In the news
Visit Our Booth At Durham's 2013 Earth Day Festival
Meet the Green Horizon team and find out more about our services and special offers.
Green Horizon Acquires Charlotte-Based Sunset Mechanical
Charlotte, NC (February 2013) -- Durham-based Green Horizon is growing in the Charlotte area with the acquisition of Sunset Mechanical. As new additions to the Green Horizon team, Sunset owners Justin Bennie and Aaron Smith bring with them years of HVAC expertise and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Green Horizon Expands Energy Efficiency Business
Names Marshall Dunlap Sales Director and Green Building Program Specialist
DURHAM, NC (August 2012)
Durham-based energy-efficiency experts Bobby Ferrel and Walker Harris have expanded their Green Horizon footprint by hiring Marshall Dunlap as Sales Director and Green Building Program Specialist, with a focus on Wake County and Eastern North Carolina.
Green Horizon Joins Carrboro and Chapel Hill WISE PROGRAMS
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Green Horizon wants to help Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents save up to $1500 on home efficiency improvements.
Green Horizon has joined the Carrboro and Chapel Hill Wise Homes and Buildings Programs, which allow residents in those two areas to receive incentives and rebates of up to $1500 off their contractor-installed home efficiency improvements in 2012.
Click here for more info on the Chapel Hill WISE Program.
Click here for more info on the Carrboro WISE Program.
Tidying Up for Fall? Don't Forget Your HVAC (from WRAL.com)
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
Check out Bobby's monthly column on the WRAL.com's Green Page for home efficiency tips and solutions.
This month, Bobby talks about how regular Fall and Spring maintenance of your HVAC system improves home comfort, increases the lifespan of your most expensive home system, and helps our environment by reducing energy costs.
Click here to read the full article.
Visit Green Horizon at The Carbon Nation Movie Screening
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Green Horizon's Home Performance Booth will be appearing at the energy efficiency fair on October 14th, in conjunction with the free community screening of Carbon Nation at The Green in Southern Village on Market Street in Chapel Hill.
Residents are welcome to this public event, which will include a screening of the new feature documentary film by Peter Byck that celebrates solutions to climate change and illustrates why it's incrediably smart to be part of the new, low-carbon economy. Click here for more information.
Green Horizon Partnering With Greensboro BetterBuildings Program
Monday, September 5th, 2011
Green Horizon is pleased to be participating in the Greensboro Better Buildings Program.
Greensboro residents seeking to make energy efficient upgrades to their homes now have access to a federally funded program available through the City of Greensboro. The BetterBuildings program offers grant assistance and a rebate and incentive package to homeowners who make qualified upgrades that result in at least a 15 percent improvement in their home’s energy usage. Click here for more information.
Go Green Without Spending Green (From Durham Magazine)
Friday, June 3rd. 2011
If you are paying high utility bills and are tired of drafts or poor air quality, the Durham-based business Green Horizon wants to offer you a potentially free solution.
A $5,000 energy remodel contest is open to all homeowners in North Chatham, Wake, Durham and Orange counties. To enter, simply write a 300-plus word essay about your home. Include video, photos or PowerPoint presentations – whatever might convince an expert panel of judges that you deserve to win.
The judges include Green Horizon’s own Bobby Ferrel, a former F-15 air force pilot, as well as Tobin Fried, sustainability manager for Durham City-County. Future judges will be announced over the course of the contest.
Homeowners wishing to enter the contest can do so on the Green Horizon Facebook page, by email to info@greenhorizon.com or by mail to Green Horizon, 619 Foster Street, Durham, NC 27701. The contest deadline is June 30, with the winner announced by July 15.
Learn more about the contest and its rules and regulations HERE.
Enter to Win a $5000 Energy Remodel From Green Horizon
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
Green Horizon is giving away a $5000 Energy Remodel to one lucky home owner in the Raleigh-Durham area!
