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RECENT ADDITIONS
McCar Homes Raises More than $300,000 at Eighth Annual Golf Tournament
McCar Homes far surpassed their goal of $250,000 at their Eighth Annual Charity Spring Classic golf tournament held in May.

Howard Perry & Walston Team up for a Cure
On June 14, 2008, Howard Perry & Walston (HPW) teamed up to take part in the 2008 Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure®.

Pulte Homes to Tee up for N.C. Children’s Promise
Pulte Homes of Raleigh will host its first ever Pulte Homes Charity Golf Classic benefiting the N.C. Children’s Promise, a nonprofit organization supporting the N.C. Children’s Hospital on September 15, 2008 held at Devils Ridge Country Club in Holly Springs.

Insulating Your Home for Winter
As the chilly winter months approach and the gas prices are up, it is important to think about keeping your family nice and warm in your home – without emptying your wallet. The insulation that you use can keep you warm in your house in the winter.

Chapel Hill: A town that has it all
As a public administration graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the early 1980s, Roger Stancil thought working for the town would be the ideal job. Today, as Chapel Hill’s town manager, Stancil helps run the town that many consider the “Southern Part of Heaven.” For university students and residents alike, it is the town they never want to leave. “Chapel Hill has it all – an atmosphere of learning, energetic residents, major cultural events, sports, & good restaurants,” Stancil says. “And, as the song goes, these are just a few of my favorite things.”

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Go Green!


By Michelle Anysz, Editor

Triangle residents love the great, green outdoors, and today’s building standards and materials are making it easier to care for the environment we enjoy. “Go Green!” is a regular department showcasing environmentally friendly products and services for your home. Read on and check back next issue for more ideas.

The Product: SolVelox Integrated Solar Pumping Station by SolarH2OT

SolVelox Integrated Solar Pump
Photo courtesy of SolVelox

 

Why It’s Green: Solar energy has long been the ultimate green energy source! The new Platinum series collectors coupled with SolVelox pump package will produce up to 90% of a homes’ hot water needs.  Most people don’t realize that hot water is the largest energy user in the home after heating and air conditioning. Installing a system will reduce a family’s carbon emission by over six tons per year.

Where to Find:
Bowman Mechanical, Raleigh, NC, 919-772-2759
Solar Consultants, Chapel Hill, NC, 919-831-5304

Approximate Cost: A basic turn-key system will run between $5,000 and $6,000 in the triangle before Tax Credits (or between $2,100 and $2,800 after tax credits).
 
About the Product: The SolarH2OT SolVelox integrated solar pumping station is simply the most efficient solar heating system in its class.  The SolVelox system collects the sun’s energy with solar panels and transfers the harvested heat into an insulated tank where the hot water is stored for future use.  A standard system has two panels mounted in a location where the sun will shine on them, typically on an unshaded roof facing somewhere within 60° of south. Then the system is connected to a storage tank with a back-up heat source and additional componentry to make the system run. A SolVelox system will supply up to 90% of your hot water and includes a back-up heating system so you will always have all the hot water you need. Since heating (both space heating and hot water) represents 47% of the average homes energy use, solar heating systems are the most cost effective way to take advantage of renewable energy for your home. 

 

The Product: IceStone – durable surfaces made of recycled glass & concrete

 

IceStone Blocks
Photo courtesy of IceStone


 

Why It’s Green: IceStone durable surfaces are the first and only Cradle to Cradle certified surfaces in the world. IceStone durable surfaces are a renewable alternative to mined stones and petrochemical based engineered stones. Each slab contains 100% recycled glass in a cement matrix- no resins or binders so they are VOC-free. IceStone durable surfaces are ideal for projects seeking The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ certification.

Approximate Cost: The cost of IceStone surface is dependent on the color selection, size and scope of project. Installation cost can range from $90-$180 per square foot.

Where to Find: Apex Marble and Granite, Morrisville, NC, 919-462-9202

About the Product: IceStone surfaces are made with 100% recycled glass in a cement matrix and reduce the amount of glass in the waste stream. Its surfaces are ideal for kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom vanities and shower walls, tabletops, flooring, and outdoor pavers. IceStone is extremely durable and is stronger than marble. Unlike petrochemical-based materials, IceStone surfaces do not fade with UV exposure and are heat and scratch resistant. Surfaces will not stain if sealed according to IceStone guidelines of using a water-based, low-VOC sealer. Daily maintenance should include a mild, water-based, low-ph cleanser, to keep your tops clean. If a stain does occur, they can easily be removed with a poultice, which is available through stone fabricators, tile stores, and home centers. IceStone surfaces passed the American Disabilities Act (ADA) flooring guidelines for slip resistance. IceStone surfaces are also suitable for exterior applications: they are freeze-thaw rated and can be finished with gloss finish, honed or sandblasted to add slip resistance.

 

Michelle Anysz is the Editor of New Homes & Ideas magazine