Green Building Product Discussions

Net Energy Optimizer (NEO) - A Commercial Energy Modeling Tool (Video)

LCA,Energy Modeling,Life Cycle Analysis,Net Energy Optimizer - NEO

by Rate It Green Team

The Net Energy Optimizer tool, or NEO, is a web-based energy modeling software tool, designed to provide customized building energy modeling for architects, engineers, product manufacturers, utilities and building owners.  N… more...

  Filed under: Software

"Perfect Wall" demonstration

by SawHorse, Inc.

Several years ago, when the term "perfect wall" was mentioned, I thought it meant a "plumb and square" wall.  Many of us green builders and architects throw around the term as if everyone understands it.  M… more...

  Filed under: Mineral Wool Insulation

Electric Vehicles need to be powered by Solar (not Coal) to be green

by SawHorse, Inc.

Electric Vehicles are NOT sustainable. The argument that Electric Vehicles are not sustainable is only partly true.   Depending on where you live, they can be powered by electricity created by fossil fuels.  How… more...

  Filed under: Solar Energy

rheia's Comfort by Design - Smaller, Energy and Labor Efficient Air Distribution Systems

Energy Efficiency,HVAC,Ventilation Systems,Ventilation,comfort,rheia

by Rate It Green Team

Now that we think about it, thanks to rheia, why is HVAC ductwork so big and bulky, and tangled?  We’ve made changes to electrical and plumbing systems, so why not HVAC ducts? Clearly, it’s time for something new.  How… more...

  Filed under: Ductwork

Mini Split Cold Weather Design Advice and Guidelines, with Mitsubishi

by Rate It Green Team

Your mini split might work better if you don’t bury it under the snow… In all seriousness, Shawn from Mitsubishi chats with Matt Hoots and gives some advice on optimal conditions for mini split compressors and equipment&n… more...

  Filed under: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Follow Along on the #GreenInfluencerATL Tour of Mitsubishi's Atlanta Headquarters with Corbett Lunsford

by Allison Friedman Rate It Green Admin

See Corbett Lunsford geek out during the #GreenInfluencerATL Mitsubishi tour, and you might be jealous. His first stop?  The 3D i-SEE sensor, an 8-element infrared-ray sensor “camera” which is part of their FH HV… more...

  Filed under: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Filtration and Airflow in Whole House HVAC Systems: Filter Cabinets and MERV Options

HVAC,Ventilation Systems,Ventilation,Filtration,AprilAire,Whole House Ventilation Systems,MERV

by Rate It Green Team

Filters remove dust and other particles, including biological contaminants, from the air.  This basic but important function plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality, and yet most of us are just starting to catch up wi… more...

  Filed under: Filtration

Reactive Sensors and Controls for Home Ventilation, Featuring Corbett Lunsford

HVAC,Ventilation,Sensors,Monitoring,Reactive Sensors

by Rate It Green Team

Matt Hoots is right that the age of reactive, or smart, sensors is really just about here.  We’re going to see a renovation revolution in terms of being able to monitor our air quality measures, comfort elements, and othe… more...

  Filed under: HVAC Instrumentation and Controls

Green Building Myth Busting: It IS Fun to Watch a Pot Boil, on an Induction Cooktop (Video)

Energy Efficiency,High Performance,Indoor Air Quality,IAQ,Induction,Induction Cooking,Induction Stoves,Kitchens,IEQ,Myth Busting

by Rate It Green Team

Have you wanted to see an induction stove at work?  Check out this Green Building Myth Busting video by Green Builder Matt Hoots and Lisa Connor, of Sub-Zero, Wolf Southeast, Inc. This video is like a brief, fun science cla… more...

  Filed under: Appliances

Green Building Myth Busting: Nope, You're Not Allergic to Wool (Video)

Green Building,Sustainability,Insulation,Green Myth Busting,Green Building Myth Busting,Wool,Wool Insulation,Allergies,Caragreen,Myth Busting

by Rate It Green Team

Matt Hoots is always ready to bust a myth.  Recently, he was talking with Daman Dillon and Kristine Hart of Caragreen Healthy Building Materials about Havelock loose fill wool insulation (100% wool and no synthetic mix - it&rsquo… more...

  Filed under: Insulation