We regularly interview "green experts" in the field of eco-friendly remodeling, ranging from LEED consultants to contractors to product manufacturers. Sometimes it's best to get the info straight from the source. Check out these interviews we've conducted with the pros (organized in alphabetical order):
1. Chris Bribach - Living Wall Designer
PlantsOnWalls.com
We discuss living walls with PlantsOnWalls CEO Chris Bribach. He explains their history, how they work and his system's design. Living walls help 'green' your home in more ways than one.
"Living Walls decrease energy transfers through walls and can absorb solar gain on sun-facing walls. The micro-biology in plants absorb toxins and filter the air which reduces air handling costs." - Chris Bribach
2. Kyle Brown - Home Energy Rater
Kyle Austin Brown
Kyle Brown is the Building Science Program Manager for Home Energy Partners in Asheville, North Carolina. This green expert shared his insights on home energy ratings and tips on tightening your home's envelope.
"Air sealing probably saves more money, relative to its cost, than any other green building practice. Caulk and expanding foams are fairly inexpensive and air sealing is a DIY project that home owners can accomplish on their own." - Kyle Brown
3. Ted Bowers - Green Contractor
Ted Bowers is a builder, carpenter and LEED AP. We talked with him about how he's completed successful green renovations that are both practical and on budget for his clients. He even shares what inspired him to cross over to the green side.
"We in America tend to be short-sighted and don't think much beyond our own needs for this lifetime. 'If I were king,' I'd have our population thinking in generations--for our children and their children, who will inherit our mistakes as well as our successes." - Ted Bowers
4. Maureen Mahle - LEED for Homes
USGBC.org
Maureen Mahle of Steven Winter Associates, Inc. is the Quality Designee for their LEED for Homes Provider organization. This green expert gave us some surprisingly simple tips to dramatically increase a home's energy efficiency, certified or not.
"Sealing up ducts can make a big difference in heating and cooling performance as well. It's a messy task, but with a simple bucket of mastic one could reduce leakage by 10-20% or more." - Maureen Mahle
5. Dr. Stephen Shephard - LED Distributor
Casatech Europa S.L.
Dr. Stephen Shephard is the owner of Casatech Europa S.L., a company based in Spain that supplies LEDs for use in the home, specifically in kitchens. We asked him a few questions about LED technology and best uses.
"Since LEDs have a long life span, it is now possible to have designs that don't require you to have access to the light source. This is something that will definitely become more popular as LED lighting becomes more mainstream. " - Dr. Stephen Shephard