What is Green Building?5804127
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You might think of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we neglect Kermit the Frog's well-known tune: It Ain't Easy Bein' Green?
So what is the meaning of green as it relates to the residential building industry?
Because "green" is so a lot in the news lately, it would be ideal to come up with a common definition.
Green building can imply different things to various people, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this subject:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic supplies
3. Decreased consumption (fuel and resource conservation)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Let's start with energy efficiency. Are you mortified by the skyrocketing gas costs? Are you shocked by the cost tag on your month-to-month electric/energy bills? In my area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price improve in the previous year. Costs continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your income keep up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your monthly spending budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a massive distinction in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the importance of energy efficiency. You may have noticed the Energy Star rating on many appliances because they meet government requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other countries, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Materials
Why the fuss over non-toxic building materials? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you may already understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a severe issue. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (standard building supplies are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Part of the issue is what we do not know. And yes, it can hurt us! From the arsenic in the treated wood that is used to develop our decks, to the high levels of formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemicals discovered in traditional carpeting (with some research displaying the death of mice who breathe them), we live daily in a toxic soup that has the capacity to render us quite ill, or at the very least, unwell.
As soon as we turn out to be aware of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand alter. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily accessible and expenses will reduce. More and much more builders will jump on the bandwagon when they see that the trend is green home building and we hold the wallets!
Decreased CONSUMPTION
Decreased consumption has long been emphasized as part of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy supplies locally (saving on transportation expenses and decreasing pollution), using recycled or reclaimed building supplies, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. While these are all possibilities, green building does not imply that you need to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then simply select various materials and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the concept because you think it will only be more expensive. Many green suggestions may actually save you a substantial amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it is extremely hard to place a cost tag on your family's health and well-being!