Think your home is uncomfortable? Are you paying too much for utility bills? Do you wish your air quality was healthier? Enter by June 30th, 2011 and tell us why your home needs to have the energy efficiency improved for better quality of life, more comfort, greener living, or to save on your utility bills and you can win!
Enter online, by email, or by mail with a 300+ word essay and support your application with photos, videos, powerpoint presentations or more - whatever you think will convince our panel of energy efficiency experts that your home needs the most help.
Official rules and application guidelines can be found at http://www.greenhorizon.com/win_a_5000_home_energy_remodel.php
Green Horizon At The Durham Bulls on Earth Day
Friday, April 22nd
Green Horizon is combining two things the team loves - sustainabiliy and baseball - by helping to sponor the Earth Day Durham Bulls game on April 22nd! Come out to meet our team, win prizes, ask your home efficiency questions and enjoy the game. We'll see you there.
Bobby Ferrel Honored in Clean Energy Durham Profile
April 12th, 2011
Bobby Ferrel might be described as a reluctant environmentalist. Although quick to offer the disclaimer that he is "not a tree hugger by trade," he has also made career choices that demonstrate a greater social conscience than he gives himself credit for. He is convinced that sustainability is a vital issue and that "we will all need to do more with less. If we don't, we're all in trouble."
Green Horizon Booth at the Raleigh Southern Ideal Home Show
April 1st to 3rd
Green Horizon will have a booth at this weekend's Southern Ideal Home Show in Raleigh at the North Carolina Fairgrounds. We have a limited number of free tickets available, so if you're interested, please email our office at info@greenhorizon.com, Please stop by our booth to ask the experts your green living or home efficiency questions. Bring pictures and get answers on the spot, or schedule a home assessment. We'll look forward to seeing you there.
Debunking Myths About Insulation
March 16th, 2011
Check out Green Horizon's Bobby Ferrel and his latest article on WRAL.com. Insulation isn't just for the winter (althought that's when everyone seems to ask about it). In this short article, Bobby will debunk the 3 most common myths about insulation for homeowners.
February 3rd, 2011
Every month, we get a ton of questions from homeowners, You guys want to know and we want to tell you! So we're pleased to launch our new Green Horizon Blog at www.greenhorizon.com/blog.php. Check it out, book mark it, or LIKE our Facebook page for regular updates on all the green living information you need.
Free Tickets: Charlotte Build, Remodel, and Landscape Expo
January 28th to 30th
Download and print these two free passes to the Charlotte Build, Remodel and Landscape Expo, then stop by our booth to ask the experts your green living or home efficiency questions. Bring pictures and get answers on the spot, or schedule a home assessment. We'll look forward to seeing you there.
Contest Alert! Win a $100 Green Horizon Gift Card
January 24th, 2011
In honor of our new Charlotte launch, we're giving away a $100 Green Horizon gift card! To enter, simply visit our Facebook page and LIKE us to enter the draw. All fans of our Facebook page are eligible for the draw, so encourage friends and family to do it too!
Hurry - Contest ends February 15th, 2011!
Details: Green Horizon will contact contest winners via Facebook.To be eligible to win, you must live in North Carolina. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.Green Horizon is not responsible for late, lost, or unintelligible email submissions, nor for publishing errors in the contest materials or these rules.By entering this contest, you understand that your name may be posted online at the Green Horizon website, Facebook page, or e-newsletter. In accepting the prize, the winner acknowledges that Green Horizon may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize. The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded.
Breathe Easy: The Importance of Free Airflow in Your Home
January 20th, 2011
"If you’re finding that your home suddenly feels stuffy or clammy, or if common colds now seem like a chronic condition for your family members, it might be time to check the airflow in your home."
WRAL's House and Home section posts another great article by Green Horizon's Bobby Ferrel about the importance of free airflow in your home in the winter.
Charlotte Build, Remodel, and Landscape Expo
January 28th to 30th, 2011
We can't wait! Green Horizon will be at the Charlotte Build, Remodel and Landscape Expo performing product demonstrations and giving away great green home and home efficiency treats.
