Product and
Manufacturer

Personal Savings and Environmental
Benefits

Possible contributions towards L.E.E.D. Qualifications

Tax Incentives

AERATORS AND LOW FLOW SHOWERHEADS

Low Flow Shower Heads by Oxygenics

Saves $100 to $400 annually on your water and electrical bill (saves water and reduces the need for hot water).

While other industry-standard showerheads flow at 2.5 GPM at 60 PSI (national water pressure average), the Oxygenics IntelliShower flows at 2.0 GPM at 60 PSI, offering 20% water savings. Not only is this savings significant in reducing water, but it also reduces energy costs as less hot water is used.

Aerators by Oxygenics

Saves $20 to $80 annually on your water and electrical bill (saves water and reduces the need for hot water).

Designed to conserve water resources and lower utility bills while providing a constant water pressure

AIR PURIFICATION

Room Air Filtration by IQAir

Whole House Air Filtration by IQAir

BUILDING MATERIALS

LiteBlok Cement construction blocks

Liteblok™ is an aerated, molded concrete block. It is uniquely processed by introducing a non-toxic foaming agent into regular concrete leaving numerous tiny discrete air pockets within the material. The blocks are laid without mortar and are interlocking and lightweight allowing for significant savings in construction time and cost reductions as great as 40% compared to traditional wood frame construction.

UltraTouch requires a minimal amount of energy to manufacture aiding the environment with energy conservation and reduction in pollution compared to other types of traditional insulation.

Liteblok™ is a Green building product providing many LEED credit opportunities to industry professionals. Long lasting, affordable, energy efficient homes are built with non-toxic materials that generate minimal job site waste. Potentially toxic substances such as polystyrene and fly ash are absent from our building materials. Liteblok™ can be found in residential and commercial construction. Applications include interior and exterior walls, fire walls, fences, sheds, and retaining walls.

Due to its reduced weight, more blocks can be transported on single truck reducing carbon emmissions.

LEED credit opportunities available for:

1. Energy Performanc
2. Regional Materials
3. Thermal Comfort – Design
4. Indoor Air Quality Performance
5. Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
6. Minimum Acoustical Performance

UltraTouch Natural Cotton Insulation by Bonded Logic

UltraTouch contains no chemical irritants and requires no carcinogenic warning labels compared to other traditional insulation products.

Boron-based fire retardant. This treatment not only acts as a superior fire retardant but also impedes the growth of fungus, mold, and resists pests.

UltraTouch contains no harmful airborne particulates eliminating health concerns regarding particulates in the surrounding environment.

UltraTouch consists almost entirely of natural denim and cotton fibers that are 100% recyclable, reducing landfill waste. The denim and cotton are also 100% post-industrial.

UltraTouch requires a minimal amount of energy to manufacture aiding the environment with energy conservation and reduction in pollution compared to other types of traditional insulation.

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE:
Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance (Prerequisite 2 Minimum energy Performance). ULTRATOUCH facilitates compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-1999

MATERIALS & RESOURCES:
Credit 4 Recycled Content. ULTRATOUCH contains over 80% post-industrial recycled content

Credit 6 Rapidly renewable resources. ULTRATOUCH utilizes cotton as one of its main material sourcess

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL AIR QUALITY:
Credit 4 Low emission materials (Prerequisite 1 Minimum air-quality perfromance). ULTRATOUCH contains no harmful irritants or chemicals that can pose respiratory health or VOC concerns.

INOVATION IN DESIGN:
Credit 1 LEED inovation credit. ULTRATOUCH contributes to design credits in the useage of innovative materials throughout the project

Backer boards and underlayment Green E-Boards by Southern Cross

GreenEboard™ contains no harmful ingredients such as VOCs, formaldehyde, asbestos, or silica dust, and it will not grow mold or mildew. It contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Compared to conventional cementitious backer boards, GreenEboard requires less than half the energy to produce, making a much lower carbon impact on the environment. It also weighs less than conventional backer boards, meaning more material can be shipped per truckload, again lowering the carbon footprint.

100% of the post-industrial waste in the GreenEboard™ plant is recycled into future production runs, reducing landfill impact. External recycled content is also added. The total of post-industrial recycled content is certified at 30%. LEED credits accept 50% of post-industrial waste, making the LEED content 15%.

GreenEboard™ contains no ingredients that are harmful to the planet when it is disposed of. The natural materials in GreenEboard™ scraps are completely inert.

