REGREEN is a program that describes the best practices involved in manufacturing and retrofitting all sorts of green homes. It is the result of a collaborative effort between all sorts of agencies and organizations, constantly evolving and revising to provide the public with the best information possible.

This exchange of information is definitely a two-way street, because the people running the REGREEN program are always open to public comment and input. Below are some of the concerns and feedback that they have already received from the green home community, as well as what changes have been made in response to this feedback.

Combining a kids playroom with a study for most people will be a big mistake. Stress goes and productivity goes down. No window treatments makes the room more reverberant, especially with lack of stuffed furniture and hard flooring.

This was in response to a REGREEN recommendation in the Living and Working project section. In it, they recommend the combination of a study and a playroom as to maximize the use of available floor space. Responding to this comment, the REGREEN steering committee respectively disagrees, saying that the current content “is appropriate and accurate.”

All the points needed for a person with disabilities.

This was in response to the Finished Basement project section, simply stating the guidelines were not comprehensive enough to accommodate someone with physical challenges. The comment was noted as valid, “but action deferred to ongoing improvements or updates of the REGREEN Guideline.”

The requirement for Formaldehyde-Free fiberglass insulation is unduly limiting, as fiberglass insulation is inherently low-emitting regardless of the type of binder used. Most major fiberglass manufacturers have third-party Certification through GREENGUARD, which is superior to a “prohibited content” type of specification to ensure products have acceptable emissions.

Regarding the Weatherization project section, this person was concerned about the unnecessary limitation regarding insulation. The suggestion was duly noted and the REGREEN steering committee will continue to investigate additional measures that could be added to the guidelines.

The above are just three examples of comments received by the REGREEN organizers regarding the draft guidelines. REGREEN was created by a consensus-driven process and soliciting the reaction of the public is a continuation of that philosophy.

The entire results of the public comment period for REGREEN can be downloaded in PDF form here.