What is Green Building?649968
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You may believe of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we forget Kermit the Frog's well-known tune: It Ain't Simple Bein' Green?
So what is the meaning of green as it relates to the residential building business?
Because "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 prices? Are you shocked by the cost tag on your monthly electric/energy bills? In my region of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price increase in the past year. Prices continue to escalate, and the price 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, electrical energy, 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 requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of many other nations, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Materials
Why the fuss over non-toxic building materials? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you might already comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious issue. And it is one that many builders still do not address (standard building supplies are, nicely, 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 build 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.
Once we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand alter. The good news is, the choices for non-toxic living are increasing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily available 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
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 materials, 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 standard building plan, and then simply choose numerous materials and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept simply because you think it will only be much more costly. Many green ideas may really save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to put a price tag on your family's health and well-being!