MR 4.1 Recycled Content. GreenEboard™ contains a total of 15% recycled materials by LEED formula. 0% is post-consumer, 3% is pre-consumer from outside sources, and 27% is recycled post-manufacture from within the manufacturing process. 3% + 27% = 30% post-industrial. 50% of post-industrial recycled content for LEED purposes is 15% of total material content by volume, and by value.

MR 2.1 or 2.2 Construction Waste Management Reduction of waste materials (2.1 = 50% reduction, 2.2= 75% reduction) GreenEboard™ has no toxic components. (SEE MSDS). The PH of ground-up GreenEboard is between 8.0 and 9.0. This allows it to be used as a soil conditioner. It may be used to improve an acid soil on site or off site. GreenEboard™ scraps are accepted at recycling centers that recycle building materials.

Minimum EQ contribution EQ 3.1 Construction Plan for Low-Emitting materials GreenEboard™ contains no silica, no formaldehyde, no asbestos, and is rated under ASTM D3273 as non-nutrient for mold and fungus. It is not harmful for installers, and contributes no harmful substances to the environment.

Sound Barrier by Homasote

Drywall, Gypsum Boards and Backer Boards by Temple Inland

MR credit 4: Boards manufactured in West Memphis, Arkansas, Fletcher, Oklahoma, and Cumberland City, Tennessee, has been certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) in accordance to ISO 14021 standards to contain at least 90% recycled material on a dry-weight basis.

MR credit 5: Local/Regional Materials awards 1 or 2 points for using materials on a project that are extracted and manufactured within 500 miles that constitute at least 10% or 20%, based on cost, of the total value of project materials.

Sheathing by

MR credit 4: Boards manufactured in West Memphis, Arkansas, Fletcher, Oklahoma, and Cumberland City, Tennessee, has been certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) in accordance to ISO 14021 standards to contain at least 90% recycled material on a dry-weight basis.

MR credit 5: Local/Regional Materials awards 1 or 2 points for using materials on a project that are extracted and manufactured within 500 miles that constitute at least 10% or 20%, based on cost, of the total value of project materials.

Decking products by Fiberon

Uses locally-sourced, recycled materials:
- Fiber Composites diverts millions of tons of wood and plastics from landfills and incinerators each year.
- Fiberon composite decking products consist of 51% recycled content, 28% reclaimed product and 21% virgin materials.
- Our composite decking products are made from recycled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic (milk jugs, shampoo and laundry detergent bottles). HDPE has higher tensile strength for denser, durable products that also withstand higher temperatures better than poorer performing low density polyethylene (LDPE).

Energy efficient, virtually waste-free manufacturing
- 98.5% of all material waste is recovered from our manufacturing processes.
- The use of closed loop water cooling systems allow for zero water discharge.

Wood decking products by Purewood

PureWood is real wood.

1. Process is 100% free of added chemicals and metals
2. Non-toxic — no health, disposal or environmental issues
3. Resists rot and decay
4. Excellent dimensional stability
5. 25-year transferable warranty

CLEANERS AND DETERGENTS

Household cleaners and detergents by Ecover

Reduce chemicals in treatment plants and waste water.

Reduce chemicals in your clothes.

DUAL FLUSH TOILETTES

Dual Flush Toiletes by Caroma

Saves $100 to $200 annually on your water bill

Reduce the water usage by reducing up to 80% of your toilets previous annual water usage

ENERGY MONITOR

Energy Monitor by TheEnergyDetective

This device indicates household electrical usage in real time and projects your monthly bill. Research has found that such info leads consumers to reduce their electricity consumption significantly.

In fact, according to the company you'll save 15 - 20% on each bill, which would amount to hundreds of dollars a year. By seeing exactly how much each appliance or activity costs, you'll start seeing easy ways to cut waste.

FLOORING AND WALL PRODUCTS

Bamboo Floors by EcoTimber

EcoTimber uses the least toxic materials available, offering engineered wood floors made with non-formaldehyde adhesives. All of EcoTimber products easily meet the rigorous E1 standard for indoor quality.

Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

MR 6 - Rapidly Renewable Materials

EQ 4.4 - Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Laminate Adhesive

FSC Certified Hardwood Floors by EcoTimber

EcoTimber uses the least toxic materials available, offering engineered wood floors made with non-formaldehyde adhesives. All of EcoTimber products easily meet the rigorous E1 standard for indoor quality.

Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

MR 6 - Rapidly Renewable Materials

EQ 4.4 - Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Laminate Adhesive

FSC Certified Vintage Hardwood Floors by EcoTimber

EcoTimber uses the least toxic materials available, offering engineered wood floors made with non-formaldehyde adhesives. All of EcoTimber products easily meet the rigorous E1 standard for indoor quality.

Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Depending on the flooring either:
MR 7 - Certified Sustainably Harvested Wood
OR
MR 4.1 & 4.2 - Recycled Content

All floors:
EQ 4.4 - Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Laminate Adhesive

Tile from Recycled Materials by Terra Green

MR4.1 and 4.2 Pre-Consumer Recycled Content.

May qualify for MR5.1 and MR5.2 depending on project location. Manufactured in Richmond, IN 47374.

Decorative Tile from recycled materials by Terra Green

MR4.1 and 4.2 Pre-Consumer Recycled Content.

May qualify for MR5.1 and MR5.2 depending on project location. Manufactured in Richmond, IN 47374.

Glass Tile from Recycled materials by Terra Green

MR4.1 and 4.2 Pre-Consumer Recycled Content.

May qualify for MR5.1 and MR5.2 depending on project location. Manufactured in Richmond, IN 47374.

Tile from recycled glass by Southern Cross

MR4.1 and 4.2 Pre-Consumer Recycled Content.

Wool Carpets from Woolshire

Wool is a non-allergenic fiber which does not promote the growth of bacteria or dust mites, or give off harmful emissions.

Wool is naturally soil resistant.

Wool is naturally flame retardant and is specified for those installations with the most stringent flammability regulations.

Wool is a natural, renewable resource, produced using environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and safe methods.

Wool is recyclable and biodegradable

Materials and Resources:
MR Credit 6:
Rapidly Renewable Materials. The credit potential to earn is (1) point

Indoor Environmental Quality:
EQ Credit 4.3: Low-Emitting Materials: Carpet Systems. The credit potential to earn is (1) point

ADHESIVES AND UNDERLAYMENT

Formaldehyde free glue for Flooring by EcoTimber

* GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certified

* Meets all U.S. federal, state & local indoor air quality regulations

* Solvent-free, isocyanate-free, virtually VOC-free (7 grams per liter)

* Contains no hazardous chemicals (per OSHA SFR 1910.1200)

Underlayment for Hardwood Flooring by EcoTimber

Reduces ambient noise and floor-to-ceiling sound transmission - outperforms foam, cork and rubber in most Sound Transmission Loss tests

Insulates cold floors

Random air-laid capillary construction cushions floor, smoothes out subfloor imperfections

Pre-attached vapor barrier helps prevent water damage

Absorbent synthetic fibers disperse moisture away from wettest areas

EPA-registered anti-microbial agent and high-temperature manufacture inhibit bacterial, fungal & dust mite growth

GRAY WATER RECYCLING

Grey Water Systems

Save $300 to $500 annually on your water bill.

Brac systems can help you save 35% to 40% on your annual water bill, and while saving money, you will also help save the environment and provide a better future for our children and their children to come.

WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS

Water Filtration Systems

Provides clean, healthy drinking water. Reduces contaminants and chemicals in bath and shower water.

HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Solar Hot Water Systems

You can save between $300 and $400 anually on your electricity or gas bill

Monthly savings on your energy bills - studies estimate that hot water accounts for 25% of the average homeowner's energy costs. What other home improvement pays for itself and keeps paying you for 20, 30 even 40 years?

Increased value of your home - A number of studies have determined that people are willing to pay more for homes with solar hot water systems.

Increased hot water - solarH2Ot systems use an 80 gallon storage tank to maximize the amount of heat captured from the sun. Get twice as much hot water for 85% less cash!

Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 1: Low flow hot water using fixtures will reduce the energy consumed for total gallons of hot water heated annually. The solar domestic hot water will contribute to the total percentage of energy cost savings to obtain additional points for EA Credit 1.

Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 2: A solar hot water heating system should be capable of offsetting between 40% and 60% of a building’s total hot water energy required annually. Therefore, any building that attributes 5%, or more, of its annual energy cost to hot water heating can obtain at least 1 point for on-site renewable energy.

FEDERAL TAX CREDITS:

30% of cost

At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

The water must be used in the dwelling.

The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

Use IRS Form 5695

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

NORTH CAROLINA TAX CREDIT:

35% with a limit of up to $1,400; Carryover Provisions: Single-family dwellings: excess credit may be carried forward five years; all other property: credit taken in five equal installments; allowable credit not to exceed 50% of taxpayer's liability for the year, reduced by the sum of all other credits.

Energy eficient water heaters by A.O.Smith

FEDERAL TAX CREDIT:

30% of cost, up to $1,500

AFUE >= 90

Subject to a $1,500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.

