for information about flashing.

Help us Develop the New Standards for GreenPoint Rated

Gary Ting - noemail@builditgreen.org — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

During this period, we invite you to comment on the general program and measure list. All checklists are open for the 60-day review period. Help us shape the future of residential green building in California by providing us with your expert input!

Download the DRAFT Checklists and the Executive Summary of Proposed Changes here:

Executive Summary of Proposed Changes
Draft GreenPoint Rated Checklists Version 6.0

Includes:

New Home Single Family Checklist version 6.0

New Home Multifamily Checklist version 6.0

Existing Home Single Family Checklist version 6.0

Existing Home Multifamily Checklist version 6.0

Click here to submit your feedback.

A second comment period where you can provide feedback on measure list and criteria will open July 1, 2013.

See our full timeline for information regarding the update cycle and process.

Version 6.0 Program Update Cycle Timeline

May 1, 2013 3:00 PM

GreenPointers: Water Heating

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Welcome Green Label Newsletter Subscribers!

If you were previously receiving the Green Label Rebate Program newsletter, you have probably noticed a change with this edition's appearance. The Rebate Program has officially ended, but you will continue to receive the same great tips from GreenPoint Rated in your inbox every two weeks. We appreciate your continued interest and dedication to sustainable living and we hope you like our new look!

Build It Green Celebrates Earth Day with Over 15,000 GreenPoint Rated Homes

Build It Green has reached over 15,000 homes through their GreenPoint Rated program, the most trusted standard for certified green homes in California. The energy and water savings from these homes translates to taking over 13,000 passenger cars off the road and conserving over 300 Olympic-size swimming pools of water for one year.

The GreenPoint Rated label is the mark of quality for green home construction and remodels. It verifies that a home was built or remodeled to meet high environmental standards. The number of GreenPoint Rated homes is quickly growing throughout California as homeowners and building owners continue to discover the many benefits of green homes such as savings on their utilities, better health and comfort for their families, and preserving natural resources.

Read the article.

Take a Minute to Find Out if Your Home Qualifies!

The GreenPoint Rated label can help increase the value of your home by 9% according to recent studies. This survey will help you gauge if your home would qualify for the label, and offers suggestions on upgrades you may still need.

Find out now if you qualify for a GreenPoint Rated Label!

> Take it online
> Download the survey

CONNECT & SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Join Build It Green's network to get tips on GreenPoint Rated and more.

GreenPointers: Water Heating

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic is Water Heating.

How much are you paying for hot water? If your water use is comparable to typical households, 25% of your energy bill goes to water heating.

A home's hot water system includes the water heater as well as the pipes used to deliver the water. The ultimate gauge of a well-designed system is the speed of hot water delivery and energy efficiency of the entire system. An efficient system will not waste more than two to four cups of water at the fixture while you're waiting for hot water to arrive.

If you're watching gallons go down the drain every time you take a shower, it may be time for some improvements. Here are some tips to help you improve your hot water efficiency.

INSTALL A HIGH-EFFICIENCY WATER HEATER

Given that the typical water heater lasts about 10-15 years, you will eventually need to replace your existing water heater. So what is the best option to choose? For GreenPoint Rated, the answer really varies from home to home and region to region. The six basic options are: Storage, tankless, heat-pump, and solar water heaters, combination water/space heating systems, and on-demand hot water circulation pumps. Get more information for each option here.

USE EFFICIENT PLUMBING SYSTEM LAYOUTS

Much of the energy used to heat water in homes is lost in long piping runs to sinks, showers and tubs located far from the water heater. Locating the water heater closer to the points where we actually use water reduces heat loss, gets hot water to the faucet or shower faster, and most importantly, reduces water wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water to come out of the tap.

To reduce the amount of water wasted while waiting for hot water to arrive at a fixture, pay attention to hot water pipe layout and pipe diameter. Design the layout so that it has the shortest runs possible, and use the smallest diameter possible for the appropriate fixture flow rate. The system should be designed so that no more than two to four cups of water would be wasted by a person waiting for hot water at a shower or faucet.

The most effective means of reducing energy and water loss is to locate the water heater close to all hot water fixtures, including bathrooms, the kitchen and laundry. A simple guideline is to keep the water heater within 12 feet of all fixtures. Measure this distance in floor plan view (aerial view), not the actual run of the pipes. (For example, if you are measuring the distance from a first-floor water heater to a second-floor shower, you would not include the vertical distance of the piping from the first floor to the second).

If you are not planning a major remodel of your home, you may not be able to change the water heater location. When building a new home or undertaking a major remodel, try to stack or cluster rooms that need water, and create a central core mechanical space for housing the water heater and pipes and integrating the furnace, air conditioner and ductwork.

