In a recent webinar for GreenExpo365 (an online connection for the green building community), one of the industry’s foremost authorities broke down his predictions for the top “Green Megatrends” of 2012—the first of which calls for more LEED standard building projects in markets all over the world. According to Jerry Yudelson, who not only sits on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Green Building Council but is also a faculty member of LEED, there is going to be a real focus on making sustainable, eco-friendly options cost-effective in both residential and commercial real estate building.

It will most certainly be a challenge for new construction green projects to regain footing in today’s hard-hit economic setting. However, project registrations for LEED-EBOM (or LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Management) have already gone up 18% in 2011 and will likely do even better in 2012. Last year was the first that the collective square footage of LEED-EBOM projects surpassed that of new construction LEED at 675 million sq. ft. versus 649 million sq. ft. respectively.

Yudelson believes 2012 will see more green retrofits in places like convention center/hotels, hospitals, large-scale grocery stores and retail establishments. These types of businesses and other commercial developments are also prime for zero-net-energy designs. The ability to decrease energy consumption and increase sustainability to a zero-net level is easiest for buildings that are between two and four stories and use anywhere from 30,000 to 35,000 British thermal units/square foot annually. The cost to attain a net-zero goal does run a little more, but only about 3%-5%, Yudelson says.

President Obama and former President Clinton recently announced a new $4 billion plan called the Better Building Initiative that will pump some money into the field. But, as Yudelson explains, four billion doesn’t go very far in this line of work so many builders will have to come up with cash another way. Because there won’t be as much federal funding available for such endeavors, green developers are likely to depend more on state and local governments for any sort of financial assistance.

As the year progresses, Chicagoans are sure to see additional LEED-EBOM ventures in both commercial buildings and homes throughout the city. However, don’t expect every new green project to incorporate solar power systems. The technology is loosing some ground because it is so expensive to purchase and install. That isn’t to say it should be totally discounted, though. There is a high possibility that solar will make a comeback as solutions to its high cost are developed. That’s why Yudelson recommends making any new green building “PV ready”—so it will be simple to add photovoltaic panels later when they are more economical.

By Dream Town

The post #1 Green Megatrend for 2012: Green Building Rebound appeared first on Dream Town.

Tip 1: Keep the shades drawn during the day
Especially in rooms that get direct sunlight, pulling the drapes is the first line of defense against the summer heat. Shades help prevent sunshine from coming through windows and warming up interior spaces, which then have to be cooled with air conditioning or fans. In Chicago, it is particularly important to pull the curtains or blinds in rooms with eastern and southern exposures. These get the most sunlight during daytime hours and can cause your AC to work extra hard in order to cool those areas of the house.

Tip 2: Refrain from using the oven
The oven puts out heat that, in turn, makes your air conditioning work harder to maintain the set temperature in your home. Opt for cold meals during the hot summer months and you’ll also save on utilities used to run the microwave and gas stove burners.

Tip 3: Switch to low heat-emitting light bulbs
Unlike the new compact florescent bulbs that are energy efficient and longer lasting, incandescent light bulbs put out a lot of heat. In small enclosed spaces like bathrooms, this can make it very warm with prolonged use and can cause your AC to run overtime to cool it off. CFL bulbs are said to produce 75% less heat than incandescent bulbs and, by some accounts, can save up to $70 a year when used in a home’s five most frequently-used fixtures.

Tip 4: Ensure your home is properly insulated
Proper insulation not only helps keep heat inside in the winter, it also helps keep heat outside in the summer. The better the insulation, the better your home is at maintaining its interior temperature, and the less your air conditioning has to run.

Tip 5: Use weather-stripping and caulk on doors and windows
Make sure there are no cracks around your doorways and windows where air conditioned air can escape your house. Did you know the same amount of air is lost through a 1/8″ crack as a 6″ square hole? Prevent air loss of any type by caulking or weather-stripping suspect areas in your home.

Tip 6: Get an annual AC tune-up
It’s a good idea have your air conditioning unit serviced once a year to keep it running efficiently and to check for issues that need to be addressed before it breaks down on the hottest day of the summer. Schedule your tune-up for the off season (spring or fall) when the HVAC business is generally slower and service fees are typically a little lower than in the summer and winter months.

Tip 7: Check/replace AC air filters regularly
Check the air filter in your HVAC system every month. If it looks dirty, replace it or clean it, and never go longer than three months without changing the air filter if you want to keep your unit running at maximum efficiency.

