Eclolution Eco Home Journal, Spring 2010

8/7/2019 Eclolution Eco Home Journal, Spring 2010

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ECOLUTION SPRING 200

SPRING 200

BulletinThe eco-home

Journal


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ECOLUTION 2 SPRING 200 ECOLUTION SPRING 200

2-0.....ZENERGY HOUSE

0-2...FROM THE FOUNDER

.........REVISIONING E-HN

4,5...OUR STUFF

6.........BULLETIN BOARD

7,8...E-HN BUSINESS NETWORK

8.........BULLETIN BOARD

9-22...BOOK REVIEW

22,2...BOOKSTORE

IN THIS ISSUE

Saturday, June 9th, 200 - pm - 4pmE-HN members - FREE - Guests $5

Zenergy House is a just-completed eco-renovation of a 1950-s home in StudioCity, California. Its name refers to the fact that its goal is to be a net zero-energy consuming residence by generating all its electrical energy via the 2.4kW photovoltaic array on its west- facing roof.

Tammy and Ron Schwolsky, owners of Zenergy House, are both certifiedhome- performance auditors and are very aware of the need to reduce energyconsumption for economic and national security reasons as well as for thesake of our collective future. They created their company, Residential EnergyAssessment Services (REAS, Inc.) in 2007 to provide energy auditing and greenretrofit services to homeowners, developers and builders.

But, as Ron puts it, We were finding that people love homes and design, but

energy efficiency, not so much. Even after a year of providing presentationsto various industries and schools it was clear to Tammy ad Ron that lack ofsolid information was a major obstacle to the publics understanding of andinvestment in sustainable home improvement.

To find out what led them to create Zenergy House and how they went aboutit, Ecolution Bulletin managing editor, Michelle Stabio, and I paid them a visit.

From the street, the long, low architectural profile of the house, thegeometric, minimalist front yard xeriscape and even the rain barrel at thesouth corner suggests monastic simplicity. What a surprise to step on thestone paver leading to the front door and feel it give a little underfoot andeven become slightly bouncy as we walked toward the house! This was ourintroduction to Ecosmart faux-flagstone recycled rubber pavers and a clue tothe green innovation ahead.

Tammy and Ron welcomed us warmly and generously spent hours taking usthrough Zenergy House and answering our questions.

Its a shoes-off house to protectindoor air quality because, as Tammyexplained, dirt and pollutants, evendioxins, from the street adhere to thesoles of shoes and are then trackedindoors.

Ecolution: When you started househunting, what were you looking for?

Tammy & Ron: In the nine monthsthat we were looking for a housewe were looking for 2 main things:architectural interest and naturallighting. We took possession of theproperty on April 1, 2007. When we

started this project it was supposedto be a quick turn around. Who knewthis would take 3 long years!

E: What inspired you to create a greenhome prototype?

T & R: We saw a study in the LATimes showing that green or efficienthomes were getting anywhere froman 11 to 24 percent premium. Wewanted to demonstrate that here, inLA, so we could convince builders andhomeowners - look here it is, we gota premium based on comparables.We were going to quickly do someenergy efficiency stuff to it, put somenice zero VOC paint on it and put itback on the market in 6 months and

be able to get that premium wed readabout.The market was just starting to

go down. This house was almost inforeclosure and we knew it was onewe could use as our showcase. Inthe early stages of our remodel themarket crashed so we knew that if wetried to sell the house we would losemoney. That is when the conceptof what this house was going to bechanged from quick green turnaround to combining efficiency,green design and materials in thishome and using it as an ongoingeducational tool.

The fact that it is an existing homemakes it really neat because mostof the carbon footprint comes fromexisting homes -- we dont have a lotof land left to build new. The keypoint of the home is to show that,based on an energy audit, anyone canretrofit an existing structure of theirchoice to achieve maximum efficiency,add sustainable, non-toxic organicproducts into the interior designand save money, increase durability,improve indoor air quality and protectyour property value, all together! Theadded benefit is, knowing that you

are doing your part to reduce yourpersonal carbon emissions. This isour biggest bang for your buckapproach.

E: The long, low profile of the houseis distinctive. Can you describe whatarchitectural design changes youmade in the home?

T & R: The only architectural changeswere the removal of several soffitsthat were housing the heating andcooling ducts, glass blocks in theevent room clerestory windowswere reused elsewhere in the houseand operable dual pane windowswere installed for increased naturalventilation and French doors were

4426 Irvine AvenueStudio City, CA 91602


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ECOLUTION 4 SPRING 200 ECOLUTION 5 SPRING 200

E-co-lu-tionis derived from ecology,evolution and solution

SPRING 2010

Editor: Julia S. RussellManaging Editor - Michelle Stabio

Proofreaders: Mary Proteau,Dessa Kaye

Design/Layout: Julia Russell

2010 by Eco-Home Network

Ecolution Bulletin is published byEco-Home Network

4344 Russell AvenueLA CA 90027

(323) [email protected]

www.ecohome.org

Printed on recycled paper

ECOLUTION BULLETINadded to the living room for morenatural daylight.E: So I guess there wasnt muchdeconstruction necessary. You reusedthe original glass blocks and theconcrete roof tiles. Were you able toreuse or recycle anything else of theoriginal house?

T & R: The existing wood floors inthe living room were gently removedto repair a few damaged areas withinthe event area wood flooring. Thehouse was in bad condition and oneissue was a plumbing leak from thecrawlspace which destroyed someof the flooring. We were also able todonate some of the deconstructedbuilding materials, like the old granitecounter tops to some individuals inthe construction trade.E: Although the open interior designand abundant daylighting gives animpression of spaciousness, for a 3bedroom, 2 and-three quarter-bathhome, its square footage, 2,450, isreally not very large, so I was stunnedto learn that it originally had two 3ton air conditioning (a/c) units andtwo furnaces to heat and cool thisspace.

