Tag Archives: Housing Updates

Medieval construction making a comeback

From the Toronto Star, September 13, 2008:

Pity the three little pigs: They could have saved themselves all kinds of hassles if they’d only built their straw house properly in the first place and passed on the brick.

Of course, straw and mud isn’t the standard form of construction in Canada these days. So when Joshua Thornton, of Thor’s Hammer Timber Framing, presented his building plans, which included using straw and clay walls, for approval to officials at West Grey, near Owen Sound, there were more than a few eyebrows raised.

Click here to read the whole article.

A greener home

The first of a two-part series, “A Greener Future”, from the LA Times, September 14, 2008:

Innovations in designing green chemicals are emerging in nearly every U.S. industry, from plastics and pesticides to toys and nail polish. Some manufacturers of cosmetics, household cleaners and other consumer products are leading the charge, while others are lagging behind.

For decades, many manufacturers used the most powerful weapons in their chemical arsenals, with scant attention to where they wound up or what they might have been doing to people or the planet.

Click here to read the whole article.

Harvesting rainwater

From the Washington Post, Wednesday, August 30, 2008:

Concern over drought and wasted resources, and stricter water conservation laws have revitalized the practice of capturing rainwater during storms and stockpiling it for use in drier times. A fixture of building design in the Roman empire and in outposts along the American frontier, rainwater harvesting is making a comeback…

Click here to read the whole article.

Cold climate researchers bring modern building to Anaktuvuk Pass

From the Fairbanks Daily News Miner August 8th, 2008

FAIRBANKS — The last remaining Nunamiut Inupiat Eskimo community settled Anaktuvuk Pass just 60 years ago, trading in nomadic life for village life in a valley tucked 2,200 feet up in the central Brooks Range. In the one-airstrip town with no roads in or out, some 300 residents live crowded into 1970s era wood-frame houses perched on the windswept, arctic mountain pass.

But innovative designers now want to help the villagers build homes following a modern design that is actually inspired by the sod igloos that the Nunamiut first carved from the land.

Click here to read Full Article

Preparing for winter in Fairbanks: An energy rating from a certified energy rater is a good choice for most

BY: Ryan Colgan & John Davies, Cold Climate Housing Research Center
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner May 29, 2008,  Section A3

Many in Fairbanks do not want to think about winter just as summer is arriving. However, there is no better time to prepare for winter and the high energy expenses that result from heating your home.

AHFC offers two programs to help those in the Alaska reduce the expense of home heating by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Continue reading →

Newsminer: Rebate program begins for energy-efficient homes

From The Fairbanks Daily Newsminer May 16, 2008

The Alaska Housing Finance Corp. kicks off a rebate program today to reimburse property owners for making their homes more energy-efficient.

The new program will supplement a long-running weatherization effort available to residents who earn up to, but not above, the state’s median income.

The rebate program and a dramatic expansion to the weatherization program come amidst — and in response to — rocketing energy prices.

Click here to read the full article.

AHFC Weatherization Program

In addition to providing funding for the Home Energy Rebate Program, the passing of Senate Bill 256 also allotted 200 million dollars to home weatherization programs in the state of Alaska. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is expanding its current weatherization program which focused on low-income homes by revising the income guidelines from 60 percent of  the median poverty level to include up to 100 percent of the median poverty level with the passing of Senate Bill 289. Visit our blog for updates or check the AHFC website for additional information as it becomes available in the near future.

The Facts (see the AHFC Weatherization/Rebates page for additional information)

  • Alaskans who meet income requirements would be eligible for free weatherization assistance, similar to AHFC’s current program. The legislation increased current income limits from 60 percent of the median to 100 percent of the median to allow more Alaskans to qualify.
  • Alaskans may participate in either the rebate or the weatherization program, not both.
  • The goal is long-term energy savings.
  • Energy audits are required to determine the best energy improvements for a home. Once the improvements are completed, a follow-up inspection audit is used to verify completion.
  • There are training requirements for individuals and organizations performing work under this program.
  • This program focuses on existing homes, not new home construction.
  • Program funds may not be used for renewable energy systems.
  • AHFC is working with the five state weatherization agencies and 15 state designated regional housing authorities on implementation.
  • Income Guidelines for Weatherization provides a general idea of eligibility.

*The facts above are taken directly from the AHFC website.*

To assist you, AHFC has also published a list of energy raters and weatherization providers in the state of Alaska.

For additional information visit our blog, the AHFC Website, or call 1-877-325-2508.

AHFC Home Energy Rebate Program

With the passing of Senate Bill 256, 100 million dollars was allotted for home energy rebates in the state of Alaska. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is in the process of implementing a “Home Energy Rebate Grant Program” that “will rebate up to $10,000 to a homeowner who improves the energy efficiency of his or her home.” See the AHFC Home Energy Rebate Grant Program Guidelines.

The rebate program assists homeowners in making the most energy efficient improvements for their home. Home energy raters will evaluate homes before & after the improvements to determin the base energy rating and the number of steps improved after work is complete. The more the home’s energy efficiency improves, the greater the possible rebate. The final program will be announced soon. 

The facts (see the AHFC Weatherization/Rebates page for additional information)

The home energy rebate program has no income requirements.

  • Alaskans may participate in either the rebate or the weatherization program, not both.
  • The goal is long-term energy savings for Alaskans.
  • The amount of the rebate received under the home energy program will depend on how much the home efficiency improves. Improvement is based on a rating scale. When a home moves up from one rating level to a higher one, that is a step improvement. The more steps a home improves, the greater the rebate (up to a pre-set limit) and the more efficient the home.
  • Rebates may not cover the full amount of improvements. A loan for additional funds may be needed. AHFC will offer a Second Mortgage for Energy Conservation to qualified borrowers, up to $30,000.
  • There are training requirements for individuals and organizations performing work under this program.

*The facts above are taken directly from the AHFC website.*

See AHFC’s energy raters list for raters arround Alaska. 

For additional information visit our blog, the AHFC Website, or call 1-877-325-2508.