Tip 8: Program the thermostat
One rule of thumb is to set the thermostat for 78 degrees when you are not at home. That way, your AC isn’t working too hard to cool the house while you’re not around and it doesn’t have to overexert itself to cool the place off when you do come home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, install one. It’s fairly easy to do and makes it much easier for your AC system to regulate the temperature of your Chicago home, which saves you money on cooling expenses over time.

Tip 9: Replace old systems with new energy-efficient models
If your air conditioning system is over 15 years old you may want to think about replacing it with something more energy efficient. This will cut cooling bills right off the bat and you may be eligible for a government tax credit that’s available through EnergyStar through the end of 2011.

By Dream Town

The post Money-Saving Tips to Keep Your Home Cool appeared first on Dream Town.

For starters, there’s the computer screen bathroom mirrors. Sure you can see your reflection in them, but you can also check the weather and traffic, and see Facebook updates with the click of a remote. Pretty impressive! Another wow factor in this Jetson-like household is the kitchen command center with its electronic grocery list and virtual “post-it note” messages from cell phone texts. The Smart Home also has an automated system that regulates the interior environment for maximum energy efficiency. It tracks hourly utility usage and can adjust accordingly. Just imagine in your own home if the lights knew when to turn on or off based on sunrise/sunset times. Or if shades automatically opened or closed to help maintain room temperature. Now that’s the next generation of creature comforts!

Yes, the Smart Home has some super cool, ultra-modern devices. But the theme of this year’s makeover is “old meets new”. With that in mind, the space was redesigned with several reclaimed and repurposed items. Such as the used cabinet in the living room which served half a century as a mail repository in an Illinois post office. The metal cabinetry in the kitchen hails from the University of Chicago, where they were salvaged from a laboratory. Some of the furniture is made of recycled materials as well (although you’d never know it) like the living room chair upholstery that’s fashioned from old tires.

It may be awhile before “tire chairs” and computer mirrors are considered sought-after amenities in a property, but the forward-thinking décor at the Smart Home is definitely something to take note of. There may come a time when these novelties become mainstream, and Chicagoans will have had a first look at what tomorrow’s living spaces hold through this futuristic showcase of revolutionary new (and old) interior design.

By Dream Town

The post MSI Smart Home Features Smart Interior Design Ideas appeared first on Dream Town.

If your home is currently lacking in green features, consider making the following renovations before putting it on the market:

Energy Efficient Lighting
Simply swapping out one incandescent lightbulb for a compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) can save you $40 in electricity over the cost of the lightbulb’s lifetime. The CFL uses about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 10 times longer. It also produces 75% less heat, which means it’s safer to operate and cuts energy costs. Also consider installing dimmer switches, energy efficient lamps and motion sensors and timers so that you can make the most out of your lights and not use them when they are not needed.

Minimize Water Use, Maximize Distribution Efficiency
Replace old, water-wasting toilets with high-efficiency ones to trim water bills for you now and amp the appeal of this money saving green feature to potential buyers. High-efficiency faucets and showerheads also deliver cost-effective performance and making sure your hot water heater is up to snuff will deliver energy savings as well.

Efficient Cooling and Heating
If you’ve survived even just one brutal Chicago winter, you know the enormous value of a programmable thermostat, where you can set exact temperatures for specific times of day. It keeps your bills from skyrocketing by keeping the temperature inside your home warm enough so the pipes won’t freeze when you aren’t there during the day, and allows you to be comfortable when you’re home that evening and sleeping overnight. In addition to upgrading to a programmable thermostat, consider installing ceiling fans to help with the circulation of air during the warm summer months. Install high performance double or triple paned glass and place weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors to make sure heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer won’t escape.

Indoor Air Quality
Whole-house air cleaners cost a few hundred dollars but are a very worthwhile investment to make as they can filter out pollutants. The Environmental Protection Agency has named indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Walls should be painted with paint that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemical contaminants that release vapors at room temperature and can cause headaches, eye irritation, memory loss, fatigue and depression with initial exposure. With unusually high or prolonged exposure to VOCs such as formaldehyde, people face an increased risk of cancer.

Energy Saving Appliances
Most green homes use ENERGY STAR appliances, which contain the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency that was established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by an inefficient use of energy. These energy-efficient products offer savings without sacrificing performance, features or comfort. ENERGY STAR appliances can include hot water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, washers and dryers. These models will conserve energy and save you money in the long run.

By Dream Town

The post Green Renovations Amp Up A Home's Market Appeal appeared first on Dream Town.

