December 19, 2005
Passive design: Harnessing sun's power saves money
In an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, retired builder Bob Stockdale says:
[it's] "a crime" that today's house designs don't incorporate passive-solar concepts as standard practice.
It's wasteful, too, according to Clay Sterling, education director at Midwest Renewable Energy Association in Custer.
"A home that's oriented to the south-southwest, with minimal windows on the northwest and east will consume 30% less energy than its neighbor next door," Sterling said. "There are people who do that and don't even know it. Just go down a street with run-of-the-mill ranch houses - big bay in front, small window to the backyard - on both sides. You'll find the energy bills of the houses facing south are much lower."
Posted by Ed Blume at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2005
Renewable energy features keep homes cozy
From an excellent story on renewables by Terri Dougherty in the Appleton
Post Crescent:
Bright, sunny days are Jane Haasch’s favorite winter weather, never mind that the temperature might dip below zero when high pressure chases clouds away.
With sunshine heating the solar panels on her roof and a fire warming the fieldstones on her masonry heater, Haasch feels cozy and comfortable inside her environmentally friendly home in rural Waupaca.
Posted by Ed Blume at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2005
"Futuristic" Center Taps Renewable Energy
The Stevens Point Journal reports on the grand opening of the Mead Wildlife Center. According to Center officials:
The building is the among the first of its kind not only in the state but America . . . to contain such renewable energy sources like wind power and solar panels. Reusable items also abound, even under foot: The tiles are made from crushed bottles.
Posted by Ed Blume at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)