From AIArchitect 

Key characteristics of the American home continue to evolve, in part because of a dramatic slowdown in the housing industry, in part because emerging weakness in the national economy, in part because of demographic changes in our population, and in part because of the growing awareness of sustainable design principles.

One obvious sign of the changing characteristics of homes is their size. According to government figures, the average size of a new home has increased almost 50 percent over the past three decades. As recently as 2006, almost twice as many residential architects participating in the AIA Home Design Trends Survey reported home sizes to be increasing as reported them to be decreasing. By 2007, that trend had reversed, as more residential architects reported home sizes to be decreasing than increasing. With the 2008 survey, more than twice as many respondents reported home size declines as reported increases (33.5 percent vs. 15.5 percent).

Trends are similar, although less pronounced, for the volume of homes (e.g., higher ceiling heights, two-story foyers). In our 2005 survey, most (51 percent) residential architects reported that the volume of homes was increasing, where only a small minority (4 percent) reported them to be declining. By 2008, with growing concerns over housing affordability as well as dramatically higher home energy prices that increase the cost of heating these larger spaces, this gap had narrowed significantly: 28 percent of respondents reported the volume of homes to be increasing, while 12 percent reported them to be declining.

For Full Article>>> 

From Jetson Green 

Just recently, Sustainable Industries announced their list of the Top 10 Green Building Products for 2008.  To get that magic number of 10 products, SI accepted roughly 80 nominations and narrowed those products down based on their ability to meet the following criteria: LEED compatibility, environmental performance, value, scalability / market impact, innovativeness, and design aesthetic.  Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Green Building Products for 2008:

• Compressed Earth Blocks (link)
• EcoTop by Kliptech (link)
• Lamberts Channel Glass Walls (link)
• Masa Cabinet Hardware (link)
• MetroPaint (link)
• Resource Monitor (link)
• Solar Tracking Skylights (link)
• Straw Wall by Green Design Systems (link)
• Thermastrand Radiant Barrier Sheathing (link)
• Salvaged Hardwood Tables (link)

From Clean Edge 

A new study makes the case that solar power is emerging as a cost- effective hedge against fossil fuels and is likely to reach cost parity with retail-electricity rates in most regions of the U.S. in less than a decade.

The Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, produced by clean-tech research and publishing firm Clean Edge and green-economy nonprofit Co-op America, provides a comprehensive roadmap for utilities, solar companies, and regulators to reach 10% solar in the U.S. by 2025. The report can be downloaded at www.cleanedge.com and www.solarcatalyst.org (Co-op America's solar program Web site).

The study finds that significantly scaling solar power in the U.S. will require the active involvement of utilities. The study delivers a to-do list for the three key stakeholders in the nation's solar industry. Among others, the action items include:

-For utilities: Take advantage of the unique value of solar for peak generation and alleviating grid congestion; implement solar as part of the build-out of the smart grid; and adapt to new market realities with new business models.

-For solar companies: Bring installed solar systems costs to $3 per peak watt or less by 2018; streamline installations; and make solar a truly plug-and-play technology.

-For regulators and policy makers: Pass a long-term extension of investment and production tax credits for solar and other renewables; establish open standards for solar interconnection; and give utilities the ability to "rate-base" solar.

The USA Study also reports that:

-For the first time solar power is beginning to reach cost parity with conventional energy sources. As solar prices decline and the capital and fuel costs for coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants rise, the U.S. will reach a crossover point by around 2015.

-Installed solar PV prices are projected to decline from an average $5.50-$7.00 peak watt (15-32 cents kWh) today to $3.02-$3.82 peak watt (8-18 cents kWh) in 2015 to $1.43-$1.82 peak watt (4-8 cents kWh) by 2025

-Solar power offers a number of advantages over conventional energy sources. Among them, the ability to deliver energy at or near the point of use, zero fuel costs, minimal maintenance requirements and zero carbon-based source emissions.

-The investment to arrive at 10% solar in the U.S. is not small, reaching $450 billion to $560 billion between now and 2025, an average of $26 billion to $33 billion per year. However, given utilities' existing capital costs such an investment is not prohibitive. To put the investment in perspective: Utilities spent an estimated $70 billion on new power plants and transmission and distribution systems in 2007 alone.

"One of the big takeaways from this report is that, in many ways, the future of solar is in the hands of utilities," said Ron Pernick, Clean Edge cofounder and managing director and USA Study coauthor. "Reaching 10 percent of our electricity from solar sources by 2025 will require the active participation of utilities along with the support and participation of regulators and solar technology companies."

In just the past year, a number of utilities and solar companies have announced aggressive programs to deploy large-scale solar power projects, including Southern California Edison's plan to install 250 megawatts of distributed solar PV, Duke Energy's stated goal of investing $100 million in rooftop solar, and Pacific Gas & Electric's announcements to invest in thousands of megawatts of concentrating solar power in California's deserts. While these players are still in the vanguard, a number of other utilities are looking to join them to help bring solar power to scale – and the study shows that solar could become "ubiquitous" as with earlier semiconductor-based revolutions.

"As capital and fuel costs have doubled or tripled for coal, natural gas, and nuclear power over the past few years, solar power costs are coming down," explains Alisa Gravitz, Co-op America executive director and USA Study project director. "For the first time in history, cost-competitive solar power is now within the planning horizon of every utility in the nation."

The study, written by Pernick and Clean Edge contributing editor Clint Wilder, is based on interviews with more than 30 solar, utility, financial, and policy experts and leverages proprietary Clean Edge data on solar PV market size, cost and pricing history and projections, and other key market factors.

