Going Green During the Holidays

by Phillip Dockery
ASID Student Member, 3rd year Representative to the Board
Design Institute San Diego

In today’s eco-conscious society, many of us struggle with how to be good stewards to the planet while still maintaining our quality of life. This dilemma can be especially apparent during the holiday season. Let’s face it; many of our most cherished traditions can wreak havoc on the environment. A great example of this is the use of Christmas trees. Most San Diegans who take part in this tradition are familiar with two options: they can display an artificial tree that might be made of PVC, contain lead and be imported from China, or they can choose a live, fresh-cut tree that could be imported from Oregon and will decompose and produce off-gassing. Now I will confess that these are extreme worst case scenarios, and that each of these choices does have environmentally-conscious options, but I would like to take this opportunity to shine an Energy Star compact fluorescent light on the third, less-known option of live potted trees.

A live potted tree is exactly what it sounds like. It is a tree with a completely intact root system, allowing you to transplant the tree into the ground once the holiday has passed to be admired for generations to come. Not only would the tree add aesthetic value, but trees in general offer advantages such as producing oxygen, removing Carbon dioxide from the air, fighting soil erosion, and cooling by offering shade.

For those who live in an apartment or condo, please don’t be deterred. If you don’t have a place to plant your trees once the holidays are over, you still have options. Trees make a wonderful gift. You can give your tree to a friend, church, school or to one of our numerous parks located throughout the County. Christine McDonnell, owner of Adopt A Christmas Tree, says that for the price of the tree her company will not only have two singing elves deliver the tree, but will have it picked up after the Holiday and donated to a needy organization if you do not have means or want to plant it yourself.

Other great local businesses which offer living potted Christmas trees are the Family Christmas Tree Farm located in El Cajon, and Pine Tree Acres located in Ramona. Each of these three businesses offer a variety of native California species at a variety of sizes and prices, making it easy for you and your family to start a new holiday tradition that will add as much beauty to the world after the holidays as it did to your home during them.

Sustainable Fabrics

by Taylir Villanova, ASID Eco Committee Member 
Tatterdemalion, ASID Industry Partner

When I first heard of sustainable fabrics, I was flabbergasted. I had never thought of fabric as not being green. I thought that fabric was made from fibers, these fibers were natural and, therefore, the fabrics must be natural too.

Well, not quite. What I had failed to take into account was: a) How the fibers were grown, and: b) What processes the fibers went through to become a fabric -- two vital pieces of information.

When I started doing some research, I found that most “fabric” fibers are being grown on large industrialized fields where they use pesticides and chemicals to “treat” the plants. When harvested, the fibers go through even harsher chemical treatments in order to break them down to be processed and woven into fabric. I thought there must be a safer, less toxic way!

Hemp has been used for hundreds of years by people all over the world, including one of our founding fathers, George Washington, to make rope. Hemp is an amazing plant. It actually acts as a natural pesticide and doesn’t require any toxic chemicals to protect it from insects. It eliminates the need for harsh chemical toxins and pollutants. And not just for the hemp plant itself, but for any plants growing around it, including vegetables we eat. When compared to the same acreage of forest, hemp actually cleans the air 5% faster than trees. Hemp is one of the most durable fibers there is, making it one of the most durable fabrics available (an example of 100% hemp fabric is shown at right, and examples of fabric made from 60% hemp/40% silk charmeuse are shown above and below.)

Cotton, another fabric that people buy a lot of, is the most heavily sprayed field crop on the planet. Did you know that in California 1¼ lbs of agricultural chemicals is used to produce the conventionally-grown cotton in a single set of queen-size sheets? This can’t be healthy for us or the environment. Did you know that if you were to grow that same amount of cotton between rows of hemp, there would be no need for the pesticides?

It’s time to select our fabrics with our health and environment in mind.