	INSULATE HOT WATER PIPES
	Consider installing heat traps on your storage water heater. Also known as back flow preventers, heat traps reduce convection heat loss by preventing hot water from circulating in the hot water pipes above the tank. Heat traps are installed in pairs at the tank: one on the hot water side and one on the cold water side. The traps are inexpensive, but require professional installation.

MAINTAIN IT

One of the most important aspects of water heater maintenance involves checking, and occasionally replacing, a storage water heater's sacrificial anode. This metal rod keeps your water heater's inside elements from corroding. It should be removed from the water heater's tank every few years for inspection and replaced when more than six inches of core wire is exposed at either end of the rod. This can be done by a plumber or handy homeowner. Refer to your water heater's maintenance manual for the sacrificial anode location, and make certain the cold water supply is turned off before removing it. Information on water heater maintenance can be found at www.waterheaterrescue.com.

Build It Green Celebrates Earth Day with Over 15,000 GreenPoint Rated Homes

Janine Kubert - noemail@builditgreen.org — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Oakland, CA, April 21, 2013 -- Build It Green has reached over 15,000 homes through their GreenPoint Rated program, the most trusted standard for certified green homes in California. The energy and water savings from these homes translates to taking over 13,000 passenger cars off the road and conserving over 300 Olympic-size swimming pools of water for one year.

The GreenPoint Rated label is the mark of quality for green home construction and remodels. It verifies that a home was built or remodeled to meet high environmental standards. The number of GreenPoint Rated homes is quickly growing throughout California as homeowners and building owners continue to discover the many benefits of green homes such as savings on their utilities, better health and comfort for their families, and preserving natural resources.

Real estate agents have found that GreenPoint Rated is a great selling point at time of sale. In a study of four homes for sale that were GreenPoint Rated, the first open house for agents and brokers attracted approximately 50 agents and brokers. The home sold in just two days for $35,000 more than comparable sales in the area. Build It Green has trained more than 400 green real estate professionals from at least 100 real estate organizations through their Certified Green Real Estate Professional (CG-REP) training.

In a related study in 2012, an independent appraiser evaluated three Los Angeles County homes before and after they received green and energy upgrades and the GreenPoint Rated label. Following the green upgrade and labeling, the appraised value of the homes was found to have increased by 5.5 to 9 percent.

Build It Green is currently collaborating with public utilities and local governments to incubate new ideas and develop programs that accelerate the adoption of green building practices across California.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Build It Green is a membership supported non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient homes in California through consumer education, professional training, and local government support. For more information, visit www.builditgreen.org.

Apr 22, 2013 5:00 PM

GreenPointers: Major Appliances

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Homeowners Benefit from GreenPoint Rated

Learn how other investors and homeowners are benefitting from energy upgrades and the GreenPoint Rated label with these case studies.

Read the case studies

Your Home May
Already Qualify for GreenPoint Rated!

The GreenPoint Rated label can help increase the value of your home by 9% according to new studies. This survey will help you gauge if your home would qualify for the label, and offers suggestions on upgrades you may still need.

Find out now if you qualify for a GreenPoint Rated Label!

> Take it online
> Download the survey

GreenPoint Rated
Homes Map

Use the Interactive Map to see homes that have been rated in your area and throughout the state.

CONNECT & SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Join Build It Green's network to get tips on GreenPoint Rated and more.

GreenPointers: Major Appliances

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic is Major Appliances.

Upgrading appliances which use a lot of energy or water such as refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers are easy and cost-effective ways to reduce energy and water use while saving money on utility bills. When shopping for these appliances, always look for the Energy Star label, which saves more energy and money than standard models that merely meet the government’s basic standards for energy efficiency. They also perform better and last longer.

Here are a few recommended shopping tips for major appliances:

REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS

Refrigerators and freezers are among the largest users of electricity in most homes, accounting for up to 25% of household energy use. Replacing an older refrigerator with a new Energy Star model may reduce your overall electricity bill by 10% or more.

Larger refrigerators tend to use more energy than smaller models. Keep your refrigerator's size in check: choose a model with no more than 20 to 25 cubic feet of capacity for the refrigerator and freezer combined.

Avoid through-the-door ice dispensers and side-by-side refrigerators/freezers, as these models use 10% to 30% more energy than comparable models without these features.

DISHWASHERS

High-efficiency dishwashers use less water and energy than conventional dishwashers. Replacing a dishwasher made before 1994 with a new Energy Star-qualified model will save you $40 a year, according to the Energy Star program. That's enough to pay for your dishwashing detergent for a whole year. Also, a high-efficiency dishwasher will save an average of 1,300 gallons of water over its lifetime.

