What: Tour the LEED Gold certified New Fire Station at 121 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk
When: April 9, 2015 @ 5 pm
Presented by: The Connecticut Green Building Council, The B.E.S.T. Program at Norwalk Community College and the Mayor's Office Energy and Environment Task Force
Presentation of project:
David Pacheco, Principal, Pacheco Ross Architects, Voorheesville, NY
Peter Etzel, V.P. of Operations, Newfield Construction, Hartford, CT
Who: People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE)
What: The 2700 square foot passive solar house includes a 5.5 kW solar electric system, solar hot water panels and tank, radiant floor heating and hydronic baseboards, a stunning Tulikivi masonry stove and energy recovery ventilator, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances with condensing clothes dryer, Mitsubishi air to air heat pumps and triple pane windows.
Great care was taken in the construction using prefabricated wall panels, double stud wall construction, insulated concrete form foundation, salvaged stone for outside walls, concrete floors with acid-free eco-stain and water-based sealer, and natural materials are used throughout the house.
When: July 12th, any time between 12 noon and 3pm
Where: Sandisfield, MA
For tour information, call 860 693 4813
For tickets ($15), call 860 623 5487
After the tour visitors are invited to swim in a nearby freshwater lake or bring their canoe or kayak to another uninhabited beautiful lake and/or take a guided hike to a secret small uninhabited lake.
At 7 PM that evening the Sandisfield Arts Center will be the site of a gourmet dinner including wine and prepared by a well-known chef. It will be followed by a concert showcasing magnificent music and professional voices singing arias, duets and trios from well-known operas.
Non-refundable tickets and maps for the tour and outdoor activities can be purchased by going online to www.pace-cleanenergy.org and click on Events. Tour tickets may also be ordered by sending $15 per person to PACE, Donna Grant, 128 Melrose Rd., Broad Brook, Connecticut, 06016 or email:[email protected]. Information should include the ticketholder's phone number, address, and email address.
To order $25 tickets for the gourmet dinner and live concert at the charming nearby Sandisfield Arts Center go online to www.sandisfieldartscenter.org
Who: Wolfworks Inc.
What: What's it like to live in a home that produces more energy than it uses? After a year living in the first certified Passive House in CT the Honig family in Harwinton is inviting you to come see their home and hear what its like to live there. Their home won the 2013 CT Net Zero Challenge and was described by Enoch Lenge of the CT Energy Efficiency Fund as, "the most efficient and highest performing house we've ever seen." While the energy savings are remarkable, this home is bright, open, and exc
eptionally comfortable without relying on complicated equipment, though it does make smart use of technology.
When: Saturday, October 5th. 10 AM - 2 PM
Where: Town Line Rd. New Hartford, CT.
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS TO TOWN LINE ROAD IN NEW HARTFORD
(GPS systems go to the wrong place if you use the actual address!)
by Jennifer Gonzalez
Until recently, it has been difficult for to locate green homes for sale. For years, there have been buyers’ agents, sellers’ agents and commercial and rental real estate specialists, but none with specific expertise in locating, comparing and purchasing "green" properties. But that has changed. Certified EcoBroker® and the National Association of Realtors® Green designee are realtors who are certified through specialized training in green building practices and green property features. They also follow trends in green and maintain their designation via annual continuing education programs.
Knowledgeable about installing, purchasing and financing a wide range of “Eco-Friendly” technologies for new and existing properties, they assist buyers in finding a “green” home. Green homes produce less of a carbon foot print, save natural resources, have lower utility bills, and are healthier for owners and the community. Examples of Eco-Friendly technologies are: energy efficient appliances, tight insulation, low-E windows, low flow faucets/toilets, solar energy and geothermal heating and cooling. This new breed of realtor knows what to look for in a property and assists demanding buyers in finding what best suits their green needs and budget.
They also consult eco-conscious consumers existing properties “greener,” using green financing, if required. For sellers of green properties, these specialized realtors offer green marketing best practices that produce significant results in a challenging market.
What is a green property? Very simply, a green property conserves natural resources and creates less waste. These types of structures are also healthier for people living and working inside because they include low or no toxic paints, stains, finishes, cabinets, flooring, etc.
Buying a property to be retrofitted is an option to consider. Foreclosures and short sales make ideal green projects. Consider a 203k or Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM) to finance your green retrofit. Greening properties can make a lasting impact on the environment and bring positive change to our communities.
According to LEED, 25% of new home construction is Green. In Connecticut today, there are over 100 green single family properties available and the number is growing.
Green real estate provides a higher standard of living that is affordable and can even save money in the long run.
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Jennifer Gonzales works extensively with buyers and sellers to build healthier and more sustainable communities, one property at a time. From strategic property marketing to green financing with EEMs and EIMs to closing on a home with life-long energy savings built-in and more. For more information please visit www.greenctrealestate.com.
By Jennifer Gonzalez, with contributions from Sue Greeno and Joanne Johansen
Jenn Gonzalez is an EcoBroker Certified® Realtor who has been working with buyers and sellers and investing in Connecticut real estate for over nine years. Sue Greeno and Joanne Johansen are mortgage lenders with expertise in Green Mortgages.
Although first introduced by the U.S. Government in the early 1980’s, Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs), and Energy Improvement Mortgages (EIMs) are finding a new popularity among home owners and home buyers alike. These “Green Mortgages” can be highly beneficial to both buyers and sellers, but can also seem more confusing than they actually are. Here are the basics that every real estate consumer should know about EEMs and EIMs before they buy or sell their next home:
Who is right for an EEM/EIM?
1) Any home buyer who wants to purchase a new energy efficient home AND wants to qualify for more “home” should consider an EEM.
2) Any existing home buyer who wants to qualify for increased financing to make energy improvements when purchasing should consider an EIM.
3) Any existing home owner who wants to enjoy utility cost savings, make energy efficient improvements and needs to finance these improvements should consider an EIM.
What Exactly is an EEM/EIM?
These “green mortgages” are specifically geared towards consumers who are highly conscious of their environment and the effect of energy usage on that environment and their surrounding community. The EEM credits a home’s energy efficiency in the mortgage itself. These mortgages reward consumers with:
1) Allowing borrowers to afford an energy efficient new home. The increased affordability is due to estimated energy savings.
2) Less upfront cost to buyer for same level of home value.
3) Allowing home owners to finance cost-effective energy improvements and energy savings that will positively impact the environment
4) An improved standard of living
5) An increased resale value due to efficiency rating
6) Less pollution in the community
Where/How Do I Apply for an EEM or EIM?
An EcoBroker can refer you to a Mortgage Lender who specializes in Green Mortgages and will help you with the EEM/EIM process. If you are pursuing a home-improvement EIM, ask your lender specifically about financing your improvement(s) via an Energy Improvement Mortgage. If your lender does not have an EIM program, again, contact your nearest EcoBroker. Your EcoBroker can schedule any necessary inspections and immediately refer you to the nearest mortgage lender who is knowledgeable about Energy Efficient Mortgages, to get you started.
Continue reading "Green Mortgages: The Who, What, Where, When and Why" »
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