For more information please check out our web-site http://www.tatterdemalioninc.com/, click on “Products and Services”, and then click on “Green Fabrics”. Or, if you would like to contact me directly, my name is Taylir Villanova and my phone number is 877.629.2299. I will be happy to help you with any green workroom concerns and any green fabric questions you have. Please note that we offer a full line of sustainable fabrics.

Your New Green Bathroom: The Glazing Contractor’s Contribution

by Mark Gauvin
Discount Glass and Mirror, ASID Industry Partner

The use of Tempered Safety Glass is fairly standard in showers and dividers in the bathroom. When ready to be disposed of at the end of its first life, this material is now being collected, exploded, and tumbled for use in countertop materials, fireplaces, and more.

Aluminum channels and hardware are easily recyclable, and in fact all “cut‐offs” collected during fabrication and installations are routinely picked up for recycling at glazing companies across the county. Even the  handsome solid brass hardware utilized on frameless‐style shower  enclosures is most welcome by our recyclers, as well as the stainless steel fasteners.

Some alternative materials used in countertops and upright panels, such as “3‐form” are composed of resins that can be re‐purposed by the manufacturer, as well as their glass components.

For more information on what can be accomplished to get you a greener bathroom, feel free to contact us directly.

Discount Glass and Mirror
858.549.2442
http://www.discountglassandmirror.com/

Home Automation Goes Green

by Dan Merrill, President
Suretechs, Inc.
ASID Industry Partner

Technology-savvy homeowners are beginning to see the benefits of using home automation to help save energy by shutting off unnecessary lighting loads, regulating HVAC systems in homes more effectively and automatically controlling solar gain by utilizing motorized blinds and draperies.

These systems can be programmed to shut lights off at certain times, shut off electrical components that aren’t being used, regulate temperatures throughout the house, open and close motorized shades and windows, and even cut power to electronics so they don’t use wasteful standby power (vampire loads).

Automated window shades can save up to 10 percent in energy costs. The automation can be based on time, via an astronomical clock, as well as the amount of light and heat in the room. So if it’s too hot in a room, the shades close, keeping a room cool in the summer months; conversely, the shades will open to warm the room with sunshine in the winter or illuminate it with natural light.

Lighting control can automate lights so they come on when you need them and go off when you don’t. Lights can be programmed to turn on and off at the appropriate time of day and year in order to reduce waste. A typical 3-bedroom home with a properly programmed lighting control system will eliminate over 850 pounds of CO2 emissions each year.

The system can be programmed to control the amount of wattage used by light bulbs, which not only saves electricity and reduces energy bills but extends the life of bulbs as well. For example, according to The Energy Conservation Enhancement Project at LSU, dimming your lights by just 10% will provide an energy savings of approximately 10%, and will extend bulb life 2x longer. However, dimming your lights by 75% provides a 60% energy savings, and bulbs last more than 20x as long.

Programmable occupancy sensors can trigger an “Energy Miser” scene which shuts off lights and reduces heating and air conditioning when family members leave the room. In addition, the scene shuts off electricity supply to the selected televisions, laser printers and personal computers to eliminate “vampire” energy loads.

Home automation used to be out of reach for the average homeowner, costing well in excess of $100,000 but recent advances in technology have driven the costs down considerably, averaging less than $25,000 in most cases. Custom programming also affects the overall budget so designers need to work with their electronics systems integrator to be very specific about the needs and wants of their clients to keep costs within their budget.

Dan Merrill is President of Suretechs, Inc., electronics systems designer and integrator of “Casa Futura”, Electronics House Magazine’s 2008 Green Home of the Year, Gold Level Winner. Suretechs is an ASID Industry Partner and a licensed electrical, low voltage and security contractor in California focusing on the custom home and commercial markets. Services include home automation, lighting control, structured wiring, security and CCTV surveillance systems, audio/video, home theater and surround sound systems. See more at http://www.suretechs.com/, or call 619-770-7175.