T & R: This is very typical, as themajority of homes that we have tested

the last three years have heatingand cooling systems that are wayoversized. Some heating and coolingcontractors want to sell homeownerslarge units as they make more profitand believe that they will have tomake less service calls. Unfortunately,there are contractors that prey onignorance.The other problem with the buildingindustry in general is that someof the training is provided by themanufacturers.

Our first step in the actual remodelwas to run a comprehensive home

energy audit, using a blower door,duct blaster, infrared camera andcombustion testing to diagnosticallyassess the mechanical systems,building envelope, insulation and airquality of the home.

E: Can you tell us what the results ofthe audit were?

T & R: For starters, the original airducts had over 20% leakage and werereplaced with new insulate ducts (R-6)that were tested at 2.5% leakage,designed for optimum air distributionand installed through the cleaned andsealed crawl space.

E: You mention on the website thatthe inefficient dual a/c and dualfurnace system was replaced with asingle 3 ton FREUS a/c unit with anefficient condenser, and a combined

hydronic heating system. Can youexplain what makes the FREUS soefficient?

T & R: The FREUS is a highlyefficient water-cooled condenserwith the highest cooling efficiencyin the industry (energy efficiencyrated (EER) between 16-18). Byutilizing a cooled condensing coil,this unit is unmatched for singlefamily residential efficiency. Whatreally sets this unit apart is that asthe temperature outside rises thecondenser becomes more efficient.

E: And what is a combined hydronicheating system?

T & R: The combined hydronicheating system provides bothwater heating and space heatingsimultaneously. It is an alternativeto installing both a furnace heatingsystem and a water heater andreplaced the original inefficient hotwater tank.

E: Can you explain briefly how thisone system heats both water andspace simultaneously?

T & R: With a typical tank waterheater there is a significant amount ofstandby loss. The Bradford White hotwater heater that we have is a sealed

combustion, direct vented 99.1%efficient model that is connected to aFirst Co variable speed air handler toheat both the domestic hot water andthe whole house in the winter months.Hot water runs through the coilsinside the air handler and a fan blowsover the coils to heat the air that issent through the duct system.

E: What about insulation?

T & R: The two small attics weresealed with non-toxic 100% siliconeand water based caulk and insulatedwith encapsulated fiberglass andloose-fill cellulose. The leaky roof was

repaired with new underlayment andthe existing concrete roof tiles werereused.

The exterior walls had existing R-13 batts. The audit results indicatedthat increasing R value was not a cost-effective upgrade as both the exteriorstucco and interior walls were in goodcondition.

E: You mention aluminum clad woodwindows on your website and I haveto admit I was confused. Arentwindows constructed with aluminumor wood? How can they be both?

T & R: The interior of the windowis wood for a rich warm look butthe exterior is aluminum to ensurevery little need for maintenance. Ifwindows are wood on the outsidethey need to be sanded and repaintedevery other year and if they are allaluminum the heat transfer is notslowed. In fact the aluminum acts asa conductor of the heat. All windows are operable.

E: I notice you have recessed lightfixtures in some rooms. What type ofbulbs are you using?

T & R: We replaced the oldincandescent recessed lights withIC rated sealed CFL only cans andthe number of lights were reduced

by 30%. These cans are thermallyprotected to allow direct contact withinsulation and are sealed to eliminateair leaks. Kitchen under-cabinetlighting and office light fixtures useLED bulbs. Low voltage lights in thehallway and master bedroom wereexisting, but the bulbs were changedout from 50-to 20-watt bulbs.

E: And water? I notice your frontyard landscape is definitely waterconserving.

T & R: Yes, our landscaping includesdrought tolerant plants and buffalo


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Living room: The living room flooris water-based stained concrete, andthe dual-pane French doors to thepatio were locally manufactured inChatsworth.

The Ecoview is an electronic energymonitoring device that shows us howmany kilowatts we are using momentby moment so we can budget ourelectricity usage. Advanced Telemetryout of San Diego is the manufacturer.In Europe, studies have shown that areal-time monitoring system can cutenergy usage by 20%.

Media cabinet doors are made

of Kirei, a sorghum agriculturalby product that has a decorativewoodlike look.

We love the two living room chairswe bought at discount on Craigslistand then painted with a zero VOCpaint. This is the message that wewant to send - repurpose, reusesecondhand items, give them newlife using green products like no VOCpaints.

Bedrooms: Blinds Galore is anonline company that has a wholesection on energy efficient and greenblind styles. Some of our bedroomshades are PVC free, have recycledcontent, made of renewablematerials and have a veryeffective insulating honeycombstructure.

When we test homes, we findthat typically dual-pane windowsare not that cost effective interms of energy savings althoughthey do increase the propertyresale value and are great forsound insulation. If you havesingle-pane windows that aresouth- or west- facing, the mostcost effective solution is to havea window cover that helps keep theheat out in the summer.

The blinds in the master bedroomare a wood composite

The floors in the 3 bedrooms all arereclaimed from an LA home. We likethe rough, used look.

Our linens are all certified organicand have bright, vivid designs to showthat being organic doesnt mean ithas to be a neutral color. Bedding isall organic. Our towels are a bamboo/cotton blend called Nandina. Bamboohas antimicrobial properties andabsorbs and dries quickly to reducemold and mildew.

Green Planet paint is a zero-VOCnatural based and petroleum freewall coating. Its a bit less durable

but it can be protected with a waterbased sealer.One wall in our daughters bedroom

has a 3D design that is made of 100%recycled cardboard manufacturedby Mio. Mio does paperform (www.mioculture.com). We got it from AllGreen Things, a wonderful local greenboutique store in Woodland Hillsowned by our friend Tanya Peel.

The headboard in the masterbedroom is made of Kirei.

The American clay paint on themaster bedroom/bath separation wallis natural- pigment clay with good

sound insulation!We inserted decorative resin

pieces in the closet cabinet doorswe purchased through a companys

unwanted moisture and odors fromthe home. The master bathroomhas a Panasonic Whisper Green heatrecovery system which conserves

indoor heat while venting themoisture.

