Green Building Resources
A green building is sited, designed, constructed and operated to enhance the well being of its occupants and to support a healthy community and natural environment.
Why Build Green?
Whether doing it yourself or hiring a professional, green remodeling measures will make your home healthier and more comfortable, save on utility bills, and improve resale values. While you can take steps to green your home any time, remodels offer opportunities to go deeper and make even more rewarding improvements. Retrofitting existing homes to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions is a critical component of City of Berkeley’s Measure G and the Climate Action Plan.
Energy Efficiency: Improved comfort and lower energy
An energy-efficient house reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers utility bills, and improves comfort.
- Caulk and weatherstrip all areas adjacent to outside or unheated space.
- Check heating ducts for leaks and seal with foil or mastic approved for heating ducts.
- Use energy efficient lighting such as CFLs (available in a range of colors).
- Replace old, inefficient appliances with new energy-efficient models – Energy Star when available.
- Replace single-pane windows with double-paned.
- Replace or coat roof surface with highly reflective roof material or "cool roof"
- For more tips, contact PG&E
Water Conservation: Protection and conservation of water supplies
Reducing water consumption conserves limited water supplies, protects the SF Bay and saves energy.
- Retrofit all existing toilets and faucets and install ultra-low flow models.
- Look for Energy Star qualified appliances.
- Landscape with native and drought-tolerant plant and pervious hardscape.
- For more tips, contact EBMUD and Bay Friendly Gardening
Healthy Indoor Environment
Reducing pollutants inside the home creates a safe, pleasant and healthy environment.
- Use no- or low-VOC paint, wood-finishes, carpeting and adhesives.
- Look for low or no formaldehyde building materials.
- Protect building materials from moisture to reduce the risk of mold.
Resource Conservation
Conservation of building materials and careful handling of construction and demolition debris saves valuable resources such as wood and landfill space.
- Use efficient design, such as advanced framing techniques.
- Specify durable roofing materials with 40-50 year warrantees.
- Specify reclaimed and recycled products.
- Reuse or recycle materials whenever possible.
Green Building Agencies
City of Berkeley Office of Energy and Sustainable Development
Learn about green building requirements and check out green permit guides. Berkeley’s Best Builders staff can provide consultations to promote green building. Email: greenbuilding@cityofberkeley.info
Build It Green
Hire architects with Green Expertise through the Build it Green Building Professional Directory. Consider getting your remodel green certified. See Green Building Guidelines and Rating Systems for energy efficient, resource efficient, and healthy strategies for residential renovations & new construction. Ask An Expert Hotline a free service that provides customized responses to a variety of green building questions. The Access Green Directory provides an extensive listing of green building products and suppliers. Call (510) 590-3360
Green Building in Alameda County
Green building resources for the general public, design & building professionals, & public agencies. Up to $15,000 incentives and design assistance for qualifying LEED Certification or Multi-family Green Points Rated projects
PG&E
Savings By Design offers no-cost design assistance, analysis and resources to help building owners and design teams with energy-efficient building design. Incentives up to $150,000 for owners and $50,000 for design teams are available for projects that meet ambitious energy efficiency goals. Other incentives PG&E rebates or call (800) 468-4743
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Consider getting your project LEED green certified. See LEED Rating System for energy efficient, resource efficient, and healthy strategies for projects.
East Bay Municiple Utility District (EBMUD)
Check out water efficient products and tips
Other useful websites:
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