Window Film: Greening the Future

by Marcel Perry, ASID Industry Partner
SunPro Glass Tinting
Huper Optic Smart Window Films

Window film was introduced in America in the 1960s to reduce glare and heat transmission problems, particularly in high-rise office buildings. Fast-forward to today, and modern high-technology window film is making a major contribution on issues unique to the twenty-first century. These new window films significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a home or commercial building, and they provide healthy levels of natural day light.

In the 1960s window, film transformed glass into mirrors. The heavily metallic film literally reflected the sun’s rays away, but at a cost to the aesthetics of the building. This old style of mirror-like film would be less acceptable today, but it was the research and development into alternative technologies that created the additional major benefits that are gained from the latest window films.

Nano-Ceramic 30 window film before and after, controlling
 glare, heat and ultraviolet light.Today, window films are available that reduce transmitted glare and heat to acceptable levels, and yet have very high transmission properties for visible light. Film manufacturers are now using nano-ceramic technology (non-reflective films) to reject up to 98 percent of infrared heat and 99.9 percent of damaging ultraviolet light. Various types of window films can help in the design and compliance of LEED projects, providing 3 to 6 points in several categories: reducing heat, saving energy required to cool buildings, reducing glare to provide a comfortable work environment, and providing a high level of transmitted light to utilize natural daylight in the work place.

Window film also meets or exceeds federal tax credit regulation. Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code, homeowners can now receive a 30 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy-efficiency improvements," including solar control window film on windows, doors, and skylights. This tax credit applies to improvements made to a primary residence from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009. Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements, and are listed on http://www.energystar.gov/. Local gas and electric companies also provide rebates from $1.35 to $2.45 per square foot on electrical consumption of qualified window films used on commercial buildings.

Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, with energy-efficient
window film installed.To the designer, window film can enhance a project and control fading. Designers look at a project and incorporate not only the room but the view that can be seen from the picture window in that room. Ocean views, beautiful mountains, expansive valleys and even
beautiful blue sky can enhance the décor of a home or office. When the project is completed, most clients will just end up closing the window coverings to control heat, glare, or fading. A quality window film will control all three of these problems in one application and keep that perfect room just as the designer intended for their client.

Installing nano-ceramic high heat rejection film
with excellent visible light transference.

Film manufacturers are producing films today that can meet any application, need, or problem. Films are protecting the interior design and furniture components, providing green, energy-saving alternatives, and enhancing the view of the world outside. So maybe window film deserves another look when you’re designing that project that requires a little heat control, glare control, added natural light or to help green the earth a little. Every little bit helps to preserve this planet for our children.

For more information, please contact :
Marcel Perry
SunPro Glass Tinting
Huper Optic Smart Window Films
687 Second Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-753-6418
Fax : 760-753-1713
http://www.sunprotint.net/

The Power of LED Lighting

by Faye Fentin ASID, CID
Eco Committee Member, ASID San Diego

Thinking about specifying LED lighting as an energy-saving alternative for your next project? Let me tell you about my experience.

The project required a creative, yet efficient, lighting layout for a kitchen/family room remodel. Before writing the specifications for the room, I spoke with a lighting specialist, attended the ASID chapter meeting on Title 24 lighting and researched LED lighting on the internet. I felt it was my responsibility to educate my client on the power of LED and do my share to help the environment.

The project required a reconfiguration of the recessed can lights in the room. I informed the client in advance that I wanted to share this new energy-saving solution with them. At the meeting with the client, contractor and electrician, I brought a working sample and listed the many benefits of the light. I noted at the time that incandescent lights were about $75.00 per can and the LED would be about $125.00 per can. The client was excited and ready to proceed with LED.

The electrician submitted his bid and the cost was $2,500 more than the original bid. I immediately inquired about the difference and was told that the original bid was for florescent lighting, not incandescent, and that was why there was such a large difference in price. After in-depth research and a detailed breakdown of each line item, the cost differential was low enough for my client to proceed. The room now has plenty of light and the client may never have to change a light bulb again.

When selling LED, I would talk with the electrician before you meet with the client so you can clearly discuss the cost differences and benefits of the product. It is important that the electrician has all the necessary specifications to install the lights, and you should be aware that he might add costs simply because it is a new and unfamiliar product.