The Whirlpool Duet washer anddryer in the garage are among themost efficient currently available onthe market.

E: I should mention that the ZenergyHouse also showcases very tastefulgreen furnishings; textiles; artand wallpaper that make it veryattractive as well as environmentallyresponsible.Would you mention a few of them?

T & R: Thank you. Yes. The cabinetson either side of the front door areconstructed of ECOR, a 100% recycledpost-consumer agricultural byproduct

which they make furniture out of. Youcan paint it! This company wants tohave manufacturing plants locatednext to waste facilities so that thematerials can be diverted from localwaste and remade into furniture onsite with minimal transportation. Thecabinet handles are 98% recycledbronze. Recycled metals are veryexpensive so the next best thing isto look for local manufactures toreduce pollution from transportationof goods. The product will bemore expensive than what is madein China but of higher quality andenvironmentally responsible.

grass and the irrigation system hasa smart sprinkler control systemthat will save 70% compared to thestandard lawn irrigation system thatit replaced. A rain barrel, rocks andmulch reduce storm- water run-offtoo.

Indoors, we replaced three existingtoilets with high efficiency dualflush toilets with 0.8 and 1.6 gallonper flush that will save up to 40%annually. Engineered faucets andshower heads are 1.0 and 1.5 GPMand will save not only water butnatural gas as well. We insulated

the hot water pipes and added acirculation pump with a timer on thewater heater to eliminate water waste.

E: Are your appliances all new?

T & R: Yes, and theyre all EnergyStar qualified, but you still need toresearch because the governmentisnt always watching and testing andsome of the so-called Energy Starproducts are actually self-certified.Refer to Consumer Reports or put adevice on the appliance to actuallytest energy usage. With refrigerators,the one with the freezer on top ismost efficient; the ones with thedouble doors that go from top tobottom are least efficient.

Each bathroom has been fitted

with a new low sone (1.5) Panasonic(Whisper Green or Whisper Comfort)exhaust fan that is vented to theoutside and all are tied to 30 min.time sensors. Ventilating fan soundlevels are measured in sones.Homeowners typically do not usetheir exhaust fans if they are noisy,creating conditions for mold andmildew to grow in the house whichcan reduce home durability and affectindoor air quality. Panasonic WhisperGreen low sone ventilating fans arequiet enough to be comfortablyoperated for long enough to remove

Living room/Sun room

Master Bedroom


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reclaim program in which theytake back unused smaller buildingresin from large jobs and resell itat a discount for use as smalleraccent pieces. There are also localmanufacturers of resin when you needto purchase larger sheets. Bath: In the master bath, thecountertop is Enviroglass, made ofrecycled glass bottles, about 23-25%pre-consumer recycled content, andthe floor is cork with nontoxic grout.Cork is mold, mildew and temperatureresistant. It can even go in a stallshower!

Computer area:Our ThinkChair bySteel Caseis a cradle-to-cradleproduct.That is itis made ofrecycledmaterialsand itcan becompletelyrecycled atthe end of itsuseful life.

Our research showed our HPtouchscreen computers to be themost energy efficient. They have agood sleep mode, and they do havecertain materials within the computerthat are recycled, and their packagingis all recycled materials.

Our LED ceiling light can dim upto 80% and produces no heat Therecessed lighting in the event roomuses compact fluorescent lamps(CFLs)which are energy conservingwhen compared to incandescentbulbs though not compared to LEDbulbs. The CFLs are a less expensivethan the LEDs but do produce a smallamount of heat.

Kitchen: The under-cabinetlighting is LED technology and is inthe form of a bendable strip that canbe molded to fit the space. The wholekitchen system uses only about 10watts!

The floor tiles are 50% preconsumerrecycled tiles. The wall paper is greenFSC certified paper with nontoxiccoloring. It was much less expensiveand requires a lot less material thantiling the backsplash. As insurance,Ron salvaged a piece of aluminum,taped its edges for safety and we useit as an additional splash guard at the

back of the cooktop!

E: And now tothe alternativeenergysystem.

T & R: SolarPV (photo-voltaic) panelsare used togenerateelectricity toprovide theentire homeselectrical

needs to meet our net zero-energygoals. A solar array of 12 PV panelson the west roof produce 2.4 kWh.

With the energy monitoring systemand the smart strips this relativelysmall system should be large enoughfor the Zenergy House due to thecomprehensive efficiency upgradesthroughout.

E: Yes! A shining example ofIntelligent Design! Maximum energyefficiency plus home-based renewableenergy generation produces a netzero-energy home!

How did you collaborate on thisproject? What was the division oflabor?R: Tammy and I collaborated on

probably 95% of the decisions, as faras choosing things like tiles, we havesimilar tastes.

E: What about energy efficiency andindoor air quality? Did that divide upor were you both involved in both?

T: We collaborated equally. We areboth Home Performance with EnergyStar contractors that perform energyaudits and we are LEED AP-s and I ama GreenPoint Rater too.So we both have the product,efficiency and green buildingbackground.

Trying to marry energy efficiency,resource conservation, alternativeenergy, indoor air quality andsustainable products is reallyimportant and not so easy becausethe various certifications like EnergyStar, LEED and GreenPoint Rater dontall have the same focus. Figuringout how to bring it all together costeffectively is difficult but its thedirection we need to go.

The learning process was reallyintense, thinking, can we really makeit? and then there were other timeswhere we were so excited can youbelieve we just got this much recycledtile for free!?

E: So, despite the great strides in

the green building field in the lastdecade the responsibility is still onthe owner or developer to make thatsynthesis, to incorporate all thoseaspects (energy efficiency, recycledand recyclable, resource conserving,indoor air quality, renewable,nonpolluting energy, etc) into theirproject and not go broke or crazy orboth.

