West Region-ET wanted to “phone home.” These folks want to foam home. See what we mean with our latest Green News video report. Foam in one home fights the elements and saves on energy expenses. This foam insulation is about twice the cost of conventional insulation, but manufacturers believe savings will be significant in the long run.
Western U.S.-The alternative energy community is throwing new terms out there for few to understand and most to scratch heads. Fuel cells. Sounds simple enough, but what? Simply put, fuel cells are sources of power for home, office, car and lately hydrogen fuel cells are getting a lot of attention.
Science has harnessed hydrogen for years. A simple and at the same time powerful element that is abundant, easier on the environment and could greatly reduce oil consumption. Hydrogen distribution limits use but hasn’t stopped development. Co-founder of Alviston.com Mark Alvis appeared on television recently to explain hydrogen advances.
Alvis has traveled in Honda’s hydrogen fueled vehicle. According to Alvis the hydrogen vehicle is like any other car. Honda claims a 350 mile per tank average. The fuel cell for buildings researched by Alviston.com is a product of Clear Edge Power of Oregon and California. Clear Edge claims their fuel cell will greatly reduce price per kilowatt, similar to solar system efficiency. The Clear Edge cell converts natural gas to hydrogen.
Central California-There’s more to “green” investing than the color of money. Green investing is one of the hot trends in the Socially Responsible Investing category or SRI.
Registered investment advisor Glenn Bever told Green News that “green” investments are steadily coming into their own. Bever keeps an eye on the future from his Successful Financial business office in Central California. He’s spent over 20 years advising clients on money and retirement. The long time financial advisory is ever-mindful of current trends and economic conditions coming down the road. Bever has seen a lot in his financial career but nothing quite like this.
“Green” investments may not hold all the answers to current economic concerns but they provide options for those looking to clean up a portfolio and the environment at the same time. GI’s are relatively new to the investment scene. There are only a few “green” funds with even a five-year track record. But “green” investing is boosted by the outcry for more affordable energy. A number of companies are now active in “green” solutions in the face of unstable oil prices.
Advisors, like Bever, know where to find those “green” investment opportunities. And anyone looking to invest their money should be alert to companies merely riding the “green wave” and those with plans to be truly “green” from beginning to the recycled end.
Central California-Current building finance conditions have many around the nation going from nervous to full on crisis. Among those on the list of seriously concerned is the appraisal industry. Green News spoke directly with appraisers on the job in Central California recently and found them cordial but tight lipped.
The appraisers who asked to remain anonymous (sign of the times) mentioned their business is now more scrutinized than ever. Gone, are the days of the desktop or drive by appraisals, in almost all cases. Gone, are the days of flexibility in the value process. Which may neutralize so-called upgrades to a home, including “green improvements.”
According to many in the appraisal industry, it’s come down to the question, “What did the house sell for down the street?”
Changes in the appraisal climate create a dilemma for some contractors, especially those looking to move forward with their “green” projects. In one instance a Central California contractor could not start a government approved project because the appraisal on a highly energy efficient plan was based on old construction values. A staggering stumbling block to the original approved project that called for government mandated energy-savings.
The current real estate crisis has many reverting to old standards. Which in some cases may be better for businesses like the lending industry. But for others, like those in the “green economy”, it has put the brakes on suddenly and unexpectedly. For the moment, some projects to reduce energy use and monthly expenses remain fuzzy and on hold.