Promising Emerging Data on Heritage Window Performance

This just in from COSC guest instructor and Iowa native Bob Yapp...

The National Window Preservation Standards Collaborative (NWPSC) convened its 1st Window Preservation & Performance Summit at the National Historic Landmark, Pine Mountain Settlement School site in Pine Mountain, Kentucky the week of July 22-29, 2011. Attendees from the four corners of the United States and Canada gathered with the Collaborative Founding Members David Gibney, Duffy Hoffman, John Leeke, Jim Turner and Bob Yapp, and restoration architects Jill H Gotthelf and Walter Sedovic, who engineered the performance testing protocol.

Restoration and weatherization of historic wood and steel windows showcased a variety of techniques and approaches by each of the Founding Members, with ample time for field review and participation by advisors and participants.

Performance testing began with a baseline evaluation and measurement of the pre-restoration condition of each window. Throughout the course of the week, additional testing of the restored windows was performed following defined scientific protocol. Initial results were collated and evaluated, allowing for refinement of restoration techniques, and further testing.

Preliminary findings focusing on air infiltration revealed very promising results for the energy efficiency of restored historic windows, and underscored the enormous benefit provided by simple installation of a storm window system; a variety of commonly available or readily constructed storm windows were included in the Summit sampling.

This Summit represents an historic milestone in proving what window preservation advocates have long espoused: that historic windows are exemplary energy performers and that restoring windows is an undeniably sustainable approach, which now can be supported by building science. Coupled with the proceedings of the Summit will be future data on other beneficial attributes of heritage windows including thermal performance, day lighting, longevity and restorability.

The complete report will be included in a new publication slated to be available in early 2012 titled, "Window Preservation and Weatherization Standards". This book will be the first of its kind to provide a menu of window repair, preservation, restoration and weatherization techniques that will create a standard for specifiers, architects, property owners as well as federal, state and local government agencies.

A full detailed report is scheduled to be released this coming December. For more information contact Bob Yapp at his Belvedere School for Hands-on Preservation in Hannibal, Missouri: 217-474-6052 or Yapperman@msn.com.

Talk of Iowa with Bill McAnally: Home Deck Improvement Tips

Summer is just around the corner, inviting us to spend numerous hours on our decks. Our green instructor and long-time advisor Bill McAnally is a monthly guest on Talk of Iowa Radio for Home Improvement Day and this month focuses on home deck improvement tips. With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Bill shares his expertise on step-by-step instructions on how to build a deck, who to hire when looking to have someone else build a deck for your home and how to repair an old deck. Bill also give clear direction to listener's questions, so tune in for an informative "How-To" session with Bill McAnally: Home+Improvement

Talk of Iowa with Bill McAnally: Preparing for Spring Moisture

Our green instructor and long-time advisor Bill McAnally is a monthly guest on Talk of Iowa's Home Improvement Day. This month, he spoke with host Charity Nebbe about how to protect your home from the many ways water can threaten it. Bill's experience provides clear guidance on rain garden location tips, drainage spout reminders and installing sump pumps, along with insightful answers to listener questions on basement wall bracing, gutter system nuances and more. Laugh while you learn with Bill: Listen | Download.

Listen Up: Talk of Iowa talks home improvements with Bill McAnally

COSC's green building instructor Bill McAnally gives his expert insights on winter renovation projects and improving energy efficiency. The Iowa Public Radio "Talk of Iowa" segment is chock full of valuable, and timely, information. Here it all here.

Below, Bill and Linda Schemmel of City of West Des Moines discuss the West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home for the project's video production series (coming soon!).

Goodwill Recycles Computers

"Americans store an estimated 65 million old desktop computers in their homes."   - US EPA

Like virtually every home and office across the nation, COSC has accumulated its own small computer graveyard. We were pleased to discover a responsible solution for unloading unwanted computer through a joint effort by Dell and Goodwill. They're Reconnect program recycles any brand of used computer equipment in any condition, and just about anything that can be connected to a computer! It's as simple as bringing the items to your local Goodwill.

Donations help create jobs and protect the environment by reducing landfill waste, eliminating environmentally-sensitive materials from entering landfills, conserving natural resources and reducing pollution created through the manufacturing of new products. The Reconnect recycling program is free, and you'll receive a receipt for tax purposes. Find a Goodwill location near you by visiting reconnectpartnership.com.

Photo - Lynnae sends off our out-dated technology to be recycled. 

