Comments on: Report: job potential high in renewable energy http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/04/report-job-potential-high-in-renewable-energy/15399/ All things green in Orange County. Wed, 19 May 2010 22:46:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: John Norton http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/04/report-job-potential-high-in-renewable-energy/15399/#comment-5501 John Norton Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:22:28 +0000 http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/?p=15399#comment-5501 Green is not just a paint color but a proven way to improve the quality of our lives and those of our families. In these challenging economic times there are numerous no-cost and low-cost techniques, materials and products we can use to reduce energy/water use and improve our Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). The payback period for these improvements is rapid. The average person spends a surprising 90% of their time indoors where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that levels of pollutants may run two to five times- and occasionally more than 100 times- higher than outdoor levels. Inhalation of these pollutants goes unnoticed as we have become accustomed to them. They can cause adverse health reactions to those with asthma and allergies and contribute to millions of days absent from school or work. Improving IEQ can decrease sick days by 20% and improve productivity by 16% (Rocky Mountain Institute). Ways to improve IEQ: Daylighting and outdoor views- Well designed buildings and homes can reduce lighting energy use by 50 to 80%. Daylit spaces increase productivity and reduce illness. Do we really need the blinds closed and the lights on during the day? It also provides us with a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors. Tobacco Smoke- Air is a community natural resource and Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) contains 40 different compounds which are known to cause cancer, serious ailments and structural damage to our interiors. This includes “secondhand smoke” so internalizing our negative externalities and smoking outdoors away from others has many positive benefits. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) - Formaldehyde is a gas emitted from numerous indoor sources (off-gassing). Paints particleboard, plywood, glues, adhesives and most carpets release formaldehyde gas and VOC’s into the air. Short term effects include eye, nose, throat and skin irritation, nausea and headache. There are a number of no and low-VOC paints, cleaning agents and compounds available in home improvement stores. Those with newborns and infants should strongly consider this. Natural ventilation and daylighting are a great no-cost start. A Green Audit is a low-cost way (rapid payback) to take that first Green Step and live a longer and healthier life. John Norton LEED AP Owner Green Building Partners john@usgreenbuildingpartners.com Green is not just a paint color but a proven way to improve the quality of our lives and those of our families. In these challenging economic times there are numerous no-cost and low-cost techniques, materials and products we can use to reduce energy/water use and improve our Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). The payback period for these improvements is rapid.

The average person spends a surprising 90% of their time indoors where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that levels of pollutants may run two to five times- and occasionally more than 100 times- higher than outdoor levels. Inhalation of these pollutants goes unnoticed as we have become accustomed to them. They can cause adverse health reactions to those with asthma and allergies and contribute to millions of days absent from school or work. Improving IEQ can decrease sick days by 20% and improve productivity by 16% (Rocky Mountain Institute).

Ways to improve IEQ:

Daylighting and outdoor views- Well designed buildings and homes can reduce lighting energy use by 50 to 80%. Daylit spaces increase productivity and reduce illness. Do we really need the blinds closed and the lights on during the day? It also provides us with a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors.

Tobacco Smoke- Air is a community natural resource and Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) contains 40 different compounds which are known to cause cancer, serious ailments and structural damage to our interiors. This includes “secondhand smoke” so internalizing our negative externalities and smoking outdoors away from others has many positive benefits.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – Formaldehyde is a gas emitted from numerous indoor sources (off-gassing). Paints particleboard, plywood, glues, adhesives and most carpets release formaldehyde gas and VOC’s into the air. Short term effects include eye, nose, throat and skin irritation, nausea and headache. There are a number of no and low-VOC paints, cleaning agents and compounds available in home improvement stores. Those with newborns and infants should strongly consider this.

Natural ventilation and daylighting are a great no-cost start. A Green Audit is a low-cost way (rapid payback) to take that first Green Step and live a longer and healthier life.
John Norton LEED AP Owner Green Building Partners john@usgreenbuildingpartners.com

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