Rate It Green Members and Friends -
As spring approaches in many parts of the world, it might be a good time to allow ourselves some healthy optimism. To watch those flower buds poke out and have some real hope for change and improvement. Let’s face it that we’re too often reporting pessimistic news when we discuss the need to build and renovate healthier and more sustainable buildings, and to achieve that as of “yesterday,” in order to meet critical climate goals and ensure a better, more livable world for future generations. The answer to, “Are we there yet?” is just too often not affirmative. And that can be a lot of weight on even passionate and energetic shoulders.
Some great news is that there really does seem to be a different feeling in the air. More than a feeling, we’re seeing exciting, sustainable solutions from many manufacturers, particularly in the area of electrification, and also continuing in HVAC and indoor air quality. Green Builder Matt Hoots saw and heard visible signs of progress at the International Builders show this February. Where once manufacturers at a major building show might mention sustainable features as an aside or not at all, Matt observed that pretty much all exhibitors were detailing energy and climate-related innovations, and many right up front and center in their visual displays. As Matt puts it, it would appear that “Going green is cool again."
As one example, Matt noted a difference in induction cooktops, where quite a few companies have made significant commitments (and others have some catching up to do). Matt enjoyed meeting with Zline, a company that added induction cooktops to their appliance line in 2021. Zline now even offers its own line of induction cookware. Matt also spoke with Peter Weedfeld of SHARP Home Appliances, who sees an electric future in pretty clear terms, explaining that we’re all going to be cooking with induction, as, “It’s a much better experience, a much quicker experience, a much safer experience, and by the way much more efficient.”
Matt also reported from the show on a ceiling-mount mini-split grill by Mitsubishi, and a plug-in heat pump water heater, which uses even less electricity than standard heat pump models. And, he’ll be adding more product videos, so keep your eyes on our YouTube channel!
Key is that these efficient, smart, and healthy products show that manufacturers are listening and responding to demand for energy efficient, electric, and healthier products, and it’s a further great sign that they’re also boldly making positive energy efficiency and climate-related statements. This is a change and momentum we should recognize, celebrate, and encourage. We have an imperative to shift away from fossil fuels and to just do everything we do better and healthier, and we need manufacturers as listening, willing partners to make this happen.
Have we in fact reached an inflection point for solutions we need to make a transition to healthier, more sustainable buildings? I’d like to believe that the exciting progress as represented by the show floor (and even at my local appliance store – check out all those induction stove tops that were not always there!) show that we are on the path and that there really is a reason to feel optimistic. We’re not there yet, but we're closer.
The Inflation Reduction Act deserves a mention while we’re celebrating change and good news. We’re still working to understand exactly how all the credits and rebates will work, but we’ll report (and we encourage you to post and report!) as we learn more. With the new IRA incentives and tax credits, there is already so much increased attention and promotion around energy efficient appliances, products, and electric vehicles (new, and used!) One can only imagine how much more things will look different at this same time next year, as manufacturers continue to respond to clear demand and to make more progress in a sustainable direction. Meanwhile, let us know what cool, new sustainable building products you’re most excited about and why!
Thank you,
Allison Friedman
Founder, Rate It Green
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Welcome to Our Newest Member Companies
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The BuildingEnergy Boston conference is designed by and for high-performance building and design, energy efficiency, and renewable energy practitioners. The event brings more than 1,000 industry leaders and emerging professionals together to learn from and share ideas with each other. Attendees represent dozens of industries including architecture, engineering, building, design, consulting, policy, finance, auditing, installation, construction, and education.
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Related Articles and Discussions:
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Going Green is Cool Again?
Green Builder Matt Hoots reported from IBS/KBIS this year that exhibitors were talking about innovations related to climate change and politics. He even saw some booths themed with all-green building facts and figures. This is not typical. ... read more.
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Why go with an induction stove? Check out Matt's conversation with Peter Weedfeld of SHARP Home technologies. Peter is confident that with decreasing prices and incentives, and more education, "everyone will be cooking with induction." ... read more.