West Coast Green 2008  
                                                                                                                         
Innovation I Building I Business I Design

West Coast Green, the premier conference and expo on green building, business and design will host nearly 400 exhibits, advanced interactive educational tracks and dynamic networking events for business professionals from across the country.

In 2008, West Coast Green will attract more than 13,000 participants and 400 exhibitors. This year’s signature program has been designed by over 100 thought leaders. Participants will come away from the most interactive conference on green innovation with inspired vision and understanding of the way innovation is cultivated, nurtured and grown for the benefit of humanity.

At the heart of West Coast Green is a commitment to realigning ourselves with and enhancing the brilliant, common sense, vitalizing building and design principles of the natural world.

Register at westcoastgreen.com/register before July 31 for advance registration pricing.

San Jose Convention Center - San Jose, CA – September 25-27

$1,100,000 - Gorgeous 3 BR/1.25 BA Marina Style Condo North of Panhandle

28 Clayton Street @ Fulton 

Welcome to a rarely available NOPA gem with lots of green features. This beautiful lower unit Marina-style condo in a 2-unit building provides generous space for your needs. With a third bedroom added and a bathroom remodel, this house has it all. A new deck on the back along with a hot tub allow for prime relaxation.

As you enter the home, you will notice the beautiful hardwood floors throughout. At the top of the private entry stairs, you will find yourself in the large dining room that leads you to the living room with a wood burning fireplace and original built-ins, both rooms perfect for entertaining.

 
This home has three large bedrooms and one and a quarter bathrooms. The recent remodels and additions were all done with eco-friendly construction techniques including: 

• Bathroom

• Icestone (recycled glass) vanity counter top
• Two under-mounted sinks with low-flow faucets
• Woodshanti reclaimed Cherry and Walnut cabinets and drawers
• Dual flush Toilet
• Oceanside recycled glass tile shower with low-flow shower heads
• No VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints
• Ultratouch recycled blue jean insulation
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood
• High efficiency exhaust fan

• Stairway and Third Bedroom

• FSC certified wood in all framing
• FSC Brazilian Cherry floors
• Ultratouch insulation in all walls, floors and ceiling
• No VOC paints

• Rear Deck

• FSC Douglas Fir framing
• FSC Redwood decking and railings
• No VOC sealers

You will also find yourself within blocks of shopping, restaurants, USF, UCSF, public transportation, and the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park. Centrally located, this location is great for commuters or people who like to explore all that San Francisco has to offer.

Open House Schedule:

• Tuesday, June 24 – 11:00 – 12:30 – Broker’s Tour
• Saturday, June 28 – 2:00 – 4:00
• Sunday, June 29 – 2:00 – 4:00
• Tuesday, July 1 – 11:30 – 1:00
• Sunday, July 6 – 2:00 – 4:00

Offers reviewed Tuesday July 8 12:00 noon.

For showings and more information, please email James Rogers at

Lower Nob Hill Penthouse - $900,000

Top floor condo located in quiet building located next to fine restaurants and transportation.

- Two Bedrooms/ Two Full Baths
- Gourmet Kitchen with Viking Gas Range
- Formal Dining Room with French Doors to Living Room
- Living Room with Wood Burning Fireplace
- Large Private Terrace off Living Room
- Three Skylights/ Great Closet Space
- In Unit Washer/Dryer
- One Car Parking and Additional Deeded Storage Space
- HOA Dues: $344.10 Per Month

For photos please click here.

For more information and to schedule a showing, contact:
Jan Small

415-816-2253

New Listing – 1.4 Acre Lot with plans for your luxury Green Home $895,000.

This idyllic 1.4 acre lot with panoramic views of hills, valleys and open space is situated on a private cul de sac in the Novato’s Greenpoint area. The property includes the plans for a Michelle Kaufmann modular, 4 Bedroom, Sunset Breeze, LEED Platinum rated home. The design uses energy efficient, sustainable design elements to create a beautiful balance between indoor and outdoor space.

This lot is ready for you to build your LEED Platinum home. All plans have passed the design review process. Now is the time to custom design the features that are most important for you.

Details of 50 Lockton Lane:

4 BR, 4 BA
High Ceilings
Plans include:
Wine Cellar
Library
Office
Meditation Courtyard
Decks
Storage

The Lot:
Security gate at entrance of street
Surveyed
Soil test is available
Planning design board approved
Driveway to lot
Utilities are available

To learn more, please call
Nancy Copeland
510 612-2441


To see photos please click here.
mls #20819055

Plug-in hybrid owners need to have sources of power that are green.  Buildings, and particularly green buildings, if they prepare, can provide that source of green power. 

Switching from Oil to Coal?
Green buildings will be better positioned to supply electrical power to plug-in hybrid owners than those buildings that are not green.  Why?  Well, because plug-in hybrid owners don't want to just switch from oil to coal.  Sure, coal is cheaper in price, but it's not cheaper in terms of environmental impact.  Car owners want to get away from coal and oil completely.  They want to use renewable energy to electrically power their plug-in vehicles.  So, green buildings source some or all of their energy from renewable sources -- and if they can channel that to the plug-in stations, car owners will receive a valuable service.  Any planned green building project with a parking lot or garage needs to have plug-ins planned. 

Green Buildings Replace Gas Stations?
Second, green building owners should consider the economic benefits of being able to provide green energy to plug-in hybrid vehicle owners.  Buildings might just replace the gas stations.  Let me say that again: buildings might just replace gas stations.  The following scenario illustrates how this might work.

