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Energy Efficiency & Green Building

Insulated Vinyl Siding Adds Comfort and Reduces Energy Loss

Aaron Wahlquist 10/03/2017

Most exterior walls have insulation in between the wall studs, but allow significant energy loss through the studs themselves. Wall studs, both wood and metal, are poor insulators — when they come in contact with the exterior cladding, they allow heat to pass through them (which is called a thermal bridge). Insulated Vinyl Siding is ... Read More

Why is R-22 Refrigerant so Expensive Now?

Aaron Wahlquist 04/18/2017

Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances U.S. government has placed restrictions on how much refrigerant can be produced and by 2020 will no longer be produced. As the amount of R-22 refrigerant that's available dwindles down, the cost of the refrigerant begins to skyrocket. So what should I do? If you have replaced or upgraded your system ... Read More

Pushing for a Greener Habitat Outside the House - NAHB

Aaron Wahlquist 08/30/2016

Filed in Codes and Regulations, Environmental, Land Development on August 9, 2016 • 0 Comments The ICC/ASHRAE 700-2015 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) was released in March. This post is the third in a series of eight that will examine what’s different in this new edition – and what’s changed in the world of sustainable ... Read More

Making Zero Energy Equal a Perfect 10 - NAHB

Aaron Wahlquist 08/30/2016

Zero-energy homes, also known as net-zero homes, produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis, sometimes producing more energy from solar panels, wind power, or other sources. These homes are far from mainstream, but home builders like South Carolina’s Todd Usher, guest writer for this blog post, are leading the race to ... Read More

Connecting our Community to Renewable Energy

Aaron Wahlquist 04/19/2016

Did you know that the largest solar farm in the state of Missouri is located right here in Springfield? City Utilities contracted for the construction of the 4.95 megawatt (AC) renewable energy project in 2013, and began receiving the energy in July 2014. Although this energy is still more expensive than that from traditional sources, ... Read More

Energy Star is Like a Good Chocolate Chip Recipe

Jim Baker 11/26/2012

I seldom meet a chocolate chip cookie I do not like. Occasionally, I come across one that is to “die for.” You know what I am talking about, the ones that are so good they should be illegal - maybe not in Colorado or Washington, but I digress. You would think that all chocolate chip ... Read More

Do You "Like" HBA? Check out the All-New HBA Facebook Page

Staff Report 09/09/2012

To better serve members, the HBA of Greater Springfield has completely overhauled re-launched its official facebook page. The HBA's enhanced presence on the massively popular social media platform officially launches today (September 10). The HBA's new and improved facebook page has received a massive overhaul leading up to today's re-launch. Facebook is a rapidly-evolving medium that ... Read More

Builders' Circle Blog: How Green is Greene?

Jim Baker 08/02/2012

Greene County has been "green" for years.  My Grandmother decades ago told me things like, “take care of the land and it will take care of you. Waste not, want not.”  And of course, “Turn off the light when you ain't using it.”  Yes, she said "ain't" and she also had no “i-de” she was ... Read More