Important note: LEDs cannot be retrofitted into an old fixture. Also, the can lights have a smaller light spread, so the project will require more fixtures.

Benefits of LED:
• Long life span – lasts 50,000 hours / 20 years, leading to less landfill waste
• Consumes 85% less energy than incandescent
• Consumes 50% less energy than fluorescent
• Softly washes walls – no hot spots or glare
• Cool or warm color options available
• No UV rays – protects art and fine fabrics
• Bulb emits no heat or mercury
• Extremely compact and dimmable
• Annual electrical costs for an average kitchen with 6 can lights:
LED -$13.50 – Incandescent- $68.00

Since the invention of the light bulb, access to light has never been so efficient and eco-friendly. Start specifying LED – it will change our world.

CORK FLOORING: A Naturally Green Solution for Designer Floors

by David McCowan
ProSource Wholesale Flooring, ASID Industry Partner

Since the early 1900’s, cork has been used as a natural alternative flooring surface. Cork flooring is a healthy choice that will perform to the standards of today’s consumer for years and years.

Constructed of a renewable material, cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork tree. This is very environmentally friendly, as the bark will replenish itself time and time again.

Also, due to the repeated intervals during which a cork tree re-grows its bark, it will absorb 5 times as much carbon dioxide as a tree with a full growth of bark. And, cork flooring is made from the leftover material used in the wine bottle stopper industry, thereby keeping waste out of the landfill.

Today’s cork floors are very durable. They are sealed with 5 coats of UV cured acrylic finish.

A few more reasons that cork is a great choice for flooring:
Sustainability. Cork trees live for over 200 years and can be harvested every 9 to 11 years.

E-1 Manufacturing Standards. Most cork flooring is manufactured in Portugal where there are very strict laws regarding chemical content, work environment, and waste material. These floors pass rigorous environmental standards set by the European E-1, which is the equivalent to the United States EPA.

Comfortable and Resilient. Cork provides a cushion underfoot and bounces back from heel and furniture marks better that wood, carpet, and vinyl floors.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulator. Cork reduces impact noise and therefore is a great flooring choice for high-rise applications. Cork is also a very good insulator. It’s warmer in winter and cooler in summer than many other flooring products, thus reducing heating and air conditioning costs.

Anti-microbial and Insect Repellent. Suberin is an inherent substance in cork and is a natural insect repellent. The underside of the cork plank is treated with Microban to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

For more information or to see the full line of Natural Cork Flooring, please contact ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings or visit http://www.prosourcefloors.com/.

Recycled Glass Countertops

by Leslie Cohen, CKD, ASID
Leslie Cohen Design

Walk & Talk Green in Your Design Practice

Part Two

by Sharon Burns, ASID, CID
Art Consultants + Design

Here are the final five guidelines to put into your design practice:

6. Find green vendors. Find products and manufacturers that meet your green guidelines. Consider smaller firms and custom manufacturers who are traditional builders. Don’t forget to consider antiques and collectibles, as by using already-made items, you are recycling and eliminating a manufacturing process.

7. Start the process early. Attempt to be involved as early on in the project as possible so that you can broach the subject of sustainability at the onset, hopefully in the schematic design phase. Address the subject with the client, the architect, and the contractor.

8. A little education goes a long way. Green education can take many forms, from talking to clients about green solutions, to discussing green solutions with team members, to asking environmental consultants to conduct seminars with your contractors so that their tradespersons might learn new, healthier and better ways of doing things.

9. Build a network of collaborators. As you begin to work with an eye for sustainability, you will identify those architects, contractors, and others who are also interested in caring for the environment.

10. Share your solutions. Too often eco-friendly practices and information remain imbedded with individuals and offices rather than shared with peers and colleagues. Create an archive of green solutions that can be used intra- and inter-office, so that both interior designers and the profession can progress.

