Green from the Ground Up
See Chapter 10 on Electrical in the Green from the Ground Up book for more details.

Green Electrician Resource

As our supply of fossil fuels decrease and the price increases people are much more concerned about how green energy in their homes can save resources and money. Heating, cooling and lighting consume 67% of all the electricity that’s generated.

Green Electricians’ Transition Guide

1. Provide power strips that can be switched off

Benefit

Phantom loads can have a surprising electric draw. TV’s and other appliances should be unplugged when not in use

Process

Inventory appliances that are kept in “standby mode”. Connect these plugs to one or more power strip that can be easily unplugged when not in use.

Details / Materials

Power strips can be purchased at any home store.

2. Replace all incandescent bulbs w/ compact fluorescents/LEDs

Benefit

90% of the energy that goes into an incandescent blub is given off as heat, not light. LED’s and fluorescents are much more efficient and save the homeowner money on their energy bills.

Process

These lights cost more initially, but save money in the long run. Incandescent bulbs are being banned in Europe and will probably be banned in the U.S.

Details/ Materials

These lights are readily available at most home stores

3. Install dimmer switches to help save energy

Benefit

The full power of a light is not always needed. Dimmers save energy and provide ambiance.

Process

Replace toggle switches with dimmer switches

Details/ Materials

Dimmers are readily available at most home stores

4. Seal around electric outlets

Benefit

Air infiltration is a huge problem and the source of much energy waste. It is important to seal even the small air gaps around an electrical outlet as they have a big impact over the life of the building.

Process

Install a foam gasket around outlets and switches.

Details/ Materials

One can of expansion foam. Look for products that use HFC rather than HCFC or CFC as propellants.

5. Replace home appliances with Energy Star models

Benefit

The Energy Star label indicated the appliance exceeds energy performance guidelines for energy efficiency.

Process

These appliances are installed in the same way as older models and require no addition work.

Details/ Materials

Almost all appliances are available in Energy Star. Contact your local appliance store to see what is available.

6. Install lighting fixtures thoughtfully

Benefit

Many homes have more light fixtures than are needed. Install fixtures to light a specific task area. Have lights controlled by several switches so that only the lights that are needed are switched on.

Process

Consult with a lighting designer and the homeowner to outline the specific lighting needs. Install fixtures that will maximize light output.

Details/ Materials

Minimize recessed cans or eliminate them entirely

7. Install programmable thermostats

Benefit

Programmable thermostats save energy by allowing homeowners to set the house to a lower temperature when they are not home

Process

Homes should be zoned as that areas, such as basements can be set to a lower temperature. Bedrooms do not need to be heated when they are not in use.

Details/ Materials

These thermostats are readily available and are easy to install.

8. Rough in conduit for future solar panels

Benefit

Conduit is much easier to install while a home is being built or remodeled rather than trying to fit it in after the fact.

Process

Talk to a solar installer to see if there are any specific requirements to meet.

Details/ Materials

This process is cheap and easy. Clients will reap the benefits if they later choose to install panels.

“How will “Going Green” make me more money?”

Green is not simply getting more respect; it is rapidly becoming a necessity as corporations—as well as home builders, retailers, health care institutions, governments, and others—push green buildings fully into the mainstream over the next five to ten years. The price of natural gas and home heating fuel has doubled, or even tripled in some areas. Consumers are looking for leadership and guidance from experts in the field on how they can retrofit their homes.

“I thought green was just for treehuggers”

Green Homes no longer look like they did in the 70’s. They now look normal and very diverse. Professionals who would not consider themselves “greenies” are adopting green practices. People can now see the real benefit of these practices and want to implement them in their own lives.

“How will I talk to my customers about my green practices?”

If a homeowner considers a project too costly, remind them that the cost of fuels will continue to steadily rise and the payback period may be shorter than they think.
Increase home value. A home with a lower energy will stand out in the real estate market.

“Why should I care about the environment?”

- Domestic natural gas supplies are dwindling and importing natural gas is fraught with difficulty
- So much of the electricity used is produced in plants that burn fossil fuels. If we can lower consumption reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- The grid is already stretched to capacity and increasing electricity production means either new coal-fired plants (contributing to climate change) or nuclear (will take a long time to come online) or renewable energy (will take a long time to transition)

“What kind of training am I going to give my team?”

- Greenbuilding.com has a team of green building specialists. One of our trainers can come to your business to train your team.
- We have electrician specialists
- We can provide a one-day training to get your team ready to transition to green. This training will include marketing your business as green.

“What should I do first?”

- Read our Green Electrician Transition Guide below.
- Our guide is organized with the easiest changes listed first and those that may take longer listed last

 

Click on the link below for a print friendly version to take with you to the jobsite. Post for for your crew to know more about green building practices and technologies.

 

Back to Top