| Evidence of industry 'greening' at AIME 2008
A strong showcase of environmentally friendly products at the tradeshow for the business events industry next month is further evidence of the rapid 'greening' of the industry. Leading the charge is the event itself, AIME 2008, held in Melbourne on 19 - 20 February, which has announced it will be Australia's first Climate Neutral(tm) exhibition. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, an exhibitor and the event's venue, will showcase its new Melbourne Convention Centre, which is the first convention centre in the world to have achieved a '6 Star Green Star' environmental rating. Some of the environmental features include a black water recycling plant, solar panels, energy saving controls on lighting, and having smart air conditioning. Another leading international venue to feature at AIME, the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, also has an extensive environmental program.
Give your attic a breath of air
Winter weather can find every weak link in a house to create drafts and raise utility bills. So how dumb is it to purposely let cold air into an attic or crawl space? Not dumb at all -- in fact, it's essential, and a component of each of the four building code systems in the country.
Ventilation makes obvious sense in summer when temperatures soar in attics, and sunstruck shingles become so gooey you can't walk on them. Thorough ventilation is the answer. It keeps temperatures in check, reduces air conditioning cost, and also extends the life of asphalt shingles.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but venting attics is just as important in winter. Seal up roof vents the way you seal up windows, and moisture created in the house will be trapped and condense in the attic.
Wild Card/Vacation Day 11 of 12
Only two more shopping days until I return to the final days of the City Council campaigns. Then, we'll have fun taking apart the campaigns. Any dirt yet? Any mudslinging. You know, the good stuff. Or is everyone behaving? My wife is now looking over my shoulder -- literally -- so I have to pretend that I'm just checking ball scores. See ya in two days. Here's Wild Card ... .
Furnace should be sized correctly for house
Dear Jim: I made energy improvements to my house, but my 25-year-old gas furnace doesn't keep it as comfortable as before. Also, I think my gas bills should be lower? Which 2008 furnace models are most efficient? — Mike J. Dear Mike: The highest efficiency gas (or propane) furnaces now have AFUEs (heating efficiencies) of 96 percent and above. .
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