Imagine if (1) you have solar on your roof, (2) your company building purchases/generates green power, and (3) you own a plug-in hybrid.  You plug in the car at night to recharge.  You plug in the car when you get to work to recharge.  You might run errands in between, but you have some good distance in the car, so you can do a lot between home and work, and vice versa.  You probably never need to fill up the car with gas, unless you have a long road trip.

Also imagine, maybe, that you go to the mall or some other retail establishment that has Solar Groves in the parking lot.  You're set to recharge while you're shopping.  These retail establishments could place a meter on the plug and charge a price based on how much energy you take.  The price they charge might even pay for the Solar Grove system or even just pay for the retail establishment's energy requirements.  Plug-in hybrid owners might just shop or work longer, depending on how much juice they have in the car!

Buildings, parking lots, and facilities that can show plug-in owners that they're providing green energy will benefit.  Depending on the time it takes to recharge, quick stops at gas stations won't work and stationary recharge moments in the parking lot or at home will work.  So places that have recharge points might even develop new individualized pump-type technology to meter how much energy they give to a car.  New business models can and should spring from this technology.

Technology Interconnections:
So it's going to be important to pay attention to the interesting connections between renewable energy creation, plug-in stations, energy storage systems, off-peak energy use, smart grid technology, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.  Plug-in hybrids are one component to an interesting new energy future and participants in the green building movement should anticipate this new energy future.  

From Jetson Green 

As reported by LA Times blog Pardon Our Dust, the Pacific Coast Builders Conference holds an annual competition for the coolest building products and the green building product selections are in.  This year, over 600 home-building professionals voted on roughly 125 product submissions, and some of the best have risen to the top.  The following list represents the cool-product winners in the green building category for 2008:

From EcoGeek 

Solar photovoltaics have their challenges, from shortages of silicon to the sheer cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, but a new report from the Prometheus Institute says that both these problems will be addressed over the next few years, leading to cheaper solar and an abundance of capacity to produce.

Based on their research, Travis Bradford, president of the Institute, says that prices for traditional silicon-based panels should fall from $3.66 per watt (2007 figures) to $2.14 per watt in 2010, and more impressively, thin-film PV should go to $1.81 per watt from $2.96. When coal, currently the least expensive source of power, is around $2.10 per watt to generate*, the expected drop in price for solar will make it far more competitive.

Any news that solar is becoming more affordable is great as it will encourage more individuals to install them at home, and businesses to do likewise, either to offset their electricity consumption or installing them in a for-profit initiative. The report, however, also highlights an interesting figure - and companies who are currently building silicon-producing facilities that will come online in the next couple of years, should pay attention: The current global production capacity for silicon and thin-film panels is around 3.14 gigawatts, but will hit 12.36 gigawatts in 2010. That's an increase of just under 400%, an enormous amount that is sure to be welcomed by the environmental community.The demand, however, is only expected to be 6.76 gigawatts, up from 2.94 gigawatts in 2007, leaving over 5 gigawatts of unused capacity. Hopefully this will drive prices further down, resulting in greater demand, but this may have already been reflected in the statistics.

The reason for the drop in prices is due to the expected hike in silicon production, a shortage of which is currently being felt. It is expected that silicon availability will quadruple to 125,302 tons by 2012, providing a massive oversupply of the material to the industry. Thin-film manufacturers who use no silicon will not be affected by this overabundance, however they will have to compete with the dropping prices of conventional panels, hence the drop in price.

It may also, though this is probably wishful thinking, push governments to start offering more incentives to those who install solar in a bid to use up the remaining capacity and financially support their manufacturers who by this point will be a very large industry, employing tens of thousands of people.

From Calvert News 

Despite some encouraging environmental and energy-efficiency developments in recent years, none of America’s 13 largest publicly traded homebuilders has “fully embraced the emerging market of sustainable building design and construction,” according to a major new study by Calvert—one of the nation’s leaders in the field of sustainable and responsible investing—with support from the Boston College Institute for Responsible Investment. 

However, Calvert found that K.B. Home, of Los Angeles, is “clearly leading the homebuilding industry in terms of environmental sustainability,” while four other homebuilders—K. Hovnanian, Red Bank, NJ; MDC Holdings, Denver, CO; Standard Pacific, Irvine CA; and last-place finisher NVR Inc., Reston, VA—are on what the report terms the “sustainability bottom rung.” As the Calvert report explains: “The biggest challenge facing this group is that, for the most part, they have not acknowledged that there is a market for green homes or that they have a role in serving or promoting it.”

For best-to-worst rated, the balance of the top 13 U.S. homebuilders are: tied for #2 D.R. Horton, Fort Worth, TX; and Pulte, Bloomfield Hills, MI; #4 Centex, Dallas, TX; #5 Lennar, Miami, FL; #6 Ryland, Calabasas, CA; #7 Beazer, Atlanta, GA; #8 Meritage, Scottsdale, AZ; and #9 Toll Brothers, Horsham, PA.

Entitled Greener Pastures for America’s Homebuilders? A Survey of Sustainable Practices by the Homebuilding Industry, the Calvert report concludes: “Our survey of the 13 largest publicly traded U.S. homebuilders finds that, while every major homebuilder has incorporated some environmental and efficiency programs and products into some of their new homes, none has fully embraced the emerging market of sustainable building design and construction. Calvert’s study of the sustainable policies, programs, and performance of the nation’s largest homebuilders revealed that the industry has a long way to go before any of the companies can truly claim to be addressing the risks and opportunities inherent in the environmental and climate change dilemmas.”