Recycling

Since 1990, the Iowa Waste Exchange, Iowa has diverted over 2.6 million tons of waste. This waste saved Iowans $59.6 million. By doing so they diverted the waste into production and use to help boost Iowa’s economy.

To learn more go to:
www.programs.iowadnr.gov/iwe/searchmaterials.aspx

For the Metro Waste Authority Curb It! Program please remember that the following products cannot be placed in your bins...
· Garbage or yard debris
· Food contaminated boxes
· Plastic bags
· Styrofoam
· Plastic cups
· Plastic food containers
· Foil and disposable baking tins
· Containers with motor oil or other hazardous materials

However these items are acceptable!
· Necked plastic bottles
· Plastic margarine and yogurt containers
· Newspapers (and inserts)
· Mixed paper (junk mail, envelopes, phone books, cereal boxes, tissue boxes, and magazines)
· Cardboard (must be broken down)
· Tin & aluminum cans
· Shredded paper (place in paper bag or cardboard box)
· Glass bottles (all colors)
· Wire hangers
· Empty aerosol cans

For More information check out:

http://www.mwatoday.com/residential?curb_it.aspx

So, how many of you know Emily?

She's our Resource Manager - and waaaaaaay more than that. She turned me on to this site. I'd encourage you to check it out because she brings to top-of-mind real easy ideas towards sustainability.

Linda Mason Hunter is an expert in the way we live, specifically inside our homes, and how we can be green, clean and peachy keen.

Message today = Living sustainably is attainable and affordable. Period. What you have to add to that mix is thoughtfulness and action.

Go to it.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by xrrr

What's In A Name

Center On Sustainable Communities!
I love a name that causes pause and encourages action.
What makes a sustainable community? We all do.
Every action we chose has the capacity to reinforce this notion.

Whether I center on the environment by taking my children for a walk in the woods or using my own cup each time I purchase a tea before a meeting - I help sustain community and build awareness.

Whether I center on neighborhood by picking up litter when I walk the sidewalks and alleys, or help the person next door with snow removal - I help sustain community and strengthen relations.

And whether I center on healthy living by helping clients to optimize their green choices for a renovation, encouraging staff to minimize waste or decrease my carbon footprint at home - I help sustain community and align my values.

Each decision we choose has capacity to foster a strong and vibrant community that supports itself. The operation and maintenance of our homes are no exception. The decisions we make with our homes greatly influence the environment, our neighborhoods and individual well-being. How we live influences the sustainability of our communities more than we have ever realized, and the impact we can have with our homes has never been more important or critical than now.

I am grateful for the amazing base of support and educational opportunities that Center On Sustainable Communities brings to central Iowa.

Chaden Halfhill
Co-Founder & COSC Board Member

Photo courtesy of Flickr by ramgirl27

Living Green

Being green for me has been a personal and professional passion for several years now. It's nice to see these efforts becoming more mainstream.

For example, I don't feel a little foolish bringing my cloth grocery sacks to the store anymore - I'm in the majority now. With so many choices out there, sometimes it's hard to take the time to make all the little decisions and feel like they're making any difference.

I continue to remind myself that each small decision does have an impact - if anything, I'm setting a good example for my two young daughters and all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis.

For me, living green means living simply - whether it's hanging my clothes out on a clothesline, growing an herb and vegetable garden, or planning extra time to walk more places. It also means connecting with others and being an active part of my community - serving on my neighborhood association board, supporting local shops, attending outdoor events, etc.

Make a commitment today to do one thing with "green" intention - you'll feel good about yourself and good about where you live.

Beth Hicks

Co-founder and Board member

COSC

Director of Advancement Services

Keep Iowa Beautiful

Photo courtesy of Flickr by mushroomvillagers

Small Steps to Sustainability

Welcome to COSC's blog - We want to hear what you have to say about all that is green out there.

• Are you confused, overwhelmed, skeptical?
  
• With everyone jumping on board the green bandwagon these days, how do you sift through it all?
  

If you are interested in incorporating some green steps into your home but don't know where to begin, let us help you get started. Start by exploring our website.

We have green nuggets - tips for everyday living, green product info, a list of professionals who can help you with green building projects big or small, articles, links to other great websites, a calendar of local educational events, and much, much more. Emily and Ginger in our office would be happy to help you with any questions you may have or at least point you in the direction of an expert who can help.

Take a step - make some easy choices first toward a more sustainable lifestyle and you may find it's not as confusing or as limiting as you first thought.

Lynnae Hentzen

COSC Co-Founder & Executive Director