Tankless (Instant) water heaters by A.O.Smith

FEDERAL TAX CREDIT:

30% of cost, up to $1,500

AFUE >= 90

Subject to a $1,500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.

LIGHTING

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs by MaxLite

Save 70% on electricity cost per light bulb. Depending on your usage and the number of light bulbs, this can easily save $200 to $300 per year on your electric bill.

Reduced heat radiated from lights.

Spend less time replacing light bulbs.

LED Lightbulbs by MaxLite

Save more than 80% on electricity cost per light bulb. Depending on your usage and the number of light bulbs, this can easily save $200 to $300 per year on your electric bill.

Reduced heat radiated from lights.

Spend less time replacing light bulbs.

LED Light Bars by MaxLite

Save more than 80% on electricity cost per light bulb. Depending on your usage and the number of light bulbs, this can easily save $200 to $300 per year on your electric bill.

Reduced heat radiated from lights.

Spend less time replacing light bulbs.

Solar Tubes by SolaTube

Turn off electic lights in areas that are typically dark by bringing natural sun light into the house. It can save you money on the electric bill as well as add bright comfortable lighing to otherwse dark areas.

Bring sun light to dark areas thus allowing you to switch off electric lights during the day, which provides savings on energy bills and also reduces environmental pollution

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE:
Credit for Daylight. Minimum Daylight Factor of 2% in 75% of all space occupied for critical visual tasks. (One point)

Energy Optimization Credit. This credit is determined by reducing the design energy cost compared to the energy cost budget for energy systems regulated by ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL AIR QUALITY:
Controllability of Systems (perimeter and nonperimeter). Solatube Daylighting Systems can be beneficial to achieving this credit if the Daylight Dimmer is used to offer occupants total control of the daylit environment. (One to Two points)

SOLAR ENERGY

Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems

Depending on the size of the system the heating and cooling cost can be reduced or eliminated. With netmeetering, excess electricity can actually be sold back to the energy company.

Immediate cost savings
Stabilized long-term energy prices
Reduced reliance on polluting fossil fuels
Ensures a reliable, clean energy supply
Improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gases
Reduces reliance on coal and nuclear power plants

FEDERAL TAX CREDITS:

30% of cost

Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

Use IRS Form 5695

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016

NORTH CAROLINA TAX CREDIT:

35% with a limit of up to $10,500; Carryover Provisions: Single-family dwellings: excess credit may be carried forward five years; all other property: credit taken in five equal installments; allowable credit not to exceed 50% of taxpayer's liability for the year, reduced by the sum of all other credits.

Solar Attic Fan by SolaTube

Quick return on investment: Reduces summer cooling cost which can save you an estimated $150 to $300 in electricity bills per year.

Reduce your cooling cost by venting the attic space. This device can help reduce the summer temperature in the attic dramatically. Attic temperatures can exceed 160°F during hot summer days. Proper attic ventilation can reduce those temperatures by 50°F

FEDERAL TAX CREDITS:

30% of cost

At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

The water must be used in the dwelling.

The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

Use IRS Form 5695

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Solar Hot Water Systems

You can save between $300 and $400 anually on your electricity or gas bill

Monthly savings on your energy bills - studies estimate that hot water accounts for 25% of the average homeowner's energy costs. What other home improvement pays for itself and keeps paying you for 20, 30 even 40 years?

Increased value of your home - A number of studies have determined that people are willing to pay more for homes with solar hot water systems.

Increased hot water - solarH2Ot systems use an 80 gallon storage tank to maximize the amount of heat captured from the sun. Get twice as much hot water for 85% less cash!

Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 1: Low flow hot water using fixtures will reduce the energy consumed for total gallons of hot water heated annually. The solar domestic hot water will contribute to the total percentage of energy cost savings to obtain additional points for EA Credit 1.

Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 2: A solar hot water heating system should be capable of offsetting between 40% and 60% of a building’s total hot water energy required annually. Therefore, any building that attributes 5%, or more, of its annual energy cost to hot water heating can obtain at least 1 point for on-site renewable energy.

FEDERAL TAX CREDITS:

30% of cost

At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

The water must be used in the dwelling.

The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

Use IRS Form 5695

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

NORTH CAROLINA TAX CREDIT:

35% with a limit of up to $1,400; Carryover Provisions: Single-family dwellings: excess credit may be carried forward five years; all other property: credit taken in five equal installments; allowable credit not to exceed 50% of taxpayer's liability for the year, reduced by the sum of all other credits.

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS

Programmable Thermostats