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BUILD GREEN
Escalera Ranch encourages the minimum usage of all nonrenewable resources while encouraging the adoption of new technologies, which utilize renewable resources and energies.
This page provides up-to-date information on the "GREEN" Building industry and the technologies that enable it.
Good planning is essential to minimizing energy usage and the waste of natural resources. Escalera Ranch owners planning to build a new home or modify an existing one are highly encouraged to review this page and research Green Building & Renewable Resource Solutions
EDUCATION
Explore the world of Solar, this spring, with a variety of informal classes offered at the University of Texas. These classes can open the world of Solar by providing hands-on experience and technical information important to homeowners and career seekers. Courses include focus on areas of Solar Energy, Green Home Projects and Sustainable Landscaping.
UT - Spring 2010, Informal Course Catalog:
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SOURCEBOOK
Austin Energy Green Building's™ Sourcebook contains information relevant to the Austin area, such as regulatory issues, climate, installation guidelines, and sources of assistance. It also provides pertinent information on various aspects of sustainable building strategies and possible implementation issues that may be found in less familiar approaches to building. The Sourcebook is designed to educate and inform all readers, but is directed specifically to those with knowledge of the building trades and terminology and to motivated laypersons.
LEED
LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types – commercial as well as residential. It works throughout the building lifecycle – design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant fitout, and significant retrofit. And LEED for Neighborhood Development extends the benefits of LEED beyond the building footprint into the neighborhood it serves.
RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
Net Metering
Net metering is a special metering and billing agreement between utilities and their customers, which facilitates the connection of small, renewable energy-generating systems to the power grid. When a net metering customer’s renewable generator is producing more power than is being consumed, the electric meter runs backward generating credits. When a net metering customer uses more power than is being produced, the meter runs forward normally. Net metering customers are charged only for the “net” power that they consume from the electricity service provider that has accumulated over a designated period or, if their renewable energy-generating systems make more electricity than is consumed, they may be credited or paid for the excess electricity contributed to the grid over that same period.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments - You can easily conduct a do-it-yourself home energy assessment. With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. ( DIY Assessment)
Passive Solar COOLING
A good video by "Zero Energy Design" of techniques used to build a cooler home.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. CFL Purchasing Guide)
 MyUse allows PEC members to closely monitor their use and monthly costs, conserve electricity and natural resources, and recognize and change costly habits. ( sample report) ( link to MyUse)
Pedernales Home Energy Center
Create a Profile by answering questions about your home. When finished this program will analyze your home profile and give you energy-saving ideas.
WATER CONSERVATION
 Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Botanic Garden produced this 9-minute on-line video, “Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In,” that highlights green techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels to help manage stormwater runoff.
REBATES, TAX CREDITS
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Metal Roofing Tax Credit
Homeowners installing qualified metal roofs in 2009 and 2010 may be eligible for a tax credit worth up to 30% of the materials cost (materials only) up to $1,500 per home. ( Which Metal Roof Qualify?)
Tax Credits for Energy
If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. This link provides an overview of the federal tax credits for energy efficiency. ( Tax Credits)
Energy-Efficient Mortgages and Financing
Link to Web sites that offer information on energy-efficient financing programs, including mortgages, home improvement loans, refinancing, and home energy ratings. ( Finanacing)
Federal Tax Form for Residential Energy Credits
For products "placed in service" in 2009, you need to file the 2009 IRS Form 5695 and submit it with your 2009 taxes (by April 15, 2010).
For products "placed in service" in 2010, you would take the tax credit on your 2010 income taxes.
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Committee
