Category Archives: Green Building

What is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building?

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Brandyn

What makes up a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building? LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is simply an internationally recognized green building certificate system that provides verification for the quality of the house.  They have … Continue reading →

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GREEN in Residential: What does it mean?

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Brandyn

Green, efficient, environmentally friendly, sustainable are all terms that have been over used in the past few years. People often ask WHY? Why does housing need to be ‘greener’ when we need to fix other problems like pollution from automobiles or factories? Continue reading →

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Insulated Concrete Forms: Better than wood? ICFs

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Brandyn

Ever since Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, people have building using essentially the same methodology: wood framing.   Wood was once an abundant resource in the United States which made it the product of choice.  Due to over logging … Continue reading →

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Azek Composite Decking Material in Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Orland Park, Homer Glen

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Brandyn

Thinking of installing a new deck or re-decking your old deck? Choosing a decking material is more of a challenge these days than 15 years ago.    A challenge? Yes.  Why?   Options. Yes, composite decking companies such as Azek Decking offers … Continue reading →

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Why Recycle?

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Brandyn

Did you know recycling is a good thing?  Of course you do!  Most people know recycling is a beneficial to the environment by keeping materials out of the landfills. Many people still believe that recycling is a hassle and not … Continue reading →

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New Technology-ICF’s – Insulated Concrete Forms

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Brandyn

Interested in a completely new style of building?  A type of building that is innovative and saves you money!?  Insulated Concrete Forms, also known as ICF’s are one of the newest techniques in residential building.  Why use expensive concrete forms … Continue reading →

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LEED Report from Alliance for Environmental Sustainability

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Brandyn

The following is an excerpt from a report produced by the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability: In a newly-released report, the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability (AES) analyzed data from LEED-certified homes in the Midwest found that the homes averaged 40% less … Continue reading →

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Green Build Chicago Wrap-Up

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Brandyn

Beaver Den attended the Conference last month to keep up-to-date on the latest and greatest technologies and techniques available today. There are some impressive “Eco-Friendly” products out there. From solar panel shingles, water harvesting systems, rubber roof systems, impressive wind … Continue reading →

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Green Build Chicago November 16-19, 2010

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Brandyn

In about two weeks, Chicago will host of the world’s largest conferences dedicated to Green Building.  This conference has LEED workshops, classes, tours of Chicago’s very own green buildings, and a HUGE list of companies in the McCormick Place West … Continue reading →

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