Green is for anything that has to do with environmentally friendly building techniques, and HVAC products and systems that conserve energy. If you have a document or link that you’d like to see here, please email me at mailroom@heatinghelp.com and I’ll include it. And if you like what we’re doing, please consider buying a BRICK. Thanks for your support.

Dan Holohan

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Green Page Categories

Articles Back to top
Air conditioning using displacement ventilation to maximize free cooling A paper by David Butler, who is a Principal Consultant in BRE’s Environmental Engineering Centre. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this.
An innovative Building Based on Active Thermal Slab Systems A paper by Italy's Michele De Carli1, Gerd Hauser, Dietrich Schmidt, Paolo Zecchin1, and Roberto Zecchin. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
Borrowing from nature From The Economist, September 6, 2007: Clean technology: Architects believe that biologically inspired designs can help to reduce the environmental impact of buildings
Building Green - Added Value Through Process The project was sponsored jointly by the Green Buildings BC, Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing.
Checklist for Energy Efficiency in Buildings Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this with us.
Climatic Design of Buildings An interesting article by Hans Rosenlund. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this with us.
Commissioning Conundrum Dan Bulley, of Chicago's MCA, knows a lot about Green building. Here, he offers some good advice.
Construction and Rehabilitation Costs for Buried Pipe with a Focus on Trenchless Technologies This technology helps prevent groundwater pollution and makes pipe replacement far more affordable for residents and municipalities. And saves many yards, sidewalks and streets from being dug up. Thanks to David Goldman for finding and sharing it with us.
Design Brief - Radiant Cooling Overview Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this.
Displacement Ventilation This article is by Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP.
Displacement Ventilation – Application for Hot and Humid Climate An article by ANDREY LIVCHAK, Research Director, Halton Company, USA, and DANIEL NALL, Principal, Director of Advanced Technology, Flack+Kurtz Inc, USA. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this with us.
Efficiency Dos and Don't from an Energy Nerd An article by Martin Holladay. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
Energy Consumption Characteristics of Commercial Building HVAC Systems Volume III: Energy Savings Potential Prepared by Kurt W. Roth, Detlef Westphalen, John Dieckmann, John Dieckmann, and William Goetzler of TIAX LLC, Cambridge, MA. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing.
Energy Savings Potential of Chilled Ceilings Combined with Desiccant Cooling in Hot and Humid Climates A paper by J.L. Niu, L.Z. Zhang, and H.G. Zuo of the Department of Building Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this with us.
Engineering and Ingenuity – Towards Environmental Design This paper is from the U.K.'s Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it with us.
Enhancing Productivity While Reducing Energy Use in Buildings An article by David P. Wyon, Adjunct Professor, International Centre for Indoor Environment & Energy, Technical University of Denmark; Research Fellow, Johnson Controls Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it with us.
Estimating Performance of Thermal Displacement of HVAC Systems Using Heat Balanced-Based Simulation Programs An article by Thomas A. Lunneberg, P.E. of California's CTG Energetics, Inc.. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
Evaluating Fenestration Products for Zero-Energy Buildings: Issues for Discussion This article is by Dariush Arasteh, Charlie Curcija, Joe Huang, Charlie Huizenga, and Christian Kohler of the 1Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley CA. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it with us.
Geoexchange Energy Systems Professional Design Guidelines This paper was prepared for GeoExchange BC and BC Hydro. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it with us.
Global Warming and Indoor Air Quality: How Sustainable Buildings Can Help This article is by Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP.
Green Construction This article, written by Joshua Brustein, appeared in the Gotham Gazette on October 4, 2006.
Green Construction - Introducing Green Buildings & LEED® to Contractors This is from Buildsmart of Vancouver, Canada. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
High-Performance Buildings Through Integrated Design This article is by Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP
Hybrid Ventilation Systems - An Arup Approach to Low Energy Cooling This article is by Michael Holmes, Associate Director of Arup Research and Development, London, England. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
It's the Architecture, Stupid. An article by Edward Mazria. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
LEED Building Performance in the Cascadia Region: A Post Occupancy Evaluation Report This report was prepared by Cathy Turner for the Cascadia Region Green Building Council. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
Low Temperature Heating and Cooling Systems for Low Energy Houses, Proved in Practice. A paper by Prof.Dr.B.Keller, Chair of Building Physics, Institute of Building Technolgy, ETH-Z (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Zurich, Switzerland. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing.