Commenting on the report, Stu Dalheim, Director, Shareholder Advocacy, Calvert Group, said: “This is a real and growing issue for homebuyers and for investors. As consumers become more educated about environmental options and green residential construction, and as regulators increase incentives for green development and restrict conventional development efforts, some homebuilders may be at a competitive disadvantage if they have not integrated sustainable design and construction principles into their construction. In the green building market there is a first-mover advantage: Companies that make a concerted national effort to integrate sustainability into project sites, construction materials, and construction processes, as well as to provide energy, water, and habitat conservation options in finished products, will be able to build a brand image as the environmental choice for home construction. This brand will help environmentally conscious consumers make their selection of a homebuilder.”

David Wood, Director, Boston College Institute for Responsible Investment, said: “Calvert’s efforts to identify and benchmark best practices in sustainable homebuilding are a leading indicator of how sustainability is likely to be integrated into investment analysis of the homebuilding sector in coming years.”

For Full Article>>> 

What's unique about this installation of the Green Machine at SMU is that it shows that the technology can be implemented on a smaller scale -- making it available to a wide range of industries.  The electricity produced at SMU using waste heat is equivalent to the electricity used by roughly forty (40) 2000 sf homes.

ElectraTherm explains some of the cost advantages of their new technology: "The company’s patented Twin Screw Expander enables the ElectraTherm Green Machine.  The expander is 1/10th the cost of a turbine as the energy block.  Because the energy block generally constitutes 30 to 40 percent of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system cost, the ElectraTherm Green Machine is approximately 30 percent less than any turbine ORC system.  The unit operates without gearboxes or high end electronics required to synchronize a turbine to a generator.  Inline process lubrication eliminates oil pumps, filters, separator tanks, parasitic loads and maintenance issues heretofore associated with lubrication.  Hence, this groundbreaking technology greatly reduces maintenance and greatly extends the life of the ElectraTherm Green Machine over turbine-based energy solutions."

The Green Machine waste heat generator uses the ORC to recover energy from stationary engines, industrial manufacturing and process plants, thermal oxidizers, and geothermal, etc. to produce from 25 kW to 1.5 MW of electrical power.  The Department of Energy reports that sources of waste heat are plentiful, and as a result, we can expect to see more of ElectraTherm in the future. 

From Jetson Green 

Last month, Lorax Development broke ground on a building that's being billed as the first off-grid building in San Francisco.  At 1400 sf, The Eco Center is certainly an example of the future of green buildings -- buildings that are off-grid and sustainable.  The Eco Center is a $1.5 million environmental education center that will be located in McLaren Park.  Designed by Toby Long Design for the non-profit Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ), when it opens in the fall, it will be the first building in San Francisco, purportedly, to recycle its own wastewater.  Additionally, the off-grid center will have solar panels and an extensive green roof. 

This is going to be an incredible facility serving the San Francisco area. 

Speaking of the educational aspects of The Eco Center, project manager Laurie Schoeman said, "When the lights go out, and there’s no energy from the sun, we’ll need to be mindful that we don’t have unlimited amounts of energy ... and we’re going to showcase to kids that, when you flush the toilet, it goes somewhere."

Exquisite 3+Bd/2 Ba Marina-style Excelsior Home - 686Naples.com

$780,000

Features:

•    Living Room with Barrel-front Bay Window & Hardwood Floors
•    Large Eat-in-Kitchen & Formal Dining Room
•    2 Large Bedrooms and 1 Bath Upstairs
•    Stylish Master Suite with Walk-in Closet, Private Bathroom
•    Large Garage with Workbench and Storage
•    Dual-pane Windows Throughout
•    Many, many System Upgrades

This house is stunning. Truly. While the chic exterior colors give you a glimpse into the possibilities awaiting you inside, only a walk-through will do it justice. From the newly planted Friends-of-the-Forest tree at the front sidewalk to the landscaped backyard, this house is sure to please even the most selective homebuyers.

Featured in HGTV’s House Hunters, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath spacious home possesses charming period features including crown molding throughout, a tiled fireplace, and glass-fronted built-ins. Not only is the eat-in-kitchen spacious and light, but the formal dining room exits on to the deck and yard making it a great entertainment space.

Downstairs, the lovingly and creatively renovated private Master Suite boasts a huge walk-in closet with custom organization system, a relaxing two-person Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower, dual sinks and private water closet. Storage abounds in this home, with under-stair space, and a plenty of shelves in the garage – with still more than enough room to park your car. A mud-room right off of the garage with a shoe closet, and an easily accessible laundry room completes the lower level.

Crocker Amazon, with children’s playgrounds, sports fields, restored wetlands, and off-leash dog park is within a short walk. As are retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops, and MacLaren Park with many hiking trails. Public transportation is just steps away; BART is close-by. Well-situated between Highways 101 and 280, the location of this home makes your commute that much easier.

All in all, this home is one to be proud of!

Showing Schedule:
Saturday, June 7, 2-5pm
Sunday, June 8, 2-5pm

Twilight Tour:
Thursday, June 5, 6-8pm

Ericka Jennings
Realtor
510.384.8014

From GreenBuildingElements.com

Get to know this symbol because chances are it’s going to be as ubiquitous as the blue star of EPA’s other conservation program, ENERGY STAR. Launched in 2006 the EPA’s WaterSense program seeks “to enhance the market for water-efficient products and services by building a national brand for water efficiency.” Viewed mainly as a program for water-only products like toilets, faucets, and irrigation systems, WaterSense does not include appliances, like dishwashers or clothes washers, that use both water and energy - those remain under the ENERGY STAR program. In 2007, the EPA released WaterSense specifications for high efficiency toilets and high efficiency bathroom sink faucets. They also offer certification programs for several irrigation professionals, include golf course irrigation auditors. Specifications for showerheads are in the works. 

