Green Homes News

I know that none of you are structural engineers but has anyone used ICF taper top forms before? Are they designed to carry the same loads and the center core…

I was given some hemp panels which are 3/4" thick with a claimed R value of 2.4. I'd like to use it on the inside of my exterior walls to…

We’re in the process of renovating (full gut) 20 historic masonry row homes.  The goal is to prove that energy efficiency can be a priority even while working on homes…

Does anyone have a recommendation for a source of stock home plans that generally follow PGH principles?

Sourcing Sustainably Produced Plywood

Location: Pierce Hall, 100F, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge

Wildland fires are among the largest sources of atmospheric emissions in the U.S. and their relative contribution to air pollution is expected to grow as emissions from other sectors decrease. In the Southeastern U.S., prescribed fire is used extensively to reduce fuel loads and mitigate the risk of hazardous wildfire. However, the Southeast also includes one of the largest wildland-urban interfaces in the country with millions of residents living near fire‐prone areas.... Read more about Wildland fire smoke in the Southeastern United States: Impacted populations, land management concerns, and climate-driven changes

I am building a place that has large open concept with high 4:12 sloping ceiling.  We will be installing a ceiling fan only to move air around the space as…

Does anybody have personal experience with using AAC block as a slab edge insulation? Is the block too porous to use in a below grade condition like that, even though…

A builder illuminates the testing standards and methods of a reptued windows and doors manufacturer

I have a story and a half bungalow in Chicago (zone 5a) and have a partially finished attic space on the second floor. The 2x6 roof rafters are lacking insulation…

Hello, we are mostly through with framing, and had a realization that we don't have a good vent path to the ridge cap.  Our roof is carried by a girder…

Cupaclad makes a slate product designed as a 'rainscreen' with slate tiles screwed to frame attached to wall with exterior insulation.  Very nice but also more intense labor, etc.They also…

Hi,Our Rheem Proterra 60 gallon heat pump water heater has been installed for a year and run flawlessly until now.  The HPWH is installed in an open basement space with…

What does  "Average Data From All Unit" mean precisely for Function Code 2 on an MHK2? Specifically, what are "all unit"? Mitsubishi Customer Support apparently can't tell me and they…

Hi there,We are purchasing a home by Mount Mansfield in Vermont at 1400 feet (thus cold in winter :) and it was built in 1979. I presume there was no…

I have my mothers old fabric couch (pink and blue flowers) 50 + yrs old. Its very well built and large, tuffed back and individual 4 large seat cushions.  I'm…

My clients have chosen a Miele DA 2920 recirculating range hood. My advice is always to vent to the exterior but they really don't want a hole in their wall;…

I am a builder in Columbus Ohio.  On my own property I have an amish built Pole Barn workshop and office.I want to finish the interior, insulate, and heat/cool with…

A vote in favor of Siga's newest flashing tape

Location: HKS (Belfer B-322, Salata Conference Room), 79 JFK St., Cambridge

Salata Scholars Seminars are dedicated to climate, sustainability, and environmental work done by Harvard students and fellows. Its goal is to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability research that can’t be confined to a single Harvard school and help like-minded people connect with each other. Each week, there will be one or two brief talks followed by vegan dinner and discussion.... Read more about Salata Scholars Seminar Series: COP29 Negotiations: What to Expect and Why It Matters