Feel free to write green building concepts about your construction and product questions. Here's a few of the sections covered:

Question
My sister is building a home and wants to put in a wooden foundation. Do you have any information on them?

Answer
Wood foundations, technically referred as Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF) are similar to concrete or stone foundations, yet allow for higher insulation values per unit width. The PWF is usually made of pressure treated lumber to resist rot. For further information I recommend these two websites sponsored by the Southern Pine Council and the maker of Wolmanized treated wood.

• Southern Pine Council on PWF
• Wolmanized on PWF

Question
Might you have information, or be able to point me to information about green roofs?

Answer
The selection of any roofing product must first meet the requirement of structure protection, followed by any energy efffcient criteria. Generally the lighter the color of the roof the better, but if your asking about various recycled ceramic or concrete tiles or other materials I suggest this article.

• Demonstration of Energy Savings of Cool Roofs

Question
I have to do a report for school which involves my measuring of my family's energy pollution, and I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find the answers to a few of my questions: What percent of the U.S fossil fuel consumption is natural gas? What percent of fossil fuels in America are used for automobiles?

Answer
I suggest you look toward several fossil fuel industry institutes and associations. Many statistics on petroleum and natural gas can be found at:

• American Petroluem Institute FAQ's
• American Gas Association Guide
• American Gas Association Facts
• American Petroluem Institute Gas Facts

If you still cannot find the information you need, I suggest you call your local natural gas provider in you area and they should be able to help.

Question
I heard recently that there is a water heat pump system on the market which pumps water from the heat source into the building and the heat transfer is done within the building rather than in the water body, which is what the Waterfurnace does. Is there such a system on the market and where could I get information about it?

Answer
I'm not too sure what type of heating unit you are looking for? An air/water heat exchanger unit, steam/radiator unit, or radiant floor heating. My best suggestion for manufactures of various water heaters and space heating would be to consult the:

• Oikos database

Either click on the Mechanical link or type in "water heater" as the category.

Question
Do you have any test data showing the actual cooling energy savings that result from using ridge and soffit vents? Where can I learn more?

Answer
For any remodeling project, the idea of "payback," or when the project will have a return on investment, is always a concern. The calculation would involve seasonal variation in temperature and energy use specific for your community. I cannot supply the information you seek, but I know who will gladly talk to you personally.

The US Government sponsored Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) exists to help homeowners and builders address the queries you seek. I often seek advice on building projects through their friendly experts.

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network