Why Houston?

Posted on February 11, 2012 by darachilds

Houston has been among the fastest to recover from the economic downturn. Corporate relocations have been soaring since 2008. The city has reclaimed its title as oil capital of the US, and jobs have returned to Houston faster than in any other city. Add to this a low cost of living, and Houston looks pretty attractive for both native Houstonians and those looking to relocate. According to most estimates, jobs have grown by 13,000 at the end of 2011, putting Houston in the top four cities to recover from the serious economic crash of 2008. New home construction is rising in the Houston/ Houston Metro area at a rapid rate, as well. With all the amenities Houston has to offer- high-end shopping, convenience in location and a low crime rate for a city of its size, Houston looks like a very appealing place to relocate with a family. The feel of Houston is diverse and young, and there are plenty of museums and other great family-friendly activities, as well as night clubs, dancing and fine dining. All in all, very few could be disappointed in their choice to move to Houston. With all the favorable news reports about Houston and her growth in building, jobs, and population, it would seem there is no reason not to move to Houston. It is one of the greenest cities in America, and even the City Administration has begun to drive electric or hybrid cars to help reduce emissions and air pollution. Why Houston? It’s the best place in America to be right now!

Geothermal Heat is Safer than Traditional Methods

Posted on January 26, 2012 by darachilds

Geothermal Heat is Safer Than Traditional Methods Geothermal heating systems use the earth’s natural heat, which is usually found at roughly 15 feet underground, to keep the temperature of a home at a certain level, year-round. Traditional methods include wood and coal heat, which was dirty and messy, cast iron boiler heat, radiant heat, and baseboard electric heat. The dangers with all of these are fire, illness from the dust put off by wood and coal heat, electrical fire or even electrocution with electric baseboard heat. Not so with geothermal technology. Geothermal technology simply harnesses the energy already present in the earth itself to keep your home at a constant temperature. There are many more flexible and useful configurations that can be used in building a new green home. Geothermal heating/cooling systems don’t emit any harmful gasses, dust, or harmful fumes, nor can you be electrocuted using it. Geothermal technology is the way to go if you live in an area where severe weather and natural events are the norm. You can still have a sturdy, comfortable home at a constant temperature, because you don’t need electricity or gas to run. This also comes with 20-60% savings on your energy bills. Geothermal is the best way to keep your home safe and at a comfortable temperature year-round.

Houston Medical District Prepares for Newer, Better Care

Posted on January 11, 2012 by darachilds

The former Prudential Building, built in 1952 to be the company’s Southwest Headquarters, was imploded Sunday using high explosives. The building was scheduled to be taken down before 8:15 AM on Sunday, January 8. Fog and other conditions postponed the event until 11:15 AM. This creates an obvious hole in the southwestern Houston skyline that has been a landmark for nearly 60 years. Not to worry- M.D. Anderson Cancer center plans to put a newer, better building in its place. This will replace the current hole in Houston’s skyline, while preventing urban sprawl.

The Prudential Building was purchased by the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1974, to be used to care for cancer patients and research the disease. In 1980, it was made the main building for the cancer center. Now the Cancer Center will build a new center, with more light, more passive sustainability, and rather than use a building which may not be structurally sound- it was closed down in 2010- the MD Anderson Cancer Center will have a newer, better building in which to help cancer patients survive and hopefully, one day, eradicate this disease we call cancer.

Texas Building Codes Going Green This Month!

Posted on January 3, 2012 by darachilds

Texas Building Codes Going Green This Month!

The New Year is upon us, and with that, usually there comes change. In Texas, that means that starting in January, building codes will go green. Many people fear that Texans will lose jobs to this initiative, but that is not the case. The same workers can and will do the same job, with a little extra training. Hanging a more energy-efficient window is no different than hanging any other residential window. Painting with non-toxic paint is done the same way as before; even the siding on the house is hung the same way. The new law may create some work for irrigation installers and landscapers, among many others.

Most of the things Texas is requiring are things good builders already do. Upgrading windows to make them airtight, checking any ductwork for leaks, making certain a fireplace has a glass door and a gasket, to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. An experienced green builder will go the extra mile to be sure your new home is as green and as safe as it can be. Texas’ new laws will save a lot of energy, thereby conserving the environment.

The new laws are expected to save 15% on energy costs each year for single-family new construction.

Types of Recycled and Sustainable Flooring

Posted on December 28, 2011 by darachilds

When considering the flooring in your new green home, consider these facts:

• Bamboo flooring is sustainable. Bamboo grows to maturity much more quickly than other wood types.

• Cork is also sustainable, and easily recyclable, so it would be simple to find salvageable cork flooring.

• There are many types of recycled flooring available, from wood to tile, to carpet. Many people who are building green homes are refusing to put carpet in their homes, because traditional commercially-made carpet manufacturing processes give a rather unhealthy product that puts off strong fumes that can make people sick. There is another option out there: Recycled carpet. That’s right, recycled carpet. It’s not what you think. Recycled carpet is made from post-consumer plastic containers such as milk jugs and water bottles. One square foot of this soft, stain-resistant and attractive carpet keeps 40 plastic containers out of the landfill. There are also none of the harsh fumes to be contended with, and the carpet comes in a multitude of attractive colors. Reclaimed wood flooring can also be very attractive. Imagine having the aged-wood patina of an antique floor in oak, cherry, walnut, or even chestnut flooring in your home. Definitely, this is an attractive option that saves trees by using already- made and reclaimed wood. Cork flooring can also be reclaimed and reused, and makes a lovely addition to any new home. There are many, many options available in flooring for your new green home. Ask your builder about all of the fashionable, yet eco-friendly options available to you.