Stop by our booth to ask the experts your green living or home efficiency questions. Bring pictures and get answers on the spot, or schedule a home assessment. We'll look forward to seeing you there.
Get Your Home Ready for Winter!
November 15th, 2010
Green Horizon's Bobby Ferrel offers up another contribution to WRAL's Green Homes blog, setting out some simple strategies for ensuring your home stays warm and dry this winter.
The N&O Profiles Green Horizon's Unique Approach to Better Homes (Link)
September 7th, 2010
The N&O business section just talked to Bobby and Walker as part of a great profile of Green Horizon's unique, systematic approach to creating better, more efficient buildings.
We're excited about the increased the recognition that energy efficiency is not about any one technology or solution, but rather a more comprehensive approach to building science.
Huge Tax Credits Set to Expire
August 2010
"Many Americans – myself included – are naturally skeptical about the idea of government-supported industry. Why not let every industry stand on its own two feet, and let the strongest survive? Yet from aviation to cars to the Internet, many of the major innovations that have changed our lives for the better – and generated thriving private enterprise – enjoyed early government support and encouragement. (Some still receive that support today.)"
GH co-founder Bobby Ferrel writes over at WRAL's Green Homes blog that homeowners need to act now to take advantage of major energy efficiency tax credits. More importantly, he says, we all need to keep up the pressure on our elected representatives to support clean energy used wisely. Otherwise America risks getting left behind by the rest of the world.
Green Horizon Ranked 26th in
Top 100 Small Businesses in NC (PDF Download)
June 25th, 2010
"It's great to be ranked among this group of businesses that are pioneering the way forward, despite the recession! It really shows that there are opportunities to make a difference, even in challenging times."
Walker Harris, Co-Founder
Bobby Ferrel and Walker Harris picked up a prestigous award from Business Leader Magazine in an award ceremony in Raleigh on Thursday night on behalf of Green Horizon. The company was ranked 26th among the top 100 Small Businesses in NC. The judging was based, among other things, on financial performance, business achievements, and contribution to the community.
Bob Friedman, publisher of Business Leader Magazine, hailed Green Horizon as an example for other companies to follow:
"Green Horizon is on the cutting edge of combining green technology with energy efficiency for home owners. The mark of a true business leader is a firm that invests in its own future, its people and its community. In the past year, Green Horizon hit the mark."
New HVAC is Often Unnecessary
June 2010
"As somebody who makes part of his living from installing new HVAC systems, folks look at me strange when I tell them that new HVAC isn’t always the best way to cut their bills or improve comfort in their home."
GH co-founder Bobby Ferrel continues his contributions to WRAL's Green Homes blog with a look at how careful duct-sealing and maintenance can often make expensive new HVAC installation unnecessary.
Bobby Ferrel Lobbies Senators to Pass Home Star
May 20, 2010
Our co-founder Bobby Ferrel traveled with GH ally Myke Epps to DC to lobby NC Senators to pass Home Star - an urgently needed program that will create jobs, save homeowners money and boost energy independence for the United States.
Bobby argued that Home Star was the prime example of why "green" is really a matter of common sense:
"Businesses and homeowners are spending fortunes on heating, cooling and powering their homes - and much of it goes to waste. At the same time, there are folks sitting idle who can't find a job. Whether you are worried about the environment, our economy, or energy independence and security, it just makes sense to support efficient, healthy and sustainable buildings. It sure beats bailing out Wall Street if you ask me..."
Learn more about Home Star and find out what you can do to push for a common sense approach to green building via Efficiency First.
Being Green is Really About Common Sense
April 2010
"It’s never made sense to me that people talk about either going green or growing our economy. Since when has waste, inefficiency or using up our resources made economic sense?" says GH co-founder Bobby Ferrel over at the WRAL Green Homes Blog. Read more on Bobby's thoughts about why sustainability is really a no-brainer for everyone.