Low-energy Design Techniques for a Sustainable Future A paper by Professor Michael Holmes & Jacob N. Hacker of London, England. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
LowEx Low-Temperature Heating Systems Good thoughts on low-temperature heating. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this with us.
Novel HVAC Strategies for Well-Insulated, Air-tight Buildings A paper by S J Irving & Q Babcock, of the U.K.'s Oscar Faber Group Ltd. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it with us.
Passive Cooling Technologies From a 2003 conference in Australia. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this with us.
Permissable Types of Air Flow in a Room As a Function of the Thermal Load A paper by Klaus Fitzner of the Hermann-Rietschel-Institute for Heating and Air Conditioning, Technical University, Berlin, Germany. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this.
Productivity and Energy Conservation are NOT Mutually Exclusive Objectives An interesting paper by Len Damiano of EBTRON, Inc. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
Radiant Solutions This article is by Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP.
Residential Green Building Guide - A Web-Source Book for New England Go Green in New England!
Robert Bean’s Standard House Design Feb. 2007 WWBD? What Would Bean Do? Read on!
Sustainable Energy Technology and Resource Assessment for Greater Vancouver Published in 2005, This study examines opportunities for geo-exchange, sewer heat, passive solar and solar thermal technologies in residential and commercial applications within Greater Vancouver over the next 10 years. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
Thermal Stratification Performance of Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) Systems An article by T. Webster, Fred Bauman, M. Shi, and J. Reese. Thanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing it.
Trenchless Sewer Rehabilitation This technology helps prevent groundwater pollution and makes pipe replacement far more affordable for residents and municipalities. And saves many yards, sidewalks and streets from being dug up. Thanks to David Goldman for finding and sharing it with us.
Underfloor Air Design Brief Underfloor air distribution and access floor systems can provide energy savings, improved indoor air quality, and a technology-ready environment for today’s commercial buildings. contentsThanks to Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP for sharing this with us.
Blogs Back to top
Facilities Net Here's a LINK to the FacilitiesNet blog.
Green Bean Erik Olsen, PE. operates Green Bean, a news and discussion forum dedicated to reporting on built, in-progress, and unbuilt green building projects in Chicago. Here's a LINK to his blog. Good stuff.
Green Options Here's a LINK to the Green Options blog.
Robert Bean Here's a LINK to the Blog of Bean.
The Ramsey House Project Here's a LINK to one Calgary family's experience with Green building.
Wright-Ryan Constuction Here's a LINK to the Wright-Ryan Constuction blog.
Consultants Back to top
Omicron - Total Building Solutions You'll notice that much of the technical material that is in Green comes to us by way of Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP. Geoff is Senior Mechanical Engineer at Omicron. Here is a LINK to their site.
Green products Back to top
Drain Pipe Heat Exchangers These units transfer heat from draining hot water to incoming cold water, before it enters the water heater.
env software env software for indoor climate control optimization in residential and moderate-scale commercial buildings. The env software system offers intelligent climate control technologies, previously exclusive to large-scale commercial applications, that balance indoor climate to maximize both comfort and energy efficiency.
Freewatt Combined heat and power from Climate Energy of Medfield, MA
Freewatt from Climate Energy A paper on the results of field testing the Freewatt Micro-CHP
PowerPod is green and mod This makes me think of Buckminster Fuller: PowerPod
Wilo Stratos Wilo states that Stratos offers up to 80% energy savings.
Wilo Strtos Training Wilo Stratos Commercial Wet Rotor Training.
Zomeworks Passive Energy Products These folks come recommended by Larry Weingarten, who is the author of the Water Heater Workbook. Larry lives in an off-grid house that is as green as they get. Click HERE
In the News Back to top
Big Rise Seen In Demand for Energy From The New York Times, July 19, 2007
Brazil, Alarmed, Reconsiders Policy on Climate Change From The New York Times, July 31, 2007
Buy wind power, get free beer! From the New York Times, Sunday, July 15, 2007.
