Southern Ideal Home Show goes “Green”

The Green Building Council of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties is based on the Green Building Guidelines developed by the National Association of Homebuilders.  The Green Building Council currently consists of 52 members, which includes both custom and production builders and also a variety of vendors including energy raters, remodelors, real estate agents, and more. For more information visit www.hbadoc.com.

Acoustic Insulation features UltraTouch insulation which is made from 85% post-industrial recycled natural fibers. These fibers contain inherent qualities that provide for extremely effective sound absorption and maximum thermal performance. UltraTouch does not itch, is very easy to handle and work with and contains no chemical irritants making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to use a high quality sustainable building material. For more information visit www.bjgreeninsulation.com.

Advanced Water Systems is an authorized dealer of Kinetico water treatment systems and products. Kinetico offers whole house treatment systems and a Deluxe Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking water system. Both water systems are non-electric, which is good for energy conservation, and does not have to be replaced or upgraded, eliminating an equipment waste stream to landfills. For more information visit www.aws-senc.com.

Allied Spray Foam uses energy efficient foam that improves air quality, eliminates drafts, is proven to reduce dust, and improves air quality within your home. The department of energy estimates that most people lose up to 40% of energy in their homes through windows, sub floors, trusses, and attics. Allied Spray Foam can prevent drafts, mold, dust, and will save homeowners money!  For more information visit www.sprayfoams.info.

Anchorage Builders, an ENERGY STAR certified builder, can help achieve low operating costs and can help the environment as well by using appropriate technologies and sustainable materials whenever possible and reasonable.  Anchorage Builders is a member of the Energy & Environmental Building Association and The Green Building Council of the HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties. For more information visit www.anchoragebuildingcorp.com.

Carolina Concrete Masonry Association promotes sustainable building with concrete block. This natural building material has unparalleled environmental qualities and provides high thermal mass and specific heat and therefore thermal storage, which improves comfort and moderates indoor temperature with a savings of 30 to 40%. Concrete block improves environmental impacts through life cycle considerations and increases fire safety for occupants and property. For more information visit www.ccmaonline.com.

Fireplace Editions uses advanced technology wood burning that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions with virtually no smoke. New technology wood pellet burning stoves burn long and clean using recycled materials.  Beyond the radiant heat comfort they provide, Tulikivi fireplaces & bake-ovens extract a maximum amount of heat from a minimum amount of wood and nearly eliminate the outdoor air pollution. Other products and info can be found at www.fireplaceeditions.com.

Frazee Carpet and Interiors provided booth carpeting by Mohawk which is made from recycled plastic containers into beautiful, luxurious carpet. Because plastic beverage bottles are made with top quality PET resins, the recycled product is superior to lower grades of synthetic fibers. PET bottles are ground into fine chips, cleaned, and then melted and extruded into fiber and spun into carpet yarn. For more information visit www.frazeecarpet.com.

Home Energy, Inc. specializes in installing EarthLinked® Geothermal Heat Pump systems, which can provide many years of quiet, worry-free operation while saving money on utility bills.  By using the constant and favorable temperature of the earth as its heat source, 75% of the heat delivered to your house by EarthLinked® is renewable energy, therefore efficiency is greatly improved. For more information visit www.RUwarm.com.

Justrees are installation contractors who provided beautiful live trees in the Green Building Pavilion. Prices include organic soil amendments, fertilizer tablets, soil-moist for moisture retention and aeration, staking if needed, ground cover mulch, delivery, installation, and a two-year warranty.  A complete list of available trees, prices and monthly specials are listed at www.justrees.biz

The NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program provides a certificate for homes meeting “green home guidelines” built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high performance building strategies making the home a comfortable, healthy and affordable place that reduces energy and water usage, promotes renewable energy use and helps protect the land where the home is built. For more information visit www.healthybuilthomes.org.

Rain Water Solutions provides rainwater harvesting systems for residential and commercial applications. Rainwater harvesting (or collection) can simply be described as channeling rainwater via gutters and piping into a storage tank for later use. The system can be as simple as using a rain barrel. Enjoy water that is naturally soft and PH neutral, unlike municipal water that contains ammonia, fluoride and chlorine.  For more information visit www.rainwatersolutions.com.

Southern Energy Management (SEM) is the largest sustainable energy services company in North Carolina. The award-winning team of SEM engineers, building scientists, plumbers, electricians, solar specialists and home energy raters work hard to provide  homeowners in creating the safest, most energy efficient and most comfortable homes. SEM helps educate consumers and promote sustainable energy in the community. Visit www.southernenergymanagement.com.

Summit Bamboo Flooring has provided some of the highest quality bamboo flooring in the U.S. since 1997. Unlike traditional hardwoods, bamboo’s cycle from sprout to harvest takes only six to eight years, making bamboo an efficient renewable resource.  Summit Bamboo uses premium Swedish glues and German polyurethane insuring a better floor and healthier air in the home. Visit www.summitbamboofloors.com.