Building A Green Community

Why is Real Estate a green issue?

Did you know?

Homes are responsible for 21 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. That, plus rising energy costs and the California Public Utilities Commission mandating that new housting developments are “zero net energy” by 2020, has caused consumers, home builders, homeowners, REALTORS®, local governments and schools to focus on the energy-efficiency of homes and buildings.

That’s why Real Estate is a green issue.

As we seek ways to reduce the energy costs of homes, more emphasis will be placed on eco-friendly designs and cost-savings. If you are a homeowner, there are steps – most relatively easy – that you can take to make your home more energy-efficient; if you are a future home buyer, there are features and “green ratings and credentials” that you should look for in your future home. From CAR.org

“If you are a REALTOR you should be the delivery system for this message.” – Terrylynn Fisher

Why CCAR?

REALTORS are the perfect partner in the sustainable “green” movement with the ability to influence home sellers and buyers on a daily basis in the course of listing and selling homes. CCAR believes that building a green community begins at home. Our building at 1870 Olympic Boulevard was purchased and remodeled, receiving the Silver LEED Rating and is in the process f becoming a Certified Green Business by the Bay Area Green Business Program. “Each REALTOR has a reach of 1,000 people.” – Bielle Moore

Contra Costa Water District Rebate up to $500 - limited quantity!

From Contra Costa Water District:

“Would you like to have a beautiful landscape, save water, reduce maintenance, and have help paying for it? If so, Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) has great news! A Pilot Water-Efficient Landscape Rebate Program has been initiated to provide a financial incentive to customers interested in making the switch from an endlessly thirsty front lawn to a low water use, delightfully eye-catching landscape.

If qualified, CCWD will rebate up to $500 at fifty cents ($0.50) per square foot of lawn removed and replaced with water-efficient landscaping.

Funding for this new program is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is for new projects only and is not retroactive. For more information, visit www.ccwater.com/conserve or call our Water Conservation Department at (925) 688-8320.”

GreenFEST 2011 Sponsors!

Don’t forget, GreenFEST is tomorrow, September 15, 2011 from 4-8pm at Todos Santos Plaza!
Click here for a map

Booth 16, Mary Kay Cosmetics

Mary Kay has been green since before the word came into vogue… quality products for health and beauty and green packaging.

Booth 38, Solar Universe Diablo Valley

Local solar company that does home visits, installation and education about solar options for your home or office.

Booth 40, Concord Disposal

THE county Recycling company. Concord Disposal has been involved in community efforts to educate and leads by example. Concord Disposal has educational events at schools and public events throughout the year.

Booth 22, Green Check Collective

Energy audits and building performance institute experts give you information and consultations about improving your energy score.

Car Area, No Trace Shredding

Environmentally sustainable, secure shedding services, bring your paper and documents – for security and peace of mind.

Booth 19, Dunn Edwards Paint

Greener by Design – No VOC and low VOC paints and products to make your home look great, updated and beautiful and limit your exposure to harmful chemicals.

Booth 39, Food Service Technology

Restaurant consultants who educate and provide mentoring for local restaurants, students and others who want to save money and improve their purchasing options and operating practices to be sustainable.

Booth 20, Real Goods Solar/Solar Living Institute

Not just a full service solar company, they design and install and have a non-profit entity that provides services to the community.

Booth 23, The Gardens at Heather Farm

Our local 6 acre garden designed for beauty and sustainability… the venue utilizes their gardens for demonstration and education and provides the community with sustainable gardening and stewardship practices. Classes year-round.

Car area, Diablo Solar Services/Sun Power

Sun Power is one of the largest solar companies in the country and is bringing their demo van – photovoltaic panels, gas alternative pool heating options, to this event. Come touch and feel SOLAR; it may be more affordable than you think.

Booth 11, CC Mosquito Abatement

Public Health Agency provides inspections and advice on preventing insects and animals that can make you sick. Their tips and advice keep rodents and insects at bay. Come with your questions.

Sonoma Bank Area, Blue Star EWaste

FREE EWaste pick up RUCK for all of your ewaste, computers, printers, tvs, monitors, phones and more. They will also provide hard drive shredding. This company does a lot of work in the community and for non-profits.