Citigroup Tries Banking On The Natural Kind of Green From the Wall Street Journal, September 5, 2007. And as mentioned in the article, click HERE to see a video of Googles new roof.
East River Fights Bid to Harness Its Currents for Electricity From The New York Times, August 13, 2007
Energy in Germany An interesting article from The Economist (August 4, 2007) on the future of nuclear power plants in Germany and other energy alternatives.
In the Desert, Harnessing the Power of the Sun by Capturing Heat Instead of Light From The New York Times, July 17, 2007
Inside Messy Reality of Cutting Power Plants CO2 Output A power giant, waiting for Congress to act, takes some baby steps. From the Wall Street Journal, July 12, 2007
Japan sweats it out as it wages war on air conditioning From the Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2007
Solar Power Captures Imagination, Not Money From the New York Times, July 16, 2007.
The High Price of Bottled Water From The Week, September 7, 2007
Trying to Connect the Dinner Plate to Climate Change From The New York Times, August 29, 2007
Utility will use batteries to store wind power From the New York Times, September 11, 2007
Links Back to top
Advanced Buildings Click HERE to go to the Advanced Buildings site
Affordable Comfort Click HERE to go to the Affordable Comfortable site, an organization that strives to advance the performance of residential buildings through unbiased education.
Athena Institute Click HERE to go to the Athena Institute site
BC Sustainable Energy Association Click HERE to go to this British Columbia site.
Better Bricks Click HERE to go to this site, which helps commercial-building professionals.
Biodiesel Solutions Click HERE to go to the Biodiesel Solutions site.
Build Smart Click HERE to go to this British Columbia site
Building Envelope Forum Click HERE to go to this site, which provides a comprehensive, interactive environment that promotes the exchange of information and “best practices” related to the design, construction, retrofit, and maintenance of the building envelope, as well as the very latest developments in the materials, products, and components related to this complex building system and technology.
Building Green Click HERE to go to this site.
Building Science Click HERE to go to this site, which provides objective, high-quality information about buildings.
Built Green Click HERE to go to this Colorado-based site.
Center for the Built Environment Click HERE for this site, which works to improve the design, operation, and environmental quality of buildings by providing timely, unbiased information on building technologies and design techniques.
Christina.org The National Christina Foundation can find a new home for your old computer, or help you find a place to recycle it. Click HERE
Concrete Thinking Click HERE to go to this site, which tells you all that you'll ever need to know about concrete.
Dedicated Outdoor-Air Systems Click HERE to go to this site.
E magazine Click HERE to go to the site of The Environmental Magazine
E4Sustainableity Click HERE to go to this site, which features more links.
Eartheasy.com Great tips for doing everyday chores without caustic chemicals. Click HERE
Eco-Structure Click HERE to go to this site of the magazine, which bears the same name.
Energy Environmental Building Association Click HERE to go to this site, which provides education and resources to transform the residential design and construction industry to profitably deliver energy efficient and environmentally responsible buildings and communities..
Energy Star Click HERE to go to the site. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Enertia Click HERE to go to this site, which is all about geo-solar homes.
Envirolet Click HERE to go to this site, which features an environment-friendly alternative to septic tanks, chemical toilets and outhouses for cottage, cabin and home owners around the world.
EU-Ray Click HERE to go to the site of the European association for hydronic surface heating and cooling systems.
Fine Homebuilding Green Guide Click HERE to go to this site where you will find Taunton's "Fine Homebuilding" Green Guide page.
Gas Networks Click HERE to go to their site and learn how you can save energy if you live in Massachusetts.
Geo-Exchanbe BC Click HERE to go to this British Columbia site.
Geo-Exchange Canada Click HERE for information about geothermal courses in Canada.
Greasecar Click HERE to go to the Greasecar Vegatable Fuel System site.
Green Architecture Click HERE for many links of interest to architects dealing with Green issues.
Green Building Information Center Click HERE to go to this site.
Green Building News Click HERE to go to this site
Green Buildings BC Click HERE to go to this site where you will find a weblink to the Green Buildings BC "Guide to Green Building Resources," with a ton of specific green building design tips and design sources.
Green Construction Click HERE to go to the site. NBS Green Construction is owned and run by NBS, a part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, and wholly owned by the Royal Institute of British Architects. It is a not-for-profit site that exists to provide information concerning green construction issues that are of interest to the UK industry.
