The ideal energy efficient building retains the best environment for living while minimizing the consumption and waste of energy. © Crook 2006 The biggest source of clean cheap energy is energy not used. R. Muller, Foreign Policy, Nov 2008 If you don’t understand energy efficient technology it’s probably because it’s based on principles of thermodynamics, physics, and rocket science. © Crook 2010 When you install an alternative energy system without first reducing your building’s demand for energy you ‘re still wasting energy and foregoing comfort--You've put the cart before the horse. © Crook 2011 An energy efficient building is always "Green" but a green buildings isn't always energy efficient. © Crook 2009 "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction", Sir Isaac Newton's "Action-Reaction Law", 1687 The transfer of heat between objects can never be stopped: it can only be slowed down. © Crook 2008 It's always easier to get into something than it is to get out. Clean coal refers to coal with less particulants/pollutants. Clean coal when burned, unless SEQUESTRATED spews CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) into the atmosphere causing pollution. What does "clean coal" and "pork the other white meat have in common? Both are half-truths and both have the propensity to make you sick.

If I go green do I use cloth, plastic or paper bags?

Posted 05/22/2011 by Dennis Crook

How did a movement start to ban the use of recyclable plastic bags, replacing them with cloth or paper instead? Is it because people are too lazy to bring plastic bags to a recycling center? Is the cost of recycling a plastic bag higher than making a new bag out of recycled plastic? The winner between the powers of political correctness verses the powers of lobbyists with a bias often times determines why one thing is deemed better than it is. If we all became vegetarian over night what would we do with all the cows? If everyone was eating cows meat what would happen to the competitive price of prime beef cuts? […]

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Tax credit for energy in the 1980’s?

Posted 05/10/2011 by Siti Crook

Tax Credit for Energy in the 1980’s Dennis and I began building new energy efficient homes in the 1980’s. When we first started, builders were pleased if they had $10,000 a house left after completion, all bills paid and the sale of the home settled. If there were investors in the project the remaining $10,000 was shared with them. The Energy tax incentives in existence until the mid-1980’s, were primarily for alternative energy systems, and difficult to obtain for building envelope improvements that saved energy. Twenty plus years later and before the housing industry meltdown in 2008, builders aimed for a $100,000 profit on a conventionally built energy wasteful house. With $100,000 as a […]

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