High-efficiency dishwashers have a built-in water heater to boost the temperature of the dishwashing water. This means you can turn your household water heater down to 120°F, which will reduce your overall water-heating costs.

WASHING MACHINES

Energy Star-qualified clothes washing machines use 50% less energy and 35% to 50% less water than a standard washer--and they do just as good a job of cleaning laundry. Replacing a washer that's over 10 years old can save $135 each year on your utility bills, according to the Energy Star program.

Choose clothes washers with a water factor rating of 4.5 or less and a modified energy factor of 2.2 or greater. Note that not all Energy Star models meet this level of water and energy efficiency. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency has a helpful program that groups clothes washers into three categories of efficiency; look for products that qualify for CEE's Tier 2 or Tier 3 (Tier 3 is most efficient). Find qualifying models at www.energystar.gov or www.cee1.org.

Most Energy Star washing machines save energy and water through a horizontal axis design (usually front-loading instead of top-loading) that tumbles clothes in a small amount of water. These models also include a high-speed final spin cycle that extracts more moisture than standard washers. Less moisture means less drying time, which saves even more energy. And horizontal axis washing machines tend to be less abrasive to fabric than conventional top-loading machines with agitators, helping clothes last longer.

Choose a model that's the right size for your household's needs. Larger models hold more clothes but they use more energy too. High-efficiency clothes washers typically require the use of low-sudsing, high-efficiency detergents (often labeled HE). These detergents are used in smaller amounts than conventional detergents and cost less per load.

GreenPointers: Major Appliances

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:00:00 GMT

April 2013

OTHER
NEWS

Improve Your Home, Save Energy, and
Get Up to $4500 Back From Your Utility!

Energy home improvements will save you energy, make your home more comfortable, and increase the value of your home. Energy Upgrade California in LA County is making it easier than ever by providing rebates up to $4500 for upgrading your home. Getting an Advanced Upgrade Package also helps you earn 20 of the 25 minimum points required for the Green Point Rated label, which can increase your home’s value by 9%.

Owners Benefit from GreenPoint Rated

Learn how other investors and homeowners are benefitting from energy upgrades and the GreenPoint Rated label with these case studies.

Read the case studies

Your Home May
Already Qualify for GreenPoint Rated!

Follow us on:

GreenPointers: Major Appliances

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic is Major Appliances.

Upgrading appliances which use a lot of energy or water such as refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers are easy and cost-effective ways to reduce energy and water use while saving money on utility bills. When shopping for these appliances, always look for the Energy Star label, which saves more energy and money than standard models that merely meet the government's basic standards for energy efficiency. They also perform better and last longer.

Here are a few recommended shopping tips for major appliances:

REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS

DISHWASHERS

CLOTHES WASHERS

Energy Star-qualified clothes washing machines use 50% less energy and 35% to 50% less water than a standard washer—and they do just as good a job of cleaning laundry. Replacing a washer that’s over 10 years old can save $135 each year on your utility bills, according to the Energy Star program.

Choose clothes washers with a water factor rating of 4.5 or less and a modified energy factor of 2.2 or greater. Note that not all Energy Star models meet this level of water and energy efficiency. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency has a helpful program that groups clothes washers into three categories of efficiency; look for products that qualify for CEE's Tier 2 or Tier 3 (Tier 3 is most efficient). Find qualifying models at www.energystar.gov or www.cee1.org.

Most Energy Star washing machines save energy and water through a horizontal axis design (usually front-loading instead of top-loading) that tumbles clothes in a small amount of water. These models also include a high-speed final spin cycle that extracts more moisture than standard washers. Less moisture means less drying time, which saves even more energy. And horizontal axis washing machines tend to be less abrasive to fabric than conventional top-loading machines with agitators, helping clothes last longer.

Choose a model that's the right size for your household's needs. Larger models hold more clothes but they use more energy too. High-efficiency clothes washers typically require the use of low-sudsing, high-efficiency detergents (often labeled HE). These detergents are used in smaller amounts than conventional detergents and cost less per load.

FREE Webinar: Energy Modeling for Multifamily Buildings

Gary Ting - noemail@builditgreen.org — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Please add DO-NOT-REPLY-TENDENCI@schipul.net to your safe sender list. Click here to learn how.

OTHER NEWS AND EVENTS

Energy Upgrade California's Contractor Toolkit

This toolkit from Energy Upgrade California will assist contractors in fulfilling their clients’ energy needs. Inside you can find an overview of the Basic and Advanced Packages, details on how to become a participating contractor, information on trainings, equipment purchasing tips, and free marketing materials and webinars.