Booth 14, Green Essence Cleaning
925-787-2631

Clean, healthy cleaning services using non-toxic cleaning products and techniques for a healthier home.

Booth 21, Sports Basement

The ultimate in sports equipment and clothing resource as well as sharing their building and venue for groups, meetings, events and a huge contributor sustainability causes.

Booth 42, Chevron Energy Solutions

Develops and builds sustainable energy products for schools, cities, municipalities, and businesses… Reduce energy usage and get high quality energy.

Car Area, Green Wheelin’ Scooters

THE ultimate in fun, and save money while you are at it with electric scooters and bicycles… they will be on display at our event.

Car Area, Saab Car

Car Area, BMW – Diesel 323 and Mini Cooper 4 cylinder

Booth 13, Doorstep Farmers

Fresh LOCAL fruits and vegetables and a committed to sustainability organization that donates a percentage of the boxes they provide to others who can’t afford them… providing fresh, local and affordable produce right to your doorstep.

PG&E Area, PG&E

PGE “Energy Game Wheel”, various giveaways such as appliance energy usage calculators, and lots of info on PG&E’s various energy saving programs and rebates. PG&E has won more than 170 environmental awards in recognition of their environmental commitment. In 20-09 the EPA recognized PG&E with the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award and Newsweek Magazine ranked PG&E the #1 Green Utility in the US.

Non-Profit Area, Sustainable Contra Costa

Sustainable Contra Costa endorses our event for the second year. SCOCO provides education and information to organizations and the public to further the health and viability of our communities.

Non-Profit Area, Contra Costa Association of Realtors

Non-Profit Area, Green Business Program

The entity that provides Green Business Certifications to local green businesses… and coaching for “on the path” green businesses.

Car Area, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

YES the county electric bus will be there to step inside and see the comfort and quiet ride that the bus provides while reducing pollution and saving energy.

Booths 44-45, Kid Zone!

Booth 41, Chavez Center

Providing skills and jobs for local underemployed and entrepreneurs… landscaping, non-toxic house cleaning and more.

Booth 15, Lamorinda Flooring

Sustainable materials make great flooring materials and don’t have to cost more to get quality. Jim has a huge product line to show you the difference and quality of sustainable flooring products.

Booth 10, H2O at Home

Change the way you care for your home, NATURALLY! 100% natural and organic home care solutions, protect your family’s health AND the environment – Learn to clean green!

Booth 30, Parents for a Safer Environment

As a volunteer grass-roots organization, their entire mission is to protect the most vulnerable from unnecessary and preventable hazards.

Non-profit area, Contra Costa Water District

Supporting GreenFEST for the third year in a row with handouts and information in the non-profit booth area.

Thank you to the Contra Costa Times for your support of our efforts!

See you all tomorrow at GreenFEST 2011!

Real Goods Press Release

West SONOMA County Union High School District FLIPS THE SWITCH ON 834KW SOLAR INSTALLATION BY REAL GOODS SOLAR

Solar Arrays Spread Over Three Campuses Expected to Provide 80% of District’s Power

SAN RAFAEL, CA August XX, 2011—With the commencement of the school year, West Sonoma County Union High School District (WSCUHSD) announced the commissioning of a solar power system which will provide approximately 80% of the power needs at Analy, El Molino and Laguna High Schools. Real Goods Solar was chosen to install the 834kW system. In order to complete the project before students returned from summer recess, the system was designed, engineered and installed, remarkably, in less than four months.

Funded through Measure I bond money, the District will own the system, which will help it to balance its budget and focus on its core mission, education.

The system is comprised of 70% elevated solar array and 30% ground mount and employs more than 2600 Sunpower 320 modules. Completed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) compliant, all parts are made in America. Using some of the most efficient solar panels available, the district is expected to produce approximately 1250 megawatt hours of electricity each year, enough energy to power roughly 300 homes.

WSCUHSD Superintendent Keller McDonald explained, “Using solar will save the school district approximately $250,000 a year, plus the state of California will be providing an incentive for building the project of approximately $1.1 million, to be paid out over the next five years.”

