In the last two years alone, the number of companies creating innovative green products has grown exponentially. As with the great debate in the organic food industry, truth is the issue. How do we trust the claims of producers? How have regulations been coopted to satisfy profit? Since the largest growth has been in the commercial arena, many dubious items make it to market drawn by the lure of huge gains.
Luckily, I see that there is decent oversight. Driven by the impact of the US Green Building Council, there is pressure and competition on these new products. More and more regional organizations are being formed to merge USGBC guidelines with local issues and regulations. I perceive a genuine commitment to integrity by the current young designers. As we move towards the inevitabilities of energy efficient demands, city and state governments will be including mandates on the usage of more green products.
I certainly cannot keep up with everything in the field, but here are some things I find worthwhile.
Bio Based Insulation A water blown closed cell spray foam made from soy beans. I plan to use this in my wine cellars as it creates a waterproof barrier and will superseal air movement.
Cool Roofs The roof is the point of greatest thermal loss and the first line of defense against the weather. So far, focus has been on flat roofs because of green roof (plantings) and color considerations as white works best but neighbors don't want to see a glaring white surface. Currently, Oak Ridge and Lawrence Livermore UC Berkeley (our government???) are developing more richly colored products for steep sloped applications. One can expect 10 to 30 percent average energy savings with a cool roof with only an added building cost of 5 to 10 cents per square foot. Some current companies are Carlisle, Colbond and Burkeline Roofing Systems.
Pella Low E Windows Pella's Impervia line earned the EnergyStar certification for its resistance to heat warping and moisture.
Safe Caulk I hate caulk but it is so necessary to a moisture proof envelope. Safecoat has come up with a product to offer along with their ecopaint line. Formaldehyde and toxic preservative free. My experience with the paint products is that since they don't contain all those juicy chemicals, its best to prime really well to create a snug bond with the surface material.
Restoration Timber Supplier of reclaimed beams, siding and cabinetry.
Plyboo I've been singing the bamboo song for many years especially since now there are plywood and molding products available (from JMX). The issue to consider is that most bamboo comes from China so research the sources as they apply to the political issues of manufacturing and labor.
Cork Flooring I love cork floors for their quiet feel and the recycled nature of the process. You can affect the amount of hardwood forest that is cut down to supply flooring material. Save a tree and tread softly.
Paper Stone Dense, hard, moisture-resistant countertops made with water based resin processed from cashew nut shell oil and mixed together with post consumer recycled paper. Heat resistant to 350 degrees as well as most household cleaners with no measurable formaldehyde offgassing and... they don't support mold or bacteria growth. Similiar in appearance to soapstone or slate.
For a good green product resource, try Building Green magazine and their GreenSpec Directory. RP