R: Yes, I wasnt as excited about theproject at first because it was going tobe such a big learning curve. We hadapproached builders and asked themwhy they didnt try to incorporate

some green features into theirprojects. All they cared about wasthe bottom line and didnt have anyforesight into premiums and didntcare. So that fired our motivation toprove that green and sustainable isthe direction that we all need to go.

E: And the icing on top is thebackyard salt water pool!

T & R: The pool is solar heated anddoes not use any natural gas oradditional electricity as it works inpartnership with the pools efficientfilter pump.

E: Would you explain what makesa salt water pool ecologicallypreferable?

T & R: A salt water pool requiresless maintenance and no additionof harsh chemicals, like chlorine.A Salt Chlorinator converts the salt(sodium chloride)in the water into theminimum amount of chlorine neededfor disinfection and then turns it backinto salt, reconverting repeatedly,as needed to maintain a clean andhealthy pool.(http://www.ehow.com/how_2034707_convert-saltwater-pool.html)The salt is much easier on the skinand the water doesnt burn the eyes.

E: You have an impressive list ofsponsors for this project. Did yourecruit these sponsors beforehand,before actually starting the remodel,or as it was in progress?

T & R: Actually, it was anafterthought.

Early in the remodeling process,we were asked to film two shows forPlanet Green on Renovation Nationshowcasing the efficiency measuresthat we were installing. Our hopewas that the manufacturers of highefficiency HVAC products might jumpon the exposure and donate the

Kitchen


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equipment, which they did. Once werealized that other companies mightbe interested in collaborating toshowcase their efficient and sustain-able products we began to prepareour marketing plan for an eco-literacycampaign. Companies saw the valuein providing donated materialsbecause as green, energy consultants,this is a living lab and we need toknow how durable as well as the easeof installation to recommend theseproducts for our clients projects.

We intensely researched productsand each potential sponsor to be sure

they met our criteria. Without the in-kind donations, the finished productwould not have been as impressivebut it was also the main reason forthe delay. This is why it took us solong (3 years) - to first research then

solicit, explain and go back and forthand then to finally receive the productfrom the sponsor can take months. Itwas a struggle to finish it up in timefor our Opening!

E: Well, were very grateful you tookon the struggle, saw it through andkindly invited the Eco-Home Networkto hold our next- and final- Eco-Building Forum here- at ZenergyHouse.

Were looking forward to seeingour members here on June 19th, andproud to complete our 16 year Eco-Building Forum program with your

outstanding example of 21st centuryeco-renovation!

Julia S. RussellMichelle Stabio

Directions:By Car: From 101 exit Laurel Canyon go south toward Ventura Blvd. leftonto Moorpark and left on Irvine to 4426 Irvine Ave.

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/6-g8BEta*NDlWW

By Public Transit:

Call 1-800-266-6883 - Give the address youll be leaving from, your

destination and the time you want to arrive. Theyll provide you with the

buses or trains to take and what time you need to start your trip.

s the cover story on the ZenergyHouse illustrates, green buildingis becoming deeply embedded inmainstream business and cultureand green products and systems arecontinually refining and improving.The Zenergy House is an engagingexample of this cultural change andwere thrilled to have it be our final,triumphal Eco-Building Forum as themetamorphosis of Eco-Home Networkinto its next phase takes place. Ihope you all will come to enjoy andlearn with us.

My official retirement from my

position as Eco-Home NetworkExecutive Director, Programs Director,Administrator, Editor/Producer ofEcolution Bulletin, and Eco-HomeTour Leader will take place on June30th! I feel confident that E-HN isbeing placed in knowledgeable,competent and dedicated hands asthe Board passes on the managementof and legal responsibility for our21 year old nonprofit, tax exemptcorporation to Judy Rachel and hernew Board, which was voted intooffice at our E-HN Board meeting onMay 23rd.

Judy has been co-leading the Eco-Home tours with me for over 2 years.Three years ago she toured Eco-Homeand learned about the CaliforniaHome Energy Efficiency RatingSystem, (CHEERS) among other thingsand signed up for the training tobecome a certified HERS Rater. Sincethen shes also become a GreenPointrater for new construction, a CertifiedGreen Building Professional and sheis a certified energy Building Analystthrough the Building PerformanceInstitute. Her company, Green AchersSustainable Solutions, offers home

energy evaluations, green livingconsulting, qualifies homes for EnergyEfficient Mortgages (EEM), providesGreenPoint Rating services and doesdiagnostic testing and inspectionsfor residential and small commercialbuildings to ensure compliance withCalifornias Energy Code.

Judy writes and teaches buildingscience / energy efficiency curriculafor various community and citycolleges as well as for workforcetraining programs. In collaborationwith other non-profits, the mayorsoffice and the LADWP she is teachinginner-city young adults Tier I andintroductory Tier II Weatherizationskills providing practical, hands on

experience in their own underservedcommunities. She plans to offer herown green living workshops in thefuture.

The Revisioning Statement for the newE-HN is on page 13.

Many things will change. The onethat will affect you, our members, themost is that E-HN will no longer be amembership organization. You mayhave noticed you havent receivedany renewal requests lately. Thatsthe reason. Weve be heading in thisdirection for a while and I didnt feelit was ethical to ask for membership

renewals when it seemed fairly certainthat we would soon cease being amembership organization, thoughmany of you have sent us unsolicitedrenewal checks for which we are very

grateful.This issue of the Ecolution Bulletinwill be the last you will receive in themail and the last edited and producedby me. Co-editor and contributingwriter, Michelle Stabio, has offeredto work with Judy to produce a Zinethat might be published onlineeventually.

The regular bi-monthly scheduleof Eco-Home tours will end. Ourlast scheduled tour will be Sunday,June 27th. After that, well considerrequests for special tours on a case-by-case basis.

The first question most people askwhen they learn Ill be retiring is,

Whats next? Honestly, I dont know.I know there are some personal andfamilial situations that I would liketo be able to devote more sustainedtime and attention to and Im lookingforward to more garden time. Beyondthat, Im hoping to loaf and invite mysoul for somewhere between 6 to 12months before deciding whats next.