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Top 5 Reasons Induction Cooking is Safer than Gas
Check out Zline's line of induction cooktops, hoods, and induction cookware, and review the top reasons induction is safer than gas cooking, including fire and burn safety, indoor air quality, precise controls, and shut off features. ... read more.
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What is the Future of Gas Cooking?
Gas cooking will phase out in new construction. Existing buildings will take longer, but rebates, tax credits, changing design preferences and environmental awareness will also lead more people to choose induction stoves and reduce the health and environmental impacts of gas cooking. ... read more.
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Why Everyone is Confused about Gas and Electric Cooktops
Induction cooking uses far less energy than gas and electric (infrared) cooktops and heats water in 1/4 the time than electric does and 1/2 the time it takes for gas to perform the same task. So with these amazing facts, why are some people holding on to their gas stove for dear life?... read more.
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Mitsubishi's Ceiling-Mounted, Mini Split
Mini splits are celebrated for energy efficiency and for heating and cooling effectively. However, some buyers do not prefer or are just not used to the look of wall-mounted units. Mitsubishi has solved this problem with a ceiling-mounted unit. ...read more.
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The #1920sMakeoverATL Deep Energy Retrofit is giving us and our partners the perfect opportunity to lead by example and share information and expertise. Check out our Project Summary and Virtual Tour, see all Discussions and News, or join our mailing list! The team is also creating videos on our YouTube project playlist! Check out Matt Hoot's recent piece: "The Forgotten Side of the Home."
Thank you to our terrific Project Partners: Aprilaire, Bauwerk, Broan-NuTone, Clean Vapor, Cosentino, Elite Water Systems, Fay Servicing, Georgia Blinds and Interiors, Helvex, LG Squared, Inc, Mitsubishi/TRANE Electric HVAC - US, Mythos Media, Panasonic, Pure 365, Rasmus Real Estate Group, ROCKWOOL, rheia, Rheem, Sawhorse, Inc., and Stego Industries. Email Matt@sawhorse.net to get involved!
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Become a LEED Green Associate -
Free 24/7 Prep Class
The Free LEED Exam Prep course is designed to help you pass the test the first time. The LEED Green Associate exam tests your knowledge about LEED certification and green building. This course provides you with 10 video modules that explore credit categories, the USGBC, and tips to pass the exam.....read more.
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Become a Rate It Green Sponsor
Rate It Green's Premium Listings offer your business a variety of affordable marketing opportunities and promotional channels to boost exposure and awareness with your target audience. Upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold listing today, and put us to work amplifying your content! To learn more about Premium Listings and other Partnership and Sponsorship Opportunities, reply to this email or contact afriedman@rateitgreen.com.
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Upcoming Green Building Events:
(See more events on our Calendar !)
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Keep checking our Green Building Calendar, as we're always finding and posting more events, and trainings. Rate It Green's Members can add events to the calendar as well.
