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10.11.2016

Green Build Bar Build Notes Suggestions Annotations



Notes-Suggestions-Ideas

I am going to mention ideas and suggestions on ways that will reduce your monthly bills in utility savings by incorporating the following examples into the Green Design of your building.  My suggestions will include: PV Solar Electric, Solar Water Heating, and Energy Conservation.  

The greatest use of your investment dollars will come by installing Insulation in the various parts of your building.
 

As a general rule it is cheaper to save energy than it is to create energy.  

It does not matter if this is in gas or electric. Basically: If you can save it you don’t have to make it.

The Department of Energy suggests for our region various levels of insulation
Ceiling: R38 - R60
Walls: R13 -R19
Floor: R25 - R30 


Examples of where to insulate. 1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space. (1A) attic access door 2. In finished attic rooms with or without dormer, insulate (2A) between the studs of "knee" walls, (2B) between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof, (2C) and ceilings with cold spaces above. (2D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 3. All exterior walls, including (3A) walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas; (3B) foundation walls above ground level; (3C) foundation walls in heated basements, full wall either interior or exterior. 4. Floors above cold spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. Also insulate (4A) any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below; (4B) slab floors built directly on the ground; (4C) as an alternative to floor insulation, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces. (4D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 5. Band joists. 6. Replacement or storm windows and caulk and seal around all windows and doors. Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory


Following the above guides let's focus in on the areas that we discussed: Ceiling, Floor, Walls.

Ceiling:
1565 sq feet of estimated roof (see solar estimate).  Normal Ceilings are constructed with 2x12 lumber.  That is not enough space to provide adequate insulation with normal batt type insulation to meet the suggested level of R60.
My suggestions are:
  • Put the Insulation on top of the roof eliminating any insulation in the cavities.  As we talked about I feel that when the Insulation is on the outside is like a person having a coat on.  It eliminates the hot or cold from entering.  
    • Commercial Buildings utilize this type of insulation to stop the cold/heat from getting to the steel, because when the steel gets hot or cold it expands/contracts and is a big energy problem.
    • They also make this in tapered sections to direct water easily.
  • Exposed Roof System for Aesthetic purposes

I used Menards for a guide.  I suggest go to: the Roofing place at Vandeventer/44 area.  The old RSG under new owners.
  • Johns Manville R-23.6 4" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation
    • Model Number: 1631150
  • Johns Manville R-17.4 3" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation
    • Model Number: 1631149
  • Johns Manville R-11.4 2" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation
    • Model Number: 1631147 Volume Pricing of $25.59 / ea- 24 units or more.

Floors:
  • Suggested R Value 25.  Use 8 in Batt or Spray Foam Insulation.  8 Inch batt would be cheapest but not necessarily the best.
Green Possibility: It is possible to install a heated flooring system that would eliminate the need for HVAC heat system.  This type of flooring system is called radiant heating.  The heating is accomplished using electricity to heat wires, heat mats or tubes with liquid that is heated by electricity, solar, or gas.  
  • Radiant Flooring systems warm the floor and the heat rises into the rooms.  This also eliminates cold spots hvac fail to work in.
  • The use of this may depend on the final floor choice selected.  If it was going to be a tile floor I say yes.  Maybe not a good idea if a finished wood floor is chosen-discussion needed.  If you chose to install a concrete floor I definitely suggest a radiant floor heating system.
Walls:
  • For a total Green Aspect (but not $ viable suggestion) Exterior insulation would once again be suggested.  Leaving you the option of utilizing the interior brick walls for aesthetic and old world design purposes.
  • This same type insulation can be used on the inside but has to be covered to meet fire code.  1/2In Sheetrock.
  • The Money saver is to build 2x4 framed walls with normal batt insulation and sheetrock.  But you loose the kool looking brick look.
    • This is a final design choice you have to make.

Additional Points for consideration:
  • Hot Water could be heated during the daytime easily with Solar.  I suggest an instant type heater installed for use when needed.  
  • Liquid radiant flooring systems can be heated by Solar, tied into what ever system is used, or be independent with their own broiler system.
  • Instant heaters without solar would require ½ the amount of pipes needed.  Only one cold water pipe to the fixture is needed.
  • I work with Dale Or and Suzie with “Master Plumbers StLouis” permits and as my go to person to call for advice.
  • I would like to introduce you to Slim Shady, Shady Jack’s son.  He is the one who built Shady Jacks and the 15+ bars they owned previously.  He knows his stuff about building bars and these old buildings.
  • Everything in your place is going to use electricity.  Put in extra electric boxes or places to connect future lines.
    • Along the same lines.  Buying Energy Star Rated Kitchen equipment when you can is a smart investment.
    • Upgrades to electrical motors and fans on commercial equipment qualify for discounts from Ameren UE.