Another question Ive been askedis, Do you have some ambivalence,some sense of loss as youcontemplate giving up Eco-HomeNetwork? To this my answer is anemphatic No!

FROM THE FOUNDERA


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Creating and running the Eco-Home and the Eco-Home Networkhas provided me with meaningfulwork, right livelihood, for decadesand has been rewarding beyondmy expectations. Over the yearsIve been awed and thrilled to seecultural change reflecting the goalsand mission of E-HN occur worldwide!The feeling of being part of andcontributing to an evolutionary shiftin human consciousness and behaviortoward a sustainable civilization hasbeen deeply moving and fills me withgratitude.

Years ago, when the Eco-Home firstopened for public tours, I was askedwhat my vision for Eco-Home was, andmy reply was, To become obsolete.My dream is to see the earth-tunedhome design and sustainable urbanlifestyle we demonstrate here becomeso mainstream, so unexceptional,that theres really no need for, orinterest in, coming to see this oldenvironmental demonstration homebecause every home is an eco-home.

Do I think that vision has been fullyrealized? No. But its well on its wayand I believe Judy Rachel and herBoard will carry it forward with newvigor and new capabilities. And everyday, I see and interact with youngpeople from every walk of life whohave claimed the mission of creatinga sustainable future as their own. So.. . in short, I have no regrets, justwonderment and thanksgiving.

And what about the Network itself,that vibrant web of interested andinteresting, awake and aware, caringand informed, active and engagedpeople who have gathered overthe lifetime of E-HN to be its livingembodiment in this City of Angels?What about you? Will I miss you?

Whats to miss? Im not leaving.

Youre not leaving. Youre my family.I have all your phone numbers, streetaddresses and e-mail addresses. Withall the social networking technologyavailable today, I dont see any reasonwhy I should miss you or you shouldmiss me. Were just an e-mail orphone call away, and Im definitelygoing to reach out to you all as Icelebrate important occasions, likemy 75th birthday, which will happenMarch 2011. In 2011 the Eco-Homeitself will turn 100 and Ill turn 75!Im already planning a party for bothof us and youll all be invited! And I

hope youll do the same; keep me inyour personal networks. And pleaseaccept my heartfelt thanks for yourmany years of buoying support andcompanionship.

Without anyone consciously intendingit to be so, I can see this issueof Ecolution Bulletin is, on onelevel, a rumination on evolution,metamorphosis, transformation.Zenergy House is a home transformedby human art, science and intentionto be more planet-appropriate. Asnoted above, Eco-Home Network isgoing through a metamorphosis.Biomimicry by Janine Benyus, makingthe case for basing human productand infrastructure design on natures

blueprints for sustaining life on Earth,is reviewed on pg.19 by Pam Jones.Michelle Stabios pg.14 article on theemerging concept and practice ofcradle-to-cradle design and productmanufacturing illuminates anotherpractical, real-world manifestationof an evolving Gaia consciousnessinforming our species as we struggletoward a sustainable civilization.

May we celebrate the eternal dance ofbecoming!

See you on June 19th!JSR

he primary objectives and purposes of this nonprofit Corporationshall be to promote, encourage, demonstrate and educate the general

t

REVISIONING ECO-HOME NETWORKhe prime objectives and

purposes of this nonprofitCorporation shall be to promote,encourage, demonstrate andeducate the general public,homeowners, and builders aboutecological and sustainable livingpractices in an urban setting. Thisprocess will include facilitatingthe environmental rehabilitationof as many homes as possible.

In the near term, emphasis willbe placed upon energy efficiencyand energy conservation as theypertain to single-family residentialand small multi-family buildings inCalifornia.

This new vision will be achievedthrough a variety of programs,including:

1) Partnering with andexpanding the establishedEcoHomeResource.com website.This website contains articles,blogs, product and servicesinformation that relate toecological living in an urbansetting. New sections will includean up-to-date website asa one-stop informationportal for all thingsrelated to energyefficiency and energyconservation as theypertain to single-familyresidential and smallmulti-family buildings inCalifornia. A portal willalso be established thatprovides information

on financial options, incentivesand rebates for energy-efficientretrofitting of these residences.

2) Creating a diagnosticequipment training center andlending library to provide smallbusinesses performing homeenergy fitness audits with short-term borrowing of, and training inthe proper use of the importanttools needed to gather the energyefficiency data of a home.

3) providing classes, workshops,seminars and trainings forindividuals and energy,professionals in:a) practical, sustainable living

practices in an urban setting.Topics will include, but are notlimited to, water, transportation,energy, waste, environmentaltoxins and food.b) understanding and use of

diagnostic test equipment inhome energy audits.c) the requirements of the

California Energy Code.d) best green building

practices, buildingscience and the variousgreen home ratingsystems.

Eco-Home NetworkBoard of Directors

Judy RachelKeith TelligmanKeri MontroseRichard HowardTom Hamilton


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ll of us reading this have surelyfelt frustration at one time or anotherabout sending something to the dumpbecause it couldnt be recycled orreused. Today, most productsin the U.S. are stillmanufactured withthe cradle to grave idea in mind.That is, companies manufacture theirproducts with the idea that they willbe thrown away. Further, productmanufacturing practices are generallygoverned by the bottom line, not by

morality or what is environmentallyresponsible. If it is cheaper to havesomething made by slave labor in acountry where environmental lawsare sketchy at best and then have itshipped half way across the world,then that is what many companiesdo. The amount of energy and thenumber of chemicals that go intomaking something as simple asa T-shirt or a pair of shoes is justastounding. The book, Stuff: TheSecret Lives of Everyday Things goesinto great detail on a number ofproducts, including T-shirts and theshoes. My hair stood on end withevery word I read, and I have neverfelt the same about buying a T-shirt orpair of shoes since reading the book.