Green Mechanical Council Click HERE to meet the Green Mechanical Council.
Green Options Click HERE to go to this site, which focuses on giving you the knowledge and resources you need in greening up your life.
Green Source McGraw Hill Construction's Green Source website is loaded with interesting information.
GreenContractors.us Click HERE to go to the MCAA site for Green Contractors.
Greendimes.com If you want to lighten your junk-mail load and save some trees, click HERE
Greener Buildings Click HERE to go to the Greener Buildings site
Greenspiration Here's a LINK to Greenspiration, which is a showcase home for modern green building practices that do not undermine the comfort, beauty, or budget of a traditional upper middle-class home.
Healthy Heating Click HERE to go to Robert Bean's most excellent site.
Home Energy magazine Click HERE to see this magazine online.
Home Power magazine Click HERE to see this magazine online.
Human Comfort and Space Conditioning This LINK will take you to an interesting study.
International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment Click HERE to go to their site.
LightsOut.SForg It will be interesting to see if this movement spreads beyond San Francisco: LightsOutSF.org
LowEX Click HERE to go to this site, where the overall objective is to promote a more rational and effective use of energy; namely, the utilization of low-valued and renewable energy sources.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Click HERE to go to the site, where you will find some good guidelines.
MSN Green Click HERE to go to the MSN Green site
National Center for Appropriate Technology Click HERE to go to this site.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory Click HERE to go to this site. NREL is a nationally recognized leader in buildings research combining renewable energy with innovative technologies to significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings.
National Research Council Canada Click HERE to go to this site. The NRC Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) is the leading construction research agency in Canada, developing innovative solutions for the country's largest industry.
Natural Resources Defense Council Click HERE to go to this site. It is a "Natural resources Defense Council" weblink with other green design links and guidelines.
Network for Comfort and Energy Use in Buildings Click HERE to go to this site, which seeks to improve the quality and coherence of research and product development in comfort and energy use in buildings.
Oikos Click HERE to go to this site for Green Building news.
Ontario Association of Architects Click HERE to go to this site, which has case studies.
PolySteel Click HERE to learn about these insulating concrete forms.
Rbrc.org How and where to recycle old batteries. Click HERE
Sustainable Building Guidelines Click HERE to go to this site, which has links to a whole slew of Green/Sustainable Building Guidelines for reference and downloads.
U.S. Green Building Council Click HERE to go to the site. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.
Whole Building Design Guide Click HERE to go to the site. The WBDG is the only web-based portal providing government and industry practitioners with one-stop access to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective.
Whole Building Design Guide Click HERE to go to this site. The goal of 'Whole Building' Design is to create a successful high-performance building.
Windside Click HERE if you'd like to see some beautiful turbines.
Passive Back to top
First Steps: What Can be a Passive House in Your Region with Your Climate? This paper is by Dr. Wolfgang Feist, of Germany's Passive House Institute. Thanks to Zac McCormick for sharing it with us.
Passive House Institute Here's a LINK to the site for Germany's Passive House Institute. Click the icon to translate the site into English or French.
Press releases Back to top
Honda and Climate Energy Begin Retail Sales of freewatt™ Micro-CHP Home Heating and Power System
Top Ten Reasons to Remodel Green Going Green is easy. This press release is from NARI
Radiant cooling Back to top
Radiant cooling in the new Hearst Building in NYC Thanks to Tom Riso for bringing this one to my attention.
Solar Back to top
Performance of Vacuum Tube and Flat Plate Collectors Concerning Domestic Hot Water Preparation and Room Heating A paper by Christoph Trinkl, Wilfried Zörner, Claus Alt, and Christian Stadler of the Centre of Excedllence for Solar Engineerin. Thanks to Terry Tekushan for sharing this.
Solar Technology From Viessmann. Thanks to Terry Tekushan for sharing this with us.
US Solar Map Thanks to Terry Tekushan for sharing this map of where the sunny days are.
Viessmann Vitosol 300 Vacuum tube solar collector with Duotec heat exchanger for dry connection
Viessmann's Vitosol System Design Guidelines An excellent publication from our friends at Viessmann.