What is Green Building?2671910
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You might believe 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?
Since "green" is so much in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a typical definition.
Green building can imply 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. 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 price tag on your month-to-month electric/energy bills? In my region of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price increase in the past year. Costs continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your earnings keep up with these price 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 costs could make a massive 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 because they meet government standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other nations, North America is rapidly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding 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, numerous 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 problem. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (standard building materials are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Component of the problem 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 studies 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 extremely least, unwell.
Once we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand change. The great news is, the choices for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily accessible and costs will decrease. 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!
Reduced CONSUMPTION
Reduced consumption has lengthy been emphasized as component of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy materials 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. Whilst these are all possibilities, green building does not mean that you require to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then simply choose numerous supplies and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the idea simply because you believe it will only be much more expensive. Many green ideas might actually save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it's extremely hard to place a price tag on your family's health and well-being!