Fortunately, some alternative ways ofthinking about product manufacturingare emerging.

Product stewardship, also knownas Extended Product Responsibility(EPR), is the idea of making everyone(manufacturers, retailers, consumersand disposers) who is a part of aproduct life cycle (materials extractionand processing, manufacturing,packaging and transport, usefullife, end of life) share in theresponsibility to reduce the negativeenvironmental impact of that product.Manufacturers can re-think theirbusinesses in a variety of ways to

reduce the environmental impact oftheir products, including reducing theuse of toxic substances, designingproducts for reuse and recyclability,creating take-back programs thatallow customers to return productsto the company at the end of theproducts useful lives.Some examples of companies withtake-back programs include: Flor(modular floor covering), www.flor.com: Crocs shoes, www.crocs.com: GoLite (outdoor gear), www.golite.com/meaning-of-lite/im-not-trash.aspx: Apple Computer,Inc., www.apple.com/recycling/:Lenovo (electronics), http://lenovo.ecotakeback.com: other electronicscompanies like Sony, Motorola, Nokia.

As consumers we have the ultimatepower to choose which productsto purchase. We can participate inproduct stewardship by purchasingenvironmentally friendly productsthat minimize packaging waste,are designed for reuse, and can berecycled at the end of their usefullives. We can also make a concertedeffort to buy second-hand furniture,clothing, housewares, etc. -- onepersons trash is anothers treasure!To read more on the subject, visit theProduct Stewardship Institute websiteat www.productstewardship/us/. Forinformation on whats happening in

California, go to the California ProductStewardship website at www.calpsc.org.

Since 1995, the McDonough BraungartDesign Chemistry (MBDC) firm hasbeen helping companies completelyrethink their product manufacturingusing nature as their model. Natureproduces a vast number of productsand yet wastes nothing. Everything isperpetually recycled into somethingnew. For example, when a seedsprouts into a plant, the plantsgrowth is fueled by water, air (carbondioxide) and nutrients in the soil. Itthen produces seeds that will become

the next generation. And whenthat plant dies, all of the nutrientscontained within its body are releasedback into the environment to providefor the next generation. The process,known as cradle-to-cradle (or C2C)manufacturing, was introduced to thepublic in 2002 with the publication ofCradle to Cradle: Remaking the WayWe Make Things by architect, WilliamMcDonough and chemist, MichaelBraungart.

(For a precursor to the McDonough/Braungart book see our book reviewon pg.19 of Biomimicry by Janine M.Benyus published in 1997.)

C2C design and manufacturing uses

what the authors refer to as technicalnutrients which are, like biologicalnutrients are for living things, thebuilding blocks for products. Thesetechnical nutrients are the rawmaterials that make up products: theyhave the properties of being nontoxicand indefinitely recyclable into newproducts of equal quality in a closedloop (no waste!). For example, theirbook Cradle to Cradle is not a madeof paper, as books are traditionally,but is a waterproof DuraBook. Atraditional book is made of a mixtureof raw materials (paper, glue, inks,etc) which cannot be separatedeffectively for total recycling and

the pulp produced at the end of therecycling process is a low-qualityproduct that cannot be made intoanother book. But a DuraBook ismade of a polymer blend (technicalnutrient) used to create syntheticpages for a waterproof book that willlast far longer and has the potentialto be upcycled at the end of its usefullife -- that is, completely broken downand refashioned into a new book ofequal quality and durability.

MBDC began a cradleto cradle certificationprogram back in2005 and sincethen has certifiedover 300 productsfrom a variety ofcompanies, including:Aveda, Dow, MethodProducts, NestleWaters NorthAmerica, and eventhe United StatesPostal Service! Fora complete list ofcradle -to-cradlecertified products, go

to www.mbdc.com/c2c/.

Michelle Stabio

A

The evoluTion

of

our STuff

ur thanks to Judy Rachel forproviding these latest statisticsfrom the South Coast Air QualityManagement District on sourcesof smog forming air pollution inSouthern California:

> 49% On Road Vehicles> 28% Other Mobile Sources> 12% Paints and Finishes> 7% Industrial & Misc. Processes> 2% Stationary Fuel Burning Sources> 2% Petroleum Process Storage &

Transfer

SMOG SOURCES O


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BULLETIN BOARD BULLETIN BOARDJune 5, 200Arcadia, CAOganc Fut & VegetableGadenng at the Los AngelesCount Aboetu and BotancGadensSaturday, 12noon-3pm/Bamboo RoomLearn how to grow fruits andvegetables organically in your homegarden! Youll be saving money atthe grocery store while contributingto the healthy lifestyle of your familyby reaping the nutritional benefitsof eating fresh-grown produce.Vegetable gardens enhance theappearance of any yard and provide afun activity for all ages.Contact: 626.821.4623 forreservations and information http://www.arboretum.org

June 8-20, 200Custer, WIThe Eneg FaThe Energy Fair features: over275 exhibitors sustainable livingand energy products; over 200workshops from introductorylevel to hands-on education; CleanEnergy Car Show demonstrationvehicles and workshops; Green Home

Pavilion focused on building andremodeling in a sustainable way;Sustainable Tables workshops,chef demos, and a farmers marketbringing sustainability to your dinnertable; Inspirational keynotes, livelyentertainment, great food, and localbeer.Contact: Midwest Renewable EnergyAssociation at 715-592-6595. http://www.the-mrea.org

June 20-2, 200Boston, MAUban Envonental PollutonAttendance at this meeting will

enable to you to: - learn the latestinformation about urban air pollutionproblems and what measures canbe taken to overcome obstaclesto sustainability and life quality:- present your research as an oralpresentation or in the poster session,and network with a delegationof international researchers withcommon interests and concerns.Contact: http://www.uep2010.com/

July 7, 200

Berkeley, CAWhch Shade of Geen?USA.Learn how to make your homehealthier, more comfortable, andenergy efficient using green strategiesand products.Contact: Ava Wanlin, 510-558-3906,[email protected]://www.mcbuild.com