WaterSense is about to become very popular in the green building community. In their proposed changes to the LEED programs, the US Green Building Council removed some specifications for water saving credits, replacing them with, “WaterSense-certified fixtures and fixture fittings should be used where available.” It’s much easier to check for the WaterSense label than it is to gather the specifications for every fixture.

WaterSense labeled bathroom faucets, at a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute, reduce water consumption by at least 30%. WaterSense labeled high efficiency toilets, with a maximum of 1.28 gallons per flush, use at least 20% less water than standard 1.6 gallons per flush toilets. The EPA has claimed that if every home in the US switched to WaterSense labeled fixtures, we would save 60 billion gallons of water a year.

Though some companies were already offering fixtures compliant with the WaterSense standards, they are only recently getting literature out to the public about their WaterSense labeled fixtures. Expect to see it popping up everywhere.

From Inhabitat 

It has been almost 20 years since the EPA confirmed the dangers of indoor VOCs (volatile organic chemicals), yet so little has been done to make the air inside our homes and offices and less toxic. Poor ventilation systems, sealed buildings and our use of synthetic products in the home are the main causes of our inner-pollution and, for most of us, these problems can’t be reversed overnight. But with the help of plant therapy, we can combat household VOCs and breathe easier. That is why we are super excited about this excellent Plants for Your Health chart from Good Magazine.

Good has made it easier to fight indoor air pollution by pairing pollutants with there botanical adversary in this quick reference chart for the home. Indoor air pollutants like gas heaters, smoke, pressed wood, insulation, paint, pets, humans and even air fresheners. All of which can have detrimental effects to your health including headaches, bronchitis, asthma, and skin irritations, just to name a few. Thankfully, a few potted plants here and there can reverse some of the toxic effects in your abode, and bring life and color to a beige on beige rental.

Chrysanthemums, spider plants, English ivy and weeping figs are among the dozens of plants that’ll do double duty in your home. Good Magazine’s super chart will guide you through your homes worst toxins and their botanical combatants. 

245 Perkins St., #44
Oakland, CA 94610

www.245Perkins.com

A Stand-out Condo near Lake Merritt

$275,000

Welcome to your new home, a charming and private one bedroom, one bath condo in Adams Point, near Lake Merritt. Sophisticated and bright, this apartment is a great jumping-off point – in size, price, and location – whether you’re buying your first place, or looking for a conveniently located apartment, or both. 

Upon entering the condo, you’ll be sweetly surprised at how open and inviting the living area of the home is – from the afternoon light pouring in, to the chic and newly remodeled kitchen, this unit stands-out. Whether you are starting the day, cup of coffee or tea in hand, on your private patio, or ending it by making dinner in your well-laid out kitchen, you’re bound to take pleasure in your new place. With room to entertain, you’ll enjoy having your friends over as much as you enjoy your own time.

Housed in Cambridge House, an established and well-run building in a great neighborhood, this unit has additional amenities that provide ease of living: for instance, plenty of storage, an assigned parking space, and large closets.

The condo is just a short walk to beautiful Lake Merritt, one of Oakland’s jewels, the newly built Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, the entertaining neighborhoods of Grand Lake and Piedmont, and downtown Oakland. For the fuel-conscious buyer, BART and the casual carpool is close-by. San Francisco is only two exits away by car. And if all that’s not enough, the transcommuter bus will get you quickly to the City, while still giving you time to relax.

This lovely condo has lots to offer! Come discover all this and more…

Showing Schedule:
Sunday, May 18, 2-5pm
Thursday, May 22, 10am-1pm
Sunday, May 25, 2-5pm
On Lockbox
Or Call Listing Agent for Appointment

www.245Perkins.com

Ericka Jennings
Realtor
510.384.8014



We recently had the pleasure of touring Homes on Esprit Park and were delighted with the beauty and elegance of the design, as well as with the amount of green features. If you are interested in touring this gorgeous development in progress, please contact us at to be connected with an agent. Competitive sales prices are available for a limited of time so please don't hesitate to get in touch with us!

More About the Project 

We set out to build homes that would blend seamlessly into the rich history of the Dogpatch/Potrero Hill community. We offer simple and elegant design solutions that integrate the historic character of these existing brick structures with the new and inviting spirit of these homes.

Homes on Esprit Park are livable. Each home is the result of our planning process centering on meeting the needs of each homeowner through enlightened and long-term urban design.

Homes on Esprit Park are ideally situated. Restaurants, shops, entertainment and recreation are in close proximity, and transportation is easily accessible.

Homes on Esprit Park are environmentally thoughtful. Wherever possible, we have used the original building materials from the structure's former incarnations as the Schilling Wine Cellars built in 1906 and, more recently, as the Esprit company headquarters. Landscaping has been designed to incorporate many sustainable measures. And all finishes have been considered for their low environmental impact.

We believe the result has surpassed our original vision and invite you to come share in our vibrant community.