View the Toolkit

April | 2013

FREE Multifamily Webinar

Envelope Modeling (Combined High & Low Rise)
4/17 | 10:30 am - 12 pm | RSVP Now

Audience: Raters, Energy Consultants

Staying up to date with envelope modeling, as well as current design strategies for multifamily buildings is necessary as California's multifamily market continues to grow at a rapid pace. This FREE webinar will arm raters and energy consultants with knowledge on the basics of multifamily residential building modeling using Energy Pro 5, identify modeling best practices as it relates to New and Existing multifamily homes, and illustrate how to troubleshoot energy pro calculations.

For more information contact Diana Dakik at dkakik@builditgreen.org

Check our events calendar for all upcoming workshops, classes, webinars, networking events, and trainings

View our calendar

Please forward this invitation to anyone else who might be interested in attending these meetings.

Apr 3, 2013 4:00 PM

Grow Your Service Offerings

Gary Ting - noemail@builditgreen.org — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Please add DO-NOT-REPLY-TENDENCI@schipul.net to your safe sender list. Click here to learn how.

OTHER NEWS
AND EVENTS

Your Clients' Homes May Already Qualify for GreenPoint Rated!

Want to help a client showcase or sell a home that has had some green upgrades by getting it GreenPoint Rated? With our new survey, it's easier than ever to tell if the home is GreenPoint Ready!

Take this short survey on your iPad, smart phone, or on paper. By walking through your client's home and answering the questions, you'll find out how close their home may be to earning a green label, which can help them get a 9% premium on the sales price.

> Take it online
> Download the survey

GreenPoint Rated
Builder Brochure

This six-panel brochure for builders provides a comprehensive introduction to the GreenPoint Rated program and explains the benefits of getting their projects GreenPoint Rated.

> Download the brochure

April | 2013

Training, Education
and Networking Events
Grow Your Service Offerings and Qualify for More Green Building Jobs

GreenPoint Rated Training

This 1-day course covers the policies, processes and program requirements unique to the New Home rating system. It addresses current trends in new construction and illustrates the role of the Rater and Advisor in the green building process.

GreenPoint Rated New Home (GPR NH)
Apr 15 | 8 am - 5 pm | More info

Upcoming Webinars

Stay up to date on current design strategies and practices, learn how to take advantage of Energy Upgrade, and discover new ideas for green building projects with these webinars.

Green Building Webinar: The Future of Water Heating
Apr 11 | 1 - 2:30 pm | More info

Free Webinar: Find Out How Energy Upgrade Can Help You Build Your Business!
Apr 16 | 2 - 5 pm| More info

FREE Webinar: Envelope Modeling (Combined and Low Rise)
Apr 17 | 10:30 am - 12 pm| More info

Upcoming Conferences

Attend these upcoming green building conferences and visit the Build It Green table to meet our energetic team! We'll provide you with information on green building opportunities, trainings and events, and the GreenPoint Rated Label as well as other green building programs around California. We hope to see you there!

Housing CA 2013 Conference:
Apr 16-18 | Sacramento, CA | More info
Build It Green Table: TBD

2013 Green CA Summit:
Apr 18-19 | Sacramento, CA | More info
Build It Green Table: #307

Please forward this invitation to anyone else who might be interested in attending these meetings.

Apr 3, 2013 3:00 PM

Congrats to Carol Roberts and Our Friends at Energy Inspectors!

Gary Ting - noemail@builditgreen.org — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Energy Inspectors Corporation has earned EPA's highest Energy Star Award, the prestigious 2013 Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award for the 7th consecutive year! We congratulate and thank them for their continuing dedication and leadership in the green building industry.

Energy Inspectors is a leading Green Building certification company that does certifications for GreenPoint Rated, LEED, and LEED for Homes. Keep up the great work guys!

> Read the article

Apr 3, 2013 12:00 PM

Investors Benefit from GreenPoint Rated

Gary Ting - noemail@builditgreen.org — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Learn how other investors and building owners are benefitting from energy upgrades and the GreenPoint Rated label with these case studies.

The American Green Home
The investor who purchased this home calculated that he could make cost effective retrofits and upgrades by taking advantage of the Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County rebate program and other incentives.

These retrofits would lower the overall cost of homeownership and increase the home's overall value while creating a healthier home that saves more energy, water, and other natural resources.

Read the full case study

An Urban Green Habitat
The Habitat's GreenPoint Rated label has had a positive impact on the owner's bottom line. The comfortable living environment and low energy bills appeal to residents, which has led to longer tenancies and less turnover. The green features are also a significant selling point for the building.

Read the full case study

Visit our Gallery for more case studies.

Apr 3, 2013 12:00 PM

The Green Post: Investors Benefit from GreenPoint Rated

Gary Ting - noemail@builditgreen.org — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:00:00 GMT

Please add DO-NOT-REPLY-TENDENCI@schipul.net to your safe sender list. Click here to learn how.