August 520, 200Pacific Grove, California2010 ACEEE Sue Stud onEneg Effcenc n BuldngsThe 2010 ACEEE Summer Study isthe 15th biennial ACEEE conferenceon Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Adiverse group of professionals fromaround the world will gather at this

preeminent meeting to discuss thetechnological basis for, and practicalimplementation of, reducing energyuse and climate impacts associatedwith buildings. Presentations anddiscussions will relate to the theme,The Climate for Efficiency is Now.Global activities related to energyefficiency in buildings are rapidlyexpanding, in part to stimulate worldeconomies, but also to avoid theworst consequences of climate changeand resource depletion. To achieveits full potential, however, this energyefficiency engine needs to address


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BiOmimiCry, Innovation Inspiredby Nature, byJanine M. Benyus,Harper Perennial/HarperCollins,New York, c. 1997, paperback, 308pages, indexed, referrals to otherreading

anine M. Benyus is one of thosegeniuses that discovers a conceptthat seems so right, so obvious, wewonder why it wasnt uncoveredsooner. Biomimicry is such a

concept.

With degrees in natural resourcemanagement (forestry) and Englishliterature, Benyus is described onthe About the Author page as abiologist at the design table forvarious sustainable companiesand governments. She could bedescribed just as well as the poetat the laboratory bench and thenaturalist at the pond shoreline,as she fulfills all of these roles.This is her sixth book.

Benyus brings a talent for the aptmetaphor and vivid description that

can make complex research areas(such as materials science), clearto a novice reader with limited(if any) formal training in biologyand chemistry. In the followingextended nautical metaphor, sheillustrates how various laboratorieswere attempting to create artificialphotosynthesis:

Each lab is taking a differenttack across that great ocean ofpromise, like boats of differentdesigns in a great Americas Cup

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of science. In 1990...one team inArizona had pulled ahead. Theyhad actually hitched together anorganic molecule modeled on aphotosynthetic reaction center,and it had rivaled the quantumyield of photosynthesis! They wererounding the buoy with excitedshouts and horn blastspapersin the prestigious journals Scienceand Nature. In March of 1994,I pulled alongside their boatand climbed on...I showed upat the Center for Early Events inPhotosynthesis [at Arizona StateUniversity] smiling like a cruisepassenger whos just come up-deck for the first time.

Even before the text begins, in theTable of Contents, Benyus piquesa readers curiosity by the chaptertitle subheadings, such as Chapter6, danceswithmolecules: computinglikeacell; Chapter 3, lightintolife:gatheringenergylikealeaf. Onthe following page, she defines(complete with syllabification):BI O MIM IC RY [From theGreek bios, life, and mimesis,imitation]

1. Nature as model. Biomimicryis a new science that studiesnatures models and thenimitates or takes inspirationfrom these designs andprocesses to solve humanproblems, e.g., a solar cellinspired by a leaf.

2. Nature as measure. Biomimicryuses an ecological standardto judge the rightness of ourinnovations. After 3.8 billionyears of evolution, nature has

Isabelle Duvivier, AIAPrincipal, LEED AP

308 Westminster Ave.

Venice, CA 90291310.399.4944

www.idarchitect.comwww.LAGreenMap.org

E-H BUSINESS NETWORK

BULLETIN BOARD

BULLETIN BOARDsustainable development and climateissues that go beyond buildings. Well-integrated programs, technologies,and financing sources need to bedeveloped. A new generation of multi-disciplinary practitioners, researchers,and policymakers needs to be trainedand quickly deployed to solve theclosely-coupled energy efficiency andclimate problems that we face.Contact: http://www.aceee.org/conf/10ss/index.htm

June 5-6, 200Solar Living InstituteHopland, CAAugust 2, 200GA 102: BeekeepngIn this introductory course,students will learn the basicsassociated with starting andmanaging a sustainable bee-hivein an urban setting. Though asomewhat unlikely setting, citiesare excellent environments forkeeping bees, if permitted bymunicipal code. Students will learnthe steps necessary to establishtheir own hive and ensure itssuccess over the beekeepingseason.

Contact: http://www.solarliving.orgBlair Wickliffe, WorkshopAdministrative Assistant blair.


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Biomimicry shares much with theother bio-inspired fields that drawinspiration and innovation fromnature. It is our understandingthat biomimicry is unique in thatthe biomimicry method intendsto result in sustainable designsolutions.

The Biomimicry Instituteapparently did not exist whenthe book appeared, as itsnot mentioned in the list ofreferences. Its Website does give

world-wide examples of research,projects, and products usingprinciples of biomimicry. Evenas far back as 2004, for example,researchers at the University ofLeeds had developed a walkingcane that was inspired by the waybats navigate in darkness, usingecholocation to alert...users toobstacles.

The author herself, in herconcluding chapter, became abiomimic instead of just writingabout them by uncovering ahidden spring that had fed thepond near her home, until it

had become suffocated underlayers of topsoil ... erodingbecause years of overgrazing hadweakened the thick sod.... Thesilted-up pond had become sosolidly carpeted with duckweedthat the ducks and othermigratory waterfowl that had oncepopulated the pond passed thepond by.

But after Benyus followed acurrent to the buried spring,shoveled out the good topsoil

plugging it, What came up feltlike a miracle. Released from itsburden, a cleansing swell of coldMontana snowmelt geyseredto the surface....the duckweedflowed...over the dam in sheets.By afternoon, my pond wassparkling, and the wood ducks inthe sloughs of the river below mewere feasting.

She concludeswith FourSteps to a

BiomimeticFuture,namely

1. Quieting:Immerseourselves innature.

2. Listening:Interviewthe floraand faunaof our ownplanet.

3. Echoing:Encouragebiologistsandengineers to collaborate, usingnature as model and measure.

4. Stewarding: Preserve lifesdiversity and genius.

Today we can ask natureby visiting AskNature (www.asknature.org) , a project of TheBiomimicry Institute. As Benyrussays on the Website, AskNatureis your home habitatwhetheryoure a biologist who wantsto share what you know about

learned: What is appropriate.What lasts.

