Cleveland’s first green home was built three years ago and we now have some idea of how it works. It is mostly good and encouraging news, with one problem that needs to be worked on this summer. For a start, how about a $379 heat bill for the first winter (October-March, 2001-2002) and only $100 more for the very cold winter of 2002-03)? And that includes hot water for cooking and bathing because the hot water tank also heats the house...  More >

Carolyn Bentley of Cleveland Magazine came to the Cleveland Green Building Coalition with the idea to create a “green rehab.” The goal was to take a modest house and do a modest greening of it that the average homeowner could identify with.

That idea is now a reality, and here's a summary of the green components, why they were chosen and what they contribute to the green agenda for this house... More >

Prefab foundations take hold

A growing number of builders are beginning to use prefab concrete foundations for their residential building. The walls are poured in a factory and include foam insulation as part of the wall structure so there is a “built-in R-value”.

For the builder it means reducing the days necessary for construction. The framing can be installed immediately after the installation. The installation shown in these pictures was done in one half day! The cost in projects done to date is about 10% more than conventional poured concrete walls...   More >

Bamboo can have a downside

Bamboo is one of the bright newcomers to green building work. The Cleveland Environmental Center has a bamboo floor which has withstood a terrific amount of traffic with no problem. But there have been some reports of difficulties with bamboo, including easily being dented and the top edge of the tongue in a tongue and groove application breaking off. Durability is an important component of green building materials. Bamboo can be durable, but you will need to carefully search for the brand that will be...  More >

COMING SOON! is now

The first homes in Shaker Heights to be built with greenbuilding guidelines are under construction. We'll be sharing the progress of these homes on this page over the next several months.

The first issue to be addressed was protection of the site. You may not be able to save every tree, but you thoughtfully consider the alternatives before doing so...  More >

In the wind

Two wind generators recently installed in Bowling Green (just a few miles west of our bioregion) are generating power sufficient to provide electricity for over 700 homes. All over the country, wind generators are being installed. Farmers, struggling to maintain their farms, are benefiting from revenues from wind generators on their land.

While we are not likely to directly benefit from this resource in the very near future, knowing about and advocating for its inclusion in power development for our state and region is a very present agenda....  More >

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