What is Green Building?2354087
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 famous 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 typical definition.
Green building can mean various things to different people, but three themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic supplies
3. Reduced 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 price tag on your month-to-month electric/energy bills? In my area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% rate increase in the previous year. Costs continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your income maintain up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your month-to-month budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these costs could make a huge distinction in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the significance of energy efficiency. You may have noticed the Energy Star rating on numerous appliances simply because they meet government standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of many other nations, North America is rapidly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Supplies
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 might currently understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious problem. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (regular building supplies are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Component 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 chemical substances discovered in traditional carpeting (with some research showing 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 extremely least, unwell.
As soon as we become aware of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand alter. The great news is, the options for non-toxic living are increasing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be much more readily accessible and expenses will decrease. Much more and 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 may hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation costs and reducing pollution), utilizing 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 ideas that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then merely select numerous 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 costly. Many green ideas 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 price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
