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Save Money. Cut Carbon. Breathe Easier

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October 2, 2019

H & H Design and Construction

4th annual national event urging everyone to

“Save Money. Cut Carbon. Breathe Easier.”

Weston— In recognition of the 4th annual national Energy Efficiency Day (EE Day) on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, H & H Design and Construction is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities, and individuals in promoting energy efficiency – the cheapest, quickest way to meet our energy needs, cut utility bills, and reduce pollution.

Energy efficiency is also an economic engine, with a U.S. workforce of more than 2.3 million. Ranging from professional services to manufacturing and construction, these good jobs are local and cannot be outsourced.


“We believe our mission is to build a sustainable future for generations to come by promoting and implementing energy efficiency, water conservation, Carbon emissions reduction and Climate change mitigation strategies to protect the people, the planet and its natural resources“. Said, Maria M. Hernandez, President of H & H Design and Construction.

Smarter energy use means we don’t have to generate as much power to meet our needs. Many people don’t realize that H & H Design and Construction has already made significant, reduction in energy savings, by implementing buildings retrofit in South Florida benefiting people’s health, local economy and the environment.  

Reducing the energy used by manufacturers, homes, and businesses benefits everyone – especially energy bill-payers. The average household saves almost $500 yearly thanks to efficiency standards that apply to new appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators.

“We believe we can transform the built environment: improving health, safety and quality of life, one person, one building, one family at a time“. Maria M. Hernandez

To learn more about H & H Design and Construction ’s energy efficiency efforts, visit HHDCgreen.com, or join the Twitter conversation using #EEDay2019

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GOING BEYOND BUILDING STANDARDS FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET!

About #EEDay2019: On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, a growing network of advocates, companies, government agencies, utilities, and others will showcase the benefits of energy efficiency during the 4th annual nationwide Energy Efficiency Day. Learn more at www.energyefficiencyday.org

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Home Energy Audit

Most of the 130 million households in this country were built before modern energy codes were established  and implemented. This results in these homes suffering from problems of energy efficiency ranging from energy-intensive to a low level in the indoor thermal comfort and indoor air quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy launched a national program: “Home Performance with ENERGY STAR” to provide a comprehensive solution to all residents to retrofit their homes improving energy efficiency and comfort, while helping to protect the environment and enabling huge savings..

 IMPORTANCE OF HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The buildings in the U.S. represent 40% of the budget of the nation’s energy and provide energy conservation will represent a huge  saving. The benefits of implementing these new energy codes, is reflected in the significant reduction in consumption, cost and CO2 emissions reduction. Studies by Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) show that the current efforts of the program will result in 1.7 trillion Btu saved annually by 2030.

 ENERGY AUDIT

Conducting an energy audit on your property is of great importance since it evaluates the performance of its structure and equipment as a whole-house. This assessment analyzes the flow of energy, determining leaks location, the efficiency of electrical appliances as well as indoor air quality and the possible presence of CO2 levels. This analysis  will determine areas that require insulation and ductwork sealing, as well as techniques that can be implemented to improve heating and cooling systems, identifies appliances and lighting that can be replace by high-efficiency appliances such as ENERGY STAR or LED lamps.

Professional energy auditors use blower door tests to help determine a home’s air tightness. During a professional energy audit, an energy auditor analyzes your energy bills, completes visual, health and safety inspections, and may use special equipment — such as a blower door and an infrared camera — to detect sources of energy loss.

Based on the data collected, an energy audit will provide you with a comprehensive home energy report that shows which energy efficiency upgrades are best for your home and your potential energy savings. With this report  you will learn how you use energy, determine where it’s being wasted and prioritize your efficiency upgrades. Making energy efficiency upgrades identified in a home energy audit can save 5-30 percent on your monthly energy bill while also ensuring the health and safety of your house.

IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING TIGHTNESS:

Airtightness is the control of airflow in a building. When a building is properly tighten leaks DO NOT occur at ceiling or wall junctions or cracks. These leaks create discomfort & energy loss. A building that solves for airtightness also protects the structure over its’ lifetime and will offer a better indoor quality.

These are some reasons for establishing the proper building tightness:

  • Reducing energy consumption due to air leakage
  • Avoiding moisture condensation problems reducing chance of mold formation.
  • Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold air leaking in from the outdoors increasing thermal comfort.
  • Determining how much mechanical ventilation might be needed to provide acceptable indoor air quality. Better performing ventilation system inside the house.

INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS

There are numerous  incentive and programs from local, state and federal agencies aiming to  help residents to  reduce the costs associated with energy audits, implementation of techniques. Also, financial programs that help to implement the upgrades on the property with 0 down payment and 100% financing.

By: Maria M Hernandez

Building Analyst, LEED AP, CGC

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SPRING HOME RETROFIT

Welcome to Spring!