GH Plans Move & Name Change
April 2010
We are entering an exciting phase of expansion for our business. A phase that will see us move into bigger, more energy efficient headquarters in downtown Durham later this year. Since founding Green Horizon, we have been astounded at the interest from homeowners in a one-stop solution for energy efficiency and green building.(Details to be announced soon.)
As part of this expansion, we will also be transitioning to a new name - Green Horizon - that we feel better reflects our vision for the company. We don't just want to offer "solutions" - we want to create a vision for a better world for us all. A vision based on equal parts common sense, innovation, and some old-fashioned hard work.
We believe this new name will remind us to keep looking forward to a better, cleaner and healthier built environment for us all.
Bobby Ferrel &
Walker Harris
co-founders
- Sustainable Building Solutions/Green Horizon
Older Homes Can Slash Energy Bills Too
March 2010
Many owners of older and historic homes think that high energy bills are just something they have to live with. But it really doesn't have to be that way. With a little careful planning, and some systemic improvements to the structure, it's perfectly possible to see savings of 20%, 30% or even more. Check out GH co-founder Bobby Ferrel's tips and advice for greening older homes over at WRAL's greener homes blog.
GH Featured on News 14 Carolina
January 2010
News 14 featured GH' work weatherizing low-income and senior housing in our community. From draft proofing drier ducts to insulating water heaters, the piece is a great example of how small steps can add up.
The work is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and by the end o this year GH will have upgraded and weatherized over 200 homes. (See our press release for full details.)
TWO GH CLIENTS WIN
TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL GREEN AWARDS
(190kb PDF download)
November, 2009
The Raleigh-based Suite Paws Pet Resort is serious about sustainability. From recycled flooring to super insulation to rainwater harvesting to central vacuum, the building offers the very latest in green technology. This commitment to better, greener building has just won the team at Suite Paws the Triangle Business Journal Green Award for Best New Construction. See our Commercial Projects for more details on GH' work with Suite Paws.
Likewise, The King's Daughters Inn in Durham has shown that it is possible to retain historic integrity and still upgrade to efficient green building. GH worked with the Inn to air seal their envelope, insulate using the latest sprayfoam technology, and create a closed crawl space. The result was lower bills, fewer emissions, and a Triangle Business Journal Green Award for Best Commercial Rennovation. More details on our work with the Inn coming to our Commercial Projects section soon.
TAX INCENTIVES AND REBATES EXPLAINED:
BOBBY FERREL ON WRAL
September, 2009
WRAL invites GH co-founder Bobby Ferrel to talk readers through the minefield of utility rebates and tax incentives for green building and energy efficiency.
DURHAM MAZINE PROFILES SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SOLUTIONS
(2.5MB PDF download)
June/July 2009
Durham Magazine profiles Green Horizon' work in greening local homes and businesses.
WALKER HARRIS TALKS GREEN BUILDING WITH LOWE'S PROS March, 2009
Lowe's newsletter for construction professionals looks at the top 5 green building trends for 2009. Walker helps explain what it all means.
RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER LOOKS AT ENERGY REMODELS
(3MB PDF download)
March 19, 2009
The N&O profiles our Energy Remodel services. Visit the Energy Remodel section of our Services pages to learn how you too can take advantage of these innovative packages to save money, energy and emissions in your home or business.
WRAL VISITS WINSTON'S GRILLE (Link and Video)
Febuary 29, 2009
WRAL visits Raleigh restauranteur Charles Winston to hear about the rainwater harvesting systems installed by GH on his home and business. Also interviewed is GH' Bobby Ferrel. You can also check out this project and see more pictures in our Commercial Projects section.
ENERGY REMODELS IN TRIANGLE AND EASTERN NC BUILDER/ARCHITECT
(2MB PDF download)
August 2008
GH co-founder Bobby Ferrel explains the rational behind and benefits of our ground breaking Energy Remodel services. Visit the Energy Remodel section for more information.