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May 31, 2006

Built Green Colorado has online checklist

Built Green Colorado is an organization well worth knowing about whether you are a builder, government official or consumer. It is a model for how cooperative efforts can enhance education and encourage the construction of environmentally friendly, energy-efficient homes. Introduced in 1995, Built Green Colorado was created by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation, Xcel Energy and E-Star Colorado. In January 2000 the organization announced its transition to becoming the first privately funded statewide green building program in the country. Today it remains the largest green building program in the nation with more than 100 builder members, 45 sponsor members and eight industry leader sponsors. A voluntary program, Built Green Colorado encourages homebuilders to use technologies, products and practices that will provide greater energy efficiency and reduce pollution, provide healthier indoor air, reduce water usage, preserve natural resources and improve durability and reduce maintenance. The group's checklist and guide for 2006 can be found online.

Posted by Pink Panther Energy Activism , Green Design , Online Energy Resources at 10:09 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 30, 2006

Mr. Panther: I need some help

Daniel writes again from Lexington, Ky: "Mr. Panther, Thanks for the answering my question list. I need some help trying to get a girl to fall in love with moi!"

This blog is about saving energy, Daniel, not spending it in the pursuit of love. And besides, if my guess about your age is anywhere near correct (11 or 12), vous es too young! When you get a little older, try sending her some pink flowers or a really cute plush animal (guess which one?). In the meantime, strike up a conversation and listen to what she has to say. Listening is very endearing. Good luck.

Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther at 12:46 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 29, 2006

Headquarters earns Energy Star certification

The World Headquarters of my blog host Owens Corning has earned the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification. This means the Toledo, Ohio building is in the top 25 percent of energy efficient buildings in the United States. Buildings are rated on a scale of 0 to 100 and the Owens Corning building received a rating of 76. The Energy Star program compares buildings of similar square footage on factors such as energy use, the number of people who work in the building, operating hours and the number of computers. During the past eight years the WHQ has reduced energy use by 25 percent and has saved more than $1.7 million in electricity costs. Some savings came from a 2001 program that asked employees to submit energy-saving ideas. Actions taken as a result of the program included reducing the time parking lot lights are on, eliminating some lights in the atrium and placing "turn off lights" signs in meeting rooms.

Posted by Pink Panther in Owens Corning at 04:26 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 27, 2006

Energy use highlighted in Eastern Europe

A Reuters News Service article distributed last week says the former communist states of East Europe and the USSR use up to seven times more energy than Western Europe does to produce one unit of Gross Domestic Product. The information is attributed to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The situation is said to be a legacy of days when the Soviet Union provided cheap energy to its satellites. Only the United States and China reportedly emit more greenhouse gases than these countries taken together. The article says the bankers see the situation as not only wasteful and bad for the environment but also bad business and poor strategy for the future. Josue Tanaka, EBRD corporate director for energy efficiency and climate change, is quoted as saying "it's cheaper to save a unit of energy than to have to generate it." The report is one of the lead articles on the Planet Ark, a daily guide to helping the planet.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 07:43 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 26, 2006

Question: What should I look for in appliances?

Terri writes from Glendale, Arizona: “I understand it is important to have appliances checked regularly to save energy. Can you tell me what to look for and what I should do?”

This is outside my core area of expertise because I have been making insulation commercials for 25 years, not appliance commercials. However, I do know about some sources of information that might help. One is the Energy Savers booklet produced by the US Department of Energy. There is a chapter on appliances but don't overlook the sections on Water Heating and Heating and Cooling because they also refer to equipment maintenance. The DOE also has two Technology Fact Sheets that can help. One is titled Energy-Efficient Appliances and the other is Energy Efficiency Pays. Also, consider whether you might be better off buying a new energy efficient appliance. According to the National Resource Defense Council website, if you buy one of today's most energy efficient refrigerators it will use less than half the energy of a model that's 12 years old or older. Thanks for asking.

Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Energy Efficiency Tips , Frequently Asked Energy Questions at 02:26 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 25, 2006

Question: Why is your insulation pink?