Latest News

Congrats to Carol Roberts and our friends at Energy Inspectors!

Energy Inspectors Corporation has earned EPA's highest Energy Star Award, the prestigious 2013 Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award for the 7th consecutive year!

Energy Inspectors is a leading Green Building certification company that does certifications for GreenPoint Rated, LEED, and LEED for Homes.

> Read the article

Brokers, Appraisers Struggle to Value Green Homes Despite High Demand

Recent studies by the National Association of Homebuilders as well as the National Association of Realtors show an overwhelming homebuyer demand for green homes and features. The vast majority of home listings however, do not include these green features, and most real estate appraisers do not have training in the valuation of green homes.

> Read the story here.

Your Clients Homes May Already Qualify for GreenPoint Rated!

This short survey is designed to quickly gauge if your clients' home would qualify for a GreenPoint Rated label, which can help them get a 9% premium on the sales price!.

> Take it online
> Download the survey

Join Us In Creating a Sustainable Future

Our vision is for a more sustainable world where all homes are built to support the health and vitality of people and the natural environment.

Support our work by becoming a member of Build It Green today!

FOLLOW US

April | 2013

GreenPoint Rated Case Studies
Learn how other investors and building owners are benefitting from energy upgrades and the GreenPoint Rated label.

The American Green Home

The investor who purchased this home calculated that he could make cost effective retrofits and upgrades by taking advantage of the Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County rebate program and other incentives.

These retrofits would lower the overall cost of homeownership and increase the home's overall value while creating a healthier home that saves more energy, water, and other natural resources.

Read the full case study

An Urban Green Habitat

The Habitat's GreenPoint Rated label has had a positive impact on the owner's bottom line. The comfortable living environment and low energy bills appeal to residents, which has led to longer tenancies and less turnover. The green features are also a significant selling point for the building.

Read the full case study

Visit our Gallery for more case studies.

Upcoming Webinars
Expand your knowledge and services, stay up to date on current design strategies and practices, and discover new ideas for green building projects with these webinars.

Green Building Webinar:
The Future of Water Heating
Date: Apr 11 | 1 - 2:30pm | Register Now

Members: Free / Non-Members: $10
Recertification CEU Value: 1.5 credits

Description: In a home that strives to be resource-efficient, water heating and the delivery of hot water pose their own unique set of challenges. In this webinar, Larry Weingarten, co-author of Water Heater Workbook, will help you see these problems from several perspectives while introducing you to the past and future of water heating appliances.

Join us to discuss the future of hot water and come away with some bright ideas for your current and upcoming green building projects.

FREE Webinar: Find Out How Energy Upgrade California Can Help You Build Your Business!
Date: Apr 16 | 2 - 5pm | Register Now

Description: As a business owner, you're always looking for new ways to build out your services and get new clients. Energy Upgrade California can help you do just that. Your local utility providers are offering attractive rebates to homeowners who use a participating contractor to install energy efficiency upgrades. These rebates are for up to $4,000 per home!

Join us for a free Participation Workshop where you'll learn how to get involved, gain visibility with homeowners who are looking for contractors doing the work, and make the most of program rebates and incentives.

FREE Webinar: Envelope Modeling
(Combined High Rise and Low Rise)
Date: Apr 17 | 10:30 am - 12pm | Register Now

Description: Staying up to date with envelope modeling, as well as current design strategies for multifamily buildings is necessary as California's multifamily market continues to grow at a rapid pace. These FREE webinars will arm raters and energy consultants with knowledge on the basics of multifamily residential building modeling using Energy Pro 5, identify modeling best practices as it relates to New and Existing multifamily homes, and illustrate how to troubleshoot Energy Pro calculations.

Check our events calendar for all upcoming workshops, classes, webinars, networking events, and trainings

View our calendar

Apr 2, 2013 6:00 PM

GreenPointers: Water Efficient Landscaping

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

GreenPoint Rated
Homes Map

Use the Interactive Map to see homes that have been rated in your area and throughout the state.

Does Your Home Qualify for GreenPoint Rated?
Find Out!

The GreenPoint Rated label can help increase the value of your home by 9% according to new studies. This survey will help you gauge if your home would qualify for the label, and offers suggestions on upgrades you may still need. Find out now if you qualify for a GreenPoint Rated Label!

> Take it online
> Download the survey

Ask Our Experts!

Do you have a green building question? The "Ask an Expert" forum on GreenPointRated.com is an excellent place to get those questions answered.

Our resident green building expert will give you a detailed answer, and other homeowners will have the opportunity to weigh in with their opinions and experiences.

> Ask your question now!

CONNECT & SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Join Build It Green's network to get tips on GreenPoint Rated and more.

GreenPointers:
Water Efficient Landscaping

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic is Water Efficient Landscaping.

