News
Green Building & Eco Friendly News
We are excited to share green building industry developments, news about our Member Companies, and of course current Rate It Green information. Please feel welcome to submit interesting news you have found. Note that Rate It Green does include news announcements as a part of some sponsorship offerings.
You can also learn more by following Rate It Green on social media. We greatly appreciate your likes, follows, and general votes of support.
A Green Building Product Tipping Point?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
As spring approaches in many parts of the world, it might be a good time to allow ourselves some healthy optimism. To watch those flower buds poke out and have some real hope for change and improvement. Let’s face it that we’re too often reporting pessimistic news when we discuss the need to build and renovate healthier and more sustainable buildings, and to achieve that as of “yesterday,” in order to meet critical climate goals and ensure a better, more … Show more
The Future of Natural Gas Cooking (Are "They" Coming to Take Your Stove Away?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
The other day, a family member cheerfully said in passing, "Hey you were right about natural gas cooking. It’s apparently terrible!” The recent reporting in the mainstream press wasn’t a surprise to those who have read about the risks associated with fossil fuel combustion inside buildings.
What was surprising once again is that something that seemed well known and widely reported within the building science and public health community is a sur… Show more
The Forgotten Side of Buildings
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
How much have most of us thought about the foundation of our homes, or any building? The answer is in large part, “not enough,” even for many building professionals.
We often think that what we can’t see or somehow perceive doesn’t really matter and can’t likely affect us, but that perspective undermines our comfort, health and safety, energy consumption and emissions, and our energy bills as well.
Most buildings are built to “… Show more
Don't be Afraid to Ask... Or Answer!
Members and Friends -
Every October, we tend to have little fun around here thinking of all things spooky. Thanks for everyone who responded to our call for scary stories last Halloween season! You can of course still read and learn about how one family is working to address radon challenges, or how a $20 timer stopped the energy waste generated by a commercial kitchen fan employees regularly forgot to turn off. We’ve also got a real ghost story (or do we?), and Green Builder Matt Ho… Show more
What Will (Finally) Move the Green Building Needle? Your Opinion Matters, and It's Needed.
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
We want your opinions! Ok, I am of course always encouraging sharing your green building expertise, experiences, and questions, as we all work toward a time when all buildings are healthier and more sustainable! Here's this month's news, but first a preview. We have TWO questions for you, and we're hoping for you to send information back however it works best for you. Make a video, write something, or jist post and we will help you curate/classify the content. I lo… Show more
Green Building Certifications, and the Residential Green Building Market - Where are We Now?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
When Grace Morrison set out to write an Introduction to Residential Green Building Certifications, she wanted to do more than describe existing programs at a high level, but also work to share a window as to how people are making decisions about “going green” and how one might approach this topic as a new homeowner or someone looking to undertake a project, or even as a professional looking to learn more. The idea was to help interested people find at least bridges to solutions… Show more
Your Opinion is Priceless
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
I've been asked quite a few times how I define green building because, well green building seems to include everything but the kitchen sink. Oh wait, it does include the kitchen sink! I agree that the umbrella is a wide one, but with good reason. We need to think carefully about all of the materials and actions that go into a building and that impact the surrounding environment and community, from when and where we first mine resources to thinking about design and longevity, and picking and orien… Show more
Are You a Green Influencer? (You just might be!, even if you don't know it yet!)
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Are you a Green Influencer? (And what do we mean by that?) The good news is that you just might be, whether you know it yet or not. This question isn't meant to make you self analyze or worry, but to get excited and feel inspired. In our last news, we explored what community learning and sharing might ideally look like, and we shared some fun and different examples (including David Bearg's house!). Well, this month we've got a great new&nbs… Show more
School Air Quality and Sustainability Fellowship Opportunity, The Center for Green Schools, Apply by July 18
K-12 school professionals pushing for sustainability in schools, this program is your chance! The Center for Green Schools is accepting applications through Monday, July 18 for fellowships for School Air Quality and Leaders in Sustainability. Those chosen for the fellowship will gain access to networking opportunities, professional development and leadership training, and professional learning events to provide these advocates for environmental health with the resources to create change.
Children spend so much time in schools, but the actu… Show more
NRDC Petition: "Stop the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Cynical Exploitation of War in Ukraine to Expand Oil and Gas Drilling"
At Rate It Green, we agree that the unjustifiable and tragic war in Ukraine can not ethically or environmentally logically be used as an excuse to argue for more fossil fuel exploration and exploitation. Instead, we should of course be taking the opposite actions, to reduce our dependence on these fossil fuels which are a significant part of the tensions that lead to hostilities.