Lynne writes from Framingham, Massachusetts: "Why is your insulation pink?"

The color PINK is one of the things I like best about Owens Corning brand insulation. Way back in 1956, before I was born, the company developed a process for a much better glass fiber. The improved product had almost no "shot," which was what they called the small bits of glass that were not made into fibers. The sales department wanted a way to distinguish the new fiber from the standard product and the folks at the factory in Newark, Ohio added a red dye to the binder sprayed on the insulation to help it spring back to its full thickness when installed. The red dye made the improved product PINK instead of yellow. I started doing commercials for insulation in 1980 and in 1987 Owens Corning received a trademark for the color PINK used with insulation, thus becoming the first company to trademark a color. Thanks for asking.

Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Frequently Asked Energy Questions , Owens Corning at 07:22 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 24, 2006

Manufacturer's Certification now online

If you are planning to take advantage of tax credits available through the Energy Policy Act of 2005, be sure to collect a Manufacturer's Certification Statement for each qualifying products you purchase and use. Manufacturers are encouraged to provide a listing of qualified products and related information on their websites to help taxpayers identify products that can qualify for the credit. Tax advisors typically recommend keeping the statements with purchase receipts. The Owens Corning certificate for energy saving products is now online as recommended, along with accompanying information. An Internal Revenue Service notice is available from the IRS.

Posted by Pink Panther in Tax Credits and Incentives at 04:15 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 23, 2006

Municipality mandates energy efficiency

The Toronto Star reports today that East Gwillimbury is Canada's first municipality requiring homebuilders to construct energy efficient houses. The new policy, passed in March, requires subdivisions with 10 or more homes to be built to Energy Star standards. Mayor James Young is quoted as saying, "It's a no-brainer." He also said, "It's better for the environment, it will produce fewer greenhouse gases and means a better-quality home." Energy Star homes include high efficiency heating, air conditioning and hot water systems and airtight ductwork. The homes also feature upgraded insulation, energy efficient appliances, high performance windows and doors and reduced air infiltration. The Star article says the price tag is C$4,000 to C$7,000 per home but the innovations will reduce energy costs. Way to go, Gwillimbury!

Posted by Pink Panther Energy News , Green Design at 02:21 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 22, 2006

Another PINK energy efficiency solution

In connection with Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 21-27) my blog host is promoting a PINK insulating product that helps build very strong walls. My friends the Three Little Pigs should love it; not just because the system is PINK but because walls made with the system can withstand some of the strongest huffing and puffing a hurricane is likely to produce. The Fold-Form® Insulating Concrete Form system is made with interlocking form blocks of expanded polystyrene insulation. The blocks are pre-assembled with folding Spacer Ties. Fold-Form blocks have an insulating value of R-18 by test and the insulating value of finished walls can be in excess of R-23, depending on the concrete wall thickness and finishing materials selected. Online information about the product shows how energy efficiency can be even better. If you don't already know about this energy efficient and strong building system, check it out.

Posted by Pink Panther Green Design , Owens Corning at 01:23 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 19, 2006

Shanghai Mayor calls for reduced energy use

A report published last Thursday on English.eastday.com said Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng called on the city to cut energy use per unit of gross domestic product by 20 percent from the 2005 level by 2010. His remarks were made during the city's energy efficiency work conference. The report said energy consumption per unit of GDP fell 16.5 percent between 2000 and 2005. According to the 11th five-year plan, this level should be cut by a further 20 percent. Go Shanghai!

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 06:19 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 18, 2006

Personal Appearance Photos

Here are some photos from my personal appearance today. The light bulb mentioned in my earlier post is shown in one of the images. Enjoy!

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Posted by Pink Panther in Pink Panther at 05:23 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

Personal Appearance for Energy Efficiency

I made a personal appearance at Owens Corning World Headquarters in Toledo, Ohio today as the company held an Energy Efficiency Day for employees. My job was to help greet everyone as they came to work. We handed out information about qualifying for the income tax rebate now available through the US Energy Policy Act of 2005 and everyone got a free Energy Star light bulb to use at home. According to the package, the compact fluorescent bulbs will last six times longer than an incandescent bulb providing an equivalent amount of light, and the energy efficient bulbs will use 75 percent less energy. You say that sounds too good to be true? Check it out on the Federal Trade Commission Website under Facts for Consumers: Energy Efficient Light Bulbs, or the Energy Star Website in the Lighting Products section.