- Free Webinar: All-Electric Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) for Designers and Building Owners, 3/1, 10am
- Free Webinar: Real-World Insights on the Effect of Electrification on Energy Burdens, 3/1, 12pm ET
- 21st Annual New York State Green Building Conference & 4th Mass Timber Symposium, March 2 - 3, Syracuse
- Free Conference: Fletcher School – Tufts Energy Conference 2023, 3/2, Medford, MA
- Greentown Labs, Climatetech Intern Fair 2023, Somerville, MA, March 2, 4 pm
- Sydney Build, Sydney Infrastructure Expo, Sydney Digital Construction Australia, March 6 - 7, Sydney (Free)
- ASHRAE and SCANVAC HVAC Cold Climate Conference 2023, March 6-8, Anchorage, Alaska
- Free Webinar: The Perfect Pair: Sustainable HDPE + Copper Restroom Touch-Points, 3/6, 12pm ET
- Free Online Course: RCx101: Identifying and Assessing Common Retro-Cx Opportunities, 3/7
- 2023 Hot Water Forum & Hot Air Forum, March 7-9, San Diego
- Free Webinar: It's Electric! Electrified Alternatives to Industrial Fossil Fuel Systems,3/7, 11 am
- Free Webinar: Electrify Efficiently: Overcoming Heat Pump Objections, 3/7, 12 pm
- New York Build, March 8-9, New York City
- Nonprofit Leadership In Green Building, 3/8, 9 am, Pittsburgh, PA
- Free Webinar: Retrofitting Homes for Electrification and Decarbonization, 3/8, 9am
- Free Webinar: CWEEL’s Advancing Women’s Leadership in Climate Action, March 8, 11am-12pm
- Free Webinar: Resiliency L+L: From Homes to Infrastructure, Building Community Resilience, 3/8, 12pm
- Free Online Course: Energy Audit Skills: Tools, Data Collection Techniques, and Calculations, 3/9
- NECA’s Annual Renewable Energy Conference, 3/9, Waltham, MA
- NECEC's Connecticut Clean Energy Day, March 9, Hartford, CT
- 26th International Passive House Conference, March 10-11, Wiesbaden, Germany
- Solar + Wind Finance & Investment Summit, March 12-15, Phoenix, AZ
- 2023 Wall Street Green Summit, New York City and Virtual, March 13-14
- Southface Institute, EarthCraft Builder Training, March 14, Atlanta, GA
- Leadership Lunch: Dr. Mark Berry and Jennifer Winn of Southern Company, 3/14, 12pm ET, Atlanta, GA
- Passive House Construction Primer, Online, 3/14, 1pm
- USGBC NCR Region, Emerging Professionals Career Spotlight, 3/14, 5pm, Washington, DC
- Free Green Building Webinar: HSW Considerations for Large Vertical Openings, 3/15, 12pm ET
- Free Webinar: Electrify Efficiently: Home Heat Pumps Done Right - A Case Study, 3/21, 12 pm
- Online Course: Passive House Retrofits: Part 1, 3/21
- Free Webinar: Commercial Building Electrification Pathways, 3/21, 2pm ET
- Phius Retrofit Summit 2023, Virtual, March 21-23
- Free Training: Measuring & Reducing Embodied Carbon in Construction, Online, 3/22, 1pm PT
- Free Webinar: Electric Heat Pumps for Water Heating, 3/22, 9am
- Online Course: Energy Codes and Trends in Massachusetts, 3/23, 3pm
- Women in Green Building Leadership Luncheon, 3/23, 11am, Chicago, IL
- USGBC Georgia Presents: Green Scene - Athens, 3/23, 5:30pm, Athens, GA
- 2023 Housing Opportunity Conference, Urban Land Institute (ULI), 3/27, Phoenix, AZ
- Carolina Recycling Association's 33rd Annual Conference & Trade Show, March 27-30, Wilmington, NC
- BuildingEnergy Boston, March 28-29, Boston, MA
- Free Webinar: Air Sealing and Insulating Existing Homes: Addressing Air Leakage and Thermal Performance in Ceilings Without Attics, 3/28, 8am
- Fighting the Electrification Resistance - The Path Forward & Lessons Learned, Online, 3/28, 3pm
- Free Webinar: Mechanical Rooms: Strategies for Electrification Retrofits in Homes, 3/29, 9am
- Free Webinar: All about DOE Zero Energy Ready v2, 3/29 pm ET
- 2023 Design for Freedom Summit, March 30, New Canaan, CT
- Leveraging Change for a Sustainable and Just Future, 3/30 5pm ET, Pittsburgh, PA
- Free Webinar: Unlocking the Green Home Market: Green MLS for Real Estate Professionals, 3/31 9am PST
*We recommend confirming all events that are not virtual before attending
*DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? LET US KNOW -- OR... POST YOUR EVENT!
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