Why would we make backwards decisions that are bad for our health, the environment, and that threaten our best opportunities for&nb… Show more
School Air Quality and Sustainability Fellowship Opportunity, The Center for Green Schools, Apply by July 18
K-12 school professionals pushing for sustainability in schools, this program is your chance! The Center for Green Schools is accepting applications through Monday, July 18 for fellowships for School Air Quality and Leaders in Sustainability. Those chosen for the fellowship will gain access to networking opportunities, professional development and leadership training, and professional learning events to provide these advocates for environmental health with the resources to create change.
Children spend so much time in schools, but the actu… Show more
NRDC Petition: "Stop the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Cynical Exploitation of War in Ukraine to Expand Oil and Gas Drilling"
At Rate It Green, we agree that the unjustifiable and tragic war in Ukraine can not ethically or environmentally logically be used as an excuse to argue for more fossil fuel exploration and exploitation. Instead, we should of course be taking the opposite actions, to reduce our dependence on these fossil fuels which are a significant part of the tensions that lead to hostilities.
Why would we make backwards decisions that are bad for our health, the environment, and that threaten our best opportunities for&nb… Show more
For Sale: Healthy, Energy Efficient Micro-Farm in Concord, Massachusetts
After 45 years of careful renovation and maintenance, Rate It Green Member David Bearg, P.E. is looking to entrust his amazing healthy and sustainable home to the right new owners.
David and his family have grown the original small cottage on the property into a thriving mico-farm with a heat-storing greenhouse, a vegetable garden, raised bed gardens, a green, energy efficient house, and outbuildings that all take advantage of passive solar architecture.
Click to learn more about David's hom… Show more
ZeroEnergy Design Featured in Ocean Home Magazine
Congratulations to Rate It Green Member ZeroEnergy Design for the firm's recent feature in Ocean Home Magazine!
The magazine profiled Mt. Hope Modern, ZED’s green coastal 4,700 SF modern home in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
The piece includes interviews with owners Kerry Tyson and Zack King, who discovered the home while it was still under construction. The couple was particularly excited about the modern, energy efficient design as well as the stunning views of Mount Hope Bay.
Visit Ocean Home Magazine to re… Show more
10 New and Exciting Green Building Jobs Posted!
Are you looking for a new job centered around sustainability? Look no further — these 10 jobs are suitable for individuals with some experience in green building. For more environmental-related job postings, visit http://www.greenjobs.net.
California
Clean Power Alliance
Electrification Program Manager
https://cleanpoweralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Electrification-Program-Manager_Paychex-Version.pdf
Massachusetts
Solect Energy
Multiple Positions
https://solect.com/company/careers/
… Show more
Low Carbon Multifamily Retrofit Playbooks - Available Online for Free!
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Steven Winter Associates and the Building Enegy Exchange (BEEx) have published a series of five free low carbon multifamily retrofit playbooks.
The playbooks are organized by common building types: Pre-War 4-7 stories, Post-War 1-7 stories, Post-War 8+ stories, Post-1980 8+ stories, and Garden Style 1-3 stories, and include retrofit strategies to maximize comfort while saving energy by transitioning to electric-based HVAC and hot water heati… Show more
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta - 2021 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund - Apply by June 4!
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta - 2021 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund - Apply by Friday June 4!
Do you work for a financial institution or a community housing partner? Is your company located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, or the District of Columbia?
Are you looking for a way to widen your customer base, offer community-oriented lending, and/or facilitate residential development?
Are you seeking to fund the construction, rehabilitation, or financing of housing for low… Show more
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab - 6th Annual Healthier Design Innovation Contest! Submission Deadline: Monday May 17!
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab - 6th Annual Healthier Design Innovation Contest - Apply by Monday May 17th!
Does your work exemplify healthy materials innovation and advocacy in design?
Are you a design activist creating innovative design while promoting equity? Are you using healthy materials and addressing climate change? Parsons Healthy Materials Lab is hosting the 6th annual Role Models Contest to award design innovations for material use that have no negative impact on the planet.
Win $1,000 , and socia… Show more
ZeroEnergy Design Featured in Boston Magazine's Spring Edition
Congratulations to Rate It Green Member Company ZeroEnergy Design for their feature in Boston Home's spring issue! The magazine profiles fhe firm's Hingham, Massachusetts "eco-oasis" in a piece called, "Everything you Need to Know to Design a Greener Home."