Solar:
1,565 sq ft estimate roof space from a couple of solar measuring satellite images- The “net cost” price quoted in the 3rd image is way off the mark.  Your system would be cheaper.
  Screenshot_2016-10-05-00-26-37.png
Notes:
  • Using satellite imagery for determining roof size and using an electric bill of $400 / month.  Solar PV would cover the 50% or up to $200 per month.  $200 x 12 months = $2,400 yearly savings. 22 KW system
  • Bill Size $500 Solar would cover 40%
  • Additional Solar Panels could be installed on the West Wall of the Building- capture the afternoon sunlight.
  • Additional Solar Panels could be used to create Open Air Spaces below where people could gather.  See picture above.
  • Pole Mount systems picture above in the background.
  • I’ve considered many things for your building.  The above suggestions would be my first choices and places that would save you money and create a green building to capture all the tax and other benefits available.  
  • I welcome further discussion about anything I’ve mentioned and also assisting you with the renovations.
  • For detailed and specific estimates I need to see: blueprints, design notes, floor plans.
  • I have Green Building Financing Resources that may work to your benefit they will assist in: Solar PV and Water, Energy Conservation, Windows, Doors, Insulation, etc.





Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.
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10.08.2016

GSA South now feeds Butterflies and Bees

Gateway Science Academy promoting BeeFriendly kids activities by planting Butterfly Gardens!
GSA Butterfly Garden Participants
GSA Butterfly Garden Participants 


Today was a great break from the norm as I was asked to help the g.kid at school assist in planting Bee and Butterfly Friendly plants for beautification of the school yard and to feed the bees and butterflies!

Little Green Thumb at work
Little Green Thumb at work

GSA Gator Bucks are a big hit with the kids and are given for good behavior and doing the right thing
GSA Gator Bucks are a big hit with the kids and are given for good behavior and doing the right thing!

GSA South Invitation to help the Bees and Butterflies





Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.
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9.11.2016

Hempcrete Building Pratt Powerpoint


Hempcrete Building presentation given at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY on April 2 2016 as Sustainability Crash Course given during Greenweek.

 Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

9.09.2016

The Power of The Nuke Cartel: The Westlake Radioactive Landfill vs. The ...



Spot On assessment DTRH! I found your video link on "Corruption News" using #WestlakeLandfill in the search. I do not think they know what to do with the "Green Monster" (the locals term-derived from green membrane looking octopus thing covering the site-Leachate pump system). I live in St Louis and down wind, so it matters to me; and, it matters even more to the People living in the near vicinity. We are trying to share the message. It seems to me the

Politicians have that 'Fluoride' stare-when discussing the immediate danger of Westlake Landfill.
It only gets better when the fact that the Nuclear Waste is in an unlined Garbage Pit that also has an ongoing underground fire that is burning towards the nuclear waste toxic plume. They don't know what to do. If they open the Ground and the Fire takes off it will be Nuclear Nightmare for the Midwest. The tons of Radioactive Waste buried here are staggering. 50,000 comes to mind, i'm not for sure. Here it and see pictures taken by the locals: https://www.facebook.com/groups/508327822519437/ This group has been formed by concerned residents to inform and keep the public updated about the radioactive waste in the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Mo Just Moms STL Website: www.stlradwastelegacy.com

9.02.2016

#PhytoReMeetMeInStLouis #DidYouGetTheMemo ???

#DidYouGetTheMemo?
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 4, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
This memo shall serve as a Declaration RE: #TheSituation #AboutTheWater of #Missouri and #HowToPhytoremediateTheWater.
There is already a lot of information on the subject of #Phytoremediation. Please find out more and consider approval of pilot programs to study the efficacy, especially in SuperFund sites that are #NotSuper.
In the meanwhile, the children and families of the areas affected need to be evacuated immediately if not sooner and relocated with the same support given to other American climate refugees in the wake of environmental disasters.
You can participate in raising awareness from wherever you are by filming a fifteen second clip singing along with the virtual flashmob to raise awareness for this important issue and sharing memes under the hashtag #WestlakeLandfill #PhytoREMeetMeInStLouis #MOSupport & #MOSolidarity #ForTheChildren of #WestlakeLandfillCrisis
CHORUS & FlashDance for virtual #HempEnvironmentalForum: (to the tune of a Judy Garland parody protected by parody laws https://youtu.be/4JARDvdrAxk)
Meet Me In Saint Louis - Louis
Meet Me At The Fair
Don’t Tell Me The Water’s Cleaner Anywhere Than There!
We Will Dance The #HoochieCoochie You Will Be My #TootsieWootsie
If You Will Meet Me In Saint Louis - Louis
ReTweet Me RE: The Forum!
Meet Me in SaintLouis - FOOEY! Meet You At The Forum
Don’t Tell Me The Water’s Clean Because You Held A Quorom!
We Will Dance The #Hoochie #Coochie I Will Be Your #Tootsie #Wootsie
But You Won’t See Me In Saint Louis FOOEY
Tweet #PhytoREMeetMe at The Forum!
[PLEASE NOTE: We realize this is no laughing matter to the people currently suffering around the globe from living in or near toxic superfund sites, however we are willing to pledge to #FlashDance with the Stars to raise awareness to this serious and immediate relocation issue. #FlashDance shall refer to sixty seconds of spontaneous and ecstatic dancing for a cause that you care deeply about.]
FlashDance references:
*HoochieCoochie sophisticated moves (aka Belly dancing style) for reference: https://youtu.be/dUSZhHpjbUQ
*HoochieCoochie moves for beginners (aka hula style) for reference:
#PhytoReMeetMeInStLouis Action Solution for Westlake Landfill
#PhytoReMeetMeInStLouis Action Solution for Westlake Landfill



