June 2026

Some like it hot: Toxin-free, heat-treated wood cladding

Wood is the go-to material for legions of home exteriors, and no wonder: timeless and warm in aesthetic, versatile in design possibilities, and sustainable as a resource, it's a natural choice when it comes to cladding. To protect against the ravages of rot and insects, wood destined for exterior use has long been treated with toxic preservatives. But there are two tried-and-true ways to treat wood that produce chemical-free, beautiful, durable lumber: yakisugi and thermal modification.

Applications opening soon!

2026 Green Home + Design Awards

Mark your calendar for the 2026 Green Home + Design Awards that will take place Thursday, November 5 in Portland! Now in it's second year, this program celebrates excellence in sustainable, high-performance residential design and construction across the state.

We welcome applications from builders, designers, architects, landscape architects, homeowners and any creatives with projects that fall into one or more of the following categories: 


• New build
• Addition, remodel, or adaptive reuse
• DIY or nonprofessional design/build
• ADUs or small project (under 1,000sf)
• Materials or methods innovation
• Sustainable landscape
• Students - new this year!

Applications are open June 24 through August 14, 2026.

We're hiring!

We have an opening for a Marketing, Events, and Audience Engagement Coordinator. Do you know a rock star professional who might be a good fit? We'd love to hear from them. The ideal candidate is creative, highly organized with interest and experience in Maine's sustainability, green building and/or clean energy sectors. The position may be full-time or part-time.

Check out the Green Homes Business Directory to find Maine experts specializing in creating healthy, efficient, sustainable homes.

Larkspur Design

Maine Solar Solutions

N-E Construction

Waypoint Brokers Collective

phME Annual Meeting

Thursday, June 18, Freeport

Fore! Indoor Air • A Tournament Hosted by Maine Indoor Air Quality Council

Monday, June 22, Cumberland Center

phME Sitewalk Series: Woodard & Curran Headquarters

Tuesday, June 23, Portland

Coffee and Community with E2Tech

June 25, South Portland

ScaleUp, CarbonDown 2026 | Energy, Housing, AI & The Climate Emergency

Friday, June 26, Belfast

Summer Repair Meetup • Ripe for Repair

Sunday, June 28, Portland

Green & Healthy Maine HOMES is published by The SunriseGuide, LLC.

The SunriseGuide, LLC is a mission-based media company born out of the belief that business can be a force for positive change. For us, that mission is to help our readers live happier, healthier, more sustainable lives, while helping Maine's sustainable businesses grow and prosper. Will you join us?

The SunriseGuide, LLC  |  PO Box 163, Westbrook | (207) 221-3450

greenmainehomes.com | info@thesunriseguide.com