3. Nature as mentor. Biomimicryis a new way of viewing andvaluing nature. It introducesan era based not on whatwe can extractfrom thenatural world, but onwhat we can learn from it.(Emphasisin the original)

As Eco Home Network members,we already are aware that whilethis new science was innovativeand even controversial in 1997,twelve years of research andtechnology have passed sinceBiomimicrys publication.Benyus herself has been busyin the intervening years, to wit:Janine has received severalawards including the 2009Champion of the Earth award inScience & Innovation from theUnited Nations EnvironmentalProgramme, Rachel CarsonEnvironmental Ethics Award,Lud Browman Award for ScienceWriting, Science Writing in SocietyJournalism Award, Barrows and

Heinz Distinguished Lectureships,and has been honored as one ofTIME Internationals Heros of theEnvironment.

The following quote is fromthe Website of The BiomimicryInstitute (with Benyus as its co-founder and president), http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/.A FAQ explains how biomimicryresembles and how it differs frombionics, biomimetics, and bio-inspired engineering...

an amazing organism, or adesigner, architect, engineer,or chemist looking for planet-friendly solutions. AskNatureis where biology and designcross-pollinate, so bio-inspiredbreakthroughs can be born.

Biomimicry has matured tothe extent that engineers andscientists can now distinguish

betweenimitating,learning from

the processesof nature(biomimicry),and employingnaturalprocesses(such as usingbacteria toeat oil spills.An articlein the July,2009 issueof ScientificAmerican,for example,describes howthe antibiotics

and chemicalsproduced naturally by organismsin soil and extreme (300 metersdepth) marine environmentsare promising sources for newsolutions to the problem ofantibiotic-resistant bacteria andviruses (a.k.a. superbugs).

So do read the book forbackground, for history. Youmay smile at some anachronisticreferences, but dont let thosedeter you from the delights


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ECO-HOME BOOKSTOREA HOUSE OF STRAW: A Natural Building Odyssey, by Carolyn Roberts, Chelsea Green,

2002, $20.94

A PRIMER ON SUSTAINABLE BUILDING,by Barnett and Browning, Rocky Mtn. Institute,

1999, $19.82

ACHIEVING ECO-NOMIC SECURITY ON SPACESHIP EARTH, by Jim Bell, 1994, $17.54

ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE: A Year of Food Life,by Barbara Kingsolver, 2007,

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BUILDERS GREYWATER GUIDE: The Guide to Professional Installation of Greywater

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BRANCHED DRAIN GREYWATER SYSTEMS, by Art Ludwig, 2003, $18.60

EARTH USERS GUIDE TO PERMACULTURE, by Rosemary Morrow, 1999, $16.02

GAIA: A NEW LOOK AT LIFE ON EARTH, James Lovelock, 2000, $18.06

GAIAS GARDEN, A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture,by Toby Hemenway, 2001, $27.53

GAVIOTAS: A Village to Reinvent the World, by Alan Weisman, 1995, $25.60, hardcoverGOOD HOUSE, BAD HOUSE,by Matt Shipley, 2006, $18.05

HEALTHFUL HOUSES,How to Design and Build Your Own,by Clint Good, $13.14

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tion Guide, byJohn Bower, 2001, $24.38HOW TO GROW MORE VEGETABLES than you ever thought possible on less land than

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NATURAL PEST CONTROL; Alternatives to Chemicals for the Home & Garden, Revised

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PERELANDRA GARDEN WORKBOOK, ,2nd Edition,by M. Wright, 1993, $22.44

RAINWATER HARVESTING for Drylands,by Brad Lancaster, 2006, $24.95

REGENERATIVE DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, by John Tillman Lyle,

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SUSTAINABLE CITIES: Concepts and Strategies for Eco-City Development, Edited by

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THE ECOLOGY OF COMMERCE, A Declaration of Sustainability,by Paul Hawken, 1993,

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THE FUEL SAVERS, Solar Ideas for Your Home, Edited by Bruce N. Anderson, $6.32

THE HAND-SCULPTED HOUSE: A Practical & Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob

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ALCOHOL CAN BE A GAS! Fueling an

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BIOMIMICRY, Innovation Inspired by

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way. Nature will show us the wayto save ourselves and the entirefamily of life on earth if we willbe curious and conscientiousstudents.

Benyrus, herself, makes nograndiose claims, crowning herbrilliance with a most scientificand professional humility. Tome, though, she is a naturalwonder, leading the world towardsustainability by showing us, withchildlike delight, the treasuresher deep study and immenseknowledge have unearthed.

JSR

of Benyuss enthusiasm andlucid prose. Just go to theWorldWideWeb for updateson the promises she hadinvestigated a dozen years ago.Many of the areas of enquiryare still being researched.Check out the Wikipedia entryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_photosynthesis for a fewexamples.

Pam JonesAugust, 2009

Editors note: I want to expressmy gratitude to Pam for hermany, many articulate andinsightful book reviews whichhave appeared in the Eco-HomeNetwork Ecolution Bulletin for somany years. Ive always felt theyhave raised the over-all qualityof the publication and Ive beenproud to offer such quality to ourmembers.

It seems fitting that Pamsreview, in this, our last issue ofEcolution is of a book that,in my mind, epitomizes theparadigm shift that the Eco-HomeNetwork has been diligentlydemonstrating, promoting,supporting, and seeking, forover 20 years, as exemplified ingreen or sustainable design,building, planning and living.Seeing in nature a great universityof sustainability to be read andpracticed by humanity was a coreinsight and inspiration that ledme to forge a new/old way of lifeand ultimately create Eco-Homeas a place to demonstrate that


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Eclolution Eco Home Journal, Spring 2010

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