Westlake Landfill Community Weblinks
Last update: 9/4/2016 12:16 AM
Westlake Landfill Web Links the stories from the locals
  • State senator says inaction on environmental 'crisis' more offensive than her language
    Chappelle-Nadal stepping up effort on behalf of Bridgeton area residents.
    http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/state-senator-says-inaction-on-environmental-crisis-more-offensive-than/article_a69d5820-4d31-5eb3-b237-08de0c213a66.html
  • Spot On & Observant breakdown of Bridgeton Community meeting with EPA. https://www.facebook.com/groups/630852290258112/permalink/1251775361499132/
  • I was the only candidate for Lt. Governor to attend the West Lake candidate forum and was moved by the testimonials we heard. This WWII era waste from the Manhattan Project cannot be swept under the rug any longer. Thank you to the Moms group for building the coalition to finally get this addressed so that public health is not sacrificed to private profit. I look forward to working with you in the months ahead.
    Please like and share my FB page below with others who feel the same and please vote for candidates that will join the right side of this fight. https://www.facebook.com/RussforMissouri/
  • Just Moms STL held the second forum last night and we had an amazing turnout. We would like to say thank you to all the candidates from both the first and second forum that took the time to come out and personally address this issue or send a video. We heard every candidate indicate they support the efforts and platform of Just Moms STL.
    For the last four years, we have worked so hard to educate leaders of the community, and elected officials across the board, both Republican and Democrats. We had a great candidate turnout between both forums and we are very proud of that.
    It is a good feeling to hear these candidates profess their commitments to the landfill issues. When Dawn and I first started this movement most people looked at us like we had two heads.
    We have built a strong coalition of GREAT people that are dedicated to doing everything in their power to save and protect this extremely abused community!
    So much goes on behind the scenes to organize these events including our monthly community meeting. We want to say a special thanks to CA Glis,Meagan Beckermann, Christen Commuso and Robbin Ellison Dailey! We couldn't do any of this without these amazing ladies! These moms move mountains to make sure things go smoothly for Dawn and myself to be able to do the things we do. They are definitely our rock!! Next time you see them, or maybe here on facebook let them know how thankful this community is to have them!!
    We also would like to say a special thanks to Missouri Coalition for the Environment,Ed Smith& interns, Lois Marie Gibbs & Center for Health, Environment & Justice Laura Eliza Barrett & interns International Brotherhood of Teamsters Matteo Colombi, Gale Thackrey Franciscan Sisters of Mary for their helping hands, love, prayers and support for the Just Moms STL group.
    Thank you to all of the community members that attend the meetings, watch the livestream, make phone calls, email and tweet about this issue.
    If you haven't ever been to a community meeting, I hope you will join us on September 15th at the John Calvin Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton at 6:30pm. Bring a friend, or family member. Make a commitment to share this information with others everyday. We need ALL OF YOU!!!! https://www.facebook.com/karen.nickel.52?fref=nf
  • West Lake Candidate Forum Part II - August 31, 2016 https://www.facebook.com/cody.starwalker/videos/1229312380432472/
  • “Despite Republic’s last-minute attempt to keep the state from sampling all the relevant groundwater wells at the landfill, the special master has approved our request to proceed with testing as planned," said an emailed statement from the attorney general's office. "Republic is clearly worried about what the tests will reveal, and the public deserves to know why.” https://www.facebook.com/dawn.chapman.182?fref=nf