Walk & Talk Green in Your Design Practice

Part One

by Sharon Burns, ASID, CID
Art Consultants + Design

Here are five guidelines to put into your design practice:

1. Establish your principles. To what extent is your firm ready to go green? Does your commitment extend to the products you purchase, to the vendors you are willing to work with, to your own office environment and culture?

2. Develop an action plan. Once you have clarified your environmental principles, determine how you will embody them in your firm’s business practices. Make a list of the things you want to accomplish through the effort (i.e. reduce solid wastes, increase use of recycled materials, eliminate use of water-soluble toxins and contaminants).

3. Start with yourself. You have the power to change yourself; likewise, your firm’s eco-friendly practices can begin with you. Consider raising the topic of sustainability at an all-staff meeting or lunchtime forums; follow up with E-mails, verbal reminders, and even posters.

4. Examine your current office products and processes. Areas to consider: Cleaning supplies (biodegradable soaps and cleaners); office supplies (use copier and fax paper with a high recycled content); electrical (opt for Energy Star appliances and energy-saving light bulbs); and recycling (reuse packing and shipping materials).

5. Fix specification guidelines. During each project’s schematic design and research phases, begin exploring product options that will fulfill your sustainable criteria.
-What type of long-life, durable products and materials will work?
-Are there recyclable, reclaimed, or salvaged products available?
-Are there materials with low-embodied energy that are durable enough for use?
-What local materials can be used? (Regional materials require less energy and resources to transport to job sites.)


There will be five more guidelines presented next month…watch this space!

Designing with Plants for Cleaner Air

by Lexine Schroeder
Botanika Interior Plantscapes
ASID Industry Partner

We all know plants are a beautiful enhancement to any interior space, but many people don’t realize just how much healthier an indoor environment becomes for human beings once plants are installed.

Poor ventilation and off-gassing from synthetic construction materials, furnishings, and paints all contribute to stagnant and even toxic air quality in today’s tightly sealed buildings. But according to studies funded by NASA, indoor plants will actively filter out toxic gasses like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde while simultaneously producing fresh oxygen and sustaining healthier levels of humidity. The studies also reveal that indoor plants eliminate many airborne microbes and mold spores, thereby reducing allergic reactions and symptoms of “sick building syndrome” among employees.

In his book, How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office (Penguin, 1996), scientist B.C. Wolverton recommends that at least one plant be placed within 6 to 8 cubic feet of where any person spends several hours each day (such as at a desk, watching television, or sleeping.) His research indicates that the best results are achieved by combining several different types of plants so the widest possible range of harmful elements can be absorbed and broken down.

Of the 50 plants studied by Wolverton, the following were found to be the most effective at purifying the air:
· Areca palm
· Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
· Lady palm (Rhapis) -- Pictured above left· Bamboo palm
· Rubber plant -- Pictured below
· Dracaena “Janet Craig”
· English ivy
· Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
· Ficus (alii and weeping fig varieties) -- Pictured above right
· Ferns (Boston and Kimberly Queen varieties)
· Umbrella tree (Shefflera)
· King of Hearts (Homalomena)
· Lily turf (Liriope)

Designers can improve indoor air quality for their clients simply by specifying the installation of more indoor plants, and by specifying planters made of non-toxic materials such as ceramic and metal.

Further improvements can be gained by designing lighting schemes that sustain plant life (full-spectrum lights producing 100 foot-candles or more), or by utilizing window treatments that allow plenty of natural light to reach plants. Air flow within homes and buildings can also be enhanced with ceiling fans to make sure indoor plants can access, absorb, and break down as many toxins as possible

For more information on how plants help indoor air quality, please visit: Green Plants for Green Buildings

To read the NASA indoor plant studies, please visit:
NASA Indoor Plant Studies

Welcome

Welcome to ASID San Diego's new page for sustainable interior design. We hope this will become a valuable information and resource center for you.

If you have informtion to share and/or want to write an article for this page please contact us at ecoasidsd@gmail.com