Green Me Now

A 200% efficient heating/cooling system and a gutter-clog preventer are among the top 10 green building products of 2009 selected by Sustainable Industries magazine. The judges and editors use environmental performance, innovation, value, and compatibility with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system among their selection criteria.

The heating and cooling system is the Acadia from Hallowell International. According to the magazine, it maintains its 200% efficiency rating even when outdoor temperatures fall below zero, and yields as much as 70% savings in energy costs.

The gutter device is called Rain Tube, from RainTech Products. It’s a porous tube made of recycled plastic that fills the gutter space, leaving a curved surface at the top that lets water in but sheds debris.

Among the other products that made the list: Plyboo pure bamboo plywood from Smith & Fong, Solatube’s daylighting system, and high-efficiency windows from Serious Windows.