The 4.200 square foot home, designed by ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz and John Mucciarone, features continuous insulation, triple pane windows, air-source heat pumps, and a 36-panel solar electric system, all contributing to net zero energy per… Show more
Global GreenTag Awards Mainland China Sales Agency to CBME to Provide Green Building Product Certifications for Export
The National Building Materials Exhibition and Trade Centre (CBME), the largest agency representing more than 30,000 building materials manufacturers in Mainland China, has signed an exclusive Agency Agreement with Rate It Green Member Global GreenTag International, the Australian based global product certification label to certify and declare healthy, sustainable and ethical building products produced in Mainland China for export to the world.
Last week, a team from Global GreenTag International in Brisbane Australia came together online wi… Show more
A Green Building Product Tipping Point?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
As spring approaches in many parts of the world, it might be a good time to allow ourselves some healthy optimism. To watch those flower buds poke out and have some real hope for change and improvement. Let’s face it that we’re too often reporting pessimistic news when we discuss the need to build and renovate healthier and more sustainable buildings, and to achieve that as of “yesterday,” in order to meet critical climate goals and ensure a better, more … Show more
The Future of Natural Gas Cooking (Are "They" Coming to Take Your Stove Away?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
The other day, a family member cheerfully said in passing, "Hey you were right about natural gas cooking. It’s apparently terrible!” The recent reporting in the mainstream press wasn’t a surprise to those who have read about the risks associated with fossil fuel combustion inside buildings.
What was surprising once again is that something that seemed well known and widely reported within the building science and public health community is a sur… Show more
The Forgotten Side of Buildings
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
How much have most of us thought about the foundation of our homes, or any building? The answer is in large part, “not enough,” even for many building professionals.
We often think that what we can’t see or somehow perceive doesn’t really matter and can’t likely affect us, but that perspective undermines our comfort, health and safety, energy consumption and emissions, and our energy bills as well.
Most buildings are built to “… Show more
Don't be Afraid to Ask... Or Answer!
Members and Friends -
Every October, we tend to have little fun around here thinking of all things spooky. Thanks for everyone who responded to our call for scary stories last Halloween season! You can of course still read and learn about how one family is working to address radon challenges, or how a $20 timer stopped the energy waste generated by a commercial kitchen fan employees regularly forgot to turn off. We’ve also got a real ghost story (or do we?), and Green Builder Matt Ho… Show more
What Will (Finally) Move the Green Building Needle? Your Opinion Matters, and It's Needed.
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
We want your opinions! Ok, I am of course always encouraging sharing your green building expertise, experiences, and questions, as we all work toward a time when all buildings are healthier and more sustainable! Here's this month's news, but first a preview. We have TWO questions for you, and we're hoping for you to send information back however it works best for you. Make a video, write something, or jist post and we will help you curate/classify the content. I lo… Show more
Green Building Certifications, and the Residential Green Building Market - Where are We Now?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
When Grace Morrison set out to write an Introduction to Residential Green Building Certifications, she wanted to do more than describe existing programs at a high level, but also work to share a window as to how people are making decisions about “going green” and how one might approach this topic as a new homeowner or someone looking to undertake a project, or even as a professional looking to learn more. The idea was to help interested people find at least bridges to solutions… Show more
Your Opinion is Priceless
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
I've been asked quite a few times how I define green building because, well green building seems to include everything but the kitchen sink. Oh wait, it does include the kitchen sink! I agree that the umbrella is a wide one, but with good reason. We need to think carefully about all of the materials and actions that go into a building and that impact the surrounding environment and community, from when and where we first mine resources to thinking about design and longevity, and picking and orien… Show more
Are You a Green Influencer? (You just might be!, even if you don't know it yet!)
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Are you a Green Influencer? (And what do we mean by that?) The good news is that you just might be, whether you know it yet or not. This question isn't meant to make you self analyze or worry, but to get excited and feel inspired. In our last news, we explored what community learning and sharing might ideally look like, and we shared some fun and different examples (including David Bearg's house!). Well, this month we've got a great new&nbs… Show more
What Does Community Learning and Sharing Look Like? (This!)
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
What does community learning and sharing look like? Ideally, our community looks like as many colleagues, friends, and visitors as possible all communicating robustly and leaving each visit or communication thinking they’re better for the experience. Our code and our web pages aren’t our community. You are. Your profiles where you share about yourselves, your words in a discussion or article, a video you might make, heck your suggestions… Show more
Celebrating the Leading Edge
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Some recent events and news have made it tougher to leap into spring with a bounce for many of us. It’s impossible to ignore an unfathomable war, prices are increasing and supply chains are lengthening, COVID is confusing and stressful and has uneven impacts, and the IPCC keeps trying to convince those who deny climate change that it’s real and actually very scary. The IPCC is also asking the rest of us to act faster, and sometimes it seems we can’t b… Show more