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October 2008

Green Innovations at the 2008 Green Summit!
From green building and energy efficiency to low water landscaping and organic products, the 2008 Green Summit had something for everyone!   For those of you who were unable to attend the 2008 Green Summit, here is a summary of some of the green vendors we had an opportunity to work with and meet!
Green Element Design Group: Specializing in Green consulting services, including architects, landscapers, permaculture designers, builders, interior designers and rain water harvesting consultants, as well as a unique line of Green products for people and plants.
A.K.A. Green:   eco-friendly flooring, carpets, paints, windows, stains, lighting fixtures, and non-toxic cleaning supplies
 
Energy Efficiency
Altered Element: Window Tinting Solutions-  advanced technology window films reject heat without sacrificing your beautiful Arizona views or blocking out alot of visible light.
BMC West:  Energy efficient Doors and Windows
EnviroCar:  Chauffeured Hybrid Transportation.  Toyota Prius or Lexus RX400h:  Your Pick!
Synergy Systems:  Insulation and Radiant Barriers (lowers roof temps by 20 to 50 degrees F)-  Have it installed or do it yourself!
 
Architects, Builders and Contractors
Sead Architects: Full service award winning design/build studio. Thoughtful architectural designs and renovation specific to sites and owners.  Architectural solutions that are respectful of the past, speak to the present and are pursuant of the future.
Evergreen Homes:  Construction of new homes and remodeling:  design, build, coach, consult.  "PG" Builder.
Form Werks Studios:  Full service Architecture and Design firm, specializing in site-specific architecture.  Crafts homes so you can enjoy all that mother nature has provided. 
Kitchen Solvers-  Fine eco-friendly kitchen and bathroom remodeling and cabinetry:  4 brands of eco-friendly custom cabinetry.
Progressive Concrete Works Inc:  Top quality decorative concrete, stamped concrete, stained concrete, concrete overlays and concrete hardscapes.  Drainscape Pervious Concrete:  www.drainscape.com
 
Community
The 3000 Club:  Produce/Food Rescue in Nogales- Rescued produce is transported to food banks throughout the US
 
If you are interested in finding more Green Vendors in the Phoenix area, please visit our Green Vendor List!
 
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September 2008 

How does free electricity sound?!  

The savings on your Utility Bill could pay for a Solar Powered System.

  

 

APS is introducing a new loan for home owners to install solar panels to generate their own electricity:

 

The GEOsmart loan program means that for no money down, you can install solar panels and the monthly cost could be ZERO depending on the amount of electricity you use and the amount of sunlight that reaches your roof.

 

Here's how it works:

First find a licensed and approved contractor at www.egia.com/aps. Have the contractor calculate the right system for your home. Then plug in the numbers to the calculator and find out what your payments would be. Take your monthly electricity bill and, if the solar system can cover 80% of your electrical needs, calculate that number. If it is more than the monthly loan payment for the system then getting solar panels for your home is a 'no brainer.'

During the day when the system is producing electricity that you are not using, the meter actually runs backwards as your system sends electricity back to the utility company. This is a great way to increase your savings.

 

Typical numbers:

The installation for the average home is a 3KW system that costs around $21,000. This system triggers a $9,000 rebate.  (For more information on rebates go to www.aps.com)  This rebate can be used to pay down the interest rate to around 8%.  A 10-year loan would run around $160 a month and a 15 year loan around $125 a month. I know for our home that is well below our average monthly electricity bill.

 

Customers in areas served by SRP can still get loans and work with the approved contractors. The interest rates may not be quite as attractive as they are for APS customers. (www.srpnet.com)

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August 2008:  Home Sale Preparation- Beat Out Your Competitors

July 2008:  Cost-Efficient Energy Alternatives and Solutions

June 2008:  Water Harvesting Made Simple

April 2008:   Honoring Earth Day

December 2007:  Green Up Your Holidays

September 2007:  Green Building Takes Nation... and Arizona... By Storm!  Plus, Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Household Cleaners

July 2007:  LiveEarth Concert Info

June 2007:  Going Solar:  Bring Energy Independence to Your Backyard

May 2007:  Creating a More Energy Efficient Home

April 2007:  Green Remodeling Ideas

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Please visit GreenAZblog.com to comment or contribute!