It's easy to take water for granted in California, but insufficient levels of rainfall and a fast-growing population are quickly drinking up our already strained water resources. A large portion of this water is used to keep our gardens and landscapes healthy and green. And as the days get longer and warmer as summer approaches, our lovely plants require even more water and maintenance to stay lush.

Since we are not able to produce new water, the best solution is to conserve the water we have by giving our plants only the water they require. Here are a few tips to help you avoid excessive watering while keeping your garden beautiful.

IMPLEMENT HYDROZONING

Different plants have different water requirements. Hydrozoning involves dividing the landscape into zones of low, medium and high water use matched to the needs of the plants in that area. This saves water and results in healthier plants that don't need to be replaced as often.

Group plants by water needs, creating irrigation zones based on the plants' water requirements and their exposure. If you are working with a landscape design professional, have them delineate each hydrozone on the site, irrigation and planting plans. Place thirstier plants in relatively small, highly visible areas and if possible, in spots that naturally collect water. Plant the larger areas with drought-tolerant species. Install separate irrigation valves for different zones. Some California natives do not tolerate water in the summer after they are established; be sure to separate them from plants that need ongoing irrigation.

INSTALL HIGH-EFFICIENCY
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Efficient irrigation systems minimize overspray, evaporation and decrease runoff, dramatically reducing landscape water use while preventing disease and weed growth that results from overwatering.

Setting up drip and bubbler products in the soil at plant root zones will reduce water use by automatically applying water at the rate the soil can absorb it. Installing low-flow sprinkler heads will help minimize excessive watering by applying water uniformly and slowly. Lastly, adding smart controllers to your system saves time, work and water by automatically regulating watering based on weather or moisture sensors, historic data, or customized settings.

APPLY MULCH

Mulch is any material spread evenly over the surface of the soil. Mulch conserves water, reduces weed growth and simplifies maintenance. Organic mulch materials, including chipped landscape debris, are preferable over inorganic materials because they supply nutrients over time and provide wildlife habitat.

Apply and maintain a minimum of 2 to 3 inches of natural mulch to all soil surfaces or at least until plants grow to cover the soil. Do not place mulch directly against any plant stem or tree. Designate areas under trees as repositories for fallen leaves to remain as mulch. To further reduce environmental impacts, look for suppliers of mulch produced locally from urban plant waste debris.

SETUP A RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM

Rainwater can be channeled through gutters and downspouts to an above-ground cistern or underground gravel dry well, and then used later for landscape irrigation. It can also be directed to bioswales or rain gardens. Rainwater catchment reduces the need to use municipal or well water for irrigating lawns and gardens, and reduces the volume of rainwater flowing into municipal stormwater or sewage systems.

Set up a system for rainwater collection wherever there is guttered roof runoff and room for a cistern, dry well, bioswale or rain garden. Bioswales are gently sloped drainage courses that slow the flow of rainwater, allowing it to percolate into the soil. A rain garden is a planted depression that absorbs or slows rainwater runoff.

Visit our website to learn more:
Green Remodeling | Ask an expert | Gallery | Get Rated

Mar 27, 2013 3:00 PM

GreenPointers: Water Efficient Landscaping

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

March 2013

OTHER
NEWS

Get up to $4500 in Rebates to Improve
Your Home!

Take advantage of this opportunity to get rebates for making energy improvements to your home, which will save you money by reducing utility bills and maintenance costs while increasing the value of your home.

Getting an Advanced Upgrade Package also helps you earn 20 of the 25 minimum points required for the GreenPoint Rated label. Green home labels can increase your home's value by 9%.

Find out how much you
can save today!

Brochure for Homeowners

A comprehensive introduction to GreenPoint Rated for the homeowner audience, this brochure introduces the two consumer labels for existing homes – Elements and Whole House. It includes green remodel case studies and illustrations showing simple steps for making each room healthier and more resource efficient.

View the brochure

Ask Our Experts!

Follow us on:

GreenPointers:
Water Efficient Landscaping

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic is Water Efficient Landscaping.

IMPLEMENT HYDROZONING

INSTALL HIGH-EFFICIENCY
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

APPLY MULCH

SET UP A RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM

Read more tips on sustainable gardening and landscaping.

Mar 27, 2013 3:00 PM

Gain Green Building Expertise with Water and Energy

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

OTHER NEWS
AND EVENTS

Help Your Clients Get GreenPoint Rated with Our New Survey!

GreenPoint Rated
Builder Brochure

March | 2013

Training, Education
and Networking Events
Expand Your Service Offerings and Network to Qualify for More Green Building Jobs

GreenPoint Rated Training Series

Course Dates:

GreenPoint Core (GPR Core) Mar 28-30 | More info
GreenPoint Rated New Home (GPR NH) Apr 15 | More info

Course Location:
Oakland, CA

Course Description:
This series trains and certifies you to be a GreenPoint Rater or Advisor for either new homes or existing, remodeled homes. You'll be qualified to add green building services to your business offerings, including rating homes.

