Greenovation Podcasts

The Environment Report's Greenovation series features stories of the Grocoff's efforts toward making their Ann Arbor home the oldest net-zero house in America. Hear how they tackled fixing old windows, saved energy with auto switches, installed whole house fans and more.

Road Trip to Iowa Home Crafters

We found out plenty of interesting things about Iowa Home Crafters during our tour of their shop in Ames. For instance, owners Dave Hade and Weldon Abarr source local wood for their projects and mill it on-site. The kid in us came out upon our arrival and the log pile enticed us to climb. Behind Lynnae and Emily is a solar-powered kiln used to dry the salvaged wood. As the Iowa Home Crafters website explains, no tree is cut for the sole purpose of lumber, but rather their supply arrives as a result of tree being damaged, blown down or removed for other reasons. And, every log they acquire is numbered and its history recorded in their "Log log."

You'll be able to learn more about Iowa Home Crafters and our Builder Advisory Council Chair Dave Hade when our new website rolls out - he'll be featured in a member profile area! In the meantime, visit IowaGreenHomes.com.

- Siobhan Spain, COSC

Rehabbing with Joe & Diane

Joe Hogue works on his Des Moines home.
Photo by Rodney White/The Register

So far in 2010, more than 700 permits have been issued for residential conversion, remodeling and repair projects. That's already up nearly 30% from last year.

The Des Moines Rehabbers Club's mission to promote neighborhood revitalization and restoration is timely, so when I saw they were hosting a monthly club meeting this morning, I decided I'd better check it out.

I arrived at a gutted two-story north-side home in time to hear the introduction by Des Moines Rehabbers Club founder Steve Wilke-Shapiro. Homeowners Joe and Diane Hogue are following the current surge in DIY (do it yourself) home remodeling projects in an effort to extend the life of their renovation budget. Since the foreclosed home was in bad shape when they bought it, they decided to expose every beam, pipe and doorway to realized the full extent of its structural needs. The couple both have full-time jobs and chip away at the renovation to-do list together on nights and weekends.

Joe's tour of the home gave attendees opportunities to ask questions about floor leveling issues, when to hire a contractor, what he's learned about remove siding and so on. It also gave the owners a chance to solicit advice on how to tackle forthcoming projects. The conversations were informative and congenial, which contributed to a satisfying Saturday morning outing. To learn more about the Hogue's project, read this article in the Register and be sure to visit renovatedsm.com.

As Steve mentioned at the beginning of the meeting, COSC and Preservation Iowa is bringing Bob Yapp to Des Moines this fall. We'll post details soon!

- Siobhan Spain, COSC

Sharing Stories

We're taught in elementary school that sharing is good.

So share here's your opportunity to share with us your “Green” Rebuilding Iowa stories.

• Is your community planning rebuilding with sustainability in mind?
• Are you incorporating green design or green products into your home or business rebuilding efforts?
• What are the challenges and successes you’re experiencing?

We’ll gladly be posting your responses so they can be shared across the state and region.

Thanks - and keep going green.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by Danarah