Green Aspects:
 
- All timbers from the original brick structure we're either re-used or sent for reconditioning and re-use.
- Reuse of two structures rather than demolition.
- Nearly all units designed to have two exposures to aid in natural heating and cooling and cross ventilation.
- High-efficiency dual-glazed window systems.
- Sound and thermally insulated buildings.
- Large windows for natural lighting.
- Trex (recycled wood) materials for roof decks.
- Concrete and steel construction (rather than wood-frame). 
- Concrete and steel construction (rather than wood-frame).  Both the aggregate in the concrete and the steel have a significant proportion of recycled content.
- Preservation of large, existing specimen trees on-site and off-site.
- Ideally located 2 blocks from both Light Rail and Cal Train to encourage public transportation use.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood flooring
- Efficient and effective water-based radiant floor heating (except mezannine areas in brick buildings where it will be baseboard radiant)
- Significant green areas to capture rain water and prevent runoff and create a tree canopy in the south courtyard around the reflecting pool.
- City Care Share site planned for at least two cars.  Encourages convenience use of automobile vs. purchase.
- Energy efficient appliances and toilet as standard in all units

We are thrilled to announce that Green Key Real Estate has been approved to sell franchises in the state of California.

If you are a green minded independent broker who would like to align with a growing statewide, and soon to be national, green real estate franchise, or if you are currently operating a franchise where the parent company is not aligned with your green values, please email Chris Bartle at for more information.

Some of the benefits of opening a Green Key Real Estate franchise are: 

We are also in conversations with brokers in several other states to register to sell franchises outside California. If you are interested in joining our team in another state, please do not hesitate to email Chris Bartle at .

Here's to greening the real estate industry and the homes we live in one sale at a time!

Green Key Real Estate.

Healthy Homes. Greener Living. Smart Investments. 

From Forbes, Via GreeningSF 

These are home improvements that are an investment even in a recession 

Just a few years ago, a real estate flipper could parlay a several-thousand-dollar upgrade into a substantial profit. A $30,000 investment in new kitchen tiles, countertops and appliances, for example, might reap $60,000 upon resale. 

Those days are over. Contractors' phones are no longer ringing off the hook, and as housing prices continue to drop, cash-strapped homeowners are remodeling in different ways.

One clear favorite? Going green. "Sustainable" and "renewable" materials and appliances are in high demand based on present trends, according to the American Institute of Architects.

A large part of that has to do with how people now view their homes. As flipping has stalled, and many would-be sellers are sitting out the market, they're turning to green changes as a way to reduce their energy bills and improve their quality of life. Based on AIA research in February that polled 500 architects in the residential sector, buyers are willing to pay $5,000 extra for an energy-efficient home.

Kitchens have always been home-design hot spots, and that is unlikely to change. But instead of shelling out for a stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator or marble countertops, homeowners are opting for renewable materials.

"There is a growing interest in eco-friendly features for kitchens, such as bamboo and cork flooring, and concrete and bamboo countertops," says Kermit Baker, the AIA's chief economist. He says that this trend continues to the bathroom, where water-saving toilets and LED lighting have displaced demand for luxury installations like towel-warming drawers, double-sink vanities and whirlpool baths.

Radiant heating, though, is a luxury buy that for some is also economical. While outfitting an 800-square-foot space with such a system, which entails installing heatable coils below the floor surface, can run between $5,000 and $7,000, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that radiant heating saves 20 percent a year in energy costs.

While energy-efficient features like these will undoubtedly require an outlay, many come with large tax rebates. In heating costs alone, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates as much as $465 in savings when EnergyStar windows are used to replace single-pane ones. What's more, you'll get a tax rebate of 10 percent of costs, up to $200.

But before you hit up your local home store, take heed. Appraisers stress that simple cosmetic touch-ups often have the highest rates of return.

"It can be as simple as making sure landscaping looks good, or that the exterior paint is fresh," says Alan Hummel, chief appraiser of Minneapolis-based Forsythe Appraisals. "Especially with median to luxury homes, curb appeal is very important."

That means additions like carriage-style garage doors or a well-manicured flower bed. Garages, in particular, can take up one-third to one-half of a home's exterior, and a sharp door and drive might impress online house-hunters and create a favorable impression once they get there.

One final note: Given the current state of the market, you might have to settle for these improvements merely helping to sell your home faster, as opposed to netting more cash at the bargaining table.

From the San Francisco Business Times 

More Green for Green? 

Gruendl said there's mounting evidence that home buyers will pay more for green homes.

"We want to be part of the green community, but people typically haven't paid for that," he said. "Now they are."

Others are still skeptical that green fervor will translate into a willingness to pay higher home prices.

"I don't think it can quite be proven yet, at least on the premium side, whether someone would actually pay more for a green or sustainable building or house versus one that isn't," said Matt Anderson, a partner at Foresight Analytics in Oakland, which studies the green building industry. "On the cost-savings side, I think there obviously is something to that."

There are measurable savings due to energy efficiency and operating costs that can cut the financial outlay for constructing green buildings and developments. As more people understand those savings, that will drive growth in LEED certification, Anderson said.

Neighborhood Development LEED certification is a natural next step for the LEED program, said Dan Geiger, the Bay Area executive director for the U.S. Green Building Council, which developed LEED certification process.

"LEED began as a certification for buildings. But what we were really focused on is how do we build a green community: Not just a building in isolation, but how do we design and build and develop neighborhoods that are sustainable?" Geiger said.

Get on the Bus

One way is to place those neighborhoods near public transportation. That was a factor BayRock considered when developing Oak Walk. It's off of San Pablo Avenue and where AC Transit's bus routes have 13,000 riders a day along the corridor between Contra Costa College in San Pablo and Jack London Square in Oakland. Increasing both ridership and reliability of that bus system has been a major focus at AC Transit.