Continuing education credits available.

Green Building Workshop: Water Conservation
Oakland, CA | Mar 25 | More info

Workshop Description: Hyphae Design Laboratory; an ecological engineering, research and design ﬁrm will discuss a variety of their previous work on water conservation, including a closed loop organic sugarcane farm and a recently announced large scale wastewater irrigated living wall for the SF MOMA.

CBGP credits available

FREE: Basic Package Technical Training for Energy Upgrade California
Stockton, CA | Mar 25-27 | More info

Course Description: This 3-day course provides essential training for contractors who wish to offer Energy Upgrade California rebates to their clients who receive Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) gas or electric service. It is a required course if you do not already have a BPI Building Analyst on staff and it is strongly recommended even if you do.

Upcoming Conferences

Attend these upcoming green building conferences and visit the Build It Green table to meet our energetic team! We'll provide you with information on green building opportunities, trainings and events, and the GreenPoint Rated Label as well as other green building programs around California. We hope to see you there!

Housing CA 2013 Conference:
Apr 16-18 | Sacramento, CA | More info
Table: TBD

2013 Green CA Summit:
Apr 18-19 | Sacramento, CA | More info
Table: #307

Please forward this invitation to anyone else who might be interested in attending these meetings.

Mar 19, 2013 3:00 PM

Webinar: Design Strategies for HVAC Multifamily

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

OTHER NEWS
AND EVENTS

Energy Upgrade California's Contractor Toolkit

This toolkit from Energy Upgrade California will assist contractors in fulfilling their clients' energy needs. Inside you can find an overview of the Basic and Advanced Packages, details on how to become a participating contractor, information on trainings, equipment purchasing tips, and free marketing materials and webinars.

View the toolkit

Explore our events calendar for other trainings and workshops in your area!

March | 2013

FREE Multifamily Webinars:

Modeling Plants & Systems
(Combined High Rise and Low Rise)
Tomorrow: Mar 20 | 10:30 am — 12pm | Register Now

Envelopes (Combined High Rise and Low Rise)
Date: April 17 | 10:30 am — 12pm | Register Now

Audience: Raters, Energy Consultants

Description: Staying up to date with plants, HVAC and envelope modeling, as well as current design strategies for multifamily buildings is necessary as California's multifamily market continues to grow at a rapid pace. This FREE webinar will arm raters and energy consultants with knowledge on the basics of multifamily residential building modeling using Energy Pro 5, identify modeling best practices as it relates to New and Existing multifamily homes, and illustrate how to troubleshoot energy pro calculations.

For more information contact Diana Dakik at ddakik@builditgreen.org.

Please forward this invitation to anyone else who might be interested in attending these meetings.

Mar 19, 2013 3:00 PM

GreenPointers: Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Find Out if Your Home Qualifies for GreenPoint Rated with this Survey

The GreenPoint Rated label can help increase the value of your home by 9% according to new studies. This survey will help you gauge if your home would qualify for the label, and offers suggestions on upgrades you may still need. Find out now if you qualify for a GreenPoint Rated Label!

> Take it online
> Download the survey

GreenPoint Rated
Brochure for Homeowners

A comprehensive introduction for the homeowner audience, this brochure introduces the two consumer labels for existing homes – Elements and Whole House. It includes green remodel case studies and illustrations showing simple steps for making each room healthier and more resource efficient.

> View the brochure

Want to Get Rated?

A remodel can be a daunting process, especially if you want to make sure it's done in an environmentally friendly way. GreenPoint Rated provides you with resources and professionals that can help you keep track of all the details so that you can simply enjoy your healthy, green home.

> Learn more

CONNECT & SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Join Build It Green's network to get tips on GreenPoint Rated and more.

GreenPointers:
Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic faucets, showerheads, and toilets.

Water in California is a luxury that we often take for granted. Less rainfall, a warmer climate, and increased consumption to meet the demands of a fast-growing population is taxing California's dwindling fresh water supplies. Installing more efficient water fixtures is an easy and effective way to cut down on water usage with little noticeable difference to the person who is washing up. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are also good for your pocketbook, as less water use means lower water, sewer, and energy for water heating bills.

INSTALL LOW-FLOW FAUCETS

Standard kitchen, bathroom and laundry room faucets manufactured after 1992 are designed to allow a flow of no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). Older faucets use even more water. If you are in the market for a new faucet, you have plenty of products to choose from that are more efficient than the minimum required by law. Select kitchen and laundry room faucets that use no more than 1.8 gpm. Select bathroom faucets that use no more than 1.5 gpm.