Real Goods Solar hoped to maximize the educational value of the system by installing a state of the art monitoring device and touch screen flat monitors on each campus, providing students with a hands-on lesson in renewable energy. In addition, the company is working with the District to develop a solar curriculum that will include training, educational materials and field trips provided by the Solar Living Institute near Hopland, California.

According to Tyson Grul, Director of Commercial Solar for Real Goods, the tight timeframe provided some challenges, but the work was well worth the reward, “As a graduate of WSCUHSD, I find it particularly gratifying to be helping the district reduce its carbon footprint.” Grul adds, “With all the budget cuts schools seem to continually face, this is a great example of a district taking some control over their financial future.”

About Real Goods Solar

Real Goods Solar is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 7,500 solar electric systems for both residential and commercial properties. Real Goods Solar offers turnkey solar energy solutions, and has 33 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with its sale of the first solar photovoltaic panels in the United States in 1978. With projects across California, Colorado, Missouri and Tennessee, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest solar installers in the United States. For more information, go to www.RealGoods.com or call 1-888-56-SOLAR (1-888-567-6527).

Contact:

Erik Zech

CFO

Real Goods Solar, Inc.

(415) 295-4952

Erik.Zech@RealGoods.com

Amy Bowman
Marketing Director
Real Goods Solar, Inc.

(203) 210.7710

Amy.Bowman@RealGoods.com

Green Check Collective - a Sponsor for GreenFEST 2011!

WHO are our sponsors?

We are proud to have Green Check Collective as part of GreenFEST 2011. Read about Nelda and her journey to sustainability

What got me started…
The architectural firm that I worked for was remodeling an old building to move into. They were going through the LEED process. We had green building workshops at noon. I got interested but did not find the time to study further.

Why?
After a down turn in the housing market and being laid off, I took classes to become green certified. I got my opportunity to study.

Why was certification important?
As an architect it puts me on the cutting edge of being sustainable. It feels good doing something to be a good steward the earth. As a green certified business it shows that I am walking the talk. As I teach green building techniques to students it shows that I care and that it is not that hard to do something positive for the environment.

Biggest benefit?
Feeling good about doing something positive. Surprise benefit is realizing how many people do not know about being sustainable and being able to educate them on easy steps to be help.

Getting the message out.
Enthusiastic education is the key. For me, many planning and building departments are now requiring the “Green Point Rater-checklist” on plans so I am getting more calls to help advise on the list.

Customer quote: My students have gone on to get BPI – Building Performance Institute certifications to help them retrofit homes with “Upgrade California” They have expressed gratitude for getting them started on the “Green” road. We have started the “Green Check Collective” to help home owners get the $8,900.00 worth of rebates possible to them for upgrading their homes. We are excited.

Nelda Braver- Architect, Green Point Rater/Advisor
LEED Accredited Professional, Certified Green Building Professional,
Green Point Rater/Advisor
www.braverdesigns.com

Don’t forget to join us on September 15, 2011 from 4-8pm for Contra Costa’s GreenFEST 2011! We will be part of the Todos Santos music and market series at Todos Santos Plaza!

GreenFEST Contra Costa 2011 Sponsor - Doorstep Farmers!

Another one of our great local sponsors for GreenFEST 2011 is Doorstep Farmers! Don’t forget to visit us on September 15, 2011 from 4-8pm in Todos Santos Plaza for this year’s GreenFEST.

Doorstep Farmers is a Community Supported Agriculture service in Pleasant Hill, CA. Doorstep Farmers delivers locally grown, organic produce to their members on a weekly or bi-monthly basis to help support local farmers and to promote healthier eating in the community. Doorstep Farmers is a youth owned business and sources much of its produce from farms as local as Martinez, Pleasanton, and Brentwood.

I asked Michael Wedgley how this business got started, and here is what he said:

“I started the business about a year ago on my own with only about $400 dollars, an ACL and meniscus tear in my right knee, and no driver’s license or car. I was motivated to do so when I learned about the practices of big seed companies like Monsanto. I found that their practices were leading the world to a situation which limited our choices and causes dependency on their seeds and products. So I decided that I wanted to help promote small, organic farms; farms which are using sustainable growing practices, and growing quality produce that nourishes our bodies. I’m 28, I was 26 when I started the business. In February, I brought in an old class mate into the business. Her name is Jessica Singh. She is 23 and has her degree in Business with a focus in Finance. We complement each other perfectly. She is always focused on the now and I am always focused on the future. She focuses on details, and I focus on the big picture. She is personable while I am very direct. It’s a great fit! In February when she came on we were at 30 subscribers. Since I brought Jessica on, our business compatibility has worked to increase our subscriber base to 300 subscribers!”