From Luba's San Francisco Real Estate Blog

Notables from April 2008 sales figures:

• Median sales price rose across the board from last month.
• The selling price vs. listing price percentage increased in single family homes and TIC’s, but dropped in condos.
• Days on market decreased across the board.
• In terms of sales volume, single family home and condos increased drastically over last month, but we had just 2 more TIC sales than we did in March.

So here’s this month’s summary of home sales pulled directly from the MLS. Remember, these are all closed sales and not pending sales.

Check back monthly to get the latest facts and figures - and if you have any questions about these statistics, or the market in general, feel free to give me a holler! I’m always happy to talk “real estate!”

Here’s a quick snapshot of the market from April 1, 2008 through April 30, 2008:

Single Family Homes

• 193 Homes Sold
• Median Sale Price was $935,000
• Minimum Sale Price was $350,000
• Maximum Sale Price was $5,625,000
• Median Selling Price was 104% of asking price
• Median Days on Market was 30
• Median Selling Price for homes that sold within 30 days was 105% of asking price

Condominiums, Lofts & Co-ops

• 184 Homes Sold
• Median Sale Price was $815,000
• Minimum Sale Price was $335,000
• Maximum Sale Price was $4,625,000
• Median Selling Price was 98% of asking price
• Median Days on Market was 35
• Median Selling Price for homes that sold within 30 days was 104% of asking price

TIC’s

• 40 Homes Sold
• Median Sale Price was $664,000
• Minimum Sale Price was $263,500
• Maximum Sale Price was $1,799,000
• Median Selling Price was 102% of asking price
• Median Days on Market was 45
• Median Selling Price for homes that sold within 30 days was 102% of asking price

On Saturday, June 14, Green Key Real Estate is pleased to announce our first field trip to tour the Pacific Cannery Lofts (PCL) at Central Station in Oakland, a short 10 minute drive or BART from Downtown San Francisco. Holliday Development, the developers of PCL are offering an early bird special tour of the property specifically for Green Key Real Estate clients and friends. Special financing for the first 50 qualified buyers is available. The lofts range from approximately 750 sq/ft-2000 sq/ft and are priced from the mid $300s to mid $600s. Each loft features a unique floorplan and has green upgrades available. Some of the green features of the lofts and site plan include:

• Energy Star appliances
• Dual flush toilets
• No Voc paints
• Cork and bamboo options
• Velo bicycle workshop/lounge and 2 bike parking spaces per unit
• Work from home in the live/work lofts with 2 entrances, 1 public, 1 private

We’ll be taking a biodiesel shuttle leaving from the Green Key Real Estate office at 444 8th St at 11:00 am. If coming from other locations, please email Amy for specific directions. Once there we’ll tour the model units and then be treated to an organic wine and cheese tasting. Visit www.pacificcannerylofts.com for more information on the project. Email Amy Roither at to RSVP or with any questions.

 From Environmental News Network

/top_stories/article/35880

There’s a downside to nearly all renewable energy technologies available for homeowners. Cost. Though over time a solar power or small wind system may pay for itself in savings from not buying fuels or power from the grid, the initial outlay for renewable energy is staggering for mere mortals. Despite the wisdom of a penny saved is a penny earned, most Americans consider sales price first, long term savings last.

However simple, low tech, clever products or affordable high tech plug and play technologies may be the key to bringing renewable energy into the home. For example a water-filled black rubber, plastic or even canvas bag hung from a tree limb is a way for campers to grab a hot shower courtesy of the heat of the Sun. Like the hot water that flows from a garden hose lying on the ground on a sunny day, given a few hours a sack of water hanging in the sunlight will provide a soothing, though brief, shower. These solar water heaters are plentiful through camping and outdoor supply outlets. (The technology has advanced, too, with some models offering battery-powered pumps so the solar heated water can be used for more than showers.)

Now the Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC) of the UK has taken the black bag solar water heater concept and expanded it a bit more. Its design, the SolarStore, appears much like an inflatable mattress but it’s double chambered. The inflated outer chamber is clear and allows sunlight through to the black inner chamber which holds about 8 gallons (30 liters) of water. The inflated chamber helps SolarStore hold its shape air also insulates the water filled area. The weight of the filled bag holds it in place on any surface. Additionally a header tank - another water filled bag - connected by hose and positioned at a higher elevation than the SolarStore “mattress” itself allows for constant water pressure.

Fully inflated SolarStore is has about two meters square or nearly 22 square feet, plenty of surface area to absorb solar radiation. IDC says up to three full tanks of water per day can be solar heated to temperatures close to 80C (176 F).

SolarStore is geared towards homes in developing countries as well as recreation users or at remote sites, like that safe cabin in the woods. Uninflated it can be carried in a knapsack. But its portability shouldn’t be a deterrent to more permanent installations. It seems feasible that crafty homeowners could use multiple units working in parallel to provide ample, very low cost hot water for homes. Hot water could be used for heating and/or domestic use. Even if the SolarStores have to be replaced every few years the energy savings might be worth it.

The appeal of course with any simple low tech design is the low initial outlay of cash. IDC estimates that SolarStore should sell initially for under GBP100 ( under $200) per unit. However, SolarStore looks like it’s the kind of product that if mass produced could sell for much less. The company says the cost of a SolarStore should be paid for in energy savings in 6 months at UK energy costs.

In a cautionary note, as with any new untested-over-time product the long term durability and functionality are unknown.

