What is Green Building?5406054
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?
Since "green" is so much in the news lately, it would be ideal to come up with a common definition.
Green building can mean different things to various individuals, but 3 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 area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% rate improve in the previous year. Prices continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your earnings maintain up with these price increases?
If you look closely at your monthly spending budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a huge difference 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 requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other nations, 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, numerous chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, you may currently understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a severe problem. And it is one that many builders still do not address (standard building materials are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Part of the issue is what we don't 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 studies showing the death of mice who breathe them), we live daily in a toxic soup that has the capacity to render us fairly ill, or at the very least, unwell.
As soon as we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be more readily accessible and costs will reduce. 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
Reduced consumption has long been emphasized as part of the green movement. You may hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation expenses and decreasing pollution), using recycled or reclaimed building materials, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. Whilst these are all possibilities, green building does not mean that you need to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then simply select various materials and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the concept simply because you think 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 costs for energy usage. And of course, it is very hard to put a cost tag on your family's health and nicely-becoming!
