Green Homes
Carbon Footprint
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I'm thinking about incorporating renewable energy sources in my home. Where do I begin?
Bankrate Article for Eco-friendly Homes
As homeowners have become more aware of environmental concerns, many have opted for eco-friendly home improvements. Experts highlight conscious steps that homeowners can take during the remodeling process to become more environmentally friendly on a budget while adding value to their homes and making a positive impact on the world's energy consumption.
The Solar Power Guide is a bank of resources put together by Bob Robertson that is full of important information and links to help you start your solar journey and to help continue the process along the way.
Let's Go Solar provides how-to checklists, easy-to-follow financing explanations, expert tips, and state-specific solar scenarios.
Consumer Affairs has created a solar energy guide that will allow you to compare solar installers, read reviews of installers, and learn more about the costs, savings, and options when it comes to installing solar on your home or business.
Home Solar Panels; Pros, Cons, and Hidden Costs
Sponsored by Expertise.com, based out of Seattle, this article goes into the many questions about home solar installation. Read for a straight-forward introduction of the basics of solar for your home.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Energy
DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States.
Founded in 1954, ASES is dedicated to inspiring an era of energy innovation and speeding the transition toward a sustainable energy economy. ASES is involved in many endeavors that promote solar and renewable technologies.
Find a Solar Professional
Solar energy resources, calculator, and blog
Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) is The Voice of the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry in the United States. As a non-profit trade association, we promote the manufacture, design and installation of GeoExchange® systems—the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling technology in the world.
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is a non-profit, member-driven organization established in 1987 to advance ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology on local, state, national and international levels.
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How do I reduce my home's carbon footprint?
EPA's Household Carbon Footprint Calculator
You can use the following online calculator to get a rough “ballpark” estimate of your personal or family’s greenhouse gas emissions and explore the impact of taking various actions to reduce your emissions.
Do-It-Yourself Energy Audit Tool
Home Energy Saver
Bedford 2020: Energize Bedford
The Energize program was introduced in 2011 with the mission of connecting homeowners in specially selected Westchester communities with available State incentives to assess home energy efficiency and, where indicated, to perform home energy improvements. Bedford was the first such Town to pilot an Energize program, and the success has been staggering.
Architecture 2030, a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization, was established in response to the climate change crisis by architect Edward Mazria in 2002. 2030’s mission is to rapidly transform the built environment from the major contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a central part of the solution to the climate and energy crises.
Home Performance with Energy Star
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.
NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority)
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
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I'm going to be renovating my home. What should I do about all of the construction waste?
A grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.
Green Demolitions is North America’s premier luxury recycler for kitchens, high-end renovation items, showroom displays, and new-in-box overstocks.
How2Recycle Label is a voluntary, standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. This organization also provides clear information on local recycling programs. Click here to find local recycling locations.
Renewable Energy
Incorporating renewable energy sources into your home is a positive move sustainably and financially. By investing in renewable energy sources, you will decrease your dependence on unreliable fuel. When deciding what type of renewable you would like to include in your home, you need to begin with the question: what do you want to achieve? From there you can narrow your options. Here are a series of links aimed at helping you answer this question.
Most of our daily activities cause emissions of greenhouse gases, especially those centered around the household. If jumping into renewables is too big of a leap at the moment, look into reducing your carbon footprint through other measures. Doing an energy audit on your home could highlight areas of your home that are weak spots.
Construction Waste
Home renovation can be a very wasteful process, and is something to be cautious of when making home upgrades. Here are a series of links that can help make this process a little greener.