Posted by Pink Panther Energy Efficiency Tips , Owens Corning , Pink Panther at 03:13 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 17, 2006

Inefficient aircraft retire in desert

A Reuters article published Sunday describes how some 2,000 airplanes are soaking up the sun in the southwestern US because they are not fuel-efficient enough for active service with today's high jet fuel prices. Written by John Crawley, the article says many of the idled planes may never fly again because cost pressures are pushing airlines toward newer models that require less fuel and fewer people to maintain them. Not mentioned in the article is a trend toward greater use of composite materials to reduce the weight of new aircraft and make them more fuel efficient. Composite materials include carbon and glass fibers, and fiber metal laminates. Laminates are used in the fuselage while fiber-reinforced composites are used in flooring and overhead containers, and in high-traffic areas such as lavatories and food service galleys. Cargo planes use composite flooring and containers. For more about what Boeing and Airbus are doing to make their planes more fuel efficient, check their Websites.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 07:56 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 16, 2006

Canada halts energy-efficiency evaluations

The Canadian government cancelled all "pre-retrofit" evaluations effective last Saturday, according to a company that evaluates homes for federal energy-saving grants. Under the program, homes retrofitted with energy-efficient furnaces and extra insulation could qualify for rebates from the federal and provincial governments. The two-step process required people to get their homes evaluated before renovations were made, and then get a follow-up evaluation to determine the size of the grant they would receive. This is a sad setback for energy efficiency because a home retrofitted under the program cuts its energy use by an average of 30 percent. A typical homeowner who boosted their EnerGuide rating to 73 from 60 would get a federal grant of C$827, plus a matching provincial grant. The cut is not surprising, I suppose, because earlier this month the federal budget for the program was slashed by C$227 million over five years. For more on this topic, check CBC News.

Posted by Pink Panther Tax Credits and Incentives at 04:05 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 15, 2006

Question: Who created you?

Daniel from Lexington, Kentucky writes: "Dear Mr. Panther: I've got a couple of questions, 1. Who created you? 2. How many cartoons did you star in? From, Daniel"

How nice of you to ask about me! Your questions are a nice change from questions about insulation. My creator is Isadore "Friz" Freleng and I starred in 124 cartoons. Here is a link to more information about my creator on Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Thanks again for asking. Pink Panther

Posted by Pink Panther Ask the Pink Panther , Pink Panther at 11:27 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 12, 2006

UN chief calls for revolution

In a speech Wednesday at United Nations headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said we need a revolution in energy efficiency. Addressing the opening meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development, Annan called for new approaches to energy use with a focus on greater efficiency, increased investment in renewable sources and new technologies. "We must capture and use excess heat, and make greater use of hybrid vehicles and other energy-efficient technologies," he said. Annan also called for cutting the pollution generated by fossil fuels and pointed out that the high cost of oil imposes economic burdens on some poor countries while contributing to climate change. (Sounds like an opportunity for insulation!) Saying that renewable sources of energy remained woefully inadequate and underutilized, the Secretary-General added that all countries needed to be more rigorous in carrying out what they have agreed to do with regards to energy and sustainable development. More than 80 ministers are attending the Commission meeting, which concludes today. A comprehensive report on the event can be found on the UN Website. A Cliff Notes version is at United Press International.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 03:54 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 11, 2006

Ethanol success story in Brazil

After reading several conflicting articles about whether ethanol is a viable alternative fuel for cars I was surprised to see a report on Dateline NBC last Sunday about the situation in Brazil. The report said three of every four new cars sold in Brazil have flex-fuel technology that enables them to operate with either gasoline or ethanol, known locally as alcohol. According to reporter Stone Phillips, the key to ethanol's popularity in Brazil is choice. Those who drove flex-fuel cars get to choose every time they pull up to the pump. They check the prices and make their choice. Most drivers choose ethanol because it's so much cheaper that even though they get fewer miles per gallon, it still saves them money. The flex-fuel cars that triggered the ethanol boom were introduced only three years ago. A little online checking found other reports about the Brazil experience on CBS, NBC, Associated Press and The Washington Post.