Food Service Tech Center

Food Service Tech Center joins GreenFEST 2011

CCAR GreenFEST as part of Concord on the Green, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, California September 15, 2011, 4 to 8:30 welcomes our local experts from the Food Service Tech Center (FSTC) serving Contra Costa County with dozens of FREE seminars in their San Ramon facility.

Don Fisher hosting a seminar at the FSTC in San Ramon, CA.

Seminars are free of charge!

The leader in Commercial Kitchen Energy Efficiency, the Center teaches students, restaurant owners, hotels, hospitals and the public about energy efficiency, REBATES and smart purchasing decisions.

FSTC provides such services as:
OUR ONLINE TOOL BOX
The FSTC is The Most Valuable Resource for the commercial food service industry. Along with a library of information on equipment performance, the FSTC provides expertise in all aspects of performance, purchasing and energy efficiency.

VALUABLE INFORMATION AT NO COST = SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS
FSTC provides education, viable resources and up-to-date information at no cost. The FSTC’s knowledge and expertise can help you take advantage of available rebates and enjoy substantial saving.

SEMINARS
The FSTC hosts 3 hour FREE seminars for California utility customers and cover such topics as energy-saving practices, saving water, specifying efficient equipment, greening your restaurant and more.

No Trace Shredding

No Trace Shredding is first sponsor for GreenFEST 2011

No Trace was the first sponsor to sign up for CCAR’s GreenFEST 2011 at Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, Ca. September 15, 2011, 4 to 8:30 pm.

“We care about our earth not on only on Earth Day but, EVERY day! Our recycling is done within our own country, not out sourced overseas which creates a large carbon footprint. We operate the only “green” mobile shred truck in the bay area. NO TRACE is also Bay Area Green Business Certified,” says owner Nancy Lompa.

No Trace shredding is done by process of Pulverization! Pulverization is the newest and most secure way to process your data, and IT material (hard drives, Cd’s, xrays, films etc). Pulverization leaves no sensitive information, like social security numbers, and is approved for government specified approved shred output.

Nancy Lompa says her family run business is just a manifestation of how she feels about the environment and she believes that doing it right is just good business.“We believe in keeping business local as a philosophy so it was a natural for us to continue that when we pursued certification as a Bay Area Green Business our first year in business.”

No Trace is an AAA certified member of National Association for Information Destruction.

Contra Costa Association of Realtors (CCAR) provides the vendor portion of GreenFEST 2011 co-sponsors with the TSBA (Todos Santos Business Association) and City of Concord’s Music and Market Series (Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market) FOR sponsorship opportunities for GreenFEST 2011, call 925 876 0966 and/or email info@GreenFESTContraCosta.com

Why shop local video as seen on CBS News

Auto Draft

Contra Costa Association of REALTORS,
Sustainable Contra Costa, and Todos Santos Business Association
present CONCORD on the GREEN’s

SPONSOR APPRECIATION AND SIGN UP MIXER

May 19th – 6pm

Sonoma Bank at Todos Santos Plaza

Food – Wine – Fun

Choose your spot for GreenFEST 2011
First come, first served
Special incentives and perks for early sign up

Questions? Contact Terrylynn Fiusher
925.876.0966 or terryshomes@astound.net

Greening the Office

Visit the CAR.org website to read 10 Easy Ways to Green the Office.

Did You Know: For every $1 you invest in energy-efficiency measures, you will increase your office’s asset value by $3.

Did You Know? The air in homes can be 10 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Did You Know? Using less hot water can save money. Water heating accounts for about 13 percent of home energy costs.

Did You Know? Building an average 2,000-square-foot house produces about 7,000 pounds of waste.

Did You Know? Replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can save 75 percent of lighting costs.

Did You Know?: California produces roughly 1.4 percent of the world’s and 6.2 percent of the U.S.’ total greenhouse gases. Source CAR.org website

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