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This Earth Day, NYC-LI/NARI Offers the Top Tips to Remodel "Green"
NYC-LI/NARI Offers the Top Tips to Remodel "Green"
MELVILLE, NY, April 10, 2011 /Environment PR News/ --This year Earth Day is on Friday, April 22. Currently, one of the biggest remodeling trends in the northeast is being "green" or environmentally safe, according to a recent poll of members from the NYC/LI chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NYC/LI NARI).
NYC/LI NARI members offer these few tips to protect the earth during remodeling projects.
1. Recycling: According to Laurence Carolan, CGP, House of Laurence of North Merrick uses waste recovery (recycling) exclusively instead of waste disposal (dumping into a landfill) of nearly all demolition debris in its remodeling projects. Of the nation's total building-related construction and demolition (C&D) debris, 40 percent is from renovation and remodeling projects, while the rest is from demolition removal and new construction. Appliances, masonry materials, doors, and windows are all recyclable.
2. Renewable Resources: Renewable green remodeling products on the market include bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus. Products such as these can be used for flooring says Harris Boshack of Florence Building Products in Huntington, NY. NYC/LI NARI members also suggest using products sourced locally, because some products will consume large amounts of energy in transit from the point of origin to distribution.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs, found in everything from paint to carpeting, pollute indoor air and can have short-term and long-term effects on health. Using products labeled low- or no-VOC can protect the quality of the air in the home. Also, avoid toxic glues and binding materials. For paint, some manufacturers have added anti-microbial resins that prevent mold and mildew according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
4. Low-flow Products: Water is one of the scarcest resources worldwide. For faucets, toilets, and showerheads, low-flow water-saving options are now available. Sink aerators add pressure so less water is needed. There are some toilets with dual flushing and assisted flushing options to conserve water. Homeowners may also consider a tankless or solar heated water heater says Kerry O'Brien of T.F. O'Brien and Company located in New Hyde Park.
5. Insulation: Adding to the R-value of a home's insulation offers energy savings in heating and cooling, which equals less CO emissions. "Our favorite product is closed cell foam insulation for the box sills of a home," said Carolan. "This provides insulation and a complete air seal at one of the worst places for heat loss." Some alternative materials used in green insulation include recycled paper, hemp, and recycled denim.
6. Efficient HVAC: In green remodeling, homeowners should consider maximizing natural heating and cooling, and then install an EnergyStar-rated HVAC system. According to Kerry O'Brien of T.F. O'Brien and Company in New Hyde Park, the newest technology coming to our area is in heat pumps. "Putting in a new heat pump, homeowners can see an energy savings in excess of 30 percent over what they currently have," he said.
7. Green Windows: Paul D. Sedgley, RA of Florence Building Materials likes to work with Eagle Windows by Anderson because they use wood harvested from managed forests and leverages engineered wood technology whenever possible. They use water-based finishes and high-performance, low-E4 glass creating greater energy effiecincy in both heating and cooling.
8. Air Filtration and Ventilation: Better ventilation and filtration within a home can address the problems of pollutants, toxins, allergens, and mold. "A good air purification system works by air exchange, replacing old air with fresh, filtered air, controlling moisture, and removing harmful contaminants," says O'Brien.
9. Green Credentials: National NARI has established the Green Certified Professional (GCP) designation to promote the highest standards of green remodeling through credentialing of remodeling professionals. Homeowners seeking peace-of-mind in a quality, green remodeling project can turn to NYC/LI NARI, and specifically NARI's Green Certified Professionals.
New York City/Long Island NARI is part of 60 chapters that comprise the nation's only not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the remodeling industry. NARI is committed to enhancing the professionalism of contractors, manufacturers and remodeling industry-related businesses. For more information about NYC/LI NARI, or the Free Trade Show; please call 631-673-NARI (6274) or visit their website at www.nari-ny.org.
Connecting Homeowners with Professional Remodelers since 1954!
NYC/LI NARI
115 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 100-C
Melville, NY 11747
(631) 673-6274 fax: (631) 421-2860
www.nari-ny.org email: marketing@nari-ny.org
CONTACT: Teresa Hansen, Marketing/Public Relations
(631) 673-6274 or marketing@nari-ny.org
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Press Release Contact Information:
Teresa Hansen
NARI
Marketing/Public Relations
115 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, NY
USA 11747
Voice: 631-673-6274
Fax: 631-421-2860
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