    State wins approval to test groundwater near radioactive waste at West Lake Landfill
    A special master has allowed the state to proceed with groundwater testing at wells in the portion of the West Lake…
    NEWS.STLPUBLICRADIO.ORG|BY ELI CHEN http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/state-wins-approval-test-groundwater-near-radioactive-waste-west-lake-landfill#stream/0
  • This will be an opportunity to hear from those candidates that couldn't make our last forum. Even if you attended the first one you should plan to be at this one to as you will be hearing from additional candidates. We have invited all candidates running for office to this 2nd candidate meeting. As of today, we have already confirmed participation from the following:

    Attorney General Chris Koster for Governor
    Russ Carnahan - (running for Lieutenant Governor)
    Secretary of State--Jason Kander (running for U.S. Senator)
    Curtis Faulkner-(running for STL County Council 4th District)
    Alderwoman Amy Poelker Poelker-(running for STL County Council 2nd District)
    State Rep Bill Otto -(U.S. Representative - District 2)
    Steven Bailey-(running for U.S. Representative - District 1)
    Byron DeLear-(running for State Rep District 70)

    This is a very important issue for the entire state of Missouri and we need to know where these candidates stand and if they will publicly support our platform if elected. While it is very important for them to participate in this event, it is also very important that all of you that are concerned and following this issue attend this meeting too. We have to show them we are an army of constituents ready to hold elected officials accountable for doing everything in their power to help protect and save our community.https://www.facebook.com/events/193989174351265/
Westlake Landfill Facebook Public Group Page
This group has been formed by concerned residents to inform and keep the public updated about the radioactive waste in the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Mo


EPA Missouri Westlake Landfill News and Updates
  • https://www.epa.gov/mo/west-lake-landfill-news-and-updates







Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

9.01.2016

Upcycling Projects for Your Home


The average person generates 4.3 pounds of waste daily. Some of this waste production can be reduced by composting and doing other small things like bringing reusable bags to the store.  Another way to reduce trash produced by household items is by upcycling. Upcycling is taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something useful that is potentially even better than the original.

CDs and DVDs

As we move into a time when most of our movies and music are either streaming or downloaded, CDs and DVDs are becoming virtually obsolete. There is a plethora of crafts that can be made from discs that are no longer needed or are unplayable.

One idea for reusing old CDs is to paint and stencil them to be made into coasters. If decorative painting is not your strong point, you may also use contact paper to cover the disc. Simply trace around the disc, cut it out, and carefully place it on the surface while avoiding air bubbles. Small felt coaster pads can be added to the back to avoid scratching your table.

pexels-photo-93388.jpeg
Courtesy of Pexels.com

Old Suitcases

Vintage suitcases can be used to capture the essence of “shabby chic” decorating. One way to repurpose them is to stack them next to your bed and top off with a vintage mirror to make an end table. Another fun idea is to add some feet and put a soft cushion inside to make a bed for your dog. If these two ideas aren’t what you are looking for, there are many more on Pinterest.

Recycling Mismatched Flatware

The unique shapes and patterns of old flatware can be utilized to to make projects for your home such as lighting fixtures, coat hooks, and even curtain tie-backs. Flatware is relatively easy to cut, bend into shapes, and drill holes into. Be sure to exercise proper safety when you are using tools such as drills and hacksaws.

cutlery-686123_1280.jpg
Courtesy of Pixabay.com


Repurposed Glass Jars

Mason jars have become a trendy accessory. Instead of purchasing a package of them new, you can replicate the look of mason jar crafts by using pickle jars or jelly jars. Once you have clean, empty jar, you can paint it using specialty paints, wrap it in old twine or ribbon, or simply use it as is. Recycled jars make great storage for small items such as buttons or coins. You can cluster them together to hold fresh flowers or floating candles. Another stunning idea is to turn them into pendant lights or even a chandelier.

Endless Possibilities

Once you open your mind to how used or even broken items can be repurposed around your home, you begin to see how things can be given a new life rather than simply discarded to take up space in a landfill. The internet is a vast resource for ideas and tutorials. Home stores have jumped on the trend of upcycled furniture and accessories. You will often see newly produced items that are made to look like they are are old and repurposed. You can avoid the high prices by taking these inspirations and making them yourself.

If you are lacking in materials, local salvage yards and thrift stores are a great place to look for the perfect piece of “junk” to complete your DIY project. Also, if you have items that you can’t seem to find a purpose for, consider donating them to a non-profit thrift store rather than throwing them in the trash. There may be another DIYer out there there that may be able to make it into something useful.

Paul Denikin began learning about DIY home repair projects after his daughter, Maggie, was born with special needs. He has learned a lot through trial and error as he has worked to make his family’s home safe and accessible for her. Today, he shares his DIY knowledge on DadKnowsDIY.com, a website that offers home improvement project how-tos and other accessibility information.






Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.
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