This is a perfect time to implement preventive measures to your home, to keep it safe and well maintained throughout the year. Now, with the PACE program, it is easy to replace the old leaky roof, unsafe old windows or the inefficient air condition. The PACE program, will allow you to do these projects in your property with 0 down payment, 100% finance with no payments for over a year. In some cases, the payment is offset by the savings produced by the new technology.

In my article, I will emphasize some mitigation and retrofit projects that will protect your life, your assets and will offer you savings while protecting the environment. So, let’s get into our home transformation mode to be ready for the season:

OLD ROOF RETROFIT: With the rainy and hurricane season around the corner, replacing that old leaky roof is a must. You will improve safety, protect your property from water damage and structural compromise. When re-roofing, it is important to consider other upgrades like adding a second water barrier that will offer more protection and more discount in your insurance premium. Also, this is the moment to strengthen the roof deck attachment and install hurricane straps which can help keep a home’s roof from blowing off.

Your best investment will be in the installation of a high reflectance or cool roof, because it will reflect sunlight and heat away from a building reducing up to 15% of annual air conditioning energy cost. This will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions improving human health.
Another implementation when installing a new roof could be the installation of day-lighting systems to bring natural lighting in dark rooms to save energy. Also, consider the installation of a solar attic fan to reduce the heat and humidity from your attic to reduce energy consumption and to create a healthier indoor. With this solar system, you will earn 30% tax credit.

OLD WINDOWS AND DOORS: This is a high-ticket item, but with the PACE program you can install your new hurricane impact windows and doors now with zero down payment. Keeping your love ones and your property safe during hurricane season can’t wait. The best option replacing a conventional single pane window is to invest in the high-performance windows. By installing Energy Star windows and doors, you will have a better protection and will shrink energy bill and carbon footprint at the same time. With this investment in your property, you will save in energy bill, property insurance and you will save pounds of CO2 reducing your carbon footprint. These windows are the best investment to increase your property value.

NOISY AND INEFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONING: Sumer temperatures are just around the corner and if you still have an old system, your best defense will be to install a high efficient central air-conditioning, also, financed with the PACE program. By replacing an old 10 SEER AC unit with a high efficient 16 SEER AC (3 Ton air conditioning), you will save around 40% ($600) in energy bill yearly, also you will reduce your carbon footprint.

By implementing all these retrofits to your property, you will be ready for the season to offer the best protection to your loved ones and your asset while reducing your energy bill, maintenance cost and insurance premium. The moment is now, take advantage of the PACE program!

As a PACE certified contractor, I have witnessed the great benefits behind this excellent program; residential and commercial building owners are been able to transform their properties up to the latest codes, making it more resilient while reducing their properties insurance cost and increasing property value

From my Green building, professional experience, I have witnessed the “Green” side of this program, not just because the homeowner is saving money but because they are reducing their carbon footprint. One of the easiest ways to fight climate change is to start in our own homes by transforming our properties and making it more energy efficient. The results will produce a positive impact with triple bottom line: Economy, People and Planet, reducing pollution, creating healthier environments while growing the economy.

I believe the PACE program is more than just a financial tool to help property owners; it is the pathway for buildings transformation across the Nation and the accelerator that will unleash the power of renewable energy in the SUNSHINE State.

For more information about the program or to retrofit your property with the PACE program, please, send an email to: Floridaleedap@gmail.com H & H Design and Construction.

By: Maria M. Hernandez, CGC #1515987 – LEED AP- Building Analyst- PACE certified

Ciudad Weston Newspaper

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Millennials Ideal Homes

Let me introduce you to the Millennials:

The Millennial generation, or Echo Boomers, is those born between 1980 and 1998. They represent anywhere between 70 and 95 million U.S. consumers. Described as educated, diverse, creative, technologically advanced, connected and open to change, they are the first generation to grow up with the Internet and other forms of digital media, they are probably the most educated generation in the United States’ history. Going through so many challenges: underpaid salaries, uncertainty in the job market, massive amount of student loans caused them to delay their marriage, families and home-ownership, but also, it defines their character to pursue the American Dream.

Millennials and the Housing Market:

Millennials are labeled as the next generation to turn around the housing market with their unique style and high-tech preferences. They will account for an astounding 75-80% of owner-occupied housing sales by people under the age of 65 before the year 2020. According to Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow chief economist, by the end of 2015, millennials became the largest home-buying age group transforming the real estate market.