Posted by Pink Panther in Automotive Energy News at 02:50 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

May 10, 2006

Question: What is the advantage of the furring strip?

Craig writes from Canada: "I am replacing wood siding on my bungalow with vinyl. I have new windows with a vinyl open brickmold attached (to accept the vinyl siding). I have a jam depth on the window designed to allow for 1" of extruded polystyrene insulation on the outside wall. My proposed installation then would be (from inside out:

  • 1/2 inch drywall
  • 2x4 studs with batt insulation in between
  • 1/2 inch OSB exterior wall sheathing (all the above is existing)

    "I plan to add:

  • 1 inch extruded polystyrene 'codeboard'
  • housewrap
  • windows and vinyl siding

    "I see some mention of adding 1 inch wood furring strips over the codeboard before attaching the siding. If I do this, my siding will no longer align with the J-channel that is part of the window brickmold. It does not seem that building code in Canada requires the wood furring. My question is: what is the advantage of the furring strip and what do I give up by not having it in place? Are there any work-arounds you can think of?"

    Another good question, Craig. Furring strips are primarily used for leveling uneven surfaces or where there is not a nailable base such as a block or concrete wall. Vinyl siding can be applied over foam sheathing as long as the fastener penetrates a minimum of 3/4" into the framing. For more information on how to install vinyl siding, please visit the Vinyl Siding Institute's Website at www.vinylsiding.org. Thanks for asking. Pink Panther

    P.S. I tried to respond to you personally but my messages were returned as undeliverable.

    Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Energy Efficiency Tips , Frequently Asked Energy Questions at 11:52 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

    • May 09, 2006

    Question: How can I insulate existing walls?

    Mark writes from Dallas: "I live in a 1925 house that has NO insulation in the walls. Removing the drywall on the inside of the house or removing the old wood siding on the outside is NOT something I want to do. Thus, standard new construction insulation is not for me. What other alternatives do I have? Do you have a product where I can drill small holes from the outside and fill in the existing wall cavity?"

    Unfortunately, adding blown-in insulation to existing walls is not a good do-it-yourself project. The work could damage interior walls if not done properly. You state that your home has NO insulation in the walls but if there is even a small amount the existing insulation will likely block the new material from getting everywhere it needs to be. Also, I am not aware of any rental equipment for blowing insulation into existing walls. Bottom line: I recommend that you contact a local insulation professional. Thanks for asking. Pink Panther

    Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Energy Efficiency Tips , Frequently Asked Energy Questions at 07:42 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

    May 08, 2006

    Inventors Hall of Fame recognizes fiber glass pioneers

    The National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation held a two-day recognition program this past weekend for new inductees and their families. Among the inventors in the class of 2006 are three who invented the process for making glass fiber insulation in commercial quantities -- Dale Kleist, Dr. Russell Games Slayter and John H. Thomas. In the 1930s the three men developed an insulation material that is lighter and more refined than what was available at the time. Their work resulted in a new type of mass-produced, affordable insulation that is now used by millions of people around the world. Their innovations also led to the formation of Owens Corning in 1938. The National Inventors Hall of Fame Website and museum in Akron, Ohio are both worth a visit.

    Posted by Pink Panther Energy News , Owens Corning at 11:41 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

    May 06, 2006

    Energy Star Website helpful and interesting

    In recent posts I have referred to a number of sites with interesting and useful content. Another one worth a look is by Energy Star, a government-backed program for promoting energy efficiency. I like the way the home page is divided into sections so you can easily find information of interest. The main categories are products, home improvement, new homes, business improvement and partner resources. From two to six sub-categories are listed under each main heading. There are interactive features, too, where you can analyze the efficiency of your own home or find a store that sells qualified products. I got all excited when I saw a button labeled "Solutions to common problems," but it turned out to be about "home" problems and didn't include a solution for inept and bumbling police inspectors.

