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By Steve Rypka on June 3rd, 2010 | Category: Green Living Columns
 Energy efficiency has never been more important or more urgently needed. Our homes are taking on a new and very important role in terms of energy: they are becoming an integral and active part of the electric grid system. The existing model of electrical generation, distribution and use, one that has basically changed little for over one hundred years, is about to take a major leap forward. The change will provide benefits in the form of lower energy costs, greater comfort and control, increased reliability and security, and environmental healing.
The premise is relatively simple: greater efficiency, real-time load management (down to the micro level), distributed generation and renewable energy. Homes will generate energy, share it with others when it makes the most sense, as well as use it much more wisely. The integration of these concepts will forever transform and improve the way we use energy while providing a major part of the solution to some of society’s most pressing issues. The details are complex and will take some time, but the seeds of change have already taken root and are sprouting. It’s a paradigm shift that will transform not only our homes, but our energy utility companies as well. Continue reading Energy Evolution: Efficiency is Key.
By Steve Rypka on May 20th, 2010 | Category: Green Living Columns
Back in the days of old, taking a warm shower was a luxury that few could afford on a regular basis. Water had to be fetched from a well or stream, then heated by fire from wood chopped by hand in the forest (assuming there was one nearby). It took a lot of effort to make it all happen, but oh, how sweet the reward!
As an adventurous teenager, I lived briefly in a small, humble abode …(more)
Continue reading Personal Waterfall
By Steve Rypka on April 8th, 2010 | Category: Green Living Columns
Every cloud has a green lining.
They say that every cloud has a silver lining. That might be even more appropriate here in the Silver State, since the clouds caused by the housing market have caused more than a passing shadow. However, the sun is beginning to peek through, and it’s shining a bright light on some activities in the housing market that not only have a silver lining, but perhaps even gold or platinum.
I’m talking …(more)
Continue reading Housing’s Silver Lining
By Steve Rypka on January 14th, 2010 | Category: Green Living Columns
They say the dream of the older generation was to pay off a mortgage, while the dream of today’s young families is to get one. In this economy, that’s no joke. That dream is now taking on new dimensions that include managing the ever-rising cost of energy and water.
In today’s home market, a lot of variables go into determining the price of a home, but some of the most common “features” are often only cosmetic: granite …(more)
Continue reading Appraising Green Homes
By Steve Rypka on December 17th, 2009 | Category: Green Living Columns
Children will benefit most from the lessons we learn now.
2009 has been a year of learning. With economic challenges at every turn, many have been forced to do more with less. People have downsized, minimized, economized and localized. In a sense it could be considered a sort of natural correction. As we move forward into the New Year we should not forget these important lessons.
For example, average home size has been growing for decades. Now …(more)
Continue reading Lessons Learned
By Steve Rypka on August 13th, 2009 | Category: Green Living Columns
I recently attended a series of seminars designed to inform realtors, lenders, appraisers and builders about the importance of energy efficiency and green building. The program, hosted by the Green Alliance/Nevada Energy Star Partners, featured Sam Rashkin, the national director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star for Homes program. The seminars were very informative and those in attendance definitely gained a leg up on the future of our housing market.
I’ll write more about them in …(more)
Continue reading Corn, Oil & Electric Rates
By Steve Rypka on June 4th, 2009 | Category: Green Living Columns
We’ve all heard a lot about green jobs lately. But what exactly is a green job? When are they coming? Where can a person find one? A lot of people want to know how they can make a living while making a difference.
While I believe that any job in any company can be “greened” with the right attitude and attention to detail, there are some that fall squarely in the green job category. They often pertain …(more)
Continue reading HomeFree Nevada
By Steve Rypka on May 21st, 2009 | Category: Green Living Columns
Here’s a summer riddle for you: What’s clear and fresh and very clean, all blue but still completely green? If you guessed a swimming pool, you’re right. But what’s green about a clean pool? The green isn’t from algae but from the energy saved by using a variable-speed pool pump.
Most swimming pools use a significant amount of energy. First of all, it just takes a lot of power to pump water and a typical pool has …(more)
Continue reading Green Pools are Great
By Steve Rypka on May 14th, 2009 | Category: Green Living Columns
Hiking is one of my favorite activities since I love reconnecting with the natural world. Safety is always number one so I try to avoid paths that get too close to dangerous cliffs. Call it self-preservation. I’m also not a speed demon, preferring to savor the experience – noticing the details.
Did you know that a ponderosa pine gives off a scent similar to butterscotch? You have to get real close to the bark and it works …(more)
Continue reading House Like a Tree
By Steve Rypka on April 23rd, 2009 | Category: Green Living Columns
I love a good challenge. The bigger the problem, the more fun it can be to solve. The most elegant solutions are simple, effective and often right before our eyes. Such is the case with water.
For decades, we’ve focused on engineering “more is better” solutions that “improve” nature and bend it to our will. There are still plenty of folks around who subscribe to that antiquated approach. Big bucks, powerful pumps, long pipelines and massive amounts …(more)
Continue reading Desert Water Solutions
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