Millennials Ideal Homes:

The most significant factors for this generation in the selection of a new home are the following:

  • Sustainable Communities: they will be looking for resilient, healthier and walk-able communities that will offer them everything: connectivity, workplace proximity, access to public transportation, safety, centers of entertainment and outdoor life. They want to a live a more conscious lifestyle, no worrying about transportation costs & commute time.
  • Green Building: Millennials will prefer green building and homes that use sustainable practices, smart technologies and recycled materials. 20% under the age of 34 will choose green alternatives regardless of cost. They will be attracted by LEED or FGBC certified homes.
  • Energy Efficient: a substantial 84% of them have strong preference for energy efficiency technology. The three most popular home features are: energy efficient appliances, security systems, and smart thermostats. Another energy savings options will include low-e windows, additional insulation, smart lighting, and home energy monitor. Also, homes certified under the programs Energy Star and ZERO energy will be demand.
  • Smart Technology: a very important feature for them. They want smart home technology for comfort, safety and also, because of the money-saving potential, such as an automated climate control, remote home monitoring, lighting control systems and key-less entry doors. Remember, they live and breathe technology!
  • Functional Space: they will look for “essential homes” smaller and more adaptive than conventional houses, thoughtful modern designs that maximize space and functionality.

To take advantage of the booming housing market, we must learn to meet the desires of this unique, clever and demanding Eco-conscious generation. Therefore, builders and contractors must rise to the challenge; parents of Millennials selling, should retrofit its conventional and inefficient dwellings; realtors and brokers, should familiarize themselves with the GREEN MLS, the EEM (Energy Efficient Mortgages) and certification programs such as LEED, Energy Star, FL Water Star, Indoor airPLUS, FGBC, Zero Energy Home Ready, to be at the forefront and to be able to identify smart implementations of a market that has already begun its transformation. Education is the key to conquer the change. For corporate education, individual consulting or implementation of green and efficient technologies in new or existing homes, please send an email: floridaleedap@gmail.com

By: Maria M Hernandez, LEED AP

Ciudad Weston Newspaper

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CLIMATE CHANGE: BUILDING OPPORTUNITY

Transformation of the gray, polluted town to a green, eco-friendly city with wind turbines and trees.

We end 2015 with optimism for the future! In a historical moment, one that can define the future of the planet and humankind, the whole world witnessed the negotiations on climate change in Paris. The future looks promising and healthier, thanks to the treaty made by world leaders at the 21st conference of the United Nations, COP21, where they agreed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, thereby holding the increase in average temperature to well below 2°C which will reduce the risk and impact of climate change. The fate of our planet and humanity is already in the political framework. Now is the time to respond to the urgency to make a positive lasting impact.

 

UNDERSTANDING THE URGENCY:

To unlock the opportunities of the 21st century economy, we must understand the urgency and challenges we are facing today. All the sectors present challenges, but the construction industry is one of the sectors with the greatest negative impact on Climate Change, which in turn contributes to large economic losses due to extreme weather events.

Globally, buildings are responsible for over 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which would double by 2050, if we take no action to correct it. In the USA, more than 40% of the total consumption of energy is consumed in the residential and commercial buildings. But at the same time, these buildings have a great potential for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions which represents a great opportunity.

BUILDING’S HIDDEN VALUE:

Most buildings in the USA have been built without considering the impact of energy use on the environment. As many as  72% of the buildings constructed in the USA are completely outdated and inefficient. As a consequence, we waste billions of dollars in energy, causing a tremendous burden on the environment and climate change. By transforming these buildings into high-performance ones, their owners would benefit from the hidden value of its assets.

The Rockefeller Foundation and Deutsche Bank Climate Change Advisers found that improving the efficiency of those buildings just by 30% with an initial investment of only $279 billion dollars would result in $1 trillion dollars of energy savings over 10 years, yielding a return on investment of 358% in a decade.

GREEN BUILDINGS:

After the meeting in Paris, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will commit to scaling green buildings to more than 5 billion square feet (478 million square meters) over the next five years through the LEED and EDGE green building rating systems. It is predicted that by 2018, the construction of Green Buildings will represent a positive impact.

2016 TIME TO LEAD!

With the recent international agreement on Climate Change (COP21), the timing could not be better to aspire and commit ourselves to a sustainable new year to ensure the success and well-being of humanity. Climate change is the challenge of the 21st century but also the greatest opportunity for the global low-carbon Economy that will pave the way to the renewable energies and new efficient technologies.

For consultation about building transformation, Corporate Social Responsibility, LEED Certification, please send an email to: floridaleedap@gmail.com .

By Maria M. Hernández, LEED AP ID +C

Ciudad Weston Newspaper

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WARNING: Energy Vampires lurking your home

Halloween is almost here and a band of spooky energy vampires could be lurking around your home. Ghosts and zombies will be roaming the streets, be careful, stay at home and prepare to hunt down those pesky Energy Vampires that are already sucking your power bill. Watch out, don’t let these vampires give you a scare this Halloween, keep them at bay year round by learning some tricks on how to hunt phantom loads and ward off Energy Vampires.