If you have a water-wasting faucet that you don't want to replace, you can install a flow reducer. Flow reducers come in many forms and are readily available in the plumbing department of your local home improvement store. The easiest and least expensive option is an aerator that screws into the faucet's tip. An aerator adds air to the water stream to make the flow feel stronger.

Another type of flow control device is a laminar flow control, which creates multiple small-diameter parallel streams of water that are not aerated. Both types of devices give the feeling that water is flowing at a higher rate than it actually is.

Another option is flow control valves. These are installed under the sink at the junction of the angle-stop and faucet, and can limit water flow down to 1.5 to 0.5 gpm per side (hot and cold).

INSTALL EFFICIENT SHOWERHEADS

Federal law since 1994 mandates that all showerheads sold in the United States use 2.5 gpm or less. Despite this, some showerheads actually use much more than 2.5 gpm, and shower towers that include multiple showerheads or jets can total 12.5 gpm or more. A better option is a good quality low-flow showerhead designed to use less than 2.0 gpm while providing a satisfying shower. There are low-flow showerheads available in every budget range.

UPGRADE TO HIGH-EFFICIENY TOILETS

Older toilets typically use 3.5 gallons of water per flush (gpf) or more. Standard new toilets use 1.6 gpf. Toilets that use an average of 1.28 gpf or less are called High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) and are now required by the state's building code in all new homes in California.

HETs are available in dual-flush, pressure-assist and conventional gravity-flush models. Dual-flush toilets have two buttons: one for a half flush and the other for a full flush. The average gallons per flush of dual-flush toilets is based on the average of one full flush and two half-flushes. In the past, some models of low-flow toilets didn't work well, but the majority of today's high-efficiency toilets perform well and don't require multiple flushes.

Learn more about faucets, showerheads, and toilets.

Visit our website to learn more:
Green Remodeling | Ask an expert | Gallery | Get Rated

Mar 13, 2013 3:00 PM

GreenPointers: Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:00:00 GMT

March 2013

OTHER
NEWS

Get up to $4500 in Rebates for Home Energy Upgrades

Energy home improvements will save you energy, make your home more comfortable, and increase the value of your home. Energy Upgrade California in LA County is making it easier than ever by providing rebates up to $4500 for upgrading your home.

Getting an Advanced Upgrade Package also helps you earn 20 of the 25 minimum points required for the Green Point Rated label, which can increase your home's value by 9%.

> Find out how much you can save today!

Sustainable Water and Energy Practices in Southern California

Dwindling fresh water supplies in California mean that potable water may be on its way to becoming an endangered natural resource. This fact sheet sheds light on water usage in CA and the energy consumed to treat and transfer it to users. It also provides practical tips on how you can do your part to conserve this precious resource.

> Read the fact sheet here.

Find Out if Your Home Qualifies for GreenPoint Rated with this Survey

Follow us on:

GreenPointers:
Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets

Our series of GreenPointers provides helpful tips for a healthier, greener home in a variety of topics. Today's topic is Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets.

Water in California is a luxury that we often take for granted. Less rainfall, a warmer climate, and increased consumption to meet the demands of a fast-growing population is taxing California's dwindling fresh water supplies. Installing more efficient water fixtures is an easy and effective way to cut down on water consumption with little noticeable difference to the person who is washing up. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are also good for your pocketbook, as less water means lower water, sewer, and energy for water heating bills.

INSTALL LOW-FLOW FAUCETS

INSTALL EFFICIENT SHOWERHEADS

UPGRADE TO HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOILETS

Learn more about Faucets, Showerheads, and Toilets.

Mar 13, 2013 3:00 PM

FREE Multifamily Webinars for Raters and Energy Consultants

Gary Ting - noemail@builditgreen.org — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Modeling Plants & Systems (Combined High Rise and Low Rise)
Date: Mar 20 | 10:30am – 12pm | Register Now

Envelopes (Combined High Rise and Low Rise)
Date: April 17 | 10:30am – 12pm | Register Now

Audience: Raters, Energy Consultants

Description: Staying up to date with plants, HVAC and envelope modeling, as well as current design strategies for multifamily buildings is necessary as California's multifamily market continues to grow at a rapid pace. These FREE webinars will arm raters and energy consultants with knowledge on the basics of multifamily residential building modeling using Energy Pro 5, identify modeling best practices as it relates to New and Existing multifamily homes, and illustrate how to troubleshoot Energy Pro calculations.

For more information contact Diana Dakik at ddakik@builditgreen.org.

Check our events calendar for all upcoming workshops, classes, webinars, networking events, and trainings

View our calendar

Mar 11, 2013 4:00 PM