What is Green Building?6073444
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You may 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 Simple 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 common definition.
Green building can imply different things to different individuals, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic materials
3. Reduced consumption (fuel and resource conservation)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Let's start with energy efficiency. Are you mortified by the skyrocketing gas prices? 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 price increases?
If you look closely at your monthly spending budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a massive difference in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the significance of energy efficiency. You might have noticed the Energy Star rating on numerous appliances simply 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 supplies? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you may 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 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 chemical substances found in conventional 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 fairly ill, or at the extremely least, unwell.
As soon as we turn out to be aware of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are increasing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be more readily available 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!
Reduced CONSUMPTION
Decreased consumption has lengthy been emphasized as component of the green movement. You may hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation costs and decreasing pollution), utilizing 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 imply that you require 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.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept because you think it will only be more costly. Many green ideas may actually save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it is very hard to put a price tag on your family's health and well-being!
