update 2009.09.15
NEW 2009 Green Homes Tour info at www.Truthful-Living.com
update 10.28.08
Thanks so much for
your interest in the Takoma Green Homes Tour. We had many visitors to
all the homes throughout a gorgeous autumn day. We're already thinking
of ways to improve and expand the tour for future events.
As a followup to the tour, I wanted
to share a new resource guide and map with you, so you can connect with
local businesses who can help you green your own home.
Thanks again for your interest.
Together we can reduce the carbon footprint of our homes and yards and
help create a clean energy future!
Green Home Businesses Resource Guide - click here for the Google Map link (updated periodically)
Click here for a PDF version - (updated less frequently)
Green Home Businesses Resource Guide - click here for the Google Map link (updated periodically)
Click here for a PDF version - (updated less frequently)
update 10.1.08 The Takoma Park Green Building Group is sponsoring a "Green Homes Tour"
Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 11am - 5pm**
**A couple homes are open 10am - 2pm; see guide for details.
The Green Homes Tour guide and map are ready!
Use the "Contact Green Tour" link to request your guide.
And two other events: same green time, same green place...
Old Town Farmers Market (Sun 10am – 2pm) - http://www.takomaparkmarket.com/
Takoma Street Festival (Sun 10am - 5pm) - http://www.takomafestival.com/
The guide contains listings of over 15 homes in or near Takoma Park with a focus on energy efficiency as a theme. You'll find lots of other features as well, including a demonstration energy audit (see below for a full list). We made this tour very compact so it'll be easy to walk or bike to many of the sites. There is no fee to attend though please consider making a donation of any amount at any of the houses you visit to help cover expenses and support future tours.
The Green Homes Tour is a subtour of the DC Solar Homes Tour. If you want to see even more homes with a focus on solar features, and some that are open on Saturday the 4th, visit www.solartour.org. The Solar Tour is open Sat and Sun, Oct 4 and 5 and features over 50 homes in the Greater DC area.
THIS IS A PREVIEW MAP
THIS IS A PREVIEW MAP
Come explore a wide range of energy saving and green construction in Takoma Park homes -- from small-scale energy efficiency retrofits, to green additions to new construction. Also see gardens with bio-retention systems, rain gardens, wildlife habitats and native plants. The focus of the tour is to demonstrate changes everyone can make in their homes and yards, especially as it relates to saving energy.
Some examples of features that will be highlighted: (with energy efficiency as the theme)
- demonstration energy audit (with blower door test)
- insulation (various types and places)
- air seal up (fixing drafts and leaks)
- efficient appliances
- efficient heating/cooling systems
- efficient lighting
- efficient windows
- historic district solutions (re: windows, radiators, etc)
- solar: hotwater/photvoltaics/passive design
- alternative energy for heating, etc - biodiesel, corn, other?
- alternative designs (small, efficient, strawbale, SIPs)
- green materials (FSC, sustainable, recycled, salvage, non-toxic)
- green roofs
- native landscaping
- well-behaved, sustainable plants
- rain barrels/gardens
- permeable driveways
- wildlife habitat
- and more...
thank you!
satjiwan, bill, barbara
Use the "Contact Green Tour" link to request your guide!
PS. We're building a directory of green homes in the DC area. If you would like to be included in the directory (and possibly considered for future tours), please
contact green tour. Include contact information and a short description of the location and green features of your home (in progress projects welcome).
PPS. Before "going solar" be sure to check out these energy efficiency resources first. You'll get a bigger bang for your buck and then maybe be able to add (a smaller) solar system on top of it.
(Just a few of some) OTHER LOCAL GREEN HOME RESOURCES:
The Takoma Park Green Building Group sponsored a presentation on home energy audits and an in-person demonstration energy audit with blower door test.
Energy costs are skyrocketing. The climate is under serious threat.
What can you do now to reduce your costs and your carbon footprint?
Find the most cost-effective energy-efficiency improvements you can make, often paying for themselves in 5-10 years. Learn to detect air leaks, where insulation is missing, and other sources of energy loss. (Or consider hiring a professional to do it for you.)
Energy Audit Programs:
See Sat Jiwan's article in Takoma/Silver Spring Voice, on page 22 and 23 of the March 08 issue:
There are other programs, too. To find more, do an internet search for: home energy audit or home energy inspection.
Solar (and other) Resources:
Maryland, DC, Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association - (lists local member contractors and info on local incentives):
http://www.mdv-seia.org/
DSIRE: Best site for regularly updated info of regional, state and federal renewable and efficiency incentives:
http://www.dsireusa.org/