Pillar To Post Portland West Side Blog

Passive solar designs that include generous amounts of insulation can save homeowners a great deal of money in operating costs over the life of the house. But getting banks to approve loans that reflect somewhat higher construction costs can be a struggle, sometimes forcing builders to dial back ...

On this day, the 9th anniversary of the cowardly attacks on our country, lets try and remember the way we all felt towards our fellow countrymen the day after; 9-12.

The water intensity of energyWhenever water shortages loom anywhere, we hear about how much "embodied water" there is in various products. According to the Water Footprint Network, producing a slice of bread requires 11 gallons of water and producing a pound of beef takes 1,800 gallons. The same...

It takes a lot of energy to transport and treat water in this country, and it takes a lot of water to produce the energy we use. To put this a different way: when we save water we save energy, and when we save energy we save water. Most people don't think about this tight-knit relationship betwe...

Your first defense against the weather Siding has both decorative and functional purposes, but some of the options come with a heavy environmental price tag. Choose a durable product that is low in toxicity and can be manufactured sustainably. The layers you don't see, such as housewraps, drainag...

Durable, low-maintenance siding is best Durable siding requiring little maintenance is the appropriate choice for a green home. Siding is an important architectural feature. There are half a dozen major families of siding, and many variations within those categories. Some are strong regional favo...

Durable, low-maintenance siding is best Durable siding requiring little maintenance is the appropriate choice for a green home. Siding is an important architectural feature. There are half a dozen major families of siding, and many variations within those categories. Some are strong regional favo...

The modern kitchen is not only a place where food is prepared, but also where the whole family gathers - so it should be strategically designed to be a healthy and eco-friendly space.  Help homeowners save money and the planet with these tips.   Reduce Waste - Approximately 70% of all household a...

New data from Environmental Building News shows that the high global warming potential of certain foam insulation materials counteracts a lot of the environmental benefit of high insulation levels. Can insulation materials, which we use to save energy and help prevent climate change, cause greenh...

I thought it might be helpful for buyers, sellers and agents in Oregon if I posted some information on smoke alarms. I've been amazed at how many homes still do not have the kind of smoke alarms required by Oregon law when a house is sold and many of these homes have sold two or three times since...