Hundreds of exhibitors will set up booths on the main floor and there is a coinciding film festival on Wednesday (Nov 17) and Thursday (Nov 18) featuring titles such as Carbon Nation, Greening the Cube: 100-Mile Housing, Green Building Making Sense and Split Estate.

The Chicago Greenbuild convention has also rounded up some of the industry’s leading experts to talk about relevant topics that impact green construction. Speakers will touch on a range of subjects, from policies that affect sustainability to the logistics of eco-conscious building to driving residential demand for green homes. This year’s keynote speaker is General Colin Powell. The former Secretary of State is a notable advocate for LEED certification for affordable housing programs. He will present the Greenbuild Opening Plenary on Wednesday morning (Nov 17), from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

The Greenbuild conference was in Chicago in 2007, but the 2010 event is going to blow that year’s expo out of the water! Register for Greenbuild on its website: www.greenbuildexpo.org. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council receive a discount on registration fees.

Where: McCormick Place West (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive)
When: Wednesday, November 17 – Friday, November 19

By Dream Town

The post 2010 Greenbuild Expo in Chicago Nov. 17-19 appeared first on Dream Town.

Dream Town Builders’ own Avi Ron has teamed up with Jeffrey Sommers of Square Root Architecture to make green prefab abodes available to Chicago home buyers. The standard floor plans are semi-customizable with 1800 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and several green components, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, energy-saving lights, insulating windows, and Energy Star certified appliances.

Green prefab homeowners will see immediate economical benefits with lowered utility bills. Gas, water and electricity consumption decreases dramatically right off the bat and overtime the home’s eco features can, in fact, pay for themselves. Especially if the homeowner opts for more sophisticated integration of green opportunities, as in the case of photovoltaic panels which convert sunlight directly into electricity. So the home is actually producing its own energy—a big payoff in the long term.

With a moderate price tag and room to grow, these built-to-suit properties are a perfect match for Chicagoans ready to move on from condo living and into a single-family home that looks out for the environment… and your bank account.

For more information about green prefab homes in Chicago, contact Avi Ron at 773.251.6000 or click here to send an email.

By Dream Town

The post Green Prefab Homes in Chicago appeared first on Dream Town.

One of the main challenges the green movement faces is retrofitting existing homes with more energy efficient (i.e. more green) upgrades. With many homeowners doing all they can to pay the mortgage and stay afloat, coming up with the cash to initiate such upgrades may be hard to manage. Fortunately, there’s a financial assistance program for just this situation – PACE Bonds.

A PACE Bond, in short, is a bond that lends proceeds to residential or commercial property owners to retrofit (install) renewable energy systems into existing homes and buildings. It allows the borrower to repay the loan over 20 years via an annual assessment on their property tax.

With a dramatic and, in some cases, complete reduction in your energy costs, this type of financing can help pay for itself on a long-term basis. Also, when it comes time to sell your home, you will have a very marketable amenity that adds value in the eyes of potential buyers. All this on top of being friendlier to the environment!

For more information, visit www.PACEnow.org. The site includes program details, history, implementation, and frequently asked questions.

By Dream Town

The post PACE Bonds to Help Green Homes appeared first on Dream Town.

What is a good R Factor?

Keeping with the trend of green building efforts, the Department of Energy developed new guidelines a few years ago for insulation and what the most economic insulation level is for your home. Click here to navigate through a helpful program that will ask you a few questions about your current or prospective home. By evaluating the information you input, the website produces recommendations for what your R Factor should be.

You will find a link to the Department of Energy’s Insulation Fact Sheet here. The Fact Sheet will answer many of your questions about different types of insulation, what to look for when buying a new home, and how to install new insulation in your existing home.

If your home’s energy efficiency is on your mind, insulation should be at the top of the list. Since insulation is directly related to how well your home retains the hot and cold air you pay to pump into it, the R Factor has a direct impact on your pocket book as well. Regardless of what the Department of Energy recommends for your R Factor, a higher rating is always better – for energy conservation and money conservation!

Keep checking back with the Dream Town Blog for more green tips and other helpful information about Chicago home buying, home selling, investing and more!

By Dream Town

The post Green Tip: What is Your Chicago Home’s R Factor? appeared first on Dream Town.

Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Homeowners can take advantage of energy efficient mortgages (EEM) to finance a variety of energy efficiency measures, including renewable energy technologies in a new or existing home. The U.S. federal government supports these loans by insuring them through Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. This allows borrowers who might otherwise be denied loans to pursue energy efficiency improvements, and it secures lenders against loan default.

Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion
“Utility rebates. If you are a customer of an electric utility company and you participate in the utility’s energy conservation program, you may receive on your monthly electric bill either: a reduction in the purchase price of electricity furnished to you (rate reduction), or a nonrefundable credit against the purchase price of the electricity. The amount of the rate reduction or nonrefundable credit is not included in your income.”

Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
This credit applies to energy efficiency improvements in the building of existing homes and for the purchase of high-efficiency heating, cooling and water-heating equipment. Efficiency improvements or equipment must serve a dwelling in the United States that is owned and used by the taxpayer as a primary residence. The total maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements is $1,500 for equipment purchased during the two-year period of 2009 and 2010.

ComEd Smart Ideas for Your Home Efficiency Program
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) offers residential customers and building owners (or managers) incentives for certain energy efficiency upgrades and improvements. Incentives are available to residential homeowners for lighting and refrigerator/freezer recycling. Building owners and property managers are eligible to receive incentives for certain efficiency upgrades in residential buildings where electricity is used for both water heating and space heating.

Peoples Gas – Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program
Peoples Gas offers the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program to help customers purchase energy efficient equipment. Homeowners, landlords and small business owners are eligible for rebates on energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, insulation, and clothes washers. Gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters must be installed by professional contractors to qualify for the program. Property owners may opt to self-install insulation or hire a professional contractor. A full list of eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply for the rebates can be found at www.conservationrebates.com/programs/chi/chi_index.aspx. Applications must be made no later than 60 days after the equipment purchase date.

There are quite a few more for those willing to outfit their home with renewable energy sources such as solar power, etc. And, if you are looking to purchase a Chicago home that already has green features, our expert Chicago real estate agents can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

* Dream Town Real Estate intends this article for informative purposes only. We highly encourage you to speak to a tax professional about the particulars of any incentive you feel you may qualify for.

By Yuval Degani

The post Are There Tax Incentives for Green Homes? appeared first on Dream Town.

Hot Water Circulating Pumps
What is this thing and how will it save me money while helping me be more green?

First of all, let’s discuss the other types of hot water systems that use hot water tanks. Some systems have a tank that heats the water and holds it until someone turns on the hot water, then it sends hot water down the pipes to the faucet. This is the most common type of system. You can tell if you have this type by turning on the hot water and cold comes out first. Unfortunately, this system is relatively energy inefficient and wastes a ton of water while you wait for the water to warm up.

The next type of system is an on-demand hot water system. In a nut shell, it continuously circulates hot water throughout your pipes to give you instant hot water when you turn on the faucet. The good thing about this system is that it saves a lot of water. However, it is one of the most wasteful in terms of energy. Why? Because it sends hot water through the pipes away from the heat source (your water tank) causing the water to cool down as it travels, so it has to be reheated when the water returns to the water tank. That means the system is constantly running (whether or not you need it) and it is constantly using up energy.

Enter the Hot Water Circulating Pump…
This little beauty can be retrofit for as little as $200, meaning it can be installed in your current setup just by adding the device and no additional plumbing work, which can be very expensive. What’s the benefit of installing a hot water circulating pump? Some reports show you can save up to 10,000 gallons of water per year, depending on the size of your home, in addition to getting significant energy savings!

This pump does several things and combines the positives of the other two tank systems. The pump comes with an on/off switch that can be installed near every faucet, so when you need hot water immediately, you can turn it on and wait a few seconds before turning on the faucet. Once turned on, the pump circulates water through the plumbing to your faucet, resulting in instant hot water. No more letting the faucet run while the water heats up, wasting countless gallons of water. The cold water that would have run down the drain is recycled through your existing system to be heated by your hot water tank. Once you are done with your morning shower or whatnot, you can turn the system off to save money on energy bills.

Some of these systems go one step better and come equipped with a timer that you can set to turn on right before you wake up in the morning and off when you leave for work. That way, when you go to shower your water is hot right away and when you’re away from home, it shuts off the pump to save energy and water!

Being a relatively new gadget, there is not much in the way of statistical data reflecting how much of an energy savings you will see from a cost perspective. However, with the rising price of energy and the significant decrease in energy use by the system, you should definitely see a monetary savings. These devices are worth the effort and will clearly pay for themselves over time, not to mention making your home more green in the process!

By Dream Town

The post Green Tip for Chicago Homeowners appeared first on Dream Town.