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THIS EARTH DAY, MILWAUKEE/NARI OFFERS THE TOP 10 WAYS TO REMODEL “GREEN”
April 12, 2010

MILWAUKEE, WI – Currently, one of the biggest remodeling trends in southeastern Wisconsin is being “green” or environmentally safe, according to a recent poll of members of the Milwaukee chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (Milwaukee/NARI).

This year, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2010, Milwaukee/NARI members offer the top 10 ways to protect the earth during remodeling projects.

1. Recycling: According to Tom Weiher, CR, CKBR, Carmel Builders, Inc. of Menomonee Falls uses waste recovery (recycling) exclusively instead of waste disposal (dumping into a landfill) of nearly all demolition debris in its remodeling projects.  Of the nation’s total building-related construction and demolition (C&D) debris, 40 percent is from renovation and remodeling projects, while the rest is from demolition removal and new construction.  Appliances, masonry materials, doors, and windows are all recyclable.
2. Renewable Resources: Renewable green remodeling products on the market include bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus.  Milwaukee/NARI members also suggest using products sourced locally, because some products will consume large amounts of energy in transit from the point of origin to distribution.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs, found in everything from paint to carpeting, pollute indoor air and can have short-term and long-term effects on health.  Using products labeled low- or no-VOC can protect the quality of the air in the home.  Also, avoid toxic glues and binding materials.  For paint, some manufacturers have added antimicrobial resins that prevent mold and mildew.
4. Low-flow Products: Water is one of the scarcest resources worldwide.  For faucets, toilets, and showerheads, low-flow water-saving options are now available.  Sink aerators add pressure so less water is needed.  There are some toilets with dual flushing and assisted flushing options to conserve water.  Homeowners may also consider a tankless or solar heated water heater.
5. Insulation: Adding to the R-value of a home’s insulation offers energy savings in heating and cooling, which equals less CO emissions.  “Our favorite product is closed cell foam insulation for the box sills of a home,” said Weiher.  “This provides insulation and a complete air seal at one of the worst places for heat loss.”  Some alternative materials used in green insulation include recycled paper, hemp, and recycled denim.
6. Efficient HVAC: In green remodeling, homeowners should consider maximizing natural heating and cooling, and then install an EnergyStar-rated HVAC system.  According to Wayne Abendschein of 1st Choice Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Waukesha, the newest technology coming to our area is in heat pumps.  “Putting in a new heat pump, homeowners can see an energy savings in excess of 30 percent over what they currently have,” he said.
7. Green Countertops: Sustainable materials have been developed in a way that is not harmful to the earth, either because they are recycled, reused, renewable, or energy efficient.  Green countertops include natural stone (such as marble, slate, granite, and stone), recycled glass tiles, quartz-based polymers, and paper composites.  When looking for sustainable wood countertops, avoid products that contain formaldehyde, such as particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
8. Air Filtration and Ventilation: Better ventilation and filtration within a home can address the problems of pollutants, toxins, allergens, and mold.  A good air purification system works by air exchange, replacing old air with fresh, filtered air, controlling moisture, and removing harmful contaminants.
9. Green Credentials: National NARI has established the Green Certified Professional (GCP) designation to promote the highest standards of green remodeling through credentialing of remodeling professionals.  Homeowners seeking peace-of-mind in a quality, green remodeling project can turn to Milwaukee/NARI, and specifically NARI’s Green Certified Professionals.
10. Shopping the Rummage Sale: Friday, April 23, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation (Milwaukee/NARI’s educational and charitable arm) will hold the fifth annual “Home Improvement Rummage Sale” in member Milwaukee Millwork’s parking lot – 11712 W. Dixon Street in Milwaukee.  A wide range of used and extra remodeling materials will be gathered from members and sold to the public in an effort to reduce the construction and demolition (C&D) materials that are filling landfills, while also assisting the Milwaukee/NARI Foundation’s efforts to provide financial and educational support to students pursuing a career in the home improvement and remodeling industry.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry’s growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation’s largest.

For more information on the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI's Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071.