The Sun will come out tomorrow..

As I sit at my desk watching snow accumulate on the trees I am once again amazed by the winter weather we have been experiencing this year. It seems as though the world at large is experiencing a volatile climate referring to both weather and the economy. As unpredictable as both the weather and our economy seems these days, I feel as though there is only one thing we can be sure of, the sun will come out tomorrow.

In Asheville we are nationally known for many things, outdoor recreation, beer, music and the arts. After researching local alternative energy businesses I have come to find that for a city of 80,000+ we have large number of companies that realize the suns potential. The solar business is one thing that makes a lot of sense to me. The sun is most renewable resource we have and according to many theories it is only gaining strength. Solar power is only one part of the green housing movement however,I believe that solar energy will be a major player in future generations way of life. That being said there are many companies here in Asheville doing their part to encourage a movement away from nonrenewable energy sources to solar and other renewable energy.

Vanir Energy of Fletcher is making a bold move by launching the worlds largest solar heating and cooling project. The technology they use and systems they represent are amazing and I would expect to see more of this technology used in high density residential and commercial construction in the years ahead.

FLS Energy /First Light Solar of Asheville is making headlines everywhere you turn in Asheville. They recently made news with the largest solar array in the region going online, their direct connection to local neighborhoods and to ongoing community support. FLS Energy is proving that business can thrive by doing the right thing.

Sundance Power Systems has been providing solar options for 14 years in the Asheville area. The company has installed over a thousand systems in the area and offers a multitude of services for residential, commercial and municipal applications. They also work with Micro Hydro and Wind Power systems and over the years they have grown to be one of the largest renewable energy firms in the Southeast.

Solar Plus Green is the main supplier of Evacuated Tube Solar Collector to the Western North Carolina area. While this system comes at a slightly higher cost the system does seem to have certain advantages over flat plate collectors.

There are a number of smaller companies that work mainly with installation and maintenance such as Thermacraft, Sun Stuff Energy, Si Envirotec, and Solar Dynamics. So as you can see much like our extensive options we have trails, bike shops, and local beer Asheville also provides it's residence with a multitude of alternative energy options as well.

When you consider the unique financing options for a solar system offered by many of the companies listed above and the 65% tax credit (30% national, 35% state) a solar system can add value to your property, reduce your monthly expenses and your carbon footprint very easily if you are building a new home or considering upgrading your current home.

Yes, even with the cold days we have been experiencing in Asheville the sun shines down and give us it's energy to heat our water and create power. Now if it can just warm up so I can start working on my tan.

Justin Mitchell

Ecohouse / Dwell Realty
828.713.9400

What does it mean to build Green?

With all the talk about green building in the news I hear this question frequently. Frankly there is no simple answer when I am asked "what is green building"? To some it means building with all natural materials and others it involves complex systems and using the latest in modern technology. Simply put "Green Building" means something different to people within the same industry.

For some a green home is one that uses primarily recycled or natural materials in the design and building process. There are many types of practices and materials used in this type of green building philosophy and often the methods / materials used are dependant on the region's climate and local resources where the construction is taking place. These homes may be as ecoconscious as an Earthship or Strawbale home or as simple as reusing shipping containers to create efficient living spaces. Natural building has been practiced for generations (think adobe huts) and has been proven by the test of time. While this style may not be for everyone it is undeniable that these structures in many cases will survive well beyond many of our modern structures. As for shipping container homes or upcycling modern materials (tires, glass, etc) I believe we are on the cusp of trend that will gain momentum as we learn to work with less and make use of what we have already created. One man's trash, as they say..

In other circles the Green Building movement refers to incorporating the latest technology available to create a space that can now be powered by the sun, wind or water for all your energy needs. These homes may feature technologies that provide higher indoor air quality, feature building materials that are nontoxic, can withstand many lifetimes of wear and tear and yet are easy to produce and harvest. The most basic principle in this type of construction places great importance on building a tight building envelop to conserve energy and testing the major systems of the home to address energy loss. New certification processes and building practices are being integrated into our traditional construction methods insuring that a consumer is purchasing a home with improved qualities that can be measured. While these new technological systems are designed to reduce both input and output one can not ignore the considerable embodied energy in making the products designed to reduce energy consumption in the long run. Modular homes are growing far more common and acceptable to consumers as the benefits of building in a controlled environment are realized. Construction waste can be minimised and quality standards stay uniform resulting in a much greener dwelling. While technological advancements and new construction methods tends to be the type of green building getting the most headlines it is important to consider yet another side of green building.

What is greener than using what's already been built many ask? You can "green" an existing home and improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality and incorporate many of the same systems available to new construction. There are many green benefits of rehabbing an existing structure. In purchasing an existing property the user is not disturbing a new building site for access and construction and less materials are used in a rehab verses building from ground up greatly reducing the embodied energy required. A green rehab might involve gutting a home to the studs and replacing all the major systems and incorporating new technology in the process. However, for most people this process can be as simple as making the decision to purchase low flow fixtures, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, etc. when replacing items in your home. Or green your home by winterizing your building envelop with can of spray foam or a local company that specializes in energy conservation.

As you see, the term Green Building means different things to different people. Consumers today are certainly paying more attention to energy conservation to both lesson their impact and reduce their spending. As a Realtor with ten years experience it is clear that people want to purchase homes that suite their lifestyle, offer a feeling of security and comfort but in the end it comes down to affordability and economics. As heartwarming as the environmental benefits of Green Building are it has been documented that the primary motivation for people to purchase a green home is due to the potential economic savings. Buying green saves you green if you will and in most cases people adapt their view of Green Building to what is available to them.

So what does it mean to build green? To me it means raising expectations and making educated decisions throughout the entire process of home construction to create a home that suites your lifestyle and budget while lessening your impact on your health and the world outside of your living space.

Go green, whatever that means to you.

Justin Mitchell

Ecohouse / Dwell Realty