By Rachel Ford
 

July 28, 2010 (San Diego) -- Green architecture is hot right now. For San Diego architect Simi Razavian, who developed techniques in her ,Middle Eastern homeland, it's also a way of life.
 
Designing homes that utilize energy saving construction and passive solar design is a simple solution to save energy and money, while making homes more comfortable year-round. The concept is ideal for East County’s sunny climate. But according to Razavian, many local architects don't understand these concepts or how to incorporate them seamlessly with design.

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PACE programs are among the most promising ways that ordinary Americans can spur the economy, create jobs, save money and lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign oil…Challenging economic times like ours call for decisiveness and action, not the fear and disinterest exhibited by FHFA.” – Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Pam Slater-Price, in a letter to President Barack Obama

By Miriam Raftery
 

July 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Last week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not buy or sell mortgages for homes enrolled in municipal solar financing programs called PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy). The programs allow homeowners to spread the cost of rooftop solar and other energy efficiency measures over 20 years, paid as part of their property tax bills.

The decision casts a pall over the County of San Diego, which planned to launch its PACE program this summer.

Empowered Energy Solutions finds hot market for rapid residential audit program
 

By Dennis Moore

March 25, 2010 (San Diego) – Saving money while converting to green energy sources is viewed by many consumers as both desirable and a necessity in this day and age.

At the forefront of this movement is Empowered Energy Solutions, a Solana Beach, California based business that is helping homeowners county-wide save money from day one on sustainable, energy efficient projects for their homes, offices and commercial buildings, from small restaurants to huge factories. One of the company’s diagnostics was on a building that previously had an annual electric bill of $11.5 million a year.

“Right now in San Diego, thousands of homes are running inefficiently, wasting their owners’ money,” Ted Torre-Bueno, president and founder, told East County Magazine. “Dollars spent on energy efficiency have the highest return on investment and in effect, are free for the homeowner and for the community. If we can reduce power use, we save on utility bills and help eliminate the need for new power plants in the future.”

Reprinted with permission from EnviroCitizen

February 20, 2010 -- Finding a green home is getting to be easier as more people are becoming aware of the benfits of green living for their health as well as for the Earth. There are a few things to look for and ask when you are in the market for a green home.

 
October 8, 2009 (El Cajon)– Cali Bamboo, a premier manufacturer of green building materials made entirely from bamboo for residential and commercial projects, has announced its partnership with the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. The company will provide $15,000 worth of flooring and fencing materials as well as volunteer employees to help build the final Jimmie Johnson Foundation house in El Cajon as well as other area homes.

By Miriam Raftery

November 1, 2008 (Del Cerro) — “Clients will ask, `How can we go green and still make it beautiful?  That’s really the trick,” observes designer Rick Fahmie of Kitchen Expo.

Fahmie designed a green kitchen in his own Del Cerro home, using utilizing natural and eco-friendly materials as well as maximizing energy efficiency.

ASID Kitchen and Bath Tour Oct. 25 Features “Green” Kitchen on Mt. Helix

By Miriam Raftery

Recycled glass adds sparkle to natural slate backsplash

October 11, 2008 (Mt. Helix) - A Mount Helix kitchen/great room featuring natural materials, solar screens and and energy-efficient features is among 11 kitchens featured on the 2008 Fall Kitchen Tour on October 25th.  Sponsored by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) San Diego chapter, this year’s tour features remodeled kitchens ranging from modest tract homes to lavish estates—including several homes in eastern areas of San Diego County. 

Eco-friendly EAST COUNTY homes

By Miriam Raftery

After twice having to evacuate during wildfires, Keith and Danya Jolley decided to build a new, fire-safe and energy efficient “green” home on their Jamul property.   The home was featured on last year’s GreenBuilt Homes Tour. 

One year later, the Jolleys remain thrilled with their new home. “The house turned out better than we imagined, and the savings have been a big boost,” Danya Jolley told East County Magazine.  “Our new house is roughly twice the size of our old house that was on the same lot, same location, and so far our electric bills are about $70 a month cheaper.”  She added, “We have not had to use our air conditioner at all this year.”  Indoor temperatures have not exceeded 77 degrees, despite outdoor temperatures in the mid-90s .