    Posted by Pink Panther Energy Efficiency Tips , Online Energy Resources at 12:00 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

    May 05, 2006

    Question: How should I insulate basement walls?

    David Kepner writes from Quogue, New York: "In new construction, what's the preferred way to properly insulate a basement when it is to be finished as living space. Typically, in my high-end homes, I stud out the interior so there's room for plumbing and wiring, and I'm never sure whether to put the moisture/vapor barrier on the conditioned side of the studs or up against the concrete -- or should I even be using a moisture barrier such as poly?"

    Good question! The short answer: Use kraft-faced or unfaced insulation with basement walls. If you use a kraft-faced product, install it so the kraft paper is on the interior side. The experts I checked with don't recommend poly as a vapor barrier with basement walls. More information: Basement walls can be tricky with vapor drive varying from top to bottom at the same time. For example, winter conditions in parts of North America can be frozen above grade and warmer below. Unperforated poly can trap condensation in the wall while kraft paper actually becomes more permeable when humidity increases. Finally, the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System is another option you might want to consider. Thanks for asking. Pink Panther

    Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Frequently Asked Energy Questions , Green Design at 12:28 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

    May 03, 2006

    USA Today feels your pain at the pump

    Earlier this afternoon I came across a copy of today's USA Today and found some great reporting on "pain at the pump." If you are not a subscriber you can find most of the coverage online at the newspaper's Website. There you will find links to other articles and photos in today's edition. One of my favorites is the series of photos accessed with the link titled "Pain at the pump across the US." There is a selection of interactive calculators that can help you estimate your gas cost for a year or a trip. Results of a USA Today poll show that consumers expect more pain at the pump. The newspaper includes a US map that is color coded by county to show the highest and lowest average retail prices for gasoline. The map may also be online but I couldn't find it. Read it and weep.

    Posted by Pink Panther in Automotive Energy News at 05:59 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

    AutoWeek marks Earth Day with fuel mileage test

    One more Earth Day activity deserves a nod for its clever premise and surprising result: AutoWeek magazine, a buff book for car enthusiasts, decided to celebrate Earth Day 2006 by taking an assortment of vehicles on a fuel mileage run from their office near Detroit to Holland, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan, a journey of 349 miles. The headline -- "Are we there yet?" -- sets the stage for both the humor and a serious question about the progress made since the first Earth Day. If you are not a subscriber, check the article on the magazine's Website. The results may surprise you. The fact that fuel prices went up five cents during the day of the test probably won't shock you. At the bottom of the report you will find links to seven related articles ranging from alternative fuels to new hybrid vehicles.

    Posted by Pink Panther in Automotive Energy News at 08:22 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

    May 02, 2006

    Oil price increases send shock waves around the world

    Like a giant economic Tsunami, the shock wave of higher oil prices continues to reverberate around the world. The impact is reflected in articles found on Websites today. From Australia, for example, theage.com reports that recent increases in oil prices have had a negative impact on agribusiness. Farmers are reporting higher production costs while global crop prices are easing. Finfacts Ireland reports on a European Commission meeting last week in which emergency stocks of petroleum were discussed and found to be adequate for now. The article said the Commission also expressed concern about future economic conditions. In the US, MarketWatch reports that the current price increases are prompted by Iran's nuclear standoff and other risks to the world's oil supply.

    Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 04:13 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

    May 01, 2006

    Europe leads in No Fuel power

    Europe is the clear leader when it comes to using alternative energy sources, especially wind energy. Germany tops the list with Spain in second place. On a per capita basis Denmark leads with 25 percent of its electricity coming from wind. In a ranking of individual countries by total alternative energy use, the US comes in second to Germany. It may surprise you to know that India ranks fifth. Europe seems likely to maintain its lead because a directive calls for doubling the share of renewable energies in the European Union by 2010 (from the present 6 percent to 12 percent). For an interesting perspective on wind energy, check the European Wind Energy Association Website and its No Fuel energy program. It makes a compelling case for greater use of wind.

    Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 06:44 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

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