[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Re: Green real estate market

[Lawrence Lile]

>When it comes to low-no VOC products, Contractors seem to be quite well
versed and have worked with them, which is great.  


One thing to keep in mind:  Low VOC is not totally synonymous with
"Green".  There are some low-VOC paints that are still toxic to you, the
painter.  Look into paints from AFM Safecoat, Envirosafe, or some of the
other mfrs for differences.  If you buy from a regular paint store, look
into water based paints, which are generally easier on the painter than
oil-based.  You cen get varnishes, stain killers, and all kinds of other
paints now that used to be only available in oil.  


>One thing I'm looking
into in this area is the spray in foam insulation that expands into all
the
crevices.  It is a very efficient product, but I have not found anything
out
about its chemical makeup.

There are several kinds, some make "Green" claims.  I went on this same
trajectory, and then finally decided on Cellulose, which is 100%
recycled, very good quality insulation, blocks infiltration better than
fiberglass, installs well in inaccessible spaces, but costs way, way
less than foam.  

--Lawrence