There are interesting things happening all over the country with green/sustainable building. But here's one I especially like!

Why not marry sustainability and affordability? Here's an article on what one guy is doing.

I can't think of any reason something similar couldn't be done in Fauquier, Culpeper or Rappahannock counties!

More and more homeowners are electing to recycle as much of the material as possible when tearing down a house (deconstruction) or doing a major remodel. This Wall Street Journal article tells one homeowner's story.

In addition to helping save the planet, recycling what you can makes economic sense. Materials you can reuse in your new house can help reduce costs there. And, materials that are donated, say to a Habitat Restore, can provide a tax deduction.

There are a number of places locally to recycle these materials. Some operate for profit. Some, such as Habitat for Humanity's Restores are used to fund charitable organizations.

To find other businesses that help you recycle, check out this previous blog post.

The Washington Post, in honor of Earth Day, is doing a series of online chats this week related to living "green".

Earlier this week they had a chat about green building and remodeling. It's worth taking a look at, especially if you're thinking about doing any remodeling or are looking for ways to save energy around the house.

Protecting the Environment and Conserving Energy
Enviro Friendly Information

Protecting the planet and our future is a passion of mine. I've dedicated this page on my site to provide helpful information to home owners and buyers on how to make your home more environmentally friendly.

Sierra Club's Great Falls Group
This group of the Virginia Chapter includes Sierra Club members in Fauquier, Loudoun and the northwest portions of Fairfax and Prince William Counties. The group hosts coordinated outings, monthly meetings, special events, fundraisers and activities on many conservation issues such as, smart growth, energy, wildlife, clean air and water, transportation choices for less traffic, and many more.

For more information on The Group and upcoming events, visit www.virginia.sierraclub.org/greatfalls

Virginia Conservation Network
This organization is devoted to protecting the Commonwealth's air, lands and waters. There are more than 100 member organizations united on and committed to protecting Virginia's natural resources. The Network's programs include coordinating and disseminating legislative information during the General Assembly so that the community can work together to achieve common goals that benefit all Virginia residents. It sponsors educational workshops and seminars through the Virginia Environmental Assembly.

Energy Star is a program administered by the EPA that certifies products that have met energy efficiency guidelines. These ratings cover more than 40 product categories such as appliances, heating and cooling equipment, consumer electronics, office equipment, lighting fixtures and bulbs. There is even a category for new homes. You can get more information at their web site http://www.energystar.gov

The US Department of Energy has a free guide to saving on your energy costs at home. To get a free copy go to http://www.energysavers.gov

If you're shopping for a new car, especially with today's gas prices, you might want to check out the fuel economy vehicle ratings before you hit the showrooms. You can do that online at http://www.fueleconomy.gov

The SLEC (Sustainable Living Education Center) exists to provide interactive demonstrations, exhibits and displays that showcase the importance of sustainable living as a means to protect our natural environment, enhance environmentally friendly building and design, and to secure a clean, safe and affordable energy future. The SLEC is located at the Jacksonville Center for the Arts in Floyd, VA. For more information go to http://www.jacksonvillecenter.org

If you're planning on building and would like to talk with an architecture firm that specializes in sustainable design, consider Architectural Alternatives. You can find more information on them at http://www.archalt.com

Regular readers of this space will know that I have an interest in green building and alternative energy solutions. If you're passionate about the subject or just a little curious, there's a great opportunity this next Saturday in Warrenton.

This is the second year for this event and I'm really excited! It's a wonderful opportunity to have this kind of information this close! Please stop by if you have a chance!

Saturday, June 2
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m

Fauquier County Fairgrounds
6209 Old Auburn Rd, Warrenton, VA 20187-4353

Admission: $5 for adults
Free for children and students

The region's only one-stop shopping opportunity for consumer-friendly alternatives to fossil-fuel energy returns for a second year.

 
NEW for 2007 is an added emphasis on green building, energy conservation, and sustainability.

 
WHAT'S NEW ? WHAT'S HOT ? WHAT'S COOL? WHAT WORKS?

Featured technologies for the 2007 Piedmont Alternative Energy Expo include solar, wind, and biofuels solutions, plus energy-efficient heating and cooling options—such as geothermal systems, high velocity duct systems, tankless water heaters, radiant systems, and alternative fuel boilers.

 
New exhibitors include ECO Solutions, LLC (water and air purification systems) , Green Man Forest Management (conservation-minded tools for responsible forest management), MoreSun Custom Woodworking, Inc. (timber frames, furniture, cabinetry and timber frame design using environmentally-friendly materials), RASP Technologies (alternative fuels), Blue Ridge Yurts (alternative buildings), and COTEFCO Corporation (energy efficiency consulting and products).

 
Lining up to return for a second year are… Appleton Campbell of Warrenton (energy-efficient heating and cooling systems), Oesch Environmental Design (solar and zero energy homes, green oak timber frame, straw bale construction, living earth roofs, and healthful environmental control systems), Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative of North Carolina (biofuels cooperative), Recovered Energy Resources (small-scale power plants fueled through biomass, animal manure, wood wastes, and trash), TerraBuilt (subsoil brick manufacturing and construction system), and Solar Connexion (solar design and installation services), among others.

 
TALK TO THE EXPERTS

Among the most popular Expo offerings are the chance to talk through individual applications with a wide range of experts and a variety of hands-on educational opportunities. A number of not-for-profits will also be on hand to provide information on energy use strategies.

 
PRESENTED BY RLEP AND THE RIPTIDE FUND

The 2007 Piedmont Alternative Energy Expo is presented by the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP) and the Riptide Fund. RLEP is a 35-year old membership organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources and rural character of Rappahannock County, Virginia.

 For more information, visit www.RLEP.org.