The company, with patents secured and manufacturing capabilities in place, is now seeking potential distributors worldwide.

From Jetson Green

This is big news for the green building revolution, because a solar farm like this could power roughly 190k homes in California.  Referred to as the Topaz Solar Farm, this $1 billion, 550-megawatt plant would cover roughly 9.5 square miles, and if constructed, would be the world's largest photovoltaic solar farm.  Hayward-based OptiSolar is developing plans for the project as we speak.  According to their current time line, OptiSolar will apply for a conditional use permit in May 2008 and begin construction in 2010.  Topaz Solar Farm would then be completed over three years.

From Curbed SF 

Back in December, the Department of Building Inspection (allegedly) retooled its "process" under the leadership of then-new DBI Director Isam Hasenin: "[The plan] will create a streamlined, efficient review and approvals’ process that delivers high quality, predictable and responsive customer services," quoth Hasenin of the new scheme, claiming that the city would eliminate unnecessary reviews and regulations while developing a city-wide automated permit tracking system. Triumph for Joe Average Home Owner, right? Perhaps so— if the department weren't projecting a $14.8 million deficit for the coming year. Net result of said deficit? Starting in October, the cost of commercial and residential building permits will be jacked up by anywhere from 30 percent to over 50 percent in order to fund said "responsive customer service. Local building associations and other ad-hoc groups have largely expressed support for the plan; one Commissioner has expressed dissent because the fees were conjured based on an estimated, not actual deficit figure. More suspect than anything is the 188-point "action plan" that the inflated fees are said to support; the city claims that turnaround time for permits will speed up, while better online services will become available to consumers. But 188 points? A lot to manage, no?
· Cost of home-improvement permits to soar [SF Examiner]
· Hell = Frozen Over: City Permit Process "Streamlined" [Curbed SF]

From Inhabitat 

2005’s Solar Decathlon blew us away, but we were particularly fascinated by a stunning Solar House from Cornell University. This team brought a beautiful zero-energy home to the mall in Washington, D.C., and had just launched ZeroEnergy Design, a home design firm focused on zero-energy design. Continuing their momentum as green home design gurus, two of the Cornell Solar Decathlon team members have just launched a new endeavor aimed at bringing custom green design to the masses through an innovative business model called FreeGreen. Started by David Wax and his partner Ben Uyeda, FreeGreen is making green home designs free to everyone!

FreeGreen provides a selection of green home designs for free, with a range of styles from traditional to modern. While the basic designs are free, homeowners can take the process even further and customize their designs for an additional (and very reasonable) fee. The cost of the design process, and of the free home plans, is kept to a minimum through partnerships between FreeGreen and green building product manufacturers - paid placement from product manufacturers.

As homeowners consult with FreeGreen for customized designs, they are introduced to healthy, energy-saving, sustainable products that are sponsors of FreeGreen’s eco-enterprise. It is a win-win-win collaboration that introduces people to green building principles and products and allows consumers on any budget to own a custom designed, green home.

Ultimately, FreeGreen is about providing people with the options and knowledge to make informed decisions. Green building products are widely available but sorting through the myriad choices, or even knowing where to look, is a daunting task for most new homeowners. Freegreen is solving this problem by offering excellent green building consult at little cost to the consumer. According to the founders, “The goal at FreeGreen is not to produce the greenest possible home but rather to provide a variety of different home plans that allow people to create homes that fit their lifestyles in a responsible and equitable manner.”

FreeGreen is launching this month starting with several great designs including our favorite, The Suburban Loft, a modern home suitable to all climates. Characterized by open floor plans and high ceiling loft spaces, this design will be available in a range of sizes to fit many lifestyles and landscapes.

We think FreeGreen is a great idea and a wonderful way to bring information, innovation and green design choices to everyone - “because green design should be accessible to all.” We are thrilled to announce the launch of FreeGreen!

From SFGate  

More...

A cluster of skyscrapers rivaling the Transamerica Pyramid would rise around the West Coast's tallest tower under an ambitious proposal that would shift the heart of San Francisco's downtown south of Market Street.

The city's zoning plan, unveiled Wednesday at a packed public meeting, would allow as many as seven new skyscrapers to surpass the current 550-foot height limits in an area surrounding the planned Transbay tower - a high-rise of roughly 1,000 feet adjacent to a new Transbay Terminal at First and Mission streets.

The Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission would have to approve the zoning proposal, which is likely to be revised in response to public comments. A thorough environmental report is also required.

But planners argue that the taller skyscrapers would create a more dynamic skyline and are needed to meet the city's projected demand for office space. A bonus, they say, is that tax revenue from the new buildings would help pay for part of the multibillion-dollar transit hub intended to serve bus passengers from around the Bay Area and rail commuters from the Peninsula and farther south.

"There is a renewed interest in heights given the constraints on the environment and a move toward transit-oriented development," said Dean Macris, a development adviser to Mayor Gavin Newsom and former city planning director who oversaw much of the proposed rezoning. "But these changes are fully justified even if there was no transit center, given the growth projections for San Francisco over the next 25 years."

Macris said the proposal - which, in addition to the Transbay tower, makes room for at least six towers in the 600- to 800-foot range on selected sites along Howard and Mission streets - is a logical extension of the city's Downtown Plan. That 1985 rezoning sought to preserve historic buildings north of Market while steering growth south into what then was a moribund area.

It could take at least 18 months for any proposed rezoning to go through the public process, meaning that it would be 2010 at the earliest before any extra-tall towers break ground.

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