Energy vampires are appliances that even when turned off utilize a small amount of electricity, called phantom loads. The average home in the US spends around $150-$200 every year on vampire energy. Some estimates suggest that Americans have anywhere between 30-65 vampire devices throughout their homes. Nearly every appliance has become smart with electronic digital displays. Some of the biggest energy consumers include cable or satellite set-top TV boxes, computer modems and aquariums.

Haunted rooms found in your home:

  • Living Room: this is the scariest one, most homes have two or more TV/cable set-ups, so you could easily be losing $50-$100 a year on TV-based phantom load alone. If you leave your cable box plugged in for a year and never turned it off, it would add $17.83 to your electrical bill and If this cable box has a DVR capability, the energy waste will doubles to $43.46.
  • Office: Be aware, this could be another scary room. Just a desktop computer left running, connected to monitor in sleep mode, can cost over $87 per year, also, you have to add the computer speakers (3 watts); a wireless router (5 watts); a printer (5 watts); surge protectors (2 watts), and a cordless phone that uses 3 watts even when it’s completely off adding a waste of $25.50 a year.
  • Bathrooms: could be a cause for concern if you’re leaving devices like hair dryers, curling irons, or electric shavers plugged into the wall. Even when turned off, these devices can idly sip electricity from your outlet costing you money.

TRICK on how to slay the Energy Vampire:

Here I share with you some tricks on how to kill the Phantom load and the amount of power you waste:

  • Unplug all your appliances and device chargers when you are not in use.
  • Use a power strip with an on/off button so you can easily shut down multiple devices at once.
  • Set your computer or laptop to go to sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity or less.
  • Purchase appliances and equipment EnergyStar qualified products that use less energy and limit the amount of standby power they draw.
  • Install switches or timers that automatically stop powering devices once they go to standby mode
  • Use a “Kill a Watt” on your appliances to cut down the cost.

Unplugging energy vampires can lower your electric bill up to 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Now that you know the Tricks, don’t let the Vampires and Phantoms attack your power bill, treat yourself with extra cash and a better planet reducing your carbon footprint.

We can help you to find ways to fix leaks in your home with a simple home energy audit. By making upgrades following a home energy audit, you can save up to 30 percent on your energy bill.

By: Maria Mercedes Hernandez. Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP), Building Analyst, General Contractor. hernandezmaria@hhdcgreen.com

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BETTER HOME IMPROVEMENTS, OFFER BENEFITS

Minimalist white bathroom with vertical garden, wooden floor and pebbles, hotel, spa, modern interior design

As a professional of the construction industry, it fills me with joy and optimism to see how the industry has been slowly awakening, boosting our economy and creating new job opportunities. At the same time I have observed several faults in the Residential market that could create a negative effect not consistent with the projection for the coming years.

There is a big trend in remodeling of aesthetic: change in order to increase its value, focused primarily on the selection of flashy materials without knowledge of its composition or origin of manufacture.

Another point is the selection of cheap labor without proper certification and experience or lack of legality of the process in order to reduce the project costs. This has very serious consequences and risks that will depreciate the investment.

Moreover, the owner of the property makes renovations without appropriate professional advice to inform and help them understand new trends and projection of the industry.

Modern construction, interior design and decor are completely changing to adapt to a new era of technology. A focus on sustainability, resilience and energy efficiency will allow us to compete globally with the best construction in the world, with a demanding young market and to thwart the effects of climate change.

PROFESSIONAL TIPS FOR A GREAT INVESTMENT:

The key is to remodel and decorate looking for a return on investment without compromising the beauty and style. Invest your budget in better projects that generate savings through the implementation of efficient technologies and materials that enhance healthy indoor air thus creating spaces comfortable and healthy. This will add value to the property and place it at a competitive level for future buyers.

Interior painting: Paint technology has reached a very high level, being able to recognize their characteristics will bring great benefits. Today there are completely organic paints with no pollutants that cause cancer and other diseases; choosing this type of paints will eliminate toxic levels in the indoor environment. There are also paintings with thermal insulation that will reduce energy consumption, water resistance and fire retardants.

Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms; has been in high demand this year. The smart remodeling will be the one that implement efficient technologies for energy and water conservation. Use cabinets built with recycled materials without toxic emissions and water-mildew repellent. New materials such as bamboo, glass and paper recycled will be of great trend for countertops because they offer excellent features of durability, strength, and zero toxic emissions.

Curtains: It has always been an element of elegance in a house but the best investment will be those that incorporate ecological fabric without chemicals which in turn reduce energy consumption and serve as insulation of sound, creating healthier, comfortable, and more efficient environments.

For more information about remodeling, interior design, decoration and green building please contact me at: floridaleedap@gmail.com

By: Maria Mercedes Hernandez
Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP ID +C)

Ciudad Weston Newspaper

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