Building, Planning, & Engineering

• Building & Planning
  Forms and Handouts

• Green Building &
  Your Project

• Green Building:
  Did You Know?

• Carol's Green Feature

• Town Requirements
  for Selling Property

• Public Works

• Building Permit FAQs

• Planning FAQs

• Materials from construction and demolition activities contribute 24% of all "trash" going into San Mateo County landfills. Most of this material can be recycled.
  
• The Town of Portola Valley adopted a Construction & Demolition Ordinance in 2000 that requires the recycling and/or salvage of at least 60% of debris material on applicable projects.
  
• You can obtain lists of deconstruction/salvaging companies and Bay Area recycling facilities at Town Hall to assist you with your demolition activity.
  
  
• In the typical American household, appliances are responsible for about 20% of the energy bill.
  
• Hot water generation alone accounts for about 20% of a household's annual energy bill.
  
• Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating the need to store and heat water when it is not being used. Going tankless can reduce household energy use by as much as 15%.
  
• Radiant floor heating provides for an efficient, even heat distribution that can result in lower heating bills. The room heats from the bottom up, warming objects rather than air. Additionally, a radiant system eliminates draft, dust, and air-pollutant problems associated with forced-air systems.
  
• Solar water heaters by nature do not contribute to harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Over a 20-year period, one solar water heater in use can avoid as much as 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions (versus using a conventional heater).
  
  
• Wood insulates better than aluminum. When replacing windows, opt for wood-framed to increase your home's energy efficiency.

Please review previous editions of "Green Building and Your Project...Did You Know?"