Google can now buy and sell energy in bulk thanks to approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). However, Internet giant Google doesn’t have plans to sell energy to consumers or anyone else.  Google plans to use its FERC certification in order to manage its own energy supplies as efficiently as possible. I suppose it does take quite a bit of energy to run the world’s largest search engine!  If you think your power bill is high, imagine the energy required to run all of those servers.
In Atlanta, we …

28 ways to make a LEED platinum building – Construction Week Online
The ASHRAE headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia in the US has been awarded a LEED Platinum rating, the highest certification available. MEP Middle East takes a closer look at the project as a landmark case study in green building.
As an innovator in energy-efficient technology, ASHRAE felt its headquarters should serve as a showcase of sustainability. “The resulting design truly reflects that sentiment, as well as how ASHRAE standards and guidelines can be put into practice to result in a high-performance …

By Paul Pugliese

March is usually the time of year that local garden centers begin major advertising campaigns to sell lawn fertilizers. But depending on the type of grass you have, it may be too early to start fertilizing your lawn. In general, the best time to fertilize a lawn is when it is actively growing.
Fescue should be fed in the fall
Fescue lawns and other cool-season grasses that don’t go dormant should be fertilized in the fall (October) and spring (March). Most other lawns, including bermudagrass, zoysia, …

Southface and The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) named WicksteadWorks its 2010 Renovator of the Year during an award ceremony held January 29 at Philips Arena’s Horizon Club. It is the second straight year the Atlanta-based remodeler has earned this honor.
The Renovator of the Year award recognizes an EarthCraft House renovator that has gone above and beyond established measures to decrease energy consumption in an existing home. A team of EarthCraft House judges selected the nominees and winners for the awards.
“We are extremely humbled to be recognized with this award …

Appraisal values may be what is limiting the number of green homes being built, according to the National Home Builders Association. While we know the value that comes with energy-efficiency, lenders and appraisers are not fully recognizing the value of green innovation.
However, don’t let that deter you from building green or remodeling with eco-friendly products. Eventually the appraisal process will come around, and, when it comes time to sell, buyers will love the green features of your home.
Manufacturers of sustainable products for today’s new homes are Kohler, Marvin Windows and Whirlpool and …

Starting February 12, 2010, the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program will provide Georgia residents with rebates ranging from $25 to $199 on ENERGY STAR rated appliances.  ENERGY STAR appliances eligible for the program include clothes washers, dishwashers, air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators and freezers.   The total amount available for rebates is $8.6 million.  Purchases made prior to February 12, 2010, will not be eligible.
“The opportunity to receive rebates on the purchase of energy efficient appliances starts February 12,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil.  “Georgians can …

Gwinnett’s Department of Water Resources says now is a great time to save money, energy, and water by finding and fixing leaks in homes and businesses.
Faucets that drip constantly need new washers to make a tight seal when the faucet is closed. Homeowners should call a plumber if they don’t know how to make this relatively simple repair themselves.
To check a toilet for leaks, Jim Scarbrough with DWR recommends putting a drop or two of food coloring in the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within a …

Windsong Properties, Atlanta’s leading Active Adult courtyard homebuilder, was recently nominated for EarthCraft Builder of the Year for its Somerset community in Woodstock. The winner will be announced at the annual EarthCraft Builder’s Awards Breakfast to be held Jan. 29 at Philips Arena’s Horizon Club.
For the past five years, EarthCraft has recognized the top green builders throughout the metro-Atlanta area. Windsong Properties is one of four builders nominated for the prestigious award.
“It is an honor to be nominated for this coveted award,” said Windsong Properties Managing Partner, Steve Romeyn. “This …

Every time you turnaround there seems to be another incentive for purchasing a green built home. Of course, the government is trying to push green building and sustainable living by offering tax credits for those that purchase an eco-friendly home or make green renovations to their existing home. Now, insurance companies have followed suit by offering discounts on insurance for green built homes.
Currently, there are two types of green insurance policies for homeowners – one that covers building that already meet strict sustainablility and efficiency standards and one that offers …

The City of Roswell has recently been certified under the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Green Communities Program on the Silver Level. Roswell is the first municipality to be certified Silver.
“Roswell’s color has always been green,” explains Mayor Jere Wood. “We are proud to be the first City in Georgia to achieve the Silver Level Green Communities Certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission. We plan to be the first city in Georgia to receive the Gold Certification.”
ARC launched the Green Communities Program late last year to foster greater environmental stewardship by …

Each year the National Association of Home Builders honors those who excel in green residential design, construction practices and outstanding green advocacy efforts through the National Green Building Awards.
If you know that you’re on top of the green game then it’s time to grab your plans, fill out the forms and enter your company for a 2010 award!
Award categories include:

Advocate of the Year (Builder, Remodeler, Individual, Group)
Advocate of the Year (State or Local Government)
Green Project(s) of the Year (Single Family, Remodel, Multifamily)
Green Site Development of the Year
HBA Green Building Program …

Richard Feis of Pace Homebuilders has been involved in green home building and remodeling for years so it was a natural progression for him to build Greenhaven, Atlanta’s latest model home for green building and sustainable design.
But he went a step further from other eco-friendly builders. He’s created a show home of eco-friendly furnishings as well as environmentally sensitive building products.
“There are so many environmentally friendly things that people don’t realize they can do when they build a home or remodel. This is a great platform to showcase green building …

Although the green movement has become more popular over the past few years, examples of the movement are few and far between. Sometimes it seems like the only way to see an example of a green home or a sustainable building is to watch Planet Green’s Worlds Greenest Homes. As great as the show is, the experience just isn’t the same as actually getting to BE there.
Enter Greenhaven, an eco-friendly home right in our back-yard! This US Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified home showcases …

Meet 20 of the most creative interior designers in Atlanta and tour their sustainable spaces July 10 – August 9
Pace Homebuilders, a leading green homebuilding company, is proud to announce the 20 interior designers chosen to participate in Greenhaven, the first Eco-Friendly LEED certified Decorators’ Show House in Cobb County. Greenhaven, open to the public July 10 – August 9, selected the Atlanta-based designers on the merit of their environmental respect and commitment to sustainable design. The design team will work with industry-leading local vendors to showcase the latest in …

The Second Annual Alpharetta Water Conservation Festival will be held on Saturday, May 2 at Rock Mill Park, located at 3100 Kimball Bridge Road.  The event will run from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
The event features a schedule of informative and fun workshops, including:
10:00          Farmer D. of Mother Nature Network, will give a fun and informative workshop on organic gardening and sustainable urban gardening
11:30          Louse Estabrook, UGA Cooperative Extension Agent will entertain you with her presentation on landscaping in a thirsty environment (Xeriscaping)
11:45          Stay for the test to receive Certification …