Mike Holmes, host of Holmes Inspection on HGTV, recently published some thoughts and questions on building a green home. When you buy a new house, before it’s built, you

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) has become popular for its insulation value and air barrier qualities. The plastic material comes in two basic types—[0.2-kg] 1/2-lb and

On July 19, 2011, the New York City Buildings Department launched the Sustainable Contractor Designation Program, a new initiative that identifies trade licensees who demonstrate knowledge in sustainable

Summary: Oak Ridge National Laboratory research shows that “perfectly installed” batts lose 11% of their labeled R-Value, and that “commonly installed” fiberglass batts lose 28% of their

One of the fairy tales of our time is the "R-value." The "R-value" is touted to the American consumer to the point where it has taken a "chiseled

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is better than any other type of insulation at reducing air leakage. With foamed-in-place insulation, it is relatively easy (though not inexpensive) to fill

A very insightful article recently published by Martin Holladay with the Green Building Advisor: Anyone involved with the Energy Star Homes program has probably heard of

Increasing builders are taking advantage of the emerging market force of the RESNET HERS Index. Over the past month builders in states ranging from Arkansas

Builders of energy-efficient homes are wise to promote